'Thinking'

"Speaking"

"[Intercomms/Radio Transmission]"

*noises*

======

Babylonia - Command Center
Commander (Y/n) "Ranger" Schmitt - Gray Raven
1530 Hours

"Here's my written report for today's mission." (Y/n) said, handing the file to Celica.

"Good work, Commandant." Celica commended. "I'm glad that all of you are safe."

"Well, Warhammer was the one who finished Vassago off, so most of the credit belongs to them." (Y/n) said.

"Don't be so modest." Celica brushed off his words. "All of you did their part to take it down. Anyways, we have no mission for you guys today, so the Gray Raven is placed on standby. You're free to do anything in your leisure time."

"Anyways, how's Kamui?" (Y/n) checked on the Construct.

"The Science Department found no signs of corruption, and he his systems are green as well. He was allowed to roam freely, but is under surveillance." Celica explained. "Asimov is still uncertain, so he's monitoring Kamui's situation right now.

(Y/n) nodded. "I see. Thank you for the information, Celica. I'm gonna head back to my dorm, if you don't mind."

"Go ahead." Was her reply.

(Y/n) bows a bit, then leaves Celica alone.

======

The Next Day...

Babylonia - Command Center
Lucia - Gray Raven
0630 Hours

Lucia wanders around the Command Center, searching for her commander. She woke up a few minutes ago, and found no signs of (Y/n). He would usually be on their dormitory around this time, checking and cleaning his weapons and other stuff. However, she only found his closed cleaning kit and gun case. Feeling that something's going on, she went searching for him in the Command Center, hoping to see him there, but so far she found nothing except for the workers staring at their computers and typing away random letters on the screen.

"Are you perhaps looking for (Y/n)?" Celica's voice came from behind.

Lucia turns around and nods. "Yes. I didn't see him this morning, so I assumed that he was here."

"He went to the firing range. Sector A." Celica said. "He's probably still there."

"Thank you, Miss Celica." Lucia thanked her and exits the Command Center.

======

Babylonia - Firing Range - Sector A
Lucia - Gray Raven
0638 Hours

*bang*

*bang*

*bang*

*bang*

The moment Lucia entred the range, she heard gunshots echoing across the large room. She adjusts her hearing systems to muffle the sound and approached the source of the gunshots.

(Y/n)'s magazine went dry shortly after. He lets out a small sigh after seeing the bullet holes on the target, then looks to the side, watching the red-eyed Construct approaching him in a moderate pace. He turns his gaze back to his rifle, removed the empty magazine, and dry fired it a few times before setting it down on the table.

Lucia looks at the targets, and noticed the tight groupings. Although not all of them hit the very bullseye, she still thought that it was impressive. "Good shot, Commandant."

"Thanks." The Ranger smiled. "Gotta make sure that my marksmanship is still on top, you know?"

Lucia hummed. "That's understandable."

"So... Why are you looking for me? We're currently on standby, so we have no missions for us."

"..."

"Lucia?"

Lucia snapped out of her trance. "Sorry, Commandant."

"It's fine, don't worry about it." (Y/n) said. He inserts the empty magazine back to the magwell and slung it onto his back. "Shall we head back? I want to have some breakfast at the chow hall."

Lucia simply nodded.

On their way back, Lucia suddenly remembered his words back on the spacecraft.

"Not to me."

"I'm not like your previous commanders who are reckless about your lives. You, Lee, and Liv are important to me, so don't say anything like that, okay?"

"But if you're still angry at me, I'll make it up to you."

"But if you're still angry at me, I'll make it up to you."

'He'll make it up to us...?' Lucia echoed that specific part. But what does she want from him? She hadn't thought about anything until now. She went in for several options, but there's one that stood out. She looked at (Y/n) for a bit, then mustered up the courage to ask him. "Commandant, do you still remember your promise to us yesterday?"

"Of course I do." (Y/n) smiled. "Thought you'd never ask."

"Can we... go shopping?" Lucia uttered. (Y/n) looked at her, and she immediately thought that he might've gotten the wrong idea, so she quickly went to clear the misunderstanding. "W-with the team, of course...!"

He chuckles at her, amused by her response, causing her to blush. "Sure. Let's have breakfast at the Shopping Centre instead of the chow hall so we can enjoy different delicacies there."

"I just need to change quickly, Commandant." Lucia said.

"Sure. Tell the others we'll meet at the Shopping Centre."

"You're not gonna change your clothes, Commandant?"

"I'm just gonna remove my vest and upper uniform. A simple black t-shirt is fine."

"Understood. We'll see you there, Commandant."

======

Babylonia - Shopping Centre
Commander (Y/n) "Ranger" Schmitt - Gray Raven
0725 Hours

The mood within the Shopping Centre was pretty much lively. Constructs and human personnel and civilians were roaming around the various shopping areas, buying foods and other stuff for either their personal use, for their boyfriends and girlfriends, or for their families. Standing among the crowd is (Y/n) himself, wearing a plain black t-shirt, black tactical pants, and a pair of combat boots.

Many recognized him, but only a few approached him to have a small talk. He was able to pass the time thanks to them, and he also enjoyed some company while waiting for his teammates. After a few moments of waiting, Lucia, Lee, and Liv finally arrived.

"Sorry for making you wait, Commandant." Lucia apologized. Behind her were Lee and Liv, both in their usual clothing.

"It's no biggie. We're not in a rush." (Y/n) said. He then noticed that Lucia is still wearing her standard attire like the two. "Wait, I thought you're gonna change your clothes?"

"I did, Commandant." Lucia confirms. "I changed my scarf to color code df4343."

'Just how sharp are your eyes? It's literally still red...' (Y/n) thought with a sweat drop. "Anyway, shall we go?"

The Gray Ravens headed first to a restaurant. The Ranger ordered German delicacies, while Lucia, Lee, and Liv ordered Japanese and American dishes. They were a bit worried because the foods were quite expensive, but he assures them that he can afford it. They chat while waiting for their food, and soon after, a waitress came in, pushing a food cart with their foods.

The waitress placed their foods on the table. "Here's your food, ladies and gentlemen."

(Y/n) thanked her and the waitress replied with a small bow, then went back to the kitchen.

======

After finishing their breakfast, they went to a toy shop. Lucia found herself staring at a giant frog stuffed toy that is almost as tall as her. Lee doesn't react, but Liv was amused at her.

"Want to buy that?" (Y/n) spoke, snapping her back to reality.

Lucia looks at the price, and her face quickly turns into a frown. "It's expensive..."

(Y/n) sighed. "Lucia, I told you three not to worry about the price. Just pick whatever you want and I'll buy it."

Lucia smiled. "...Thank you, Commandant."

"How about that sheep stuffed toy, Liv? Do you want that?" (Y/n) pointed at the mentioned toy, having the same size as its living counterpart.

"Is it okay, Commandant?" Liv shyly asked, to which he replied with a nod.

Lucia and Liv took the stuffed animals they wanted. They looked at each other and smiled.

"You girls might like these." (Y/n) said to them whilst holding a pair of frog and sheep onesies.

"..." Both didn't respond, and instead just stared at the onesies.

"I'm sure you girls would look cute in these." (Y/n) remarked.

The two female Constructs blushed at the word 'cute', while at the same time, imagining themselves being patted in the head by (Y/n) while wearing the onesies.

Realizing what he just said, he faked a cough and handed it to them, which they gladly took. "Let's pay for it, then. Wait, where's Lee?"

"Over there, Commandant." Lucia points to the hardware area. There, Lee was looking at various mechanical tools. They all went to him, curious of what he wants to buy. Their question was answered when they saw him looking at a precision toolkit.

"You want that, Lee?" (Y/n) asked him.

Lee turns around. "I'm just curious on it, Commandant."

"Take it. I'll pay for it." (Y/n) said. Lee seemed hesitant, but he once again assured that he'll cover the expenses.

"Thank you, Commandant." Lee said with a slight smile, then took the case.

'He... smiled.' Liv said in her mind. 'Thank you, Commandant.'

After paying for the goods, they stopped at an ice cream stall and bought four cups. Lucia and Liv picked vanilla, Lee chose the chocolate, while (Y/n) got himself a [insert flavor] cup. Once done, they went to a Cinema. They tried to ask for a movie that's for daytime, but all of the current movies are showing at late hours. They skipped the Cinema and went to the Laser Tag area. (Y/n) and Lee won the game against Lucia and Liv, but they did have difficulties on bringing them down.

Next, they went to a carnival style area, where they won various prices after playing the games from different booths. But what caught their attention is the booth that says 'Fortune Telling'. Typical in most carnivals. It has a generic appearance — round and completely covered, with a slit on the front which served as the entrance.

"Shall we...?" Liv asked them.

Lucia looks at (Y/n). "Your call, Commandant."

(Y/n) shrugged. "Why not? It's nice to try these things once a while."

"I'll go first, Commandant." Lee declared, surprising them.

"Sure." (Y/n) agreed.

Lee walks ahead, lifts the clothing as he enters, and the cloth fell back to its original state once he got inside. As expected, the interior was dark, and the only thing that's illuminating the 'room' is the blue crystal ball. Sitting on the opposite side of the table was a woman in a brown robe with a hood, the light bouncing off her clothing and her face.

"Take a seat." The woman said.

'Her voice... It sounds like she's in her mid 20's.' Lee pondered. He sat on the unoccupied chair and waited.

The woman hummed. "Your hand. Let me feel it."

"..." Lee obliged, albeit hesitantly.

"You're a hardworking individual, young man." She commented. "You work hard because you hold someone dear to you, and you had made sacrifices along the way. That is very admirable, young one. However, don't push yourself too hard, okay? You have others taking care of you, but you just don't see it. Try to soften up next time."

"...Thank you. I'll take that into consideration."

"You should."

"How much, miss?"

The woman chuckled. "No need. I work for free."

Lee bowed, and went outside. There, he found the three looking at him with interest.

"How was it, Lee?" Liv queried.

"It was... okay, I guess." Lee replied.

"Then, I'll go next!" Liv happily went inside. Like Lee, she was greeted with the same surrounding, and soon came face to face with the woman. "H-Hello..."

"Hello, young lady." The woman said, and offered Liv the empty seat.

"T-Thank you..." Liv shyly said and sat down.

The woman asked for her hand. Liv took out her left hand and moved it closer to her. "Hmm... You're a hardworker like that man earlier. Is he perhaps your friend?"

"Yes. He is my teammate and my friend." Liv said.

The woman nodded. "You also strive to meet everyone's expectations. You also feel lonely. You're seeking someone that could take care of those heavy feelings. But, I can also sense happiness, because you have finally found that special someone. Someone who's willing to cherish you, and will do everything to protect you."

"..." Liv became silent upon hearing the sentence, remembering the time when (Y/n) broke away from them to lure Vassago out, then frowned.

"You're frowning because you're thinking that you're dragging everyone down, am I right?" The woman added, causing Liv to flinch. "Don't think like that, young lady. I know you've done more than enough. You just don't see it. Don't be so hard to yourself."

"T-Thank you..." Liv said, processing everything she just said. "How much do I-"

"I work for free, young lady." The fortune teller denied her offer of payment.

Liv said her words of gratitude, then left. A few moments later, Lucia enters the tent. Like the two earlier, she was told to sat down and held out her hand, as per the request of the fortune teller.

"You're strong, youngblood." The fortune teller remarked. "You do your best to protect what's behind you, even if it costs your own life. That's your charming side, dear. But, take care of yourself at times, young lady. A tightly strung bow will easily snap, you know?"

Lucia nodded. "I bear that in mind."

"And before you plan on paying me, I work for free, so don't worry about the payment." The fortune teller said to her.

Lucia thanked her and then headed back outside. And last but not the least, the final individual came in. The man himself, (Y/n) Schmitt. The fortune teller's interest was quickly piqued the moment she saw the Ranger.

"Take a seat, soldier." She said to him.

(Y/n) silently went over and sat down on the empty seat. He held out his hand. The fortune teller was surprised of the initiative, but she touched his palm nonetheless. Suddenly, she gripped his hand more tightly, alerting him.

"You... You're a special one. A prodigy." The fortune teller said to him. "You're very skilled as a soldier. Strong. Your mere presence alone is enough to inspire others with your deeds. You act like a shield to protect the weak. You saw death, and had become death itself. But... a catastrophe will soon come crashing down to you. One where you will be pushed to your absolute limits, and might kill you."

'Catastrophe?' (Y/n) echoed. "What kind of catastrophe?"

"Something even I can't comprehend. Many will suffer even more." She added. "I hope you'll be ready by then."

======

Babylonia - Gray Raven Dormitory
Commander (Y/n) "Ranger" Schmitt - Gray Raven
2120 Hours

After the long day, the Gray Ravens were finally back to their dorm. Right now, (Y/n) and Lucia were having a conversation at the doorway.

"Thank you for today, Commandant." Lucia said with a small bow. "We really had fun today."

"It's nothing, really." (Y/n) replied. "I just want to make up for worrying you yesterday. And also, I want to get closer to you three."

Liv joined in to their conversation. "We will cherish the gifts you bought for us, Commandant."

(Y/n) gave a small laugh. "I know you would."

"Commandant." Lee cuts in. "Thank you... for the gift. I appreciate it."

(Y/n)'s smile widened. "You're welcome. Anyways, I'm gonna head back to my dorm now. Have a good night, you three."

"You too, Commandant." Lucia replied.

(Y/n) walked back to his dorm. He lets out a yawn before pressing his thumb on the authentication screen beside the door. The screen turned to green, and the door slid open with a hiss. He stepped inside, and the door closed behind him. Before he could go to his bed, his doorbell rang, which prompted him to open the door again.

"Hello, Commandant~" Much to (Y/n)'s dismay, it was Vera who came to his room.

"...What the hell are you doing here?" (Y/n) asked her with mild annoyance. The fortune teller was right — there really is a catastrophe.

"I can't sleep~" Vera stated in a teasing manner.

"I can. Goodnight." Those were his final words before he closed the door shut and locking it, shocking the redhead Construct.

However, the action only sparked her motivation as she smirked devilishly. "You'll soon become mine, Ranger. Mark my words~"

======

Q: Should I add MJOLNIR armor in the story?