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NoliMeTange AltnateEnding

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Final Chapter: Retaliation

After a chaotic sequence of dreadful events, cries that echoed the walls, eyes that stared at oblivion, and malice that enveloped the hearts and minds of the people, all that was left was the deafening silence that covered the town of San Diego, which was once full of life. Ibarra disappeared into the darkness after a thrilling chase from the pursuers filled with bloodlust. Whether his fate was to live or to die was uncertain. The entirety of the town’s population believed that he had died from the pursuit, and even Maria Clara, who was once brimming with beauty and elegance representing the town with pride and joy, had little to no ounce of hope left in her heart that was torn by the chains shackling her freedom and the large emptiness left by the execution of her beloved partner.

Padre Damaso, with intentions of once again directing Maria Clara’s path and supposed life, approached her slowly and discussed her future.

“Do not cry Maria, for tears do not befit such a beautiful face, what’s gone is gone, it is simply irreversible. Instead, I will introduce you to someone of better standing; someone who will surely fill the hole in your heart with nothing but happiness and fruitful life”, said Padre Damaso.

“I do not want another life. I wished to only be together with Ibarra and no one else. I am tired of being led by chains of regret and suffering. If this is the only path I may take, then it’s either death or service in the covenant”, said Maria Clara with conviction and pain.

Padre Damaso was left with a dilemma, but with no room for negotiations, the only choice was to abide by Maria Clara’s decision to join the covenant. After much contemplation, Maria Clara forcefully went to the convent to avoid being married to someone else whom she did not choose nor wanted.

“I do not want another life. I wished to only be together with Ibarra and no one else. I am tired of being led by chains of regret and suffering. If this is the only path I may take, then it’s either death or service in the covenant”, said Maria Clara with conviction and pain

Padre Damaso was left with a dilemma, but with no room for negotiations, the only choice was to abide by Maria Clara’s decision to join the covenant After much contemplation, Maria Clara forcefully went to the convent to avoid being married to someone else whom she did not choose nor wanted.

In the halls of Sta. Clara, Maria Clara’s sorrow and dragging emotions seemed to echo against its walls and empty rooms She had never wished to enter the convent and be a nun in the first place but because of the tragic happenings and losing the one she truly loved, she had no choice but to hang on to this last option with such conviction. At the same time, although, as impossible as she thought it could be, deep inside her clouded judgement and shattered emotions, lies an ounce of hope. Clinging to the chance that Ibarra may have survived and is in hiding for his safety If it was true as she hoped it to be, she would have been satisfied already.

At the time when Maria was sent to the covenant, rumors had spread around town about the corrupt ways and misjudgements of Padre Damaso His ill-reputation impacted the church as people questioned its authority. As a response, by the order of the church, Padre Damaso was reassigned to service in Manila However, the reinstatement plan backfired as his illreputation had circulated already in almost the entire area of Manila, and within the ears of the town’s people.

“Oh, what an abusive man” “A man who only thinks of himself” “He is controlling”, “Do not look, he might do something to us”

Whenever he does his rounds across the streets of Manila, all that can be heard is the people badmouthing and tarnishing his name A much worse case than his previous location “Is he really a religious leader?”. Despite some people having to believe in his faith and the chance of it being just a rumor, many are still doubting his character

Because of this, the church decided on reassigning him again to another farther place due in the next day But just as it was supposed to be a simple plan, none could foresee the proceeding events that transpired and awoke the fear of being alone in the dark. At night, as Padre Damaso finished his rounds and opted to return to his place, looming from the shadows, was a figure of great discomfort. It was Crisostomo Ibarra who, with ripped clothing and tired eyes, managed to survive from the chase. As he was about to plan out his recovery and survival, he coincidentally witnessed Padre Damaso walking inside the church With immense hatred, anger, and hunger for revenge, carried by the will of those who have fallen, he decided on removing the trash of society

Is this how it is going to be? Is this the right answer? Such doubt was nowhere to be found. Ibarra sneaked his way inside the dining area and mixed different kinds of solutions that could inflict lethal damages. A poison to end one’s life. Ibarra poured poison into the food that was supposed to be Padre Damaso’s dinner, and left hurriedly to not be noticed Leaving no trace of his existence.

The next day, a commotion arose from the altered group of religious people as they witnessed the lifeless body of Padre Damaso. His arms fell from the bedside, pale and cold. With no signs of struggle for life, no power to seek help, and no chance to see the morning sun

The People were quick to judge. There were whispers and rumors yet again circulating around:

“He deserved it, what a hypocrite” “Oh God, what did you do to us” “Oh Lord, what is happening”, acclaimed the town’s people. Some are sad, some are mourning his death, but it is evident that some are thankful for his end.

During the commotion, all eyes and ears are focused on the murder of Damaso, but amidst the chaos and roaring crowd, Ibarra took the opportunity to quietly investigate the whereabouts of Maria Clara by tracing back to his roots. Eventually, he found his way to the convent, and dropped a heartmelting letter by the window where Maria was confined. It contained the words he wanted to say to his only love, and the path that awaits her should she escape with him with open arms.

As Maria Clara read the note and found out about Ibarra's survival and escape plan, she immediately dropped to her knees, broke out in tears, and grasped for air. She was tremendously shocked, and that the aftermath of bottled emotions finally caught up to her The sudden arrival of this unforeseen event, brought Maria to a sudden pause, a state of great shock. Her prayers were heard, but hesitantly, she doubted whether this was the right decision or not

Troubled by her conflicted emotions and sudden arrival of Ibarra, she yet again broke down in tears She cried and cried, but there was nothing new Deep inside her heart, Maria Clara knew that all she was finding was a sign of hope, and that hope is now right in front of her. She would lie if she said that she would want to stay in the convent, the screams of her heart are clear, she does not want this life, all she wants is a life with Ibarra, even if the world is against them, she will do everything just to be with him. After much contemplation, Maria steeled her heart and prepared herself for dangers that may come

In the middle of the night, when almost everyone as resting soundly, Ibarra snuck inside by breaking in the windows. Thankfully, no one was alerted. He silently roamed around the premises to find the quickest path to Maria’s room. After so many tries, Ibarra finally reached the room where Maria was confined They finally saw each other again, tears were flowing from Maria’s eyes however, it wasn’t the right time since they needed to escape the place first. Ibarra and Maria hurriedly found the closest exit, and made their way out It felt as if in this moment, God was on their side.

After fleeing the area, they decided to seek refuge in the house of one of Ibarra’s friends who knew about what had happened. In there, Maria and Ibarra had a heartwarming talk about what happened, what he did, and what needed to be done Revealing the truth to Maria in a gentle and calming manner.

“As soon as I heard of your death, it felt as if my entire world had shattered I was lonely, and afraid. The night was cold, and so was my heart” said Maria.

“Forgive me for I do not want any of this pain befall you. I felt the need to retaliate, to fight for justice. For the people, and for you. But this time, we will forever be together, and no one will separate us again Never again shall I cause you to shed tears my love”, said Ibarra.

The next day, Maria and Ibarra once again hid behind the surveillance of the civil guards who were in search of the whereabouts of Maria As they plan their escape, they decide on going to visit Maria’s father Kapitan Tiago. Ibarra likewise wanted Maria to reunite with him, and so, together they went to Manila After much investigation in the town, Ibarra and Maria found out where Kapitan Tiago was currently residing. A rundown and old house, with a sign saying “Fumadero Publico De Anfion”. Prior to their visit, they had learnt about Tiago’s lifestyle He became an old, low-esteemed man, who indulged in gambling, cockfights, and consumption of opium. Maria, with deep worry and fear, knocked on the door and called out to Kapitan Tiago With fast steps gradually approaching the door, at the moment he opened and saw Maria Clara, everything suddenly lit up. He was brimming with happiness as he finally got the chance to be reunited with his daughter. Both father and daughter spent their time catching up on news and the current situation. Ibarra also talked with him and consulted Kapitan Tiago on what they should do moving forward.

“With all the commotion, it is not safe to be outside. I think it is best to stay hidden in my old house while waiting for the right opportunity to flee far away from this place Since I am at my lowest point in life, and no one even dares to greet me, I and this place will not be suspected. You both are temporarily safe here until the perfect chance arrives”, said Kapitan Tiago.

So, Maria and Ibarra, together with Kapitan Tiago, remained hidden in a rundown house Away from the eyes of the corrupt Spanish government, and away from the misguided hearts of the people As soon as the place was clear, and the commotion settled down, Maria and Ibarra parted ways with Kapitan Tiago, and ventured far away from Manila. Finding a better place for them to start a new life together, with freedom, hope, and no regrets.