Chapter Text
The new duo were forced to press further into the Cosmodrome, much to the Ghost’s chagrin. Cautiously, they explored the never-ending array of dingy buildings that made up the entirety of the Old Russian space center.
They moved wordlessly until the Ghost had deemed the area clear. He quickly briefed her on what the Cosmodrome was, along with a rundown of what to expect.
The Exo marveled at the sheer size of the buildings they crept through, attempting to imagine what the center must have looked like before it was filled with shadows and mold. She found herself yearning to have seen it in its prime.
Their mission was simple - find clothes, armor, weapons if they were lucky. Make it out in one piece. Avoid creatures called the Fallen.
To her, the very name of the creatures sounded unpleasant - the little flying guy had told her they were violent rebels, and she would most certainly know when they found one.
Efficiently, the Ghost was able to locate some clothes. Before she knew it, she was dressed in an ancient grey uniform. The cloth was baggy and stiff, but it helped her feel a fraction less vulnerable. A half mangled armored vest was thrown onto her as well.
As they ventured deeper, what little ambient twilight there was faded. The Ghost pulsed his light through his shell, using himself as a lantern. She was surprised at how bright he could make his pint-sized self.
The corridors narrowed and grew darker. The air turned thick. Ancient machinery clustered in on them. Moisture dripped from rusted pipes.
Tingles passed up the back of the Exo’s neck and her muscles tensed.
Ghost’s brightness dimmed. Ahead, there is a large room with some light.
He disappeared, and she was doused in darkness. She froze, not daring to move an inch.
What was once darkness began to form vague shapes. The more she focused, the more she could make out the hallway - a dim orange light beckoned in the shadows.
Don’t worry, I’m still with you. Go to the light. His voice rang in her head with an edge.
She gulped, then continued her uneasy path. The closer she moved to the glow, the more the sound of her footsteps changed - wet with a metallic clang. The noise began to echo, and as she rounded the corner, she saw a dim orange hazard sign in the darkness. It managed to light gates that surrounded the area. Beyond that was shrouded in shadow.
Stopping, she hung back near the entrance and clenched her fists. She had the deep inkling to not tread any further.
Okay, time to work some magic -
With a faint flicker, she heard his voice travel towards the ceiling.
Let’s see if we can get some light in this place.
More brief flashes. His voice traveled back to her, then he was in her head again.
There is some lighting up ahead, and good news - probably some weapons, an old cache. He paused. The bad news - I detected some heat signatures. Most likely Fallen, a bunch of them.
The joints in her knuckles popped.
If we can get through them, there’s an exit, and we’re home free...at least for a little while.
She stared at her feet, which were missing shoes.
Now the tattered vest she was wearing made sense. It weighed on her more than it should have.
Water dripped.
I have faith in you, Guardian.
She felt him pressing reassurance into her. He was there, reaffirming. She reached out, felt his solidity. Gentle, but underneath - a trust that built that foundation, and behind it, deeper emotions she didn’t know how to describe, and frankly, would feel wrong if she probed any further. The fact that he felt so strongly about her this early on shocked her - he relied on her.
Her clenched shoulders relaxed a smidge, and she studied the area further. Barely visible was a walkway to a different area.
Despite her insides grating like sandpaper, she stepped forward. She found it within herself that couldn’t let that trust - him - down.
“I trust you, too.”