Star Camp: The Fifth Element

Chapter 6 - If It's Her

Terrence Klaus Gregory

"Have you seen Liliana?"

Tinignan ni Silvermist si Terrence na parang hindi ito makapaniwala sa narinig. "Ask Yael. He probably knows where she is."

"Thanks," He said and left the training room.

He couldn't find Yael too so he just went to the greenhouse, hoping to see her there but no. Terrence went out and saw Yael came out from the stable that is built in the middle of a clear field that is still part of the border, though it's quite far. When he reached the building ground, Terrence approached him and asked the same thing he asked to Silvermist.

Yael stares at him. He didn't answer the question and instead, he said something else. "Don't do something stupid or you'll regret after."

Terrence didn't care about what he said and was about to walk towards the stable when Yael grabbed his left arm. "Don't get too close to her," He warned.

Agrisibo niyang binawi ang braso at umalis. Pagkarating niya sa loob ng stable ay agad niyang nakita ang babaeng kanina pa niya hinahanap. Liliana is petting a chestnut horse, wearing equestrian clothes, and ready to ride.

There she is.

He faked a cough for her to notice him and he succeeded. She was surprised but remained calm, as always. Imbis na tanungin niya kung pwede silang mag-usap, he asked if he can join her.

Liliana gave him a short nod. "Sure."

She gave him time to dress up and waited for him. After he wore the right clothes, he picked a black horse named Onyx and accompanied Liliana. They went for a ride without saying anything and just enjoying it, simply bonding with their horses and getting close to nature.

When they decided to rest, they tied the rope of their horses and sat on a bench outside the stable, facing the view of the star camp.

"This must be your hobby," He murmured, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, Mother gave Chester to me when I turned 7."

Terrence looked at the chestnut horse behind them. She must be referring to him so he nodded his head. Namuo ulit ang katahimikan pagkatapos. It's quiet and awkward.

"About last night, I–" He started but she cut him.

"I'm sorry," Liliana said, lowering her gaze on the grass. What she said made him confuse so he just waited for her to continue. "For pushing you to be happy and for being... talkative... without knowing the whole story – your story. Also, for eavesdropping that night."

Terrence smiled at her. "I was happy. I'm still happy."

Liliana looked back at him. "Really?"

He nodded. "It is true that I'm an illegitimate child," He paused for a bit. "My Father's legal wife is Bryce's Mother – Corvina – so Bryce is the legal son and he is 1 year older than me. Father and my real Mother had an affair but it's not a secret inside the household so Father let us in and live there with them, but people outside didn't know anything about it."

Liliana silently listens to him so he continued. He feels so comfortable with her and he doesn't mind sharing his story.

If it's her, it's okay.

Liliana Vivian Salvatore

"Father is a lord – working as one of the councils here and the Gregory household is widely known in the fire village. Since I take so much after Father, he decided to introduce me to the world as their legal son to prevent confusion to others, so I had no choice but to act and call Corvina my Mother publicly for the sake of their family's dignity," He added.

Liliana feels really sorry for everything she said and did before and during the welcome party. She didn't mean to but thankfully, he is happy and she's glad to know it.

Plus, she learned her lesson.

"What about you're biological Mother?" She asked.

Terrence glanced at her and smiled sadly. "Father pleased her so much even now. Corvina got so insecure and jealous to the point na pinapahiya na niya si mama sa harap ng mga kasamahan at mga nagtatrabaho sa manor. Lagi kaming wala ni papa kaya hindi ko napagtatanggol si mama. Of course, mama wouldn't say anything about it. Nalaman ko nalang nang sinabi ni Bryce sa'kin. He also told our Father so what Father did was move out my Mother and provided her a new house near star camp para malapit sila sa isa't-isa."

"That's a relief. In that way, no one will harm her physically and emotionally. Mas magiging tahimik ang buhay niya and I'm sure pinupuntahan siya ng papa mo. Ikaw," Turo niya kay Terrence. "Binibisita mo naman siya, di'ba?"

"Oo naman. I will support her no matter what," He sighed and looked at the blue sky. "That is why I chose to risk my life and join the star camp to create my own life with my Mother, without relying on and living the rules of Gregory's. I mean, everyone knows that the star camp will grant you anything after you did the mission, whether you succeeded or not... as long as you come back."

Tama si Terrence sa kaniyang sinabi. Every star member will be an elite and will receive an amulet. A rare amulet that will let you get any honorable title or job that you want, inside or outside the star camp.

It will change your life forever.

"As long as you come back..." She repeated in a whisper.

So that's the reason why he wants to be the captain. He is reasonable and mature. Liliana suddenly felt guilty when she realized that she can be the next Headmistress even without being a captain. Being a member is enough for her to prove to Hera that she is worth to be the next Headmistress.

She's just too greedy for her own sake without considering others.

"I understand," She said and smiled.

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Author's Note:

The photo is not mine, it's from Hitachi. Click the external link and check his/her works.