✧ Unexpected Guardian: The Redux ✧

✧ Chapter 5: Acclimation ✧

After the meeting with the Vanguard and Zavala telling him to get acclimated to the Tower, Apysker chose to do just that. He was still in a sour mood after being threatened with his life a few times. He didn't really know if he could trust these people. The only one he knew he could trust so far was Sol because he was the only one to have shown him any kindness.

To try and feel better, he had Sol lead him around the Tower and expose him to the different sections and vendors that he'd need to know. It was a nice place. The place was well kept and clean. It had trees that were well maintained and cared for. Red banners streamed overhead in some places. It was a nice change compared to the Vault where he spent a few weeks dead.

The pair walked in silence for a little while until Apysker broke it with his staticky voice.

"Zavala said to find my room. Do you know what it is and where it could be?"

"Of course, we will head there now. There's an elevator up ahead so we will take that down to the lower floors where some Guardians stay."

"Why do only some stay here?"

"Some Guardians chose to camp out on others planets, wanting a change of pace, you know?"

"Then why am I here?"

"They probably want you to stay here so they can keep an eye on you."

"Oh."

Sol noticed the sadness that made its way onto the armored face of the Captain. He knew how it felt to be looked down upon and not trusted. Maybe that's why the Traveler brought them together in a twist of fate. Maybe they were meant to have each other and be as close as possible, being the thing that uplifts each other. If so, Sol could thank the Traveler.

"Hey, don't feel bad about it. They just aren't used to you yet. If you work hard to get Zavala's trust, they'll come around."

There was a pause.

"I care about you. You're my Guardian. We are in this together until the very end. I know how it feels to be looked down upon but we will always be together. I have your back no matter what, Apysker."

Sol saw the uplift in his mood after these words of encouragement. He really did care about him. They just had to work hard to get the others to come around.

"Thank you Sol, you really know the right words."

"I try."

With a slight huff of laughter from Apysker, they refocused on reaching the elevator. They got there in a few quick steps and pushed the button to open the door. Sol pushed the button to get to a floor. Sol knew what room he had as a robot staff member had told him when he inquired about it. After a short elevator ride to the floor, it stopped at the door slid open to reveal a large hallway with walls that housed doors to other Guardians' rooms and pieces of artwork scattered around.

They walked the hall until Sol told him to stop in front of a door. This had to have been the room he was talking about. Sol proceeded to scan the keypad-like door handle and it opened. Apysker was hit with a blast of chilly air from inside the room. He took a few steps in and was greeted to a simple room. It had a small kitchen with a small counter that had two barstools. The living room had a couch and a TV stand that sat under a small TV. There was a sliding glass door and a balcony. Behind the couch, there was a small space then a wall that houses two doors. One led to a bedroom and other opened into a bathroom

It was a nice little place for one person.

"You got a pretty nice room. I've heard some people get worse."

"That's really reassuring."

"I'm being genuine. It's a nice place."

"Whatever you say."

Apysker walked over to the couch and took a seat. He'd never really seen a couch before. All he could remember are sitting on hard tiles and things in Fallen Camps, but how he remembered that, he had no idea. It was pretty comfortable though.

"Well relax a little. Hopefully your weapons will be here by the scheduled time and then we can go and see Zavala about teaching you the ways of a Titan."

"Can't wait."

"He's not a bad guy when you get to know him."

"Well so far, I've only seen the worst."

"Cheer up. You can't be so sour all the time."

Then a knock was heard at the door.

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Word Count: 795