ODYSSEY (Punishing: Gray Raven X Arknights X OC Characters)

Vol. 2/ Chapter 2: Faultline

“We'll return your friend later, hopefully still in one piece.” Laethiel added, causing the two Commandants to gulp hard.

Thana motioned for Akiio to follow when she saw that Rozzi exited the cafeteria. Stella was standing in the doorway, her cold stare landing on the human walking in between her two teammates. He couldn't help but shiver after making eye contact with the ice queen.

Akiio, in sense, wasn't small either. Yet walking in the middle with these two women made it feel like he was around 4'11. He awkwardly cleared his throat as they exited the cafeteria. And what added to the awkwardness was that Stella was walking in front of him, while Thana and Laethiel was just a few inches to his side.

This made it looked like he was being escorted to jail or something.

“It's you again huh? I guess you're the reason Rozzi is upset again.” Stella addressed him with a dismissive tone as they passed through the construct dorms.

“Same old shit it is. You're lucky I don't hate you that much.” Laethiel added with her usual Russian accent, which made it sound much more life threatening.

“Guh...so you do hate me...” Akiio muttered.

“Of course we do. You're bad when it comes to treating women right. Shame on you.” Thana teased, causing him to sigh heavily.

He was already acquainted with the three of them, given how many times they swooped in to save his task force one too many times from past operations. It just didn't occurred to him that he was hurting Rozzi emotionally, which made him felt like a douchebag.

The group made a left turn, which led towards the gravitational lift. He caught sight of Rozzi, who was standing at the elevator's doorway. She was repeatedly tapping her right foot on the tiled flooring.

“The hell did you bring him for?” She asked Thana as they boarded the lift.

“Orders from Nikola. Remember what he said yesterday? Pick which Commandant we should team up with for the latest op?”

“Wait what?” Akiio interjected, but no one seemed to acknowledge his existence.

“And you decided to bring this nutjob? He can barely even stand up straight.” Rozzi clicked her tongue before begrudgingly pressing the button.

“Well, he can act as a meatshield.” Stella commented.

“As well as a good distraction.” Laethiel added.

“Oi, oi, oi. I'm right here you know!?” Akiio exclaimed.

“Hmph, I can't believe of all people it has to be you.” Rozzi mumbled.

“I was literally forced to come here.” He interjected.

“Now's a good time to apologize too.” Thana said from the sidelines, making the other two nod.

Silence engulfed the lift once more, and it's fair to say that it wasn't a comfortable experience. He discreetly moves his eyes side by side to see what the Transcendants were up to. For all he knows, they could be aiming their weapons at him right this moment. Having an unshakable love and loyalty to one person can be quite terrifying...

However, he saw Thana and Laethiel calmly and silently watching the space beyond the glass structure of the elevator. So they aren't that machine like too.

Before Akiio could open his mouth, the elevator doors opened, revealing a stretch of white hallway. He feels a light tap on his shoulders, both his shoulders, as Thana and Laethiel exited the lift. Meanwhile, Stella made sure to stare at him dead in the eyes as she followed her friends.