The twelfth of June arrived with the kind of brilliance only a Filipino summer could offer, the sky an endless expanse of azure, punctuated by the blazing sun. It was a day of national pride—the annual Independence Day military parade held at the grandstand of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The air buzzed with a potent mix of anticipation and patriotism as dignitaries from across the globe settled into their seats, preparing to witness the strength and prowess of the nation's military.
At the heart of the grandstand, President Dante and his wife sat with their usual stateliness, their smiles warm but rehearsed. Vice President Vargas and his wife, seated beside them, exchanged quiet words. Nearby, House Speaker Santa Maria and her husband watched the proceedings unfold, their postures similarly formal. Among the elite, Senate President Karl Marino and his wife, Riko, sat side by side, a vision of composure amid the grandeur of the day. Foreign dignitaries mingled with politicians, their faces reflecting curiosity and admiration as the show of military might began.
As the parade commenced, the crowd stirred with excitement. The deafening roar of military jets screamed across the sky in precise formation, leaving trails of smoke in their wake. Below, battalions of soldiers marched in flawless sync, their boots hitting the pavement with a rhythmic thud, evoking a sense of national pride that seemed to ripple through the audience. Tanks and armored vehicles followed, a testament to the country's growing defense capabilities, while the newly acquired naval assets were paraded through the city streets as models, awe-inspiring even in miniature.
Riko, however, appeared untouched by the thrill surrounding her. She sat with her legs crossed, casually sipping her iced coffee, her gaze fixed on the parade yet far away from it. Despite her composed appearance, an undercurrent of tension swirled beneath her calm exterior. The unease between her and President Dante was palpable, a silent remnant of Karl's recent arrest that hovered between them like an unspoken threat. It gnawed at her, even as she maintained a veneer of grace, determined to avoid any unnecessary confrontation or awkward exchange.
Beside her, Karl remained stoic, only breaking his silence when the Secretary of Defense, seated a few rows down, leaned in with a question.
"Senator Marino, if I may ask, how much was that yacht or corvette of yours?" The secretary's voice was casual, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Before Karl could respond, Riko set her cup down and answered smoothly, her voice cutting through the hum of the parade. "It's a corvette," she corrected, her tone firm yet polite. "And it cost only fifty million dollars because all the materials used were scrap metal from decommissioned ships."
The Secretary of Defense raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Scrap metal? How did it even get here?" he pressed.
Karl glanced at Riko with a slight smile before offering an explanation. "It's undergoing repairs. The shipyard is at Villanueva."
The defense secretary nodded, seemingly satisfied, though his furrowed brow hinted at further contemplation. The moment passed, and the parade continued, each spectacle more grand than the last, captivating the audience.
An hour into the event, the captain of the honor guards began his ascent onto the stage, drawing the attention of President Dante. The president, ever the statesman, rose to greet him, extending a hand in welcome. The crowd, too, watched with interest, expecting nothing more than a ceremonial gesture.
But the atmosphere shifted. There was a subtle change in the captain's demeanor—a tension in his shoulders, a sharpness in his movements. Without warning, he turned his back on the president, the action as deliberate as it was shocking. A murmur rippled through the audience, confusion flickering across faces. Then, in one swift, horrifying motion, the captain drew his pistol, aiming it squarely at the president.
"Look out!" Karl's voice sliced through the stunned silence, breaking the moment's paralysis.
In one fluid motion, Karl was on his feet, his eyes locked on the armed assailant. His hand shot out, grasping the nearest chair, and with a surge of strength, he hurled it toward the captain. The chair sailed through the air, its heavy frame crashing into the captain's face with a sickening thud, momentarily disorienting him.
Without missing a beat, Karl darted forward. His hands were firm but controlled as he grabbed President Dante and the First Lady, practically shoving them toward Vice President Vargas. The urgency in his movements sparked a wave of motion on the stage. Security personnel swarmed the area, rushing to subdue the would-be assassin, their radios crackling with orders and chaos.
"Karl, those guards in that vehicle are shooting at us!" Gustav's voice rang out from behind, his tone laced with fear as he sought cover. Karl, ever vigilant, spun around, his arm instinctively reaching out to pull Riko closer to him.
"Take cover!" he barked over the din of gunfire, his eyes scanning the stage for any available weapon. Riko, calm in the storm, had already taken matters into her own hands. With a sharp motion, she retrieved a pistol from the hidden compartment in her skirt. She moved with precision, her finger on the trigger as she fired off a series of shots, each one finding its mark. Four soldiers fell before her, their bodies crumpling as Riko's aim held steady.
"Go rescue the president!" she shouted, her voice unwavering as she glanced at Karl. There was no hesitation in her tone—only fierce determination. "I'll handle the dignitaries!"
Karl didn't argue. With a nod, he, Gustav, and Teddy Boy rushed toward President Dante and the First Lady, guiding them toward the armored presidential car. The gunfire had escalated now, bursts of bullets cutting through the air, narrowly missing their targets. The sound was deafening, each shot a reminder of the precariousness of the moment.
"What are you doing?" Karl shouted at Teddy Boy, his voice harsh as he watched the scene unfold in disbelief. The unexpected nature of the attack had rattled him, but there was no time for shock.
Teddy Boy's hands trembled as he drew his pistol, panic written across his face. "It was a mistake!" he yelled, but his actions spoke louder than words. With newfound resolve, he fired at the advancing rebels, joining Riko in the fight.
"Let's go!" Riko's voice called out again, urgency rippling through her words as she reloaded. She threw a sharp glance toward her husband. "I've got eleven kids to feed, Karl. We can't afford coffins if something happens to us!"
Karl's gaze flicked to Riko, a brief moment of understanding passing between them. They couldn't afford to lose—neither the battle nor each other. Without a second thought, they and the remaining senators made their escape, their movements swift and precise. Behind them, the crack of gunfire continued, a stark reminder of the deadly assault they had narrowly escaped.
-----
Meanwhile, Rafael and Sachiko were nestled in the warm ambiance of an elegant restaurant, celebrating the quiet joy of their first year together as a couple. Their daughter, Tsubasa, sat happily between them, her innocent laughter mingling with the soft murmur of diners and the clinking of silverware. The air was crisp, carried by a cool evening breeze that gently swayed the curtains of the courtyard just outside their window. It was the kind of serene moment Rafael had been yearning for—a rare escape from the whirlwind of responsibilities and turmoil that often surrounded their lives.
As Rafael gazed at Sachiko, he couldn't help but smile, the weight of the world momentarily lifted from his shoulders. He leaned in, his voice tender as he spoke. "Did you enjoy our date? It's been a year now… and the more we're together, the more I fall in love with you."
Sachiko met his gaze with a soft smile of her own, her hand reaching out to gently clasp his. "Yes, I did. And I've learned so much—your language, your culture, all of it. You've shown me a world I never knew, and for that, I'm grateful. Thank you for loving me," she replied, her voice sweet with sincerity.
Rafael shook his head slightly, his thumb brushing over her fingers. "No, I should be the one thanking you," he said, his tone serious but full of warmth. "You've accepted me… all of me. You've stood by me through the hard times, and you've given me more than I could ever ask for."
Sachiko's eyes glistened in the soft glow of the candlelight as she responded, "We've been through it together, and we'll keep going. You've helped me too, Rafael, in ways I can't even put into words."
Rafael's face softened, leaning in closer to her. "I'll keep working hard for you and for our little bundles of joy," he promised, his words barely a whisper as their foreheads nearly touched, a moment of love and quiet understanding passing between them.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Rafael's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the serene moment. With a slight groan of frustration, he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. His brow furrowed as he saw Karl's name flash across the display. He answered, bringing the phone to his ear.
"Where are you?" Karl's voice came through the line, tense and clipped.
"At the mall," Rafael responded, his tone still light but now tinged with curiosity. "I'm with Sachiko and Tsubasa."
"Listen," Karl continued, his voice low and urgent. "You need to head home. I need you here, now. It's a long story, but I don't want you or anyone else in the family out and about while I'm dealing with this mess."
Rafael's heart began to race, his instincts kicking in as his father's words sank in. "Alright," he replied, his tone shifting. "We'll head home right away."
As he hung up the phone, Sachiko noticed the sudden change in his demeanor. Her brows knit together in concern as she asked, "Is something wrong?"
Rafael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We need to go home," he said, standing up and reaching for Tsubasa. "Just when you think you can enjoy a peaceful evening with your family," he muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips, "your bossy father decides to call."
------
Rafael and Sachiko arrived at the Marino compound with a sense of unease hanging over them. As they were escorted into the expansive living room, it struck Rafael that this was the first time they had seen Riko set foot in the compound after being separated from Karl. Her presence, though quiet, carried a heavy weight, a silent reminder of the rift that had grown between her and Karl.
Sachiko, sensing the tension, took Tsubasa upstairs, leaving Rafael to navigate the situation. He found his way to the kitchen, where Bianca, Kyoko, and Jiena were gathered, casually indulging in an afternoon snack.
"What's going on?" Rafael asked, his voice low but edged with concern.
Jiena was the first to respond, setting her coffee cup down. "President Dante was attacked during the military parade this morning," she explained. "Mom and Dad are in the study room discussing it now."
Rafael exhaled sharply, grabbing a glass of water from the fridge. "And you're saying everything's fine?" he questioned, his tone incredulous. "How can you call it safe when Mom and Dad were nearly killed?"
Bianca looked up, casually biting into her snack. "It's not like Dad can't defend himself," she said, shrugging. "And besides, Mom was there to back him up. They're fine."
Before Rafael could respond, Karl entered the kitchen, carrying a pitcher of water and a glass. His expression was calm, but there was an unmistakable intensity in his eyes. "What are you all talking about?" he asked, glancing at Rafael as he poured himself a glass.
"We were just talking about the attack," Rafael replied, setting his own glass down.
Karl's face darkened as he muttered, "Well, I'm going to make sure whoever planned that pays. They probably thought they could use me as collateral while I'm still facing prison time."
Before anyone could respond, Riko walked into the kitchen behind Karl, her fists clenched, her eyes swollen from what looked like hours of suppressed emotion. It was clear she had been battling her own demons, the weight of the recent events bearing heavily on her.
Just then, Muro appeared at the doorway, interrupting what could have been an emotional outburst from Riko. "Dad," Muro said urgently, "a group of soldiers is here, asking for you."
Karl's eyes narrowed as he followed Muro out of the kitchen. Standing near the door was General Varela, an aging but stern figure, whose weary expression mirrored the gravitas of the situation. He looked almost as old as Karl's brother Ricardo.
"Mister Senate President," the general greeted, his voice formal yet laced with familiarity. "It's been a long time since we last met."
Karl nodded, his expression unreadable. "It's been a while, General Varela. What can I do for you?"
The general's eyes flickered as he glanced around. "I'd like a private word with you, your wife, and the other senators," he requested, his voice serious.
Just then, Jamie, Gustav, and Charlie arrived, their timing impeccable. Karl smiled faintly and, with his hands resting in his pockets, gestured toward his office. "Very well," he agreed. "Let's talk."
Inside the study, they all sat down while the secretary hurriedly prepared tea and coffee. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of unspoken concerns filling the room. Gustav broke the silence first. "What brings you here, General?"
The general took a deep breath. "It's about the government," he began slowly. "You remember what you said—how we are the stewards of the law, that what the people want, the people get?"
Karl leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "I said the people get what they want, but we mustn't misquote them."
The general's expression hardened. "And yet here you sit, a senator, mute, deaf, and blind to what's happening. You were imprisoned for no reason."
Karl's gaze sharpened. "So, what exactly is your purpose in coming here?" he asked, his voice measured.
The general didn't hesitate. "People Power," he said simply, as if the answer was self-evident.
A low chuckle escaped Karl's lips, mocking in its tone. "People Power?" he echoed. "Have we learned nothing from the revolts in 1986 and 2001? No real change came from those. The people suffered more than they prospered."
The general's voice grew more urgent. "But you are different. You lead people, the Seven Sages. You have the power and the influence."
Karl shook his head. "How can you be so sure I'm different from Dante or Vargas? I could be just as corrupt, just as mindless."
"You underestimate yourself," the general pressed. "As much as you underestimate us, Mr. Senate President."
Karl sighed, his tone growing more exasperated. "Even if I am the so-called leader of the Seven Sages, I don't have the power to influence their decisions, especially not Takako. Being a president is a whole different story."
The general leaned forward. "But you're the most popular leader in the country, more than the president, more than the vice president. Senator Marino, let's save this nation."
"By making another mistake?" Karl countered. "The president and vice president are already on trial. Let the rule of law take its course. I'm not hungry for power."
"Will you at least support us?" the general pressed. "Drug lords and smuggling kings can be wiped out in an instant, just like Ellie Park, Bernard Auvergne, Bo Xiang, Fausto Villena, and Bi Ma."
Karl's eyes darkened. "It sounds like you're accusing me of orchestrating their deaths," he said coldly.
"Either you did, or you planned them," the general retorted. "And let's not forget Mrs. Marino's involvement in torture and espionage."
Karl stood up, his voice calm but firm. "That's out of the question. As long as the business world supports you, you'll have mine."
Satisfied with the response, the general nodded and left the compound.
As the tension eased, Charlie shook his head. "That's one tall order."
Karl laughed bitterly. "Why would I want to be president of this forsaken country? I'm not even interested, and now they want me to take the mantle?"
Gustav placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Remember what you told Dante—presidency is destiny."
"Not mine," Karl muttered. "All I wanted was to live peacefully, but now this."
Later that evening, after Jamie, Gustav, and Charlie had left, the entire family gathered for a simple dinner. As they ate in relative silence, Karl could feel the weight of their gazes on him.
"What?" he asked, looking up from his plate.
"Dad, aren't you afraid of what might happen?" Jiena asked, her voice quiet but concerned.
"Afraid of what?" Karl replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Of being arrested," Rafael answered bluntly.
Karl leaned back, sighing. "You're all grown. You don't owe me anything," he said, his tone softening. "My duty is to love, protect, and provide for you."
"You still have a fifteen-year-old daughter," Riko interjected.
"Oh yeah," Karl muttered, almost forgetting. "But don't worry about me," he reassured them. "Protecting this family is my concern."
Riko's voice cut through the calm. "You're not protecting me. Erina, Yoshiko, and those assassins are after me."
Karl's eyes hardened. "That's your fault," he shot back. "If you hadn't picked a fight, you wouldn't be in this mess."
Riko's face twisted with anger as she stood up. "That's it. I'm leaving this house," she muttered, grabbing her bag and storming out.
The kids stood up, surrounding Karl, embracing him in a show of silent support. As he held them, their warmth provided a fleeting moment of solace amidst the storm that was closing in on him.
-----
Few hours later, Karl stood in front of his children and wife's portraits, and then he walked towards the rooms and noticed that Rafael's room was half opened. He peeked and watched his grandchildren bond with their mother. Afterwhich, he walked towards Jiena's room and observed her and her kids who were studying. Then he went into the gardens and sat at the bench, thinking about the possible scenarios if he will support a coup.
"Pa, haven't we done enough for them?" Rafael asked, sitting beside his father.
"We have, but they want more," Karl answered, "Have I done anything to make this family peaceful? I don't think I ever did"
"Pa, don't say that," Jiena said and sat at the right side of his father, "We are all in this together."
Karl stared at the twins, this time he has already decided on how to deal with the government and their enemies, returning to the living room, Riko was sitting down drinking a cup of wine, thinking why all of these events happened in their life. Karl approached and sat beside her, getting his wife's thoughts.
"I am deeply concerned about what is going on with the government," said Riko
"Concerned about the government or for the business?" Karl straightforwardly asked, "You don't have to be concerned of it, I am the senator and it's none of your beeswax."
"You know the company's interest come's first, say I heard you have talked with the US Ambassador," Riko answered.
"Yeah, America is also deeply concerned of the government," Karl replied.
"Should we do something about it?"
"And for what, for me to caress those cold bars?"
"You know America could do something about it, if it serves their interest,"
"Looks like another Imelda in the making. The president's wife is still more appealing to the masses than you do."
"I am your wife, I could the first lady of this country if you proceed with that coup," an irate Riko asked
"You will be first lady, ha-who knows," Karl sarcastically answered and as the conversation went deeper, the doorbell rang. The household helper opened the door, and it was the ambassadors of Japan and US.
"Ambassador Thompson, Ambassador Shinkawa, it's a surprise, and it's eleven in the evening. Come inside" Riko greeted them. The two ambassadors sat down at the couch while Karl transferred into the king's chair, staring blankly at them.
"So what can I do for you at this top of the hour?" he asked the ambassadors.
"Mr. Marino, we will take this directly to the point, the Japanese ambassador and I came here to ask for your assistance to remove the current president from power," the US ambassador pleaded "We are concerned about his anti-American policies."
"You shouldn't interfere with politics here in the Philippines," Riko interrupted.
"Hey, let them finish the talking," Karl scolded his wife.
"As what you can see, President McFadden wants to make sure that the government will work together not just with us but the rest of the world," the ambassador explained.
"It's Vice President Vargas who will take over," Karl replied, "I am in the second line when it comes to succession,"
"We will make sure Vargas will not sit as president," Shirakawa responded, Karl was taken aback and drank whiskey from his chalice, scratching his chin.
"Well, if you are in power, then it wouldn't be a problem," Ambassador Thompson suggested.
"Ambassador Shirakawa, does Kantei know about your participation here?" Riko asked.
"I said stop interfering with the conversation!" Karl raised his voice.
"Karl, haven't we sacrificed enough!" Riko asked her husband.
"I have sacrificed a lot, and you wasted too many opportunities," Karl answered "When it's time for Dante to go, it's his time, anyway, the kids are already grown up and you can go on without me."
"Mr. Marino, what will be your decision," Ambassador Thompson asked.
"Shirakawa-san, your boss knew what my plans, anyway, Ambassador Thompson, tell your bosses in the Pentagon, State Department and the White House that United States' interest is best served under a Karl Marino presidency," Karl declared, closing a deal with the rest of the allied powers, "I am ready to serve and take over as the next president of the Philippines."
Riko's eyes grew big and stood frozen in her seat, while the two ambassadors nodded, offering their hand of loyalty to Karl, her husband's eyes were filled with vile ambition and vengeance.