POV: Amelia

It was finally my turn. Each step felt slow, and I felt the need to go faster with each one, but I wasn't about to act like an eager brat on Christmas. So I kept myself from dashing to our Training Room.

Entering the room, I saw Trigger and… I couldn't quite tell what was going on, but his presence could be compared to a leaf floating down a river.

Just… completely calm, his arms were crossed, and his face had some changes. I could usually see small bags under his eyes... those were gone.

"Time to get this show on the road." He said while a bunch of butterflies took that coffin from his back and positioning it against a wall.

Blinking at the action, I remember Rober mentioned the change in Trigger's training. My forearm blades extended, and I narrowed my eyes at him, "What's up with this? You aren't using E.G.O weapons?" I asked with a small amount of anger.

It feels like he is looking down on me…

He gave a small shake from his head, "Nope, mainly because I need to learn how to use this thing inside my chest. I feel like there is an even greater power to use."

Inside his...? Ah, the Heart of Aspiration, guess that thing he does with his veins is that. He wants to take it even farther?

Why does he keep looking for more power? What does he need it for?

Sighing, I crouched down, "I got the basic gist of this stuff, trying to work with the thoughts the E.G.O manifests and make a link that benefits me and aligns with the E.G.O." He gave me one quick nod and rose both his arms just below his chin while spreading his legs slightly.

I blinked when I noticed something weird about his stance. Trigger is right-handed, or so it seems, and usually you'll have your good arm back to throw good punches.

What was this called again? Southpaw?

Feeling something nudging my brain, I locked eyes with Trigger. The E.G.O was slowly going inside my head, it's a lot easier than pulling away from what it says…

My eyes slowly narrowed in anger, why does he keep it all to himself? He should share some of his fortune… we all want a piece too, damn it…

Shit… that's not the type of hunger I expected from this fucking E.G.O. Thoughts I knew were always there, came out.

… Fuck it. This seems like a nice time to find out just why he wants to be so strong, maybe then I'll have a taste of that too. I want to see how he can just… not be selfish.

I just want a piece of what he has to be able to bounce back from his issues so easily. Give that to me so that I can care more easily.

Lowering my body, I dashed forward, it must have appeared like I was slithering across the floor. His eyes never left mine, fast as I was, he reacted faster.

A cross strike, my blades forming an X with what almost seemed like mint colored light. He ducked under it and took a step back, but my left blade already moved for a stab towards his che-

My head snapped back. Something hit me in the face, what did he hit me with?

Trigger was looking at his right fist with a frown, and lowered it. Now it was held almost parallel to the ground, it was like he planned to use his whole arm as a shield, but I have blades. Why would he… whatever.

How did he suddenly move fast enough to hit me? I'm trying to figure it out, but I'm coming only with blanks.

Looking at him carefully, I slowly approached. Sliding my feet forward while Trigger started… moving his arm from side to side, his body tilting forwards and backwards slightly. He seemed to still be trying something.

I'm almost within blade rea- my head snapped back again, but I managed to catch something thanks to paying attention. For a moment, I saw something change about him.

It was more than just his veins this time, it was more than just seeing his veins bulge. His skin took a red tint, and his sclera darkened enough to make it seem like his irises were glowing.

Staggering back, I managed to keep myself on my feet. What the fuck? I glared at Trigger, who was sweating now. His breathing seemed normal, but this was quite the change.

Something was weird here… I know overuse of that thing can tire him out, but never this quickly…

An even greater power to use… this must be what he was talking about.

Damn it… just a bit of that…

I dashed towards him, and this time I didn't just receive one hit, but four. All of them landed square on my face. I gritted my teeth and threw a slice that hit nothing. He always seemed to be beyond my reach…

JUST A BIT OF WHAT YOU HAVE!

My body exploded into motion. This time I could see him clearly when he moved, even see how the veins and color of skin changed. An overhead attack that he back stepped.

An arc towards his stomach, and he swayed back slightly to dodge it. I went for a stab towards his head, he waited. It went past his shoulders and he blurred.

His shoulder had parried the flat side of my blade and... with pain on my face, I was on the floor again. My body was in hyperdrive and be-

I lurched and grabbed my stomach, it's empty… there is nothing else… I gritted my teeth, seeing saliva come out like it was a river.

Fuck… I must look really pathetic.

Managing to move my head enough to see Trigger gripping his chest with a grimace was difficult. He extended his hand towards the coffin and from it, his butterflies came out carrying a… meat, juicy and nutrient.

He threw it towards me and I caught it with my mouth before downing the arm sized piece in one go…. I looked away from him after that particular show of weakness.

Trigger sighed to himself, "Did I do something to you?" Of course, he'd notice… it would be weird if he didn't.

"...Trigger, why do you want to be so strong?" I asked bluntly, and he stared at me for a moment. His face didn't make a sudden change.

It was a small thing, it almost seemed nostalgic. Did someone ask him something similar?

"To be honest, it's because I'm afraid at some point it won't be enough. Strength is only a tool, and one I really need right now. Because… failure isn't an option, that's also why I'm teaching you guys how to use E.G.O, because it will help you survive." He explained with a weird expression, one of vulnerability.

I sighed… of course it'll be something like that from him.

But he wasn't done either, "Also… well, I guess just ignoring it would leave someone I know disappointed." Throwing a glance at him, I noticed a weirdly relaxed expression on his face.

Who is he talking about...?

He calls strength a tool, I'm not so sure about that. In the City, it's basically a necessity, more than just a tool, it's a way of life.

Like the Red Mist, or any other Color, really. They can preach what they want because they have the strength to back it up.

I hunger for such strength…

It's the least I needed to… why did it have to end like that? It was just a small Fixer Office, we had just started…

Strength… is all that matters, kid… be strong… survive…

It was all bad luck. Other Syndicates attacking offices wasn't anything new, but I still hated how everything my Grandpa wanted would just vanish. His words stuck to me and I only worried about myself.

Trigger… you can only be what you are, because you are strong.

There is no way that a strong person with a sensibl-

…

"You care too, you wouldn't be fighting me so much if you didn't."

Not those words again… Grandpa…

I want to be strong…

Someone grabbed my shoulder, and I glanced up at Trigger, "Hey now… you have that look in your eyes too." I blinked in confusion.

"You don't want to disappoint someone." He said with a small smile. Son of a bitch… at least let me complain inside my own head.

This is all him, isn't it? With or without strength… he isn't just trying to be nice, he simply is.

A small smile slowly formed on my face, "Yeah… I just don't know where to start, really. Been looking for an answer for years now." Surviving wasn't pretty, it was disgusting.

Seeing the faces of the people that didn't live, doesn't make it any better.

Trigger sighed, and his expression became embarrassed, "Don't know where to begin either. Maybe we can find out together?" He extended his hand to me.

I gave it a look for a moment, everything going on had me doubting him for quite a while. In case everything went wrong, I considered trying to get on the Manager's good side.

The thought always felt uncomfortable…

But… Grandpa…

I think this guy is worth it, going against what you told me.

Taking his hand, I straightened my posture, "I'd like that." I answered softly.

My eyes quickly narrowed, "Don't tell anyone about this sappy moment." He chuckled to himself.

"My lips are sealed. Do you want to keep going?" All of that was said with an amused smile... dickhead.

Flashing him a toothy grin, I prepared my blades, "What do you think?"

For the first time ever, I feel like I'm getting closer to my goal.

Maybe I've been going about it all wrong… guess I'll have to wait and see. I have high hopes, and Trigger seems like a good bet.

Never going to say this to his face… but thanks, Trigger.