CHAPTER 2: THE MORNING ROUTINE

Today started like any other day. At 0545 hours I woke up before anyone and quietly snuck out of my room and headed to the door, careful not to wake up Cayde-6 when I walked past his door. He has a tendency to not sleep some nights or sleeps lightly. I was thankful to hear snoring and rustling of blankets when I passed everyone else's rooms. Good. I might have more time to myself this morning. They would find some way to keep me from a moment of solitude, peace and quiet. Like all they wanted to do was to keep me busy. I don't mind, a hunter is useless without their strength and speed that requires consistent training. But I want some time to myself. After slipping away from my home I began to climb upto the roof of our residential complexwith ease. I find the activity fun, as well as climbing trees. It really warms up my arms and legs. Once I reach the top I sit on the edge and breathe in the cold fresh air. The air pierces my lungs with a sudden coldness that my eyes shoot open, making me more awake and aware. Living up here in the Cosmodrome of the Northern Hemisphere of Earth has it's pros and cons. I don't mind the cold at all, it's just the lack of sun some days that can make you feel disconnected. We can all feel quite tired and sluggish. As if we are cut off from our light. The sky was still dark and the only source of light came from my settlement below me. My home. It's nothing grand compared to the Tower of the Last City all those years ago. From Cayde-6's stories, Guardians everywhere came and went from this structure, the beacon of hope. With the Traveler hanging above the city, the last safe place that it could still protect. Now, the Last City is no more. Just a valley of rubble of once great structures, along with the Traveler. Now Guardians live divided, in their own clans and settlements. Our settlement is smaller compared to the ones out there, deeper in the wilds or across the seas. Well that's what Spartan tells me, he goes out the most compared to all of us. He told me that the Guardians spread in all directions, seeking a new home. A new life, free from their Traveler.

As I was sitting on the roof I caught a glimpse of the rising sun over the mountains. This was always a favorite moment to me. Like a painting, the dark colors of the landscape and the bright sun contrasted yet complimented each other. I stood in anticipation, waiting to feel the warm glow on my being. The light of the sky always awakes something deep within me. It's hard to describe, but it feels like my light is reconnecting with the source. I guess it makes sense, considering my solar abilities. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, I can imagine that my mother did this too whenever she watched the sun rise. What am I talking about? I never met her, how would I know what she does? But... it comforts to me to believe that the littles things I do are related to my parents. Soon the sun's rays warmed my face and I soaked it in. A sensation of peace, connection, and carefreeness. I guess I wasn't the only one awake at this time.

Below me was that human warlock that I... well, I really like. But I haven't spoken to her. I don't even know her name. I can't find the strength to go over and start a conversation. I know I know, I'm weak and shy. She's beautiful, strong, and not to mention a Stormcaller. I've seen her practice outside our settlement before several times. It has always intrigued me how she bent the very will of lightning, guided it with graceful hands, and how her brown hair flows in surge of her powers. I'm pathetic. I'm sure my dad wasn't a lost for words fool when he met my mom. I descended from my perch and returned to the ground with a thud. Great, traces of dirt and snow were on my clothes. She hadn't noticed anything and continued sitting in the sun. Okay, now was my chance to just say something. But what would she think? Was she even alright with people like me? An awoken? My short jet black hair and golden glowing eyes might come off as strange or intimidating. I sighed and swallowed my fear, the steps towards her were awkward. Should I walk with swag and confidence, or more casual. She seemed to have heard my foot steps and turned to me. By the Nine, her eyes were incredibly deep and penetrating. Greener than anything I've seen. Yet they shined with welcoming curiosity.

"Good morning." Her voice was soft but held a strong presence. Her back was straight, head was held up, eyes focused right on me. Something you'd expect from a soldier. I was so focused on watching her breath fog into the cold air that I was a bit caught of guard and waved at her before returning the greeting.

"Good morning, uh... I didn't think anyone else was out here." Wow. Smooth.

I mentally smacked my own face, I seriously need to learn how to talk. She felt intimidating, more mature, and very solid. How can I handle this?

"I thought so too but I guess you're here for the sunrise?" Huh. That worked? Well I continued rolling with it.

"Y-yes! Exactly. May I join you?"

"Of course."

She gestured to the spot beside her and I had to remind myself not to look too eager. Yes. I was finally sitting with her, said a few things, now I had to ease my way to ask for her name. I saw her face relax as the light drenched us in warmth, which only made her glow. I had to keep myself from staring, so I turned my head away. I even felt a blush creep on my cheeks. Fuck. This can't be happening, I was probably making a horrible first impression.

"So what's your name?" She asked and I felt my stomach turn. Wow, she reached out to me first. Okay, I just had to relax.

"Corbin. Corbin Sov."

"Aella Zamora. Nice to meet you Corbin." Oh my, my name sounded better off her lips.

"So young crow..." She then laughed and at first I thought she was teasing me until she spoke again.

"I'm sorry, I'm such a book worm. I like knowing the meaning behind names." Her body closed up, afraid to reveal too much of herself. I found this adorable, her 'geekiness' as they call it.

"No no, that's great. I think we should know more about our origins and the meanings behind names. Have you ever read documents from the Golden Age?"

She gasped, her hands went up and clapped together at my words. She scooted closer to me and nodded furiously. This surprised me, I thought she was someone entirely. Her true character revealed herself to me in the light of the rising sun.

"Oh yes! From old music, sports, and treats!"

"How about a vehicle called a four-wheeler? I think it's the precursor to sparrows."

"I think so too, I mean they're small, agile, and can go on any terrain."

"Yeah and I bet they're awesome for races."

"Hehehe, but not as fast as sparrows."

"Not as fast as sparrows."

Wow, we were so lost in conversation that my fear vanished. It felt completely natural. When I our eyes met I saw something change, her focus was somewhere else. She squinted and tapped her lower lip with her finger. A hum of curiosity erupted from her and she pulled away from me a bit. Something that I admit I didn't like at all.

"Sorry, but you just got me thinking. Sov. That last name rings a bit of a bell. Who are your parents?"

Shit, really? I didn't expect the conversation to go this way. I gulp and answer.

"Uldren and Raven. My dad was the Prince of the Reef. My mom was a Guardian."

"Why do you say, 'was'?

"Well... They're not here. Not dead, but just not here anymore."

"Prince of the Reef? Was the Reef a place here?"

"No, the Reef was in the asteroid belt. A home built from destroyed ships that tried to flee from the Collapse."

"Hmmm, I wonder if there documents on this place. These names sound familiar from old stories but that's it. So, where did your parents go?"

"That I can't say because I don't know. Even my adoptive parents don't know."

My head was held low, the longing feeling for my parents returned. I didn't even care that I seemed sad in front of Aella. But I was not prepared for her sudden contact. Her hand gently cupped my cheek and brought my attention to her. Her skin was soft, too soft. To know that these hands summoned great power at her will. Yet I kept my eyes on her, anticipating her next move. She sat up and looked at me with determination.

"That doesn't mean you should lose hope. I'm sure they left to keep you safe from something so dangerous that knowledge of it would put you and everyone else in danger. Have hope, Corbin Sov. Don't lose that."

I nodded and smiled at her, which earned me a bright smile from the warlock.

"CORBIN!" Cayde-6 roared from his window.

The sudden shout of my name made Aella retract her hand, I grumbled and turned to the source of the noise. I shoot him my signature glare that made him laugh. The EXO merely waved off my clearly nice moment with Aella and cleared his throat.

"Breakfast, lover boy!" Cayde-6 said in a mocking sing song voice.

"Shit... Uh, I need to go."

"I totally understand. Well, I'll see you around Corbin."

We stood together and she offered a pleasant wave before heading back to her own.

"Yeah, you too Aella."