Chapter 2
Aigis stood in the kitchen of the dorms and laid her eyes upon the mountain of various sources of protein placed before her. Slabs of meat, eggs, protein powders, and many more were arranged on the table in a calculated manner. Today her teacher would be the intense and passionate Akihiko Sanada. Aigis realized that Akihiko was a role model to many and that a number of their peers at school just seemed to resonate with him. She figured he would be a logical step to take in her personal training.
"I request to know the meaning behind all of this protein, Akihiko-san," Aigis demanded as her scanners processed the nutritional information placed on the food labels. All she could really gather was that her new teacher had a rather one-dimensional diet.
Akihiko grinned, clearly waiting for Aigis to spring the question. "Well Aigis," he started, "what makes us human is a burning passion to do the things you love. For today, we're going to do my whole routine together to build up that intense drive within you! Don't worry, it'll extend beyond protein." Aigis simply nodded her head and took mental notes.
She began to piece together the lessons embedded within Akihiko's speech and spoke, "I see… So if I develop these feelings of passion for an objective, I will be more like you." Akihiko shook his head and pumped his fist. "That's right," he responded, "I think you've got the idea. Fill up on your protein while you can, after this we'll be running five miles and do one hundred push ups, sit ups, squats, and some sparring!"
Aigis beamed with excitement. This time she felt like she was getting somewhere and the seeing the fire building up within Akihiko started to get her hyped up too. Remembering her speech lessons from Junpei, Aigis let out a hearty shout, "I've been waiting for this, Akihiko-san!"
The two had spent the rest of the day working out with great intensity. Unfortunately for Aigis, her mechanical body didn't have physical limitations like her teacher's. She completed each workout with ease and this only pushed Akihiko to train harder so he wouldn't be overtaken by his student within a day. What was supposed to be a friendly workout routine became a one-sided competition within Akihiko's mind.
It had finally turned dark and they headed back to the dorm with Akihiko breathing heavily. Aigis faired much better and didn't break a single sweat. "Heh, you're pretty strong, Aigis," Akihiko complemented, "I see you're not even tired in the slightest!"
Aigis sighed with disappointment. She understood the lesson the boxer tried to teach her, but perhaps she was just incapable of feeling passion. Physical activity was something she could do effortlessly and with little thought. Throughout the entire day Aigis had felt more like a machine than ever before. She spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice, "I am sorry, Akihiko-san. I am afraid I have failed to achieve these feelings of passion within me. Could it be I truly do not have the capacity to have such human emotions?"
Akihiko wiped the sweat off his forehead with his towel and gave the question some thought. "You know Aigis," he began, "I was a lot like you once. There was a time in my life when I felt like I reached a plateau and I couldn't get stronger. Each day I was just going through the motions, but I found that spark within me once again."
Aigis tilted her head and cut in, "I need to feel a spark?"
"Yeah," Akihiko replied, "something like that. You see Aigis, I got out of my slump when I awakened my Persona and new challenges surfaced. It gave me a reason to push past my limits to keep on protecting those close to me. I guess what I'm trying to say is… set goals for yourself and picture someone who is precious to you. Work hard to make that person happy."
Aigis thought about those close to her and a certain blue-haired boy was the first thing to pop into her head along with unrecognizable emotions within her. She didn't quite understand what she was feeling, but she at least knew she was one step closer towards finding her answer. Aigis gave Akihiko an unexpected hug and spoke up, "Akihiko-san… thank you!"
The Dark Hour had finally arrived and the team had done their usual routine in Tartarus. Today was a bit different, however. Aigis was absolutely on fire and the entire team was impressed. A few Shadows had taken them by surprise and Aigis entered her Orgia Mode and saved the day. Everyone was impressed and was awestruck at the display. Finally all the threats were neutralized and Aigis turned to her team and shouted, "Heh! Did you see that, Akihiko-san?"
Author's Note: I really like writing these and would love to know your thoughts about this story! Suggestions and criticisms are always welcome.