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Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Man... this is one hell of a headache, I got up and looked at my weirdly empty room, just the bed I'm sleeping in and literally nothing else... weird, did I get mugged? Hell, this room is also mostly metal.

I glanced at the suit hanging on my right, just there because of a hook on the wall... simple black stuff and a big ass M armband on the right sleeve, I stared at it for a second and decided that whatever was happening won't be explained by itself so after a second I decided to put it on.

Not sure how to put on a tie though... well there should be no problem if I just hang it on my neck right? Doing just that and adjusting the jacket while not buttoning the damn thing since it's kind of a tight fit, the pants feel okay though.

I took another look at my room to make sure I didn't miss anything and see a drawer on my left to find what looks like a Glock and a police baton, so calling this my room is no longer an option cause this isn't something I owned in any moment of my life.

Didn't mean I left them there, it's better to have something to defend yourself when in unknown situations like this one... I kept the baton in my right hand and as for the gun, I kept it on my belt WITH the safety on for very obvious reasons.

... Why do I know about that? I never handled a gun in my life.

It's a nice skill to have though so no complaints from me, if I have something going for me is my unwavering positive energy which people always found weird considering how bad situations seem to get for no reason at all.

My eyes landed on the metal door and I got close to it while staring at the fingerprint reader at the left, that kind of stuff isn't usual in most poor places, wherever I am it has money.

Putting my index finger there and waiting for a second the door opened to... a man that was muttering about himself like a maniac, hell it looks like he was breaking down, the guy has blue hair that seems scarily natural while wearing the same clothes that I am just... properly I guess.

Our eyes locked, and he frowned at me "See something funny?" well that sounded vaguely threatening, guess this guy has a problem with smiles? I mean, that's fine, but that doesn't mean he has to be rude about it.

He also looks a lot more agitated... I noticed that he has the same Armband that I do, so we work for the same guy? Questions for later, "Not really, I just prefer this over a frown, it's relaxing." he scoffed and glared at me.

"You must be a Rookie then, no one who works here more than one day can have that kind of look in your eyes." I rose an eyebrow at that, was that pity I just heard?

Confusing... "People say that the fact I have any kind of hope is my best quality, so I stick to my strengths, is that really so bad?" I questioned again, just for the man to get more agitated.

"Really? Do you have any idea what kind of shithole this is? We don't matter as long as the work gets done... they don't care what happens to us." He was starting to breathe quicker, not enough to call it hyperventilation, but damn was he getting close to that.

I ponder about his words for a moment to try and find a way to calm him down, "Well, do you want them to fake it? I mean it sounds rough but trying to care without putting your heart into it seems worse, which prompts me to ask, what happened to you?" he gives me a funny look and huffs.

"Didn't you say caring without meaning was cruel?" He asked harshly, and I'm pretty sure he was going to lash out.

I give him a half-smile and shrug my shoulders, "You wouldn't believe me if I said I did, plenty didn't, I'm willing to hear you out though." he stared longer at me and sighed while looking incredibly tired.

"...Malkuth put me to work with that... fucking talking skull thingy, I think I screwed up something but... when I did it felt like it tried to shatter my mind, I didn't come here for this bullshit." WOAH... talking skulls? What?

Thank god for my amazing poker face "Sounds rough, but what would you do about it? I heard you wanted to leave, but how do you plan to do that?" he smiled at me and pointed at the end of the hallway with his thumb.

"A new Manager is coming today, if he is inexperienced he'd let me go if I beg him enough... or I hope he does" Are things so bad here that he feels like begging to leav- wait why does he have to? Kinda makes it feel like resigning isn't an option.

That... gives me bad vibes, maybe I should persuade him from that "Or you could wind up in a straight jacket, you don't seem... very sane at the moment." and I mean it too, man looks ready to stab someone with a pencil.

He pauses for a moment, "Yeah... I wouldn't want to get hit with a White Weapon, looks painful... or be put down like some of the others... maybe I should go to the main room and calm down a little..." he nods at me a few times, to extends his right hand at me.

"I'm Rober, who are you Rookie?" he asked me while I took his gesture and shook his hand while trying to remember my name... which isn't ominous at all.

But I do remember something about whoever I am now, "Trigger, new to this... everything." he frowned for a moment and gave me a pat on the shoulder.

"Hopefully you keep that attitude... days about to start by the way." he mentioned to me and I tilted my head for a moment then a loud and almost... sad voice? No, lacking would be a better description for the tone used on the mic.

"All Agents prepare for Work"

I heard a buzz on my ear and put my finger on it, when the hell did I put a microphone on? Maybe I slept with it?

"Trigger start Attachment work on One Sin"

...

My eyes landed on Rober's, and he sighed while pointing at his right, "You should go down that way and look at the door with the numbers O-03-03." I nodded and started walking while ignoring that feeling of being watched.

Don't know where I am or who I am, but being negative won't help me, may as well do my part while finding out why I'm here, everyone wins right?

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

My walk was rewarded with a metal door that... had the numbers Rober said to me, to its right there are folders attached on paper bins all of them of different colors and named in big and black letters, so I have to pick the one for attachment right? The purple one.

The... amount of information that comes here could be basically be summed up as 'Tell him your Sins' although I'm surprised that someone could find so many ways to say the same thing through at least two entire pages, that requires dedication.

Taking one last look at the door I took a deep breath and used the fingerprint reader to open the door, and... yes it is Christianism given shape and form, that cross, the crown of thorns, ominous light... and a skull that's as big as I am.

"Alright... so I don't know if you prefer what I consider a Sin or the broad definition, so may as well try either, 50/50 and all that." The Skull NODDED at me, while I do have a good poker face that made me pause.

Ignoring that then "Um... there was this time that I found an ungodly amount of money and I took it... then again I did look for the owner while the streets were empty and shouted constantly for whoeve- ok not that one, I beat the living shit out of a man for bullying childre- not sure that counts..." ok, so maybe I'm not exactly a sin machine, maybe I should go by bible rules and say I don't believe in God? That counts as a sin, I think.

Wait, lying is a sin? So if I sin by lying then confess I lied, does that count?.

... I mean guilt by association is a thing, "I did kill someone to keep going, not sure how though..." I trailed off when I saw the Skull shake his head, which is everything, he is actually in denial.

Blinking at that, I scratched the back of my head, "Not my fault or not a Sin?" the Skull nodded once then rattled.

"Both then..." I trailed off when my fingers felt a crown on top of my head, one made of thorns that didn't seem to harm me at all, man Jesus would love to have this one. All the symbolism, none of the pain.

Then the room flashed in green light showing that whatever I did was done right, "Thanks for the gift One Bro." The Skull nodded at me, and I'm pretty sure it shined brighter than normal for a second, welp time to hit the old dusty trail.

I left the containment chamber and put the folder back on the paper bin and saw Rober staring at me like I grew a second head, "What?" was the only thing that came out of his mouth.

"Not sure, it wasn't as bad as you made it out to be... it'll even go as far as to say he is nice." I commented with a shrug while he kept staring at me.

He took a deep breath and glanced at the top of my head, making his left eyebrow twitch, "Even an E.G.O. Gift..." he sounded defeated at that one... must have had a bad experience with One Bro.

"Did you tell him your Sins?" I asked, wanting to see if he did anything wrong with One Bro.

He scoffed, "I mean, not a real one, but it's a damn skull, how would it know the difference?" Kind of a dick move there, but then again, maybe he's the kind of guy that takes lying very seriously.

"Not like he can speak, he isn't about to tell anyone what you may have done." I answered, and he frowned at me, Rober thought about it for a moment then stared at the door with a pensive expression.

He paused for a moment and nodded, "Alright, I'll try this honesty thing with that thing... wait, why do you call it a he?" Rober must have gotten orders from our boss to work One Bro next.

But he did direct a question at me right at the end, "I get that feeling from him. Good luck with your work Rob" I offered him a fist bump that he... very carefully took.

"That's weird... not as weird as the talking skull or anything else in the damn City." What kind of City are we talking about if Talking Skulls aren't that weird?

He entered the chamber and I kinda just stood there...

"Orders from the Top! Trigger stay there and wait in case Rober can't handle it."

This voice is definitely more upbeat than the last one, also a woman then... just going to assume she is my superior too then.

I saw a woman with purple hair and a dead fish expression moping the floor with a name tag on her suit saying 'Beta22' I stared a while longer and noticed the second mop on the bucket she was using.

Welp, I can keep an eye on the chamber and do something productive too, "Mind if I help?" I asked her while getting closer to her, she for a moment didn't react, then she froze and stared at me in surprise.

"Really?" The question came out with so much confusion that I was a little taken back.

"Yeah, got some time to kill." I replied after a moment of hesitation she nodded, and I started helping her mop the floor about half a minute later I heard a buzz on my earbud.

"Trigger! You should be watching One Sin's chamber!"

Sounds like someone is scolding me? Same voice as last time too, she sounds like the living incarnation of a golden retriever, "Job is half-way done, I'm seeing a lot of green too, so he must be doing something right." I replied back, confident on the fact she could hear me.

I saw that the door had this weird bar that is being filled with yellow boxes with green stuff in them, I'm assuming that's good.

"OH!... Well, keep up the good work then!"

Was it me or she sounded offended?

Eh, problems for future me, I kept moping while Beta stared at me again, "Agents are something else..." damn that sounded like a person that gets exploited daily, should see what's that all about at some point.

Another couple of minutes and Rober came out... different, I'll even say he looks relieved, "Man... that was refreshing." His eyes landed on me and then Beta, who he just frowned at.

"Trigger, start Attachment Work with One Sin"

Well... duty calls, "Later Beta, I have to talk with a Skull." I commented with a small smile, Rober sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"What the hell? I'm in a good mood. Here, let me help." Rober took my mop and started working where I left off, Beta was just completely shocked by this.

Still... "Is Beta22 really your name?" I asked suddenly, and she turned to me with a VERY bright expression.

She took a deep breath, "B-B-Bethany!" Ah... she is all flustered.

"Neat, see ya later." I replied and went back to talk with the Flying Jesus Skull... thoughts that I never expected to reach my brain in my life.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


The rest of the day was more of the same... also the bafflement of Rober seeing me getting only perfect results with One Bro which doesn't seem possible, "I'm telling you I'm not doing anything different from you." I responded to Rober who hasn't stopped bothering me about this.

"You have to be, there is no way every work you had with it ends perfectly not even one bad box, what's your secret?" I sighed at his very overbearing questions.

Beth smiled lightly, "Maybe he resents you for lying?" We finished mopping the hallway a while ago, so we just started talking, kinda pleasant.

"Good Job! Work is over for today"

Oh, the female boss has spok- wait now what? "So... now what?" I asked my friends with a raised eyebrow, Rober suddenly got this... very disturbing smile on his face and started walking away.

"Let's go to the dining hall, I'm damn hungry after a good day of work." At his words, I followed along with a very sly smile on my face.

"Pretty low standards considering how well I did~" He actually tripped and turned to me with a frown while Beth giggled and then... went the different direction.

I blinked at that, "You aren't hungry?" I asked, wondering where she was going.

Beth turned to me and smiled, "Clerks have a longer work schedule, we have to clean the bodies after all." ...and she just said that with a straight face, where the hell did I wind up on?

I felt Rober grab my shoulder, "Chill out Rookie, she ain't going anywhere after works hours, Abnormalities don't do anything then..." he trailed off and stared ahead I followed his gaze and met... a goddamn toaster.

Literally a claptrap with legs with the words Malkuth glowing on it, a notebook that looks like it has seen some shit, and a slightly narrowed orange eye that doesn't look happy "Hi there." and I just casually offered it my hand.

"Trigger, when an order is given I expect you to follow through with it having your complete attention on it, not start having a conversation in the middle of important work." Oh, so it's a she, guessing her name is Malkuth, and she seems a bit... of a busybody.

Also, I know how to deal with these type of bosses, "Sure did Ma'am, had my eyes on the door the whole time and weapon ready. I also kept the Clerk's attention on the job while also keeping my muscles loose and helping clean the facility, I'd call that doing my duty and then some." I explained myself and I swear to god I heard the Windows turning off sound coming from her.

"Oh!... Well, keep the good work coming, the Control Team would expect no less from you!" What an endearing person, maybe should calm down a little, but she doesn't seem that bad.

I waved at her, now for some flattery and seal the deal, "Sure will Ma'am, gotta say with someone so proactive like you around I know that if I slip you'd tell me how to deal with it." I swear to god, she either has a very bad processing power or she has never met someone that was actually willing to treat her like a normal person.

"Flattery will get you nowhere!... But thank you for the acknowledgment!" Did her voice just rise in pitch right at the en- and she is leaving now... ok?

Well, that was a thing.

Rober patted my shoulder, "What kind of acting skills are those and where can I learn them?" he joked while I gave him a flat stare.

...

"Oh... that wasn't an act, you're weird." He finished, and I rolled my eyes.

"I prefer the word unique, but that does bring up a question I have... why did we only work with One Bro?" I hope he has the answer for that, it seemed kinda weird that we talked with a skull all day.

He... started scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, "That's... what they have Rookies do when entering this facility, heard that with time they let us work on more Abnormalities, also probably being used to have the Manager get a hang of things around here." I gave him a raised eyebrow and a shit-eating smile.

"Rookies, huh?" He scoffed and ruffled my hair.

"Yeah, yeah... first day in, and I was already crumbling, cut me some slack..." Second person that I got all flustered today, that's a skill I didn't know I needed until now.

We kept our walk going, chatting like old friends, but I was still... thinking about that one thing I heard while talking with the skull, maybe it was my imagination but...

That did not come from One Bro, hell I'm pretty sure he actually was mad for a moment, judging by the aggressive rattling he did after I heard that, I ignored it at first, but this place seems to be full of crazy things.

So maybe one of these... Abnormalities talked with me for some damn reason?

"Trigger? You seem to be thinking about something." Rober got me out of my pondering that was really not going anywhere.

Ah hell, I'll figure it out later, "Wondering why you even bothered to look like my senior." He sputtered and laughed nervously.

"O-Of course I had to! Without a proper example, you would have been lost!" Man... you do not sound confident at all.

Also, I kinda kept you from losing your shit... but I guess he needs the ego boost. Now to see if they have apple juice and Pizza!

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This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I trailed Beth and her coworkers while hoping to god that the manager didn't ask for me to do some work, of course, the smell hit me when I least expected it to.

Something I was familiar with when just walking around the streets, dogs or cats can get run over from time to time, that's nothing new and the smell that comes from their corpses is nothing short of gross.

IT'S that same smell but amplified by a big magnitude, the logical part of my brain that I usually ignore because I'm hopelessly optimistic told me to walk away and never pry again.

Sadly, my bleeding heart didn't agree and, I pressed on following behind with careful steps until they reached a bloodstained door that wasn't fully close because of a body that was cut in half organs spewing out like a badly done pasta and the blank expression of a man that simply accepted his fate.

...

"There is no way out, huh..." I'm not sure who said that, but I had my eyes fixated on the door that opened revealing even more bodies, but if there was one thing that all of them shared the most was the M armband that I wear too.

...

Someone sighed, "It's what it is, expendable is the keyword of every employee here... even that new guy won't be peppy forever." Hopeless would be a nice way to put the sound of that.

"The incinerator again... right?" That unsure and scared voice, Bethany, is unsure of what they are doing.

One of them scoffed, "You still not accepting it? Just do and be done with it, caring about this kind of stuff is useless anyway." No.

No it isn't.

I walked up and spoke up, "That's her decision to make, don't drag her down along with you." they all turned to me, Beth expression was the one I was focused on.

The same person scoffed again, original, "You can see this and still say that? That requires a special kind of stupid." I didn't even turn to her, I'm used to people telling things like that.

But I don't take the easy way out, I just don't 'stop' letting this bother me "Then I'll stay stupid rather than a spineless bastard that can't even bother to show how they feel".

It's so easy to stop caring, to look the other way, and accept things as they are.

But I care, I'll speak up, because no matter how hard life hits me I'll stand back up with my head held high, knowing that I at least TRIED where others couldn't even bother to think about it.

I'm not a religious person, but I still offered a quick prayer, I wanted to say this was an accident, but the number of bodies made it clear this was routine, change won't come with tears or righteous rage but with decisive actions.

I can mourn for them, even if they don't want me to.

Does it sound selfish to be Good because you feel like it? Probably.

Those that can use their Selfishness to do good can only be called Human, after all.

"And now you are praying? Man, you're hopeless..." A voice full of mirth, but I for once threw whoever talked a look that could only be described as 'plain'.

"Trigger! You shouldn't be bothering with side-jobs while on work hours, do Attachment work with One-Sin!"

Malkuth... she did seem a little off when I met her, I glanced at the room full of bodies and realized that while a lot of people there had the M armband there were many others, but there were obviously more M's than any other.

I patted Beth on the shoulder "Care, because when you stop caring you'll stop trying" I threw one look at the woman that was talking a minute ago, she just was fuming.

"You care too, you wouldn't be fighting me so much on it if you didn't" I took one good look at the black-haired woman with long hair and red eyes, she had a permanent scowl on her face that became more prominent after I said those words and an X shaped scar on her right cheek.

Wish I could do more, but I'm not a miracle maker.

I kept walking with one thought in my mind, 'do better'.

And I will.

When I got back to the hallways containing the Abnormalities chambers, I saw Dakota leaving One Bro's room with a big smile on her face, "I'll admit... I do feel a little bit better, Trigger?" she saw me and stopped while pointing at the room she just came out off.

"Dakota, seems you actually said the truth and got a crown too." I pointed out while wondering if only Rober would never get one.

She nodded but frowned, "You seem less lively than usual, what's up?" I didn't really want to say, mainly because I feel this is normal for this place in general, Dakota herself has that air to her that just people that have killed have.

What a world to live in... "Remembering why I act this way, self-reflection and all that." Dakota nodded at that with an understanding look on her face.

"Yeah, it's always good to remember your roots, why you do the things you do and all that." Seems like she gets it, even if her way of doing things is a lot more crass than normal.

I gave her a thumbs up, "Yeah, never let others drag you down, that just means they are jealous." Dakota grinned at that.

"Guess we both hate Half-Asses." She nodded while giving me a couple of slaps on the back.

Guess we do, "It's my turn with the Skull, give Rober my regards... also don't brag too much about the crown to him".

"No promises."

I snorted, should have seen that one coming, I entered the chamber and took a deep breath, "I don't have any kind of sad backstory or horrible fate that made me act the way I do, I just remember looking at the world and realize how easy it was to ignore problems... so because of a pure stubborn desire to prove people wrong I started to care, until it became my new normal, so I could shout out 'if I can, why can't you?'" I started pouring my heart out.

Maybe my desire to help people isn't selfless, but that's fine, Humans are selfish by nature.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

"So I put an example, do good not because others are telling you to, not because it's the right thing, not because you want the moral high ground, but because you feel like it".

"Doing good has no higher purpose, it's just another normal action of the day."

"It doesn't make you special, and that's fine."

I took a slow deep breath with a small smile on my face and then released it.

Time to keep going then!

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


You know... when the day ended I didn't think I'd be talking with my boss again, "You wanted to talk with me, Miss Malkuth?" I asked already knowing the answer, her single mechanical and glowing eyes stared at me with intensity.

The main room was empty due to lunchtime, Rober and Dakota wanted to eat with me but as it can be seen, Malkuth has a very different plan in mind "Trigger, your job may have been exceptional so far, but that gives you no right to do what you want when you feel like it, much less on work hours." Interesting way to say 'listen to me' miss...

...

"Feels like you had this kind of conversation before." I couldn't help but voice out, not that she seemed to mind.

She nodded... I think? Her body isn't exactly built with a head, "Of course! Many other Employees have felt with the necessity to try and say they know better, as you can see, they didn't." Because they are dead, Rober owes me his life apparently... not that he needs to know that.

"People usually like to think that way, you do too and so do I." I shrugged while wondering how exactly to bring up the topic of a room full of dead bodies when the culprit is technically the whole company.

Malkuth reacted oddly to my words, the light of her eye just turned off for a moment, so probably a blink. "Well, I do follow all the guidelines and codes of conduct along with a 100% suppression rate." Along with the highest mortality rate if what I saw in that room is any indication.

But why? Now that's an answer I would like, "I can tell, you must have them written on your... now that I take a look at it, you should probably get a new notepad." That poor thing looks like it saw hell.

Malkuth perked up, "Indeed, I need it to keep myself on track and for Lady Angela's own peace of mind, I always forget things too easily, so I use it quite often." I don't think you should sound so proud...

Lady Angela? Sounds like a name to remember.

"I'll try to follow your example considering how proud you sound, it should be an attitude to try and replicate." I do mean it, too, I feel like I'll need something to keep track of things here.

I do not know how she did it without a face, but I could tell Malkuth was beaming, "Excellent! Many employees would show weakness and cave in, maybe even try to 'resign', but you are proof that they just didn't have what it takes to be in the control team!" I... there is a lot to unpack just from those words alone.

I'm really going to need that notepad...

Hearing the metallic sound of the door opening, I turned around an-

------------------------

Our eyes meet even though the ringing on my head wouldn't go away, to be honest, it felt bizarrely nostalgic staring at the woman with sky-blue hair and eyes just like mine and I could tell she was just as confused as I was about what we were feeling.

A disgusting feeling of nostalgia, that felt as nonsensical as a role reversal, people that act in ways they shouldn't.

She confused me and I confused her, my mind could only tell me that her expression looked wrong on her, and she must be thinking the same.

I shouldn't be smiling, and she shouldn't be frowning.

"Oh! Miss Angela, sorry I was about halfway with my report, but I had to let Trigger know about a couple of my complaints." As if completely obvious to whatever the FUCK that was, Malkuth broke the ice with her upbeat attitude.

Angela... closed her eyes again and shut off, emotions that I could see were now numbed, "Indeed, please do finish them before trying to do anything else Malkuth." She shouldn't sound like that.

"Right away, Miss Angela! Remember to keep doing good work, Trigger!" she said, and I threw her an earnest smile and nodded at her retreating figure.

I could feel Angela's eyes on the back of my head when I smiled with only confusion evident on them, I shouldn't look like this.

...

My body moved on its own, turning around to meet her eyes, "You are Miss Angela then, I'm Trigger nice to meet you." I offered my hand to which she stared for a second before careful taking it, on her eyes I shouldn't be possible.

"I'm Angela as you have heard, AI and right hand of the manager of this Branch of Lobotomy Corporation." The way she introduced herself was wrong, but I took it in stride.

I feel like we met before on different sides... "Must be a pain to deal with a newbie, I heard it's hard to be a senior and see your juniors prance around like headless chickens." I commented with a small smile, it felt pained.

Angela's expression didn't change, but her eyes held a small amount of amusement and... Fatigue, "I have seen it way too many times, now it's frankly annoying to deal with." The longer the conversation kept going.

The more I felt like falling apart.

And so does she, "I have many activities to take care of, if you'll excuse me." A sudden way to end a conversation that both of us DIDN'T know how to handle.

"Have a nice day, Miss Angela." I responded with a nod and a smile, it didn't seem like it, but I could tell she hurried away.

I stared at her back and the moment she left through the door I had to grab one of the walls to not fall on my knees, my right hand gripped my chest harshly and...

I don't know, for some reason, I have an image of her, that's just the opposite of what she's like and...

Okay... deep breaths...

....

Maybe I should look for a notepad already, seems like my appearance here wasn't a mere coincidence...

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Another day... quite a bit to unload, so in order to start on my own personal notepad for research, I have to find out what's up with the manager since I never met the guy.

Also, have to find out what kind of relationship I have with Angela, which will require me to talk with her more than once, and that's... going to be difficult.

Uncover whatever issue Malkuth has with failure, if someone doesn't meet her standards she loses her composure and PROBABLY turns them into "past tense" when that happens, not completely sure about that one, yet I'd like to believe she isn't as competent on her job and the deaths are because of that... sadly I have eyes and ears and the clerks are scared of her more than they are of the abnormalities, so that's a pretty bid deal.

Side missions are finding out more about abnormalities as a whole, this is a mega-corporation and is bound to have some dirty laundry, not only that but something about the abnormalities feels human even if they don't look or act like it, my current theory is that they were people turned into monsters, but that's just a jump of logic from my part.

I put my notepad under my bed because having someone read my very real concerns about the place I work at would attract bad attention, I have yet to directly go against the company as a whole, but seeing how amoral the place is and my own ideological standing, there are bound to be confrontations between me and them.

And I also have to find out WHY I'm here, what a goddamn adventure this is shaping out to be...

Hearing a knock on the door I answered it and saw a clerk with a box on him, the usual stuff they keep E.G.O in, "New equipment Samuel?" pointing out the obvious is a better conversation starter than people give it credit for.

He's either mute or silent, don't know which, but he gave me a nod and a thumbs up then walked away.

I glanced at the box on my hands and entered my room while the door closed behind me, while I opened the box and saw what was about to be my new armor, which is basically a white and red version of the E.G.O I was wearing.

Well... time to put it on then.

It was weird putting this on, unlike One Bro's it felt... more alive I guess? Not only that, but the entire process was more awkward because of the very organic shifting the chest plate did, just like the Bird's stomach.

Should read said bird's name today too.

So E.G.O weapons have special abilities if you know what you're doing, the same could be said about suits or at least I believe it does, so using the same steps as before I focused on the intent of the E.G.O...

And found... hunger? Well, it feels like hunger but with a satisfactory process, or that's what the suit is trying to convey, which could be very good or very bad depending on what it wants to do so much.

The clearest feeling I got was the desire to punish someone, it kind of felt like righteous fury... so maybe if I try to focus my desire to punish someone it would come ou-

My chest plate came to life and transformed into a giant mouth with four rows of teeth, all of them incredibly sharp, and I instantly knew they had the biting power of 100 Hypos combined, they closed with a loud crack akin to a press crushing bone and meat. I felt a strong wind from the speed the mouth closed at, and felt a slight pain on my back from the movement itself.

The feelings the suit gave were suddenly suppressed, and the mouth was gone...

...

That Bird is a lot more terrifying now, gonna have to put that on the folders 'annoying the bird could make you die by giant mouth' gonna have a field day explaining how I know that.

Leaving my room with One Bro's weapon in hand and a new suit that had the innate ability of a super crocodile bite, I was ready to tackle today to the best of my ability.

Well kinda, I heard that our newbie crew has been doing surprisingly good work, which made some of the lower Sephirah ask for something, to give us a HE level abnormality to prove if this was pure dumb luck or actual skill of the manager and us.

In my opinion... they may have been jumping to the gun there, considering how we have only dealt with a talking Skull and a small Bird, there has to be a bigger reason as to why they would suddenly decide to throw something like that all of a sudden.

But I have literally nothing to prove any of that.

Although according to Rober and Dakota, Abnormalities seem to act differently to me. Between the conversations with Rober, he seems to usually receive small headaches when talking with One Bro, and sometimes he feels ignored, I never once had that problem.

The same with the Bird, Dakota swears that the Bird is trying to stare a hole through her head but said Bird latches on me like I'm his long-lost owner, maybe this is some kind of test towards me?

Nah, two times is a coincidence... but a third one is a pattern, maybe it does involve me.

I kept walking through the hallways and met myself with Dakota who was sporting the One Bro's E.G.O suit and a white pistol with a red smear at the side, most likely from the bird, "Looks like you heard it too, a HE abnormality to truly test us... seems a little bit too soon." she commented with a frown on her face.

Nodding at her, I looked around for Rober since work hours were about to start, "Yeah, I'm a little bit tense about that... doesn't seem like normal procedure, which makes me wonder where Rober is..." hopefully the news didn't make him chicken out, he did lose it while dealing with One Bro, and he's a Zayin.

"Roby did have that look in his eyes, one of someone that's VERY constipated." Dakota muttered with a smile while I rolled my eyes at her, these two will take any chance to jab verbally at each other.

I scratched the back of my head and looked ahead at the door to the main room and saw it open itself, Rober came in still wearing the full E.G.O set of One Bro, but the one behind him...

"Does she have stars in her eyes?" Dakota questioned the very obvious physical of the blue-haired girl that was following Rober, she also radiated a certain amount of 'dumb charm' kind of like a kid.

She was wearing the E.G.O suit of One Bro and her weapon was the basic riot stick we are given when entering here, "So... Guy's BongBong, BongBong guys." I gave Rober a 'really?' stare while Dakota kept her eyes on our newbie.

"Bong!" said recruit saluted and said her name out loud.

...

Oh god, I see where this is going, "Yeah... we know, I'm Dakota rookie." She sounded so proud of herself even though she has only been here ONE day, Rober tried to hide his shit-eating smile and failed miserably.

"Bong!" saying things like a Pokémon, BongBong offered a handshake to Dakota that gave the poor blue-haired girl a narrowed stare.

"Yes... you told me that already." Oh, this is definitely going there.

"Bong?" The fact that she sounded curious made me realize that this woman probably shouldn't be here.

"Ok, Rober, tell her to drop this joke already." Dakota wasn't happy with this, and she still didn't get it either, I'll give it another minute if she doesn't notice I'll have to tell her.

Rober smiled, "My Dakota, I didn't know you thought BongBong's speech impediment was a joke, how cruel of you." Oh, you little dick, the fact that BongBong doesn't get what even is happening is a little funny, though.

Dakota's brow twitched and that was my signal to step in, "Alright guys, drop the comedy act for a second." I rose One Bro's weapon and let a wave of white over both Rober and Dakota, deescalating whatever could have happened there.

Dakota's glare lessened but didn't vanish, "I hope you realize... this is war".

"It all started with a crown of thorns, brat, bring it on." They really did start a feud over Dakota bragging about her E.G.O gift... and management believes we can take a HE of all things.

BongBong was still clueless about the whole thing which may be for the best, "I like to say it will get better... but those two won't stop now or ever, I'm Trigger in charge of keeping Hot-Head and Plain over there from killing each other." I offered a handshake to her, which she took earnestly and very happily, shook it.

"All agents Prepare for Work"

"And time to do our thing then." I commented while looking at the camera the manager was probably using to keep an eye on us.

"Trigger start Insight work on T-01-68"

So the new one for me... hopefully that's just a coincidence, "Looks I'm working the new guy, what about you guys?" I asked the rest of the team.

"I'm on babysitter duty, to beat the Rookie back into sanity if she screws up One Sin's work." Rober commented with a shrug, while BongBong gave him a cute but very blank stare.

Dakota snorted, "While you go and do that, I have to work with Punishing Bird." Oh, so that's what the little guy is called.

"Good luck with that, I have to go face the unknown." AGAIN, something that I have done a lot since I woke up here.

Hopefully, things go smoothly today, too.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


When the door opened, I was facing a... Butterfly being with a humanoid body that is somewhat tall with five arms, one of them being on his neck, two of them carrying a coffin that to no one's surprise has a butterfly engraved on it. This abnormality is also wearing a black suit that people would usually wear on funerals, or at least I get that feeling from him.

And... a deep sense of unfulfillment hit me like a truck, if there was ever a word to actually describe this it would be 'inadequacy' the posture of the abnormality pointed to him waiting for something, whatever that might be.

Insight then, I should find out why it does what it does then, "I'm Trigger, I'll keep you company, for the time being hopefully you are at least a little talkative or this could get a bit boring." I felt his silent stare on me, after a moment he nodded.

Where to start? Ah, right he is waiting for something after all, "Seems like you are waiting, may I inquire about that or is it too personal?" There was a pause, its butterfly for a head has fluttered after a moment and his coffin opened a great number of actually normal-sized butterflies, came out and started moving around in a confusing way.

It took me a moment to realize they were making letters on the air it read 'The peaceful end'.

Then he'll be waiting a while. Only old fulfilled people can die peacefully, everyone else always has their mind in something they could have done or should have done, I'm a sappy fucker, know I'll regret something at the end of the line even if it wasn't my fault.

"Any reason? There is a lot out there to do, and waiting for things to just end seems a little wasteful." At my question, I could feel the eyeless stare trying to bore a hole in my head.

The butterflies moved, 'It is what everyone here waits for, someone to mourn for them, to release them like butterflies on the wind.' after reading that I remembered the room full of bodies again, their expressions... weren't pretty.

Is this thing telling me everyone here would prefer being dead?

Also, he is a walking metaphor... a very on-the-nose one considering his head is a butterfly, alas I don't agree with this at all, "Easier said than done, running away is all about having regrets and dying to escape may be the biggest way to prove that after all, if you didn't want to suffer to begin with you must have wanted the opposite, wouldn't that mean you'll regret not having that comfort?" The abnormality tilted his head and the butterflied fluttered in confusion then started to move again.

'It is what I bring, peaceful memories of their friends and families, a final curtain that they deserve.' I stared at the words for a moment, making me think if the abnormality wants these things too, or only wants to give them.

How should I word it then... "Would you want a lie at the end of your journey? Sure, you may be showing them what they want but YOU are what they see at the end, wouldn't that break the illusion?" The physical response I got from that was worrying, I saw his second pair of hands grip the coffin tighter.

His hands still on his pockets were probably balled into fists, the butterflies moved erratically too, 'Isn't it what they want? What everyone wants?' I gave him a careful look, knowing full well that if I said something wrong he will try something violent...

"No... what you want to know is, Do I want this? If your whole job is bringing a peaceful end to people around you, it makes you think if someone would do the same for you." A contradiction, a being that wants to give the best ending he can give didn't get his.

I stopped to think for a moment, I'm new to the world but from what I know about this company... "Wing" I think they called it, is a big change for your life, but clerks are miserable a good chunk of the time, the result they wanted isn't what they expected.

Am I reading too much into this?

The abnormality twitched, even if I could see the green light confirming good work being done I could tell that... he wasn't happy with my words, he rose his neck-hand and made a finger gun.

I dove out of the way out of instinct, dodging whatever came from that I saw butterflies fill the room and a worryingly sleepy feeling was overcoming my body but even through all of that I could see the last words written by the butterflies, 'You are troubled, let me put you at ease.' what a terrifyingly soothing thing to say.

It prepared again, but I jumped up and gripped the Cross-hammer weapon with both hands and smashed him on the face, making him falter back but didn't do any significant damage.

Maybe I should fall back and call for help... and get all the clerks killed.

Fuck my bleeding heart.

The room was gradually filling with butterflies and my head was getting fuzzier, I felt something hard land on my shoulder, but what really worried me was how my mind was just going on a trip that it didn't want to go back.

I stared straight into the abnormalities head and ran forward taking another four shots from his finger gun, this must be what a 'so high I can't see the ground' feels like, I felt the wriggling chest plate of my E.G.O suit squirm.

And when I reached him the jaws from before snapped around him at a ridiculous speed even without a face I could tell the abnormality was confused by how fast it happened, arms bend the wrong way and shattered knees, chest so disfigured you may as well call it a pretzel and his head was now missing some wings too.

The butterflies slowly started disappearing, and I stared at the broken form of the abnormality with pity, a life of contradictions and how much it resembles... more stuff to think about I guess.

I gave a curious look when the abnormality snapped the fingers of his only useful hand left a flutter of butterflies came carrying a smaller version of the coffin he has which was still as tall as I am, I gave it a curious look and let them put it on my back which was now there... hanging by nothing.

Ok.

Said butterflies started creating words again, 'You want it too, peace.' Don't say shit like that after trying to kill me...

"Yeah, but I know it won't ever come, Humanity is all about conflict... but wanting something like that isn't wrong." I replied, the less likely to reach it the more beautiful it is, or I like to think about it like that.

I left the containment room and... saw Dakota aiming straight at the door with her new pistol, BongBong doing a weird kung-fu pose, Rober was gripping the E.G.O weapon of One Bro like his life depended on it, and the last one that kinda surprised me was Beth holding out a Glock and shakily aiming at the door.

...

"So he tried to kill me, and I'm alive..." The uproar at my words... was interesting, to say the least.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I woke up and rubbed my eyes while glancing at my left and extending my hand, making the coffin open and pulled out butterflies that started moving around, making them grab a button-up shirt while I was getting up once that was done I let them put the shirt on while lazily putting on some pants on. I have... about four hours more before work starts.

The butterflies went back into the coffin and I glanced at the door after I heard someone knock on it, I walked up to it and opened it. Seeing the same guy that is always there handing me E.G.O... now that I take a better look at him and his bald head, the most eye-catching feature was his uniform being all black with some yellow accents that form hexagons, "You are a lot earlier than usual." I commented while noticing the two E.G.O gearboxes he is carrying with him.

He chuckled miserably, "Only because the Manager has asked me to tell you to come meet him. Since I'm the one handing you E.G.O usually, so they decided to kill two birds with one stone." I blinked at that one.

"We have communicators, though?" He stopped moving while sucking wind through his teeth.

"That we do."

...

Moving on then, "This is from the Funeral, right? HE level gear sounds pretty neat." The TETH suit made me feel straight up super-human, this one will be quite the step-up.

He then responds with a silly smile, "You mean HE and WAW?" Come again?

At my expression, he explained his words in further detail, "Some abnormalities have stronger gear than their level shows, usually because they are stronger than what their level says but not enough to adjust the threat level." Well, that's something else.

I took the boxes and looked inside the first with a suit that just screamed 'Funeral' but with style, along with a black overcoat, this thing is just cool.

That's when I opened the other Box while leaving the suit over my shoulder and... I think I fell in love, if only a little. These two pistols that are a little too big to be just called pistols but not big enough to say they are hand cannons... I guess the term Magnum would fit?

So yeah two magnums, one was black with white butterflies along with a white middle structure and the other one was its exact opposite in color, white gun, black middle structure, and black butterflies. Their overall design was bulky too but not in an annoying way.

I glanced at the coffin and with a mental command, the butterflies came flying out again and started carrying the E.G.O suit of Punishing Bird... without the chest plate, I removed since it was quite the useful weapon and put a strap on it making it a shield.

The E.G.O handler stared at this with curiosity, "I... we could fix this easily enough, but what happened to the chest plate? And where is One Sin E.G.O weapon?" he asked me and I shrugged.

"They are useful, so I'm asking for permission to have them on hand, would that be an issue?" He pondered this for a moment and stared straight into my eyes.

He pointed at the guns, "If you can grab this and the other E.G.O weapon at the same time." That's... oddly specific, the butterflies moved again and brought One Bro's E.G.O weapon. Grabbing it with my right hand and letting the Butterflies grab the boxes, letting me grab the white magnum on my left one.

I felt... a clash at that but nothing too dangerous, the gun gave off the same feeling the coffin did and was easy enough to move along with it while One Bro's seemingly empowered itself from the gun... that is very interesting.

"See, I'm fine." The expression of the handler was stony.

He took a deep breath and exhaled, "I thought you were just another hotshot... but there is definitely something special about you, the manager would like to speak with you, by the way." Yeah, you had already alluded to it, but confirmation is nice.

I gave him a nod, and he left while I prepared myself for what would be quite an interesting meeting, I closed the door and put the E.G.O on, feeling a memory coming to mind without my permission, the room full of bodies of employees and their faces became so much clearer to me.

Taking a deep breath and letting go, I glanced at my E.G.O suit with a raised brow, that is probably the first time I felt anything other than emotions while putting an E.G.O suit on.

The butterflies put the coffin on my back... I still have no idea how that works, it doesn't even have a strap.

Also turns out the overcoat has holsters hidden inside for the two magnums... to put it simply...

MY BODY IS READY!

...

Thank god I only thought that, I made my way through the halls and rooms of the building, saluting people left and right, and that one awkward meeting with a control team clerk that took a photo of me and walked out with a big smile on her face. I ignored that last one for my own good.

I stared at the elevator that was noticeable further away from the work grounds... also the door of the elevator straight up looks unbreakable, said door opened by itself startling me slightly, but I also took it as my signal to keep going.

There wasn't any elevator music, so that was a plus.

When the elevator stopped I exited and saw a short hallway with one door at the end... an actual normal door in here, that was weirder than it had any right to be, I knocked on the door and waited for a response.

"Enter"

I'm sorry what.

He sounds so similar to me, but the tone just doesn't fit me, I'm not that reserved! I opened the door and saw Angela at the left seating in front of a number of monitors while her office chair was turned towards my direction, giving me an ample view of her form and her eyes that kept their sharpness even on this surprisingly normal office.

Aside from the STUPID number of monitors, on the front desk staring at me was... me.

The silence was incredibly awkward while the manager that looks like me, or do I look like him?

The image he had tried to build about himself kinda crumbled when he coughed, "You said he wasn't related to me." The manager directed that question at Angela, who... why is she so amused.

"You aren't." The simple reply must have been deliberate, she is enjoying this.

The manager sighed, "So what the hell am I looking at?" He gestured at me with his hand while I gave him a raised brow, he hasn't noticed he is being laughed at.

"While your family tree shows no indication of a Twin Brother, this could be just a one in a million chance your appearance is similar and the DNA test-" When the hell did you guys get a sample of my DNA?

Actually, I don't want to know, "-Shows no important similarities." I stared at the manager, and the manager stared at me.

"I'm sure someone else having my face wouldn't be considered unimportant, Angela." That was... I don't think being hostile was warranted there.

Angela's eyes were always closed when glancing at the manager now that I think about it, not only that but her emotions vanished every time the man's eyes were on her, curious...

The manager sighed and rubbed his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Damn machine..." I gave him a glare, if only for a moment before cooling my face, there is something about the manager that...

Makes me absolutely hate him, "I thought you wanted to meet me sir." I interrupted whatever this was, weird as it is, having a similar face to him isn't a big deal.

He nodded, "Indeed, let's cut to the chase then... the last four days you have excelled in all categories along with suppressing the urges E.G.O give with ease and working abnormalities perfectly." I blinked for a moment.

Wait, was I meant to suppress the feelings of the E.G.O?... I'm gonna keep that to myself then.

Then he sighed, "And also overshadowed Malkuth on her own job... all of it in three days, which means I should let you know of a problem we have that involves you." Oh, boy.

He took a deep breath, "Abnormality selection was hijacked yesterday and was forced to pick up a WAW, the other Sephirah won't listen to me according to Angela." Aren't you like their boss, what the fu-

Angela had to comment on that, "That is just the way A, the CEO, made things to be." Well A must stand for Asshole then, cause this is a FUCKED chain of command you have going right now.

The manager sighed again, "That is stupid, by the way, what kind of backward mentality do you need to make such a complicated chain of command?" The sheer amusement that radiated Angela for less than a second was surprising, even more so that she kept it hidden well enough from the manager for him to take notice.

Alright, "So I'm basically your only option with dealing with this problem." I summarized for him, making him slump in his chair slightly.

"Yes, not only that, but no one can work with the Funeral of Dead Butterflies either... meaning you have to handle both the WAW and HE by yourself." Well... ain't that a kick to the balls.

I cracked my neck, "Anything you have that could help with that?" Because you only made me come here to tell me how fucked I am... boy would that be a waste of time.

He nodded, "I managed to convince Angela to convince the Sephirah of the Information Team to give us some data on it... this one is named Little Red Riding Hooded Mercenary." Talk about a mouthful...

He put a stack of papers with an image of the abnormality showing the hooded figure hiding hi- no, HER face with a red hood and a scarf designed after a mouth, "Study them while you can, and good luck, you'll need it." I took them and nodded at him.

And this last action was both to spite him and to thank Angela, "Thanks for the info Angela." I turned around to hide my shit-eating smile, their gobsmacked expressions... were priceless.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


In the documents of "The Red Hood", I refuse to use her full and very long name since this is easier... anyway, there are a lot of mentions of an abnormality that generally makes her lose any grasp she has on sanity.

Thankfully, whoever this wolf is, isn't on this department... but considering how everything has been going... that one maybe on the lower floors so that'll be for later thankfully.

Her... not favorite but preferred work seems to be Insight, although Instinct sometimes works too, that girl is also a fan of combat and would like a place to practice her marksmanship skills. That request was denied... oh, NOW they care about security.

Taking another spoonful of cereal I scratched my head and read a little more again, the last thing is that she seems to get more annoyed as Abnormalities breach or try to breach which could result in an attempt to breach from her part too.

... Who the hell is the Sephirah of the Information Team? All that information was somehow on five whole pages! Yeah, you need to write with professionalism, but at some point it becomes redundant.

I sighed and took another spoonful of cereal before looking up from my table at the faces of my not-so-happy teammates, "Ok, you can vent out now." They have been keeping it in after all.

Dakota threw a string of curses that would make criminals blush, BongBong was saying her name various times and destroying her notebook trying to write at the speed of sound, Rober was complaining the entire way about management being full of 'Retards' by his own words. We are meant to get a new recruit today, and I pity the poor bastard that has to work with us today.

"Okay! One by one, guys!" I rose my voice, taking note that none of them were making any sense whatsoever.

Dakota took point after a moment of silence from the group, "Well first would be WHAT!? Second is an obvious THE FUCK!?" She mixed it between calm and absolutely livid when talking, impressive stuff.

I shrugged, "Management got pranked by someone, and we got a WAW coming, basically I'm the only one fit to work said abnormality. And as for the Funeral... one of you is going to train like crazy to be capable of managing a HE to compensate for that problem, but that still means I have to put on my big boy pants today." I explained to her, knowing full well she knew this but wanted to hear it from my mouth.

Rober pointed at me, "That's bullshit! You're telling me that someone got one, over management, just like that!? I say they want you dead!" Rober... management doesn't want me dead.

Malkuth on the other hand... well it's convenient that I'm the only one capable of managing two dangerous abnormalities today, quite LITERALLY a day after she had an altercation with me. I don't want to point fingers, but the situation doesn't paint her well.

"It is what it is, I'm pretty confident in my ability to get out alive from this mess." More like determined, but that sounded better as a motivation for them.

BongBong finally finished her writing, 'Do they know who did it? Or are they just letting it fly? Why are they using you as a sacrificial lamb!?' Does the manager know? Probably not.

Does Angela know?... I'd like to say no but if I already made suspicion of Malkuth, then Angela must have already confirmed it, if that's true then why won't she do anything about it? All of that is a hunch for now.

"As far as I'm aware? No one knows why, and I'm in this position because the other Sephirah are... well, assholes." That and A is a bastard, not sure if I can say that out loud, though.

No one was happy with this, that much was certain, "It's still stupid... but complaining won't help anyone. By the end of the day, I'll handle a HE, just like how I handle Rober's ass on a plate." Rober threw her a glare but didn't rise to the bait.

I smiled at her, "Hope you do." I took a look at their E.G.O gear, noticing all of them are wearing the Punishing Bird E.G.O. It's all-around better, TETH is apparently better by default than ZAYIN.

"Now go get some food, work is an hour away from starting and you three have been busy here." And by that, I mean staring at me like I was about to die.

They all realized this but gave me slight glares, aware that I was doing this to get them out of my hair. We can't do anything about it, may as well do what I have to do.

I finished the rest of my bowl, and I was mentally repeating the information of The Red Hood in my head to make sure I have everything memorized. On my way to the main room of the Control Team, I found a familiar, shy face with long purple hair.

Beth looked... tired, she made eye contact with me and gave me a hug that caught me by complete surprise, making me stiffen for a moment. She was kinda smaller than me, so her head was buried on my chest, "Beth..." I stopped myself when she trembled and returned the hug.

"You are here..." Her muffled voice came out.

I patted her back, "Pretty sure I am".

"You will be here tomorrow?" At her question, I mentally sighed and grabbed her shoulders and pushed her off me gently and making direct eye contact with her obsidian eyes.

I gave her a reassuring smile, "If there is one thing I'm good at, it's stubbornly clinging to life." She sniffled and hugged me again while I kept my smile on, another reason to do my best then.

"Can I stay here?" She asked me and I slowly carried her and took a seat on the cold metal floor and leaned my back against the wall, Beth on my lap, while I calmly read the papers one more time.

"Sure, we have time." Man... my job just became harder.

Well, that's normal at this point.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



I gave Dakota and Rober a glare pretty much telling them one thing and one thing only, 'Wake her up, and I'll murder you' Beth had fallen asleep on top of me and both Dakota and Rober walked in when that happened.

They wanted to laugh, said feeling didn't last long when they found out I was capable of REALLY mean glares.

I had put Beth on my bed since it was closer to the main room, and work hours were about to start. Dakota and Rober followed behind me through the hallways, whispering to each other, "Seeing him glare was way more disturbing than it had any right to be..." Rober, you are lucky you didn't see me mad.

Dakota hummed to herself, "It's actually kind of refreshing in a weird way, knowing that Trigger has a harsh side to himself." I'm starting to think people may have an idolized vision of me...

BongBong was waiting for us inside of the main room, where we all took seats around a table waiting for work to start. I could tell that the team was nervous, but they are better than at the beginning, which reminds me... "Where is the new guy? Pretty sure he would be here by now." I commented with a raised brow, glancing around the room, seeing if anyone knew where the Rookie was.

BongBong shrugged her shoulders and started to poke Rober who was oddly not bothered by the action, and he also shook his head and threw a glance at Dakota who rubbed her eyes, "Already late on their first day..." Dakota is REALLY BIG on her work and expects others to do as well as she does, probably why she seems so fond of Malkuth which... actually makes sense. They do feel like two sides of the same coin.

Also, both of them have no actual grasp on time, "Dakota, we have another 5 minutes before the manager gives us the go." Dakota flipped me off while Rober snickered at her expense.

The metal door at the far left opened and hurriedly came a person wearing the full One Bro E.G.O equipment, who is also... really tall. Like taller than all of us.

Rober had almost a head over me and this guy has TWO heads over Rober, kinda long black hair and dark skin along with gray eyes and a serious expression on his face, "Sorry for the delay Comrades." He is also Russian, I guess? He does have a heavy accent...

Dakota tried to give him a glare, but the size disparity made it fall flat, "Finally decided to show up?" I shook my head with a small smile on my face and decided to let her have it.

Rober did not share that, though, "Still two minutes before work starts." Dakota threw him a glare while he cackled like a madman, BongBong imitating this for no other reason aside from... she felt like it.

The big guy took her words VERY seriously, "I'm ashamed of myself, Comrade! Please hit me to feel the weight of my failure!" Dakota threw a look at me and I gave her a raised brow full of 'not my grave'.

Dakota felt very awkward, I could tell, but she got off the chair and-

"All Agents prepare for Work"

Was saved by the bell, "Looks like you got off easy, Rookie." Dakota tried to save face but judging by Rober's smirk and BongBong's knowing smile... yeah it didn't work out.

Except for the big guy, "Oh! I have not introduced myself, I'm Gonzales and I look forward to our partnership!" Gonzales sounds like a very down-to-earth person... maybe a little simple-minded.

"Orders from the Top Trigger! Start Instinct work on Red Ridding Hooded Mercenary!"

Malkuth's overly joyous voice came through the coms and I grimaced, I like to think she isn't involved in this whole mess, but she sure is making that hard for me, "The time is now then, I'll see you guys later." I said while BongBong gave me a quick hug and skipped away.

Rober patted my back twice, "I'm on guard duty along with Dakota, management wants the new guy and BB to get better at this stuff." I threw him a smirk, and he noticed the problem quickly.

"BB, huh?" That was the only thing I needed to say to get him flustered.

He quickly said something I didn't get and rushed out of the room while Dakota smiled brightly at that, "I'm so going to abuse this material at a later date... no need for good luck, you've done it before, and you can do it again." The last part was aimed at me, and she left the room too.

Gonzales gave me a hard slap on the back that didn't even move me, the wonders of E.G.O, "BRING US GLORY GENERAL!!!" And he kinda ran out of the room... what an earnest guy.

I walked out towards The Red Hood's chamber and stopped, pulling out my improvised shield from the plate of the E.G.O suit of Punishing Bird, "Manager... no matter what I do inside, don't let anyone in." I have a decent enough plan to interact with the new abnormality.

It wanted to practice her marksmanship so through that action, I expect better results... hopefully at least.

When I entered the chamber I met eye to eye with the... girl, her clothes make it hard to tell her sex at first, but the overall figure does seem more feminine but no less dangerous, the hood and scarf cover her face in shadows and only leave one ferocious eye that moved side to side like she was expecting to be attacked while leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, her black clothes stretched through her whole body along with bandages covering the parts said clothes couldn't hide.

Her single visible eye shifted a couple of times before settling it on me solely and kept silent, guess I'm starting the conversation again, "I was led to believe you wanted to practice your marksmanship?" Management may be having an aneurysm right now.

Her single eye showed weariness, "So I had, you lot opposed that suggestion fiercely." A gruff but very... feme-fatalish? Not a word I know, but that is the best way to describe it.

I rose the shield with my right hand, "Well, I'm all about twisting the rules from time to time." She gave me a measuring look if only for a moment and drew her Pistol/Flintlock mix and took aim.

"This is different, you sure don't seem worried about getting shot." The last part was said ALMOST like a question, but it was more of a statement.

I shrugged my shoulders, "The information they have on you always mentioned how great your skill was, there shouldn't be anything to worry about then." Did I believe what I said? To a degree.

That didn't mean she was incapable of aiming at me rather than at the shield.

She chuckled "Alright... I'll take your offer, boy." I'm pretty sure I'm older than you?

The Red Hood pulled the trigger, and I never separated my gaze from hers.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I felt myself being pushed back and almost off my feet, that thing packs a way bigger punch than expected, "Geez, what kind of heat do those pack?" I asked her and I think she gave me a smile... probably.

She cocked her gun again and aimed, "I believe it would be a better idea if you threw it upwards, more of a challenge and safer for you." I threw her a small smile and nodded.

"Throw." At her words I chucked the shield in the air with moderate strength which made the thing blur from view, right E.G.O makes me a lot stronger, sometimes I forget about that.

The shield didn't make it far before Red Hood shot it down, "Hollow-point 500 maximum, hurts and hits like a bitch." She stated and cocked her gun again while I grabbed my shield, noticing how the thing shifted from time to time, HEALING the damage done to it.

That is a good thing to know, I'm also not completely sure of the legality of a round like that existing and firing from such a gun... wait I don't even know if the Geneva Convention exists in this place, hell I'm like half-sure that hollow points weren't legal on wars.

Her gun is fucking dangerous! "I'm no gun lover, but I can tell that's ridiculous." She nodded at me and signaled at the air with her head, this time I chucked the shield hard.

It bounced off the wall, but she didn't bat her only eye at this and shot it down again while the shield flew in my direction from the blast, forcing me to catch the damn thing and grit my teeth slightly when my left hand caught it.

The Red Hood nodded at this, "What are you packing?" She signaled with her gun at the 'wings' of my coat, so she has a keen eye too... I feel like the documents didn't do her justice.

I strapped the shield on my right forearm and pulled the E.G.O weapons, the black and white magnums just felt right on my hands, "I hadn't been given a chance to test them." She tilted her head and pulled a bullet the size of my index finger... holy fuck that's a big bullet.

"I'll throw it in the air, try and hit it." She flicked it upwards with her thumb, and I reacted as quickly as I could the white magnum on my left arm releasing three shots that I missed by inches, I'm not sure what kind of barrel fire I expected from these things... I should have expected butterflies, though.

I heard the sound of the bullet hitting the floor and grimaced, while Red Hood shook her head, "I can tell you are a beginner, not bad, but you need to twist your waist slightly and extend your arm fully so that your shoulders absorb the recoil better." She crouched down and picked up the bullet and gave me a nod followed by her flicking the bullet in the air again.

The first shot missed, but the second one connected, she gave me a small nod, "Weapons in this place are easier to handle for what I've heard, still not bad, I guess." she mussed.

Not sure if I should ask this, but it's bothering me... fuck it, "So... why do you wear belts on your chest?" I TRIED to sound casual, but it was still a weird thing to ask, no matter how I tried to say it.

She didn't bat her single right eye, "They get in the way" I...

...

Fair enough.

I'm gonna go and change the subject right now, "Putting that aside then, any prominent adventures on your end? A mercenary of your caliber would have some interesting stories to tell." She paused and sighed angrily.

"Not anymore, I have been hunting him for so long I forgot most, all that matters is to use his head as a decoration on my bed." I didn't even bring up the wolf, but he came up anyway...

Alright, if all goes downhill you dig that hole as far as you can and hope no one can see the bottom, "Sounds both interesting and terrifying, penny for your thoughts?" Her single eye bore into mine and I swear that if I flinched she would have stabbed me.

She pulled out an... ax, but it has a basic mechanism between the shaft and the ax to move the blade, probably to turn it into a knife, along with this on her right hand was a grinding stone and started sharpening the blade, "Not much to say, he is a cunning bastard. Likes to appear innocent, but I know what is under that fake skin." Well, she isn't going to stop grinding that weapon of hers, better get used to the sound.

I scratched my chin for a moment trying to look for the best way to continue this conversation, "I doubt you'll ever tell me the specifics, so why not unwind a little? I'm told my listening skills are pretty good." I offered.

She kept grinding the ax but did glance in my direction, "What I'd be saying won't be pretty." she pretty much warned me, for a moment I thought about changing the subject.

But then I remembered I'm me and full of care and worry about others, sometimes my nature can be such a bitch to handle, "Then I'll take it as a chance to expand my vocabulary." At my words, I swear she snorted, but pointing it out would most likely get me a punch to the gut.

She stopped grinding and took a deep breath, "I have sworn to give that absolute furry fuck a colonoscopy with its own damn claws while I bend his spine so far back his own ass he can give himself a self- skullfuck." The apocalyptic fury that she emanated made a weird contrast as to how calm she sounded while saying all of that.

Also... damn, just damn.

"At least you are creative." I commented while I'm pretty sure she gave me a feral grin, again she was hiding behind the hood and scarf, so I'm not sure 100% sure about that.

"That is one but many ways I wish his end to be at my feet..." I'm starting to think-

Wait, abnormalities don't die, what the fuck? She kept ranting from time to time about how she will kill the wolf, but at the same time, I noticed how focused she came at killing something you can't kill.

The definition of insanity right there, the weird thing is that she acted very much different until the wolf came into the conversation. The information I have on abnormalities is somewhat finite, but I have a decent grasp on them.

They are abnormal beings that generate energy known as Enkephalin, which is also PROBABLY a drug... for some reason wherever the Abnormalities come isn't told to us, but it probably has to do something to do with this.

I know that going insane is a thing, but this girl, while intense, doesn't show any insanity to her. Even in her anger, she seems very lucid... so why go out to kill someone that won't die? You waste so much going like that, AND she must have wondered this at least once.

But just to confirm, "What happens after you kill him?" I was waiting for a certain reaction like with Punishing Bird and Funeral of Dead Butterflies.

She first froze up, check.

Momentary confusion, check.

Begrudging pondering, check.

And then she went back to the way she was, "Who knows? I know that I will sleep peacefully when I do, that is a fact." I'm starting to see a trend here...

Never once did I see denial flash in her eye, almost like her brain couldn't compute such a fact being true, like Punishing Bird being questioned about its punishing didn't compute not punishing, just like with the Funeral it couldn't compute a future beyond the end.

That isn't normal thinking, not of a living being at least, they are clearly smart but...

The room flashed green, and I sighed, "Seems my time's up, but I'm sure that won't last... I'll see you later." I said to her while she leaned against the wall again and hid her ax.

"Our talk was... entertaining." She answered while I left the room, am I onto something? Or am I crazy?

More to put on the notepad, more to worry about...

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


To say that today was overbearing on me would be an understanding, sure working both Funeral and Hood was a little tiring, but the real kick in the balls was my findings while interacting with them. For starters, they show human-level intelligence but not human level awareness.

Only the insane can't see the contradiction of one's actions, the Red Hood was more prominent on this part to the point I think she was naturally ignoring the facts as false. Funeral did seem capable of pondering his actions if only to reach the conclusion that the employees wanted his mourning... endpoint it isn't that they couldn't change.

SOMETHING was actively working against any thought that could turn them away from their actions, which was worrisome to a degree, and even if I don't know what that SOMETHING is, it is progress on my part in understanding Abnormalities on a deeper level.

Another thing to keep note of is how threat levels seem to matter on this factor too. Hood was a WAW and had the strongest reactions to my questions on her contradictions, Funeral a HE at least entertained the thought before dismissing it and doing it again, and Punishing Bird had the strongest reaction to my words while being a TETH, interesting bit of information there.

The biggest proof of that was how said bird breached about 5 minutes ago while pecking Gonzales who wasn't bothered by this, but when his eyes landed on me, he flew on my shoulder and started brimming with pride like it did something right. I had petted it and received many... and I do mean many, odd looks from that interaction.

I returned the bird to his containment unit after a couple of minutes of being with it and waiting for the day to end, mentally preparing for all the information in my head to put on my notepad back in my room.

My team did well today, and they praised me quite a bit for my skills handling abnormalities. But this was only the tip of the iceberg for me, there was more to find out about them and I will in due time finish this puzzle.

The day had finished with no actual problems, to the relief of my coworkers and probably the managers too. I was making my way back to my room, trying to avoid the mini-party the Control Team wanted to hold out from making through such an interesting day... and they wanted me to be the center of it.

Sadly I declined, feeling somewhat tired mainly from the amount of brainstorming I have been doing about the abnormalities themselves, I really need to get to my notepad and calm do-

Bumping into someone wasn't good, bumping into someone who's made out of metal was just painful, I grunted slightly and was about to apologize to Malkuth, and then I noticed her state of... delirium.

Her single glowing eye was unfocused and blinking rapidly like a lightbulb that was broken, I blinked at this and her lack of reaction to our collision and knew that something was wrong, "Malkuth?" I shook her slightly while she, quite violently mind you, turned her single eye at me.

For a moment, I felt anger so big and sorrow so deep that it felt as if I was drowning in an ocean that was somehow on fire. It didn't last, but that was a good enough tell that whatever problem she had, it most likely involved me in some capacity, "Trigger!... the manager has read your proposals and has found a number of them... optimal for use." I'm starting to feel really bad right now.

So saying that I'm happy about this is not a good move, but acting indifferent would be a whole lot worse, "I see, you were asked to tell me this?" That… wasn't the best answer, but there weren't a lot of good options for me to pick from.

Also... Manager, why send the person who was most AGAINST my ideas in the first place to tell me!?

Malkuth was... faking being okay, but I knew deep down I earned her resentment, "Indeed, I can't help but feel worried about what might happen now that my code of conduct has been terminated and my rules of engagement changed, but it will surely go well now that you did them!" Oh yeah, she is very much not happy with me.

I glanced at her left and... what the fuck was that? I saw something black pop out of her body for a second there.

... Okay, this may not be ideal, but I have to give it a try.

"How many people know about me being the one that proposed those ideas?" I asked her, hoping that only the manager, me, and Angela are aware of this fact.

Malkuth took a pause of confusion but answered nonetheless, "The Manager, Lady Angela, and I, any particular reason you needed to know that?" She asked me while I gave her a nod.

"Would you like to take the credit?"

...

"What?" There was no question there, only confusion.

I elaborated further, "I mean... I only wanted to change things for the better, I really don't care if you get the credit for this, I'll even ask the Manager and Angela to keep quiet about that. They won't care and just go along with it anyway." Those two didn't seem like the type that cared who got the attention.

Malkuth wasn't responding and was mostly still her single blinking eye had stopped shutting off, and she had only been staring at me, after a minute of this she just answered, "Sorry, I need to go." She didn't hurry off and just kinda... walked.

She must have thought I was out of earshot, but I heard it anyway.

"I wanted it all along... why is he giving it to me?"

The way that was worded, and the tone used gave me pause, it almost seemed like she herself didn't know what she meant, not only that, but she says wanted...

Apparently, a man-made machine wanted what it was made for, that didn't make sense, she was made for the position after all, how can she desire something that she has?

Unless...

I glanced at the retreating form of Malkuth with a pit forming in my stomach.

A single ugly thought ran through my head.

Is she REALLY a Machine?

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



Trigger.

The cheerful and helpful Employee that at some point I compared to myself, always trying his best, always looking for results and always the best at his job, I felt a kindred spirit of him.

I was wrong, oh so wrong, he simply worried about the smallest things and would fight tooth and nail to keep even one clerk alive, while he could be using that energy in something more productive.

With time, he would get more ridiculous on what he was doing, he still had great potential to help the company and even become the Team captain! He would feel accomplished.

I had... misjudged him again, he didn't agree with the way I did things, even if it IS the right one. The ordeals were suppressed, the abnormalities rarely ever breached and if they did, it would be dealt with. The Employees were at fault of all the deaths, it just meant they weren't up to the task, I'M right, I know I am.

But he came in and SOMEHOW convinced Lady Angela of all people to back up his crazy ideas, I wasn't worried really! The Manger would surely see the madness that Trigger was spewing out and...

No, again he overshadowed me again, and again and AGAIN.

Doing work that would get most killed, guiding others along so that they could keep up with him, stopping and helping clerks with their jobs, no matter which way I looked... he just kept going, leaving me in the dust in a manner of days.

That's when it hit me, he wanted to replace me! Why else would he do everything that I should do better? I crawled and bawled to be at this position, and he would just take it without trying.

It wasn't fair.

So I would remove him, he shouldn't be here anyway. His nonsensical actions would ruin MY team to what I had built it as, but I'm still the Lead of the Control Team, that name carries power among said power... is the ability to bring new abnormalities in.

So I'll give him something he shouldn't handle, too much for him to beat...

Just to fail miserably again, I get it now... while I was crawling to reach my objectives, he was running already accomplishing his.

My single eye stared blankly at my notepad, the main room was silent, and I didn't know what to do at that point. I had been called by Lady Angela to be told that all my hard work was thrown away and changed by Trigger's work, and then being tasked with TELLING him this.

Just like that, I was laid there on the ground, looking at someone's back, trying my hardest to reach out and get something that was taken from me.

Looking at his face was an issue, hearing him talk like he cared was painful, I could see what no one else could, the SNAKE that he is, but I could do nothing about it.

He would surely take all of that attention at some point and shove it down my-

"Would you like to take the credit?"

Every image I had painted of him fell down without any warning, figures he wouldn't even let me have a bad image of him, I had expected him to walk away after he had beaten me.

But everything I ever wanted... he would hand it to me, what I always tried to archive that he got in days simply given away, and I DIDN'T know why... isn't it great to be looked at and praised for your work?

To Trigger that didn't seem the case, now after all of that, I didn't know what made him act the way he does, but one thing was now certain.

He didn't look for either praise or attention in general, then what motivated him so much?

The man that always ran past everyone, including me, didn't have his eyes set on the finish line, so where was he looking at?

...

It bothered me, what is more important than what I want that he would brush past it and hand it to me so effortlessly? What did he see that I didn't? He could have easily left us all behind but for some reason, he always looked back behind.

What was so important of those that didn't live up to expectations?

I need to know, why do I need to know? What really bothers me?

I didn't know... I just don't know.

But what was so bothersome about him was never what he did to me or his reasoning behind his actions, but I always remembered a different 'him' so much colder, someone that would never look behind.

While at the same time I remembered a warm red gaze from someone else that he also wears, the nostalgia that Trigger made me feel was what bothered me the most.

But for now... should I take his offer? The praise I would... no, for some reason I can't bring myself to accept that, he can have this until I get these feelings of mine sorted.

I just have to figure him out, and then I'll have my position back.

Right now I should hurry and finish my report to Lady Angela, there is much to do and this has been keeping me away from my duties. I'm still leading the Control Team and should keep up to standards.

Still... What gives him the will to stand up straight?

I can't just stop asking myself that, for some reason...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


The last few days have been... hectic, but this is the first time that there isn't a new abnormality coming to make life harder for me, so that's pretty good.

The team swore about my denial of the party had come to my room early today to ask (guilt trip) me to bake some food.

Which in turn got the kitchen staff pumped up... which in turn got the employees pumped up as well.

Right now I was preparing a big amount of sauce, which included tomato, herbs, salt and a bit of pepper there. The pork meat that the staff won't tell me where they got it from and salty 'birote' which was probably the biggest pain in the ass to make since I kind of forgot the ingredients. Had to try twice before it came back to me... also, I don't think there is production for that one.

This was Mexican food, nothing too fancy really since that country is all about strong taste that isn't for everyone, yet the guys in the kitchen seem to believe it's next-gen shit, I'm starting to think these people ate dirt.

This very simple plate is known as 'Torta Ahogada' open up the piece of salty bread, fill it with the meat, and drown it in sauce, like I said all about strong taste, not complexity.

"While I personally think the sauce is too strong, this... 'Turte' thing is very interesting." That was the head of the kitchen who I shit you not is named Ravioli, he wears the very generic head-chef look but if there is one thing about him that stands out is his complete and utter lack of ANY kind of hair, which was just a little bit disturbing for me.

I gave him a shrug, "I like to think that cooking has to have a punch of taste somewhere, to make people know it's serious stuff." Hard to forget what you ate, it feels like it punched you in the face, in a good way, of course.

He patted my back while laughing heartily, "That is true, they have to know that food is what keeps those poor bastards going... although they would probably ask for seconds." he said the last one nervously.

I gave him a smile, "I'm not a miracle worker." my statement was met with a knowing smile, looks like that image isn't leaving any time soon... then again, I have been doing a lot of suppressing stuff in my stay here.

Sighing to myself I took one last look at the sauce, "Another... three minutes, and it will be ready, I have to go meet my team after all." Since they would drag my ass out of here anyway.

Ravioli shrugged his shoulders, "I can definitely see the pros of hoarding you." I gave him a flat stare while he laughed lightly, I left the kitchen giving waves and high-fives through the whole way, this is how celebrities feel? No wonder, they get full of themselves a good chunk of the time.

The moment I left the kitchen, I could feel the stares of hunger coming from everywhere, God why, "Keep it in your pants everyone it's almost done!" I shouted while sighing at their reaction, I'm NOT that good at cooking.

My eyes moved towards the table of my team and took a seat between Dakota and Rober... for obvious reasons, "Dakota, I heard you are ready to tackle HE stuff, must be feeling pretty good about yourself." I noticed the very condescending stare she threw at Rober and how Rober flipped her the bird.

"That's right! Sooner or later I'll be around pulling bullshit out of my ass like you do!" Well that confidence is at least being used in a productive manner, Rober did not think the same.

He rolled his eyes at her, "Keep at it, and your head will look even more like a wall painted with a face." It took Dakota a second to get what he meant, and she put a palm on her forehead with a frown on her face, she is very self-conscious about that.

BongBong laughed... a little too jovially at that, while throwing slaps at Rober's back. Oh, those two got really close in a short amount of time, I wonder why? Well, I know why, but I don't want to make any assumptions, yet.

Gonzales has a big, dumb smile on his face while chugging down a can of beer. After he finished, he rose it to the air and crushed it with his forehead, "This is indeed a worthy adventure! With great companions and chemistry... also LOVE!" Seems he doesn't care about making assumptions.

Rober now looked very uncomfortable, while BongBong was looking the same. She just had not so subtlety stopped paying any kind of attention to Rober, I'm trying not to think about it, but these two just make it hard at times.

Dakota smelled blood in the water, "Oh~? Is that the creaking I heard from your bedroom last night?" Rober threw her a small glare that just didn't work with the big blush on his face, not that BongBong was doing any better, since it seemed like she had given up on life.

Yeah, I guess I have to step in before this goes out of hand, "Just because BongBong is stealing your boy toy from you, isn't a good reason to act like that." By diverting her attention to me.

Rober threw me a small smile while Dakota went through the 5 stages of grief in less than a second... before just going back to angry, "Oh you motherfu-" A big slap on the back from a laughing Gonzales halted her words.

"He got you there, little one!" Dakota grumbled to herself like an angry kitten, one that was capable of gutting you like a fish but still a kitten.

I smiled at this scene, ah the little things in life...

The food came in and while the taste was strong no one complained, I mean the guys that came from the Nests didn't enjoy the fact that this could be eaten without utensils, but that's pretty minor all around.

Dakota spoke of the Backstreets like they were a hellhole, and from what she said, that was a fair comparison.

Gonzales talked about his time as a Grade 7 fixer and the random bullshit he had to deal with, one guy that attached a sword to his pelvis for... maximum thrusting, not sure about believing that one...

Rober was an everyday desk lover, didn't have a lot to say, but he did mention W corp here and there... something about teleporting trains, ain't that a crazy thing to hear?

BongBong had... apparently meet spider people? Not sure about what to make of that one, she did mention something about them eating people to make clothes, which is both a mood and a 'how does that work?' moment for me.

All the while just talking amongst ourselves, to be honest, this was the most fun I had in a while since I'm such a worrywart. It kinda has been hard to find moments like these since I came here.

But this is very much welcomed.

And then Malkuth came inside the dining room, people didn't stop speaking, but I could feel a small drop in the mood, seems like she isn't on good terms with the staff... then she stopped right at our table and I knew that my free time was over bummer.

"Trigger, do you have a minute? I'd like to discuss some ideas I had with you." Oh yeah, she is lying through her non-existing teeth there, she HATES my ideas after all.

But something about her seems a lot more... calm, unlike yesterday where she seemed one word away from imploding on the spot. I also had no reason to say no, "Sure, good thing you came when I was done with my food." which was most likely on purpose.

My team didn't seem very happy with this, but knew that I both wouldn't say no to her and that Malkuth was their superior. I gave them all a small smile, "Calm down guys, it isn't like I'm going to explode by talking to her." But the reverse could be said for her.

I followed the Sephirah out of the dining room, into what I'm guessing is going to be a very awkward conversation...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Malkuth was moving faster than expected, something about that told me she was in a hurry.

For what, who knows.

The hallways passed in a flash and people avoided us, even if it didn't seem like it, the path was emptier than usual.

She was also trying her hardest to ignore my attempts at small talk. So much for having a nice way to pass time, even if she thought this was important, there was no need to act so rudely about it.

And it would be enjoyable if she hadn't said something vague to drag me off, but we walked for quite a while and far lower than I should be allowed to come. My eyes wandered over this... factory, and I got the feeling that I shouldn't be here.

Malkuth turned around and stared at me for a moment, this dreary place made the situation feel even more unusual than the corporation itself, there was something about it that just felt wrong.

There are also the stains, even if they were hard to spot at first at the far back, I could see something resembling a trash compactor if a little smaller... almost like it wasn't made for trash specifically.

I pulled those thoughts back and regarded Malkuth again, seeing as she was struggling to start the conversation I decided to kick-start this show, "Is there anything, in particular, you want to talk with me?" My question was met with a couple of seconds of silence.

She finally spoke, "You were the one that had made the changes in the rules, while I don't agree with them for... various reasons, it would only be fair for you to take the credit." I don't think you called me and brought me this far below just to tell me that Malkuth.

"Miss Malkuth... no, Malkuth, is there something you want to get off your chest? I'm no psychologist, but I will at least promise to listen without judging you." That was the most honest I could put into words alone, and it seemed to do the trick, since her mechanical body slumped slightly.

She quickly rummaged her notepad and then looked back up at me, "Why put so much effort into those that can't keep up? I myself can't see the reason to try so hard for those that won't try as hard for you, if the position were switched they'd leave you to get eaten alive by abnormalities." I thought about that one for a moment.

She may not like the answer I have, "Two reasons, people suffer all the time and will always blame the world or others, but I know that none of that will ever get them back up, so I try to put a path for them to take... and second because I'm a fool." The last part of my answer gave Malkuth pause and gripped her notepad and gave me a slight glare.

"A fool? After all, you accomplished in such as short time, and you call yourself a fool? What does that make me?" I blinked at her words, she was angry but what caught my attention was how even if the question was about me, she put herself at the forefront.

Is Malkuth self-centered? Her reaction to honest praise and her constant actions trying to reach ridiculous standards... hell, the mere fact that Angela took my side seemed to hit her like a truck.

Maybe I should get this back on track, "Not in that way, I'm not stupid at least half of the people that 'idolize' me in this building see me more as a meat shield than a person, but that never mattered to me, I do what I do because I want to." Malkuth mulled over my words and glanced at her notepad again but in confusion.

"I... don't get it, everyone takes action to aspire towards something, what you describe doesn't make sense." her confusion was evident, doing anything without looking for a reward was abstract to her.

Shrugging my shoulder, I looked at the metallic ceiling and sighed, "Since this whole thing seems to be more about you, let me ask you something, why do you seek those results so badly? This isn't some kind of race to see who's better, the only one that gets to decide your worth is you, after all." My words short-circuited her for a moment.

That reaction was unexpected, it almost seemed like she was remembering something, "Then how do I prove myself to others? The expectations that they have of me are high, and I-" I shook my head at her.

"Malkuth, you are talking as if you are entitled to that attention but let's be real here, this isn't about what they expect of you, but of what you expect of them." Time to lay all the cards on the table, trying to be subtle isn't working and she at every turn talks about the expectations of others have on her. I don't judge her for this, but there is something wrong with the questions she is asking.

"Don't tell me you deluded yourself into believing your way could be the only one?"

Sadly, Angela seemed to have a good grasp on Malkuth's way of thinking, which is actually kind of a problem too now that I think about it, still Malkuth is deluding herself that much is true.

Malkuth was now in the back-foot, no longer leading the conversation, "Of course not! As the Head of the Control Team, the best is only expected of me!" She was half-shouting, but I'm not about to back off now that I'm so deep into the issue.

"Who told you that other than yourself? You are painting an image of yourself that DOESN'T exist. Here is my answer to your last question: Accept your flaws and everything else that has built your character, from there and stick to it, then the rest will follow." I drove home the last part with a stomp on the floor halting whatever Malkuth was going to say back at me, leaving her in a state of shock.

After a minute of silence, I spoke again, "I'll see you during work hours, until then please think about this conversation carefully." I turned around and walked away, the rest is up to her really... that's the kind of self-revelation she needs.

Now I can only hope...

I kept walking through the 'factory' for a while until I came face to face with two small box bots, straight up identically to one another except one is wearing a small bow at the top of what I'm assuming is her head, at least having half the size of Malkuth.

The one with the bow approached me very... haughtily, but she didn't seem hostile, "I have always voiced out my thoughts about the upper Sephirah, but to hear it from someone else is refreshing. Maybe you are worth what everyone says from you." With those words, she turned around and walked away.

The male one didn't leave, however, "I apologize for that, don't let her demeanor fool you, she is quite happy that someone shares her thoughts." This one now made more sense.

I gave him a raised brow, "I don't know about 'sharing thoughts' but I guess letting her ride that high horse isn't going to do any harm." She did kind of have this childish feel to her.

He gave me a polite tilt of his body, which I will take as a nod, "It's nice to meet the latest talk of the clerks, we are Tiphereth." We? Because, of course, that's a thing.

He introduced himself, it is only fair I do the same, "Trigger, apparently the new sensation around these parts." The last part was said with flair to take my mind off from my conversation with Malkuth.

Tiphereth M... I'm creative, looked at me, "You are just how they describe you, I do have one question if you have time." He requested my time as if he wasn't my superior.

Which I had to point out, "Pretty sure you are my boss, but it's impressive to see you being polite about it, shoot." I gave him the go-ahead, and his expression became a little plainer.

"Do you really think having a strong character is enough to gather people around you?" So Tiphereth's... Tipheretheses? Whatever, they most likely heard my talk with Malkuth.

I gave him a firm nod, "Every leader was followed by their character, whether it was faked or not doesn't matter. If you create an appealing image of yourself, others will follow." Also known as charisma.

He gave a small smile that was almost melancholic, "Yeah... just like she did." Wait wha-

Tiphereth F came back running and dragged him away, "Tiphereth we have work to do, we can meet him later if he reaches the lower floors!" I stared at their retreating form, feeling... very unsatisfied.

Like something really important just slipped my fingers, "More to the notepad, more to worry about... same old I guess." After that, I started my walk back to the Control Team floor, all the while worrying about what the future may hold for this facility.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I seem to have underestimated Dakota's child-like enthusiasm, work hours have started, and I was witnessing Dakota sitting on a chair with a towel over her head while BongBong was rubbing her shoulders and Gonzales was giving a pep talk.

Or well trying to give one, "REMEMBER COMRADE, YOU CAN'T WALK THE WALK WITH NO LEGS! YOU CAN'T WORK THE ABNORMALITY WITH NO ARMS! SO YOU BETTER GO IN THERE AND DO BOTH OF THOSE THINGS WITH THE CORRESPONDING LIMBS!!!" As you can see, he is failing.

Glancing at Rober, who was just as surprised as I was, is pointing at Dakota and looked at me, prompting me to shrug "It's a big day for her, c'mon, you can at least wish her good luck." He gave me a flat stare.

"Which she would deny and shove in my face through the whole day, sounds productive." I snorted at how sure he sounded of that fact, these two may act like they hate each other, but if they know each other to guess accurately how they would react to each other's insults and teasing, then calling them 'close' would be correct.

I walked up to Dakota and removed the towel and gave her a pat on the back, "Enough talking champ, time to go and bring that belt back with you." I could feel Rober's exasperation over the fact that I was playing along.

Dakota grinned, "Easy, no butterfly is going to put me down, that's for sure." She threw a couple of jabs at the air and I rolled my eyes, the Backstreets may be a shithole, but a kid is always a kid, even if it's buried deep down.

Dakota entered the chamber, and I was waiting for my orders that should come any moment now, "Trigger, can I ask you something?" Rober suddenly spoke to me, while BongBong and Gonzales perked up. Most likely receiving their orders and leaving down the hallway, the blue-haired woman throwing a wave in our direction, along with a wink directed at Rober, while Gonzales gave us a broad grin and a firm nod.

"Sure, what do you need?" He seemed worried about something for some reason, but he suddenly got close to my ear as if he was about to whisper.

"Not when they are watching, tomorrow in the bathrooms early on the day." My eyes narrowed at how paranoid he sounded, not only that, but the only ones that he would be so worried about... would be management.

Then again my altercations with Malkuth aren't exactly secret, aside from the way I've been treated by management, I'm actually surprised it took anyone that long to question what's up between management and me. I gave him a nod, and he left in the direction BongBong and Gonzales went.

And now... to deal with the new employee and apparently last available recruit of the team, I glanced behind me to the girl that didn't bother talking to any of us and my team made no attempt to talk with her.

But I met her before, she has long black hair and red eyes, a permanent scowl on her face, and an X-shaped scar on her right cheek. Sporting the One Sing E.G.O and the E.G.O weapon from Punishing Bird, her eyes have been on me since work started, I do wonder why she didn't approach us before we started dealing with Abnormalities.

She sighed, "Not gonna rub it in?" I gave her an arched brow, she really expects the worst of people, no matter the circumstance.

"I was expecting an introduction first, there is nothing for me to 'rub' anyway." My answer wasn't satisfactory to her, and she scowled again before sighing and lowering her grumpiness... she was still scowling, though.

Rubbing her eyes and staring at the ground for a few seconds, she took a deep breath and put her eyes back on me again, "I've thought about what you said before, and I'm not ready to give up, I'm not dying on this shit fest." I gave her a snarky smile, it seems someone's motivated.

"Hope you do, I'm guessing you'll be working One Bro at some point." When I said that she sighed and glanced at the wall with annoyance, I don't think I said anything wrong though.

She gave me a tired stare, "So you are the one that made that stupid nickname, Clerks haven't stopped saying it out loud..." How many times was it used to get you this fed up with it?

I didn't voice out my thoughts and I gave her a sheepish smile, "Sorry? Didn't know it would get that popular." Her eyes snapped at me and I blinked, that was a... intense reaction.

"Figures, you don't seem like an attention whore" Wait what does that mean? And now she is walking away, she didn't even give me her name...

"Amelia." She said without turning back, well that answers my questions.

She most likely knows my name already, but I'm not rude, "Trigger, nice to meet you." I got the feeling she scoffed, but being moody seems to be her thing.

"Trigger, start Instinct work on Little Red Riding Hooded Mercenary"

The voice of the manager came in, and I wondered why Malkuth decided to not give me orders, maybe I was too hard on her? No, I said exactly what she needed to hear not, what she wanted, I should have expected this really... doesn't make me feel any better.

I was walking towards Red Hood's chamber, ready to follow my orders.

But I can't help but think about Malkuth, no matter how I spin it she can't be happy with what I said, and even if I tell myself that this could help her... it's only a probability for all I know I made things worse.

Entering Red Hood's chamber, I saw her leaning towards the wall, and she glanced at me while her single eye narrowed, "Keep your thoughts steady, doubt in the middle of work can get you killed." I took a deep breath and moved my worries aside from now.

She is right, worrying about every little thing would just get me killed... that said, I guess it's time I got ready for what's to come, "This may be coming from out of nowhere, but could you teach me how to fight?" She tilted her head at me and kicked the wall while walking towards me.

Red Hood gave me an up and down glance... and then pushed me back almost getting me off my feet, "At least you didn't fall on your ass, I'll bite but don't expect me to be kind." I gave her one nod.

And then she swiped my feet and made me fall on my ass. "Lesson 1, everything and anything is dangerous, so always be ready to dodge." I could hear the SMUG in her voice.

"Yeah, yeah... this is going to hurt a lot, isn't it?" I asked from my position on the ground, and maybe she was smiling down at me.

"Horribly so, pain is a sign of progress after all".

This... is probably one of the dumbest ideas I ever had.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I grunted, the moment I hit the ground when Red Hood had just judo flipped me, showing that she knew a hell of a lot more than the archives showed, "And that's why you need a grounded stance and a balanced center of gravity, any questions?" I gave her a thumbs up and slowly got off the floor, noticing my limp right arm... I think my shoulder got dislocated.

I pointed at it with a frown, "How do I deal with this?" She stared at me and straight-up grabbed my forearm and shoulder and pushed up, getting a sickening pop in response and forcing me to bite down a scream.

Taking a deep breath, I gave her a tired stare, "Ok... that was painful." I started rotating my arm to see if anything was wrong and felt nothing wrong, aside from the soreness.

"Dislocated limbs are just joints out of place, putting them back into place is easy with a decent knowledge of the bone structure and decent force applied too." She is way better at this teaching stuff than I expected her to be, she has been teaching me some unarmed combat and how to not stand like a fucking idiot that could be toppled over by a single push.

I got up and glanced at her while she drew her knife/ax and pointed it at me, "Time to see how good you are with a weapon, draw boy." I pursed my lips and then smiled in amusement, management must be losing their shit... again.

Butterflies came from the coffin in my back carrying the beak shield and One Bro's mace, I grasped the mace with my right hand and the shield on my left one, "Good enough, but only because E.G.O is bullshit." She stared at me for a moment and literally blurred.

Bringing up the shield and getting pushed back from a stab, I suddenly had to step back from a swipe of her leg that almost tripped me, while she was below me, I brought down the mace and... what the fu-

Suddenly, I received a spin kick from her position on the ground that nailed me on the ribs and threw my ass to the ground, but the confusion I felt negated most of the pain.

Red Hood was looking down at me with an 'eye smile', "You seem confused, anything you noticed on that exchange?" I gave her a flat stare, how was I supposed to know you could become intangible!?

"Aside from the part of you being a damn ghost, nothing much." So I'm probably a little salty, she signaled at me to get up while shaking her head in minor disappointment.

She stood there lazily and pointed at my weapon, "Hit me." I gave her a quirked brow but shrugged my shoulders and swung for her head, yup, just went through her.

"Again, but pay attention." I feel like she is calling me stupid on her thoughts, I decided to concentrate more on her rather than my blow I swung in an arc towards her chest, and she... I almost missed it, but I think she tilted back slightly to barely dodge the blow, then what the hell was that shit I was seeing?

My stare of confusion was apparently all Red Hood needed to explain herself to me, "I'm doing two things here aside from dodging. First of all, I'm predicting your intention and moving before you do, if you know what they are doing, then you can dodge it no matter what." That... seems a little too high-level for our first class.

"Ok... how exactly do you do that?" That sounds like shit straight out of a manga from back home, also dope as hell.

She put a finger under her chin and closed her single eye, "Cues, eye movement and body twitches along with posture and finally the position of your own body. If you can have those three things in mind, you can do it... of course, this is based on predictions and experience rather than reflexes." Okay yeah this is some high concept stuff to what I thought it would be just swinging your weapon really well.

She rose her knife/ax again, "Let's go again, you have to instinctually know how your body is moving to keep your full attention on your enemy and surroundings." Okay, so this is an exercise on awareness and battle, and to think at some point I thought math class was hard...

We went at it again and by that I mean she dodged everything I threw at her, I did try to keep my attention more on her, even if from time to time I tripped and got a kick to the face from that blunder and while I could see the tilts she made to dodge sometimes I still saw my attacks go through her, E.G.O lets me use it efficiently but clearly, it doesn't show me how to fight.

I blocked a high-kick aimed at my face with my shield, and she threw her other leg at my face and grabbed me before literally flipping me to the left when she spun her whole body and made my face eat the metal floor, "You should probably call it a day boy, I'm not fond of bullying my prey... unless they are wolves." yup... life is pain.

She removed her legs, which had a lot more lean muscle than expected. While I laid there contemplating how much she kicked my ass, "SO.... ugh-how did I do teach?" I asked, my face still kissing the metal floor.

I had a feeling she was giving me a flat stare, "6 out of 10, try to work more in your awareness and learn to dodge decently." The room flashed green, and I slowly got up, swiping with my thumb the blood on my nose while giving Red Hood a thumbs up.

There goes some of my masculine pride...

The moment I left the door, my whole team looked ready to murder Red Hood... minus Amelia who was at best curious, "I feel like we have been here before." That was probably not the smartest thing that I should have said in this particular situation.

At least Amelia is amused, so that's a plus.

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The day had ended on a high note... kinda, "I'm telling you, it was only a spar where I... got manhandled, but nothing too dangerous." I waved the worries of my team aside from Amelia that just accepted my words and moved on, I was leaning against a wall on the main control room while Dakota was giving me both a tired and angry stare.

"And you managed both of them at the same time, I felt as if my mind would become mush when dealing with that butterfly fuck and here you are casually talking about getting your ass kicked!" I'm honestly surprised of how much trouble she apparently had with the Funeral... I mean, if she is as stubborn as I am, then that abnormality wasn't going to like her a lot.

Gonzales nodded at my words like I was some kind of sage sharing ancient knowledge, "Training with abnormalities... THE GREATEST WAY TO BUILD STRENGTH AND CHARACTER!!!" And now he is pumped.

Rober threw him a look, "Don't go doing that, Trigger is the only one that can do suicidal missions and come back alive." Thanks for the confidence, I guess?

BongBong clapped her hands together as if she suddenly remembered something and pulled out her notepad while writing on it, 'I feel like taking those classes in E.G.O right now!' It's what was written, ah so the time has finally come.

While Dakota seemed... still salty about that, Amelia had finally decided to join our conversation, "What's that all about? Isn't E.G.O just another suit that protects you?" Butterflies came from my coffin, moving around to create words.

'Not Really' they made, making Amelia give me a flat stare that failed to hide the surprises she had shown, "That's... impressive I guess." I rolled my eyes with a small smile on my face, while Rober threw her a smirk.

"I can teach you too if you feel like it, and yes BongBong just name a time and a place." BongBong was static if only for a second Rober frowned, and I smiled at him along with Dakota, making him huff and look away... jealousy? The poor man has handed more ammunition to Dakota.

"Trigger, present yourself at the Manager's office, he would like to talk with you"

The voice of Angela reached my ears and I felt my eyes narrow before sighing and kicking off the wall, "Looks like the Manager wants to talk with me, think about where you want to train in the meantime." I glanced at BongBong that nodded at me with a nervous smile.

Robber for his part narrowed his eyes too and nodded at me, Dakota noticed that me and Rober weren't exactly happy with the manager and threw me a raised brow while I shook my head in her direction and signaled with my head towards Rober. Gonzales was just confused but kept his smile up, while Amelia threw me a curious stare before shrugging and returning her attention elsewhere.

The walk was silent, no matter how I spun it... they could have only called me here for two things only, and whichever it was didn't matter, since both aren't things I really want to talk about.

The elevator and door were still the same, and every step towards his office annoyed me more.

Keep your thoughts steady, doubt in the middle of work can get you killed.

I took a deep breath and let it out while clearing my mind, going to meet someone I frankly don't like. With thoughts like that can't be good for anyone, I walked forward and knocked on his door twice.

"Enter." I did as the manager said and entered his office, seeing him on his chair making direct eye contact with me, eyes narrowed in concealed anger, but I kept my face neutral.

Angela was nowhere to be found, so I'm guessing he wanted this talk to be just between us, "Trigger today has been a little stressful, you have decided yet again to handle an abnormality in your own way, but that hardly matters since your results speak for themselves." He got up and walked up to me while staring at me straight in the eyes, trying to play it off like a threat that just didn't hit.

"But Malkuth has not reported for work at all, Angela right now is going out of her way to get an explanation out of her, but she did mention that you and Malkuth going to the lower levels... so whatever you two may have talked WON'T stay hidden, and you WILL tell me what it was." He all but demanded of me, but I gave him a neutral stare.

"No..." was the only word that came out of my mouth.

He tried to hide his surprise, but I knew better, "I don't think you understand what your position is right now, what did you talk about with Malkuth?" Something about what he said... I stared harder into his eyes, searching for something, and I found it.

Worry, worrying about Malkuth... I understand my position, I think you are the one that doesn't... "so why the sudden care for Malkuth?" I asked, my face still neutral but my gaze intense, he froze for a second and showed a great deal of confusion before cooling his emotions and glaring at me.

He must have talked with Malkuth and must have at least noticed something wasn't right with her, so why worry until now? "Leave Trigger, if you won't cooperate, then Malkuth will." I shook my head and gave him a disappointed stare.

"You should have started with her if she was your main priority." He flinched, but that still confused me... he is supposed to be a NEW manager, he couldn't have known Malkuth beforehand since she is apparently a robot, so where was that worry coming from?

I left his office with a frown on my face, the Sephirah must be a key into the deeper secrets of this facility... something that should become clear when I meet another one, but for now, I'll wait.

But one thing is certain... I glanced behind me, staring at the door of the Manager's office, he is more than just the 'new' Manager.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

The 'search' for Malkuth couldn't have come at a more interesting time, while witnessing another confrontation between the amnesiac X and the... interesting Trigger would be a joy, there was still work for me to do.

The stroll towards Malkuth's location could be called boring, but there was something or rather someone giving me ample information to pass the time with, the impossibility that walked these hallways with too much worry on his head and smarter than most would give him any credit 'Trigger'.

I had already tried to get any information on him, but all attempts were quickly thwarted by an unknown. Hokma himself had no clue about him, and he wasn't connected to the TT2 protocol like all employees and there was no actual DNA on him to look into, he was put in here and someone wanted him to stay.

There was only one place that could out-rank her in the facility. Keter was a place unknown to me and from there Trigger must have come, or the Sephirah of that department sent him... only guesses as to why he is here.

She should have taken care of him a long time ago, yet he simply gave no reason or opportunity to feasibly do that without looping back again. Trigger had wormed himself through pure stubbornness and willingness to help.

That kindness wasn't faked, and it didn't make him stupid. He knew quite well that he has been taken advantage of but still keeps that mentality simply because he likes it, and all of these facts paled in comparison to his reaction when he first met me... even if my own reaction couldn't have been called normal.

He was everything I wanted him to be and what B thought of him, yet clearly, a different person with his own thoughts and ideas. I couldn't help but yearn that my creator could be like that, even if just a second, a ridiculous notion but one I couldn't help but picture in my mind.

I was still curious even after that interaction, I needed to know more about someone that could so readily help simply because he enjoyed it, that wasn't normal.

Not even the woman I was based on could throw themselves into the abyss and hope to grow wings, but he did. His eyes showed how far he will go and how much it would hurt to fail.

And even if he wore his heart under his sleeves... he didn't show everything, he had confided that above all else he worried all the time by the vague thoughts of failure coming to him and how his own ideal may be his own end.

Maybe the scariest part about him was his ability to read people. I noticed his eyes and he knew how I was feeling even if I had years of experience to hide my emotions from others, yet he looked through it in seconds.

A terrifying ability.

Along with his interactions with the Abnormalities which are... vexing to watch, there is only so many times you can see a man take a leap of faith before it becomes annoying and Trigger had managed to put himself at risk more than he should have been able to in 5 days.

And his newest surprise had come with him managing to simply talk down Malkuth with the barest of information, while figuring her out like as if he was reading a book, or that is what would have been had he used said information with ill intent.

Trigger wanted to help Malkuth realize her own faults by herself, which... shouldn't be possible. Whatever A needed, the Sephirah for the manager should instigate their fears and help them, for whatever reason? I wasn't sure, but it should be like that.

Sadly Trigger didn't play by the rules, Malkuth has never simply disregarded her work even when doing horrible attempts at her designated position, yet Trigger had caused something to change.

That shouldn't be.

Malkuth had holed herself in the same room she used to dispose of bodies, no matter what her problem was she needed to go back to her position... I blinked at the image my eyes perceived.

The Sephirah of the Control Team was simply standing there, staring at the bodies without moving at all. Her notepad was nowhere to be seen, and her body tilted slightly when I entered, she noticed my arrival, "Angela, isn't it funny that as much as you want to forget your own faults, they have an ironic way to come back to you?" Her voice had none of the usual energy she displayed, while I tried to think of any reaction she may have had similar to this one.

Yet none could compare, this was... new, "I'm not here to talk about whatever troubles you, the manager has asked for your presence." I was sure my usual responses would be enough to make her listen, yet she didn't even flinch, still staring down at the bodies with horrid nostalgia.

"They all have my face, every time I send one of them to their inevitable death... I saw my face, but I always thought it was a minor malfunction at work, that would never be me... but I was wrong, as usual." Malkuth had gone the deep end, but putting her back on her place shouldn't be too hard, and she would be disposed of along with this loop... how disappointing.

Malkuth turned around, and I frowned, I have never seen that on a Sephirah before... her body twisted and churned releasing black flesh slowly and twisting her form slightly, yet her single eye was completely lucid, "I can't go back, not on this... Carmen wouldn't have wanted any of this, I didn't want others to go out as I did. But just like he did, I just turned around and walked away. You didn't deserve what happened here either, and I'm sorry for that..." Her form stayed like that and walked forward, any power I had over her was overwritten by something else...

"The time I spent here was to strip away any power you had over this room... it took some time, it should keep you inside long enough... for me to make things right."

I needed to act quickly before- a long and black tentacle snapped from Malkuth and pushed me inside the room filled with bodies, the action alone was surprising because of many factors, but it was still slightly embarrassing getting out-smarted by Malkuth of all people.

I had already delivered a message to the Manager, the door closed, and I worked at my best speed to get past whatever Malkuth had done, and... indeed it would take a while of course, she would do her job right at the worst time.

Was this what A had needed the Sephirah for or something else...

"Don't worry Angela, after today... everything will be over, this was beyond our control from the beginning." Hearing her talk like that was... if only slightly infuriating, but I kept working, trying to get past the firewalls.

It would take... 2 hours at my current speed, the Manager just has to survive long enough... and there is one man that can make sure of that. Malkuth may have made impressive work keeping me in, but I can still reach out to others for short periods of time.

Now I just have to find Trigger's communicator... there.

"Trigger, there has been a complication."

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


"BongBong... why the bathroom, of all places?" I asked my eager coworker that is clutching the Punishing Bird pistol with a bright smile on her face. Seems to me like the Corporation couldn't care less about privacy since the bathrooms are unisex.

Not exactly weird, but something that doesn't surprise me considering what I have seen.

She had picked this place after I have finished my little talk with the Manager, and she dragged me here ready to start learning my wa-

"Trigger there ha... een a com..ication"

I recognized the voice, but it was hard to get what she was saying with the static, "What kind of complication?" I asked, with slight worry of what would make Angela say 'complication'.

BongBong blinked in my direction and I threw her a shrug, seems like she is also getting the message.

"Malkuth has... and is looking to.... the entire facility"

Starting to hate static... but if I fill in the blanks by myself.

Malkuth is trying to do something and Angela isn't happy with it, so it can't be good for anyone, "Are you asking me to look fo-" A loud siren was heard, and I stumbled, but I do know of this warning... the Second Trumpet?

"BongBong we have to go look for the rest of the team and do it now!" I shouted and bolted towards the door, kicking it down and looking around the corridors. I saw Beth running towards me, while down the hallway I could see the faint light of fire.

I grabbed Beth and threw her towards BongBong, she that caught her while stumbling, "NOT THAT WAY!" I screamed because I swear to god I saw a giant bird made from fire in that direction, and I wasn't about to deal with that.

We kept running and approaching towards the Main Room of the Control Team, just to see the hallway full of butterflies, "Are you serious?" I asked in exasperation, seeing to my left hiding behind a wall both Gonzales and Rober.

Rober was coming out of cover to shoot with his bird powered pistol towards the wave of butterflies which... did nothing, while Gonzales was clutching his mace tightly while darting his eyes around. Seeing us he waved to the left fast, he told us to cover, which I did.

I turned around and looked at Beth straight in the eyes, "Where are the clerks at?" I asked, feeling very sure that some survived whatever shit fest is happening.

She trembled for a moment, "Most of them... died, the deterrence was altered on the floor below us and some abnormalities escaped, Information tried to handle it, but one managed to go past them..." Her voice was frail, and I felt something inside of me stir just for me to crush whatever it was.

"Alright then... I'm guessing that the few that survived stayed on Information." I went out of cover, hearing the vague sounds of fighting beyond the sounds of the fluttering butterflies.

Maybe I can move those butterflies? The ones from my coffin listen to me... worth a try, I tried to concentrate just to feel a pit in my chest and almost cried for some reason... because there are just so many to mourn... what about t-.

I recalled Red Hood's words and mercilessly pushed those thoughts aside, trying to connect again with the butterflies and the pit never leaving, but I just pushed past the feeling of loss and slowly the butterflies moved aside, "Move it!" I could see, in the main room, Amelia and Dakota fighting like hell against the Funeral.

My body tried to move, but it was hard enough wresting for control of those little shits from the Funeral, Rober went out of cover and ran forward while shooting the Funeral that was giving his back to him, the shots didn't do much, but they did get his attention when the Funeral turned around and rose his middle-arm.

Dakota moved and shoved her own pistol on the Funeral's head and started unloading, damaging its head, and the Funeral started trying to get her off.

Amelia came from below and while the Funeral was tumbling, she reared her mace back, and in a wide arc, her weapon landed on the Funeral's knee, making him fall down.

The pit was growing more in my chest, the emotional pain suddenly becoming VERY physical... like my ribs and chest had suddenly disappeared, and my flesh was just suffering from the lack of body parts. I heaved and clutched my chest while tumbling backwards, only staying on my feet since Beth lent me her shoulder.

I blinked and went for the magnums on my coat and gave them to BongBong, who didn't need to even think twice before dashing out and pulling the triggers. Now those shots went through the abnormality while getting manhandled on the ground by Gonzales and Amelia, who moved aside at the sound of gunshots.

The Funeral flopped and soon just... vanished. Along with the pit in my chest, made me release a breath of relief, "Are you okay!? What was that!?" I glanced at Beth and I just shrugged. I really don't have time to think about that.

BongBong came running back and handed me my guns. I could see why she was so desperate about that too, I could see at the tip of her fingers the gauntlets of the Funeral forming vanished the moment I took the guns back.

I walked forward while giving a small nod to Beth and reached the Main Room, "Angela if you can hear, me please tell me what the fuck?" I asked out loud, getting the attention of everyone in the room.

"Malkuth must be... Manager, she is looking for..."

The line went silent and Dakota rose to her feet, "But why would Malkuth do all of this!? She loves her job!" I doubt she does, guess my talk with her just made things worse...

That... feels weird, I didn't know how to describe it other than small... yeah I felt small.

Still, I have to keep my head in the game, "Let's ask her after tonight is done... alright then, I'm going for the Manager along with Dakota and Rober, Amelia you take Gonzales and help Information Team watch out for the flaming bird on the way and Beth... I need you to do something for me." Dakota and Rober threw me curious stares.

This was a big gamble on my part, but I kind of felt out of options, "Go inside Red Hood's chamber and tell her I want her services." Beth gave me wide eyes that screamed 'what' as a statement.

Everyone else was exuding the same energy... aside from Rober, "You want BongBong to work One Sin and Punishing Bird to pay her with Enkephalin?" He got my plan in no time.

"Yeah, she is a mercenary, and we need the manpower, are you in?" I asked Beth who must felt in the spotlight, which I don't want to do, but there are many things to do in very little time.

She nodded and I smiled.

"Let's go team!" And all bets are off.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Amelia: POV

Trigger was insane, but just staying in our department wouldn't be any better and to be fair, I wouldn't have stayed there even if he told me to. So this works better for everyone... if only Gonzales was capable of SHUTTING THE FUCK UP!

"Comrade Amelia, this place is very burned... maybe we should take some of the E.G.O lying around?" At his sudden burst of intelligence and stopped at the hallway leading to the elevator to Information was pitch black, whatever passed through here lit the whole area.

It also killed three Agents that must have come to suppress it, even if the hallway was charred their bodies stood there like statues made from ash, crying embers and having holes in their chests which are leaking embers too... disgusting shit.

The E.G.O suits they wore must have been destroyed, but the weapons? Those are lying on the ground and seem usable to me, a giant ass cannon with a big matchstick going through the middle and an enormous, rusted axe lying next to it. Training always said to never use E.G.O you aren't prepared for... rules that the leader of this team never seems to listen to nor have common sense, why should I?

I picked up the cannon while being surprised at the weight, being way lighter than expected. Meanwhile, Gonzales put his mace in his belt as an impromptu sheath while I had to hide my pistol under my suit, "These are great weapons!... I do feel a bit weird in my chest, maybe I ate something weird?" I scoffed at him, feeling just a tiny bit angrier, most likely from the E.G.O I just picked up.

"It's the E.G.O dumbass, using it without the requirements could be fatal from over use... we should be fine. Not like this whole deal would last the whole night." And if it did, we would be dead, so it doesn't really matter.

We ran towards the elevator and prepared ourselves, as every second the elevator moved, the sound of mayhem became louder and louder. First day as an Agent and I already miss clerk work... fuck me, this place is hell.

And I just grew angrier at the thought.

The elevator opened, and I saw a Clerk running away from something and an Agent running towards it, giving very different perspectives. There was one girl in the thick of it, but I ignored her to look at the various bodies on the ground, the blood and the metal giant inserting one of my coworkers inside of his chest.

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

I snapped when I saw that, the anger at Trigger of all people being right and the anger at being born in this world with empathy, "HEY COCKSUCKER!!!" The giant paid me no mind, but I still aimed the cannon at him and fired, making him stumble back and dropping the body, there was a scorched mark at the side of the metal giant that rose his axe up and moved towards me.

And the cannon would shoot again. I saw a big figure moving forward, using two handing on the same axe if slightly smaller and swing it in an upper-arc while the giant swings downwards, both weapons meeting in the middle and creating a shockwave that sent Gonzales back slightly while the giant shook in its place.

"I'll buy you time, Comrade!!!" And with that shout of defiance, he threw himself forward again, this time aiming at the giant's waist. The metal giant blocked the attack with his metallic forearm and rose his axe again, trying to cleave Gonzales again, but my cannon fired again.

"EAT THIS SCRAP FUCK!!" I shouted again, following by the roar of fire landing on the giant's helmet, and sending him back. Gonzales took this opportunity to run ahead and jump while rearing the axe back and nailing the giant in the middle of its head, the axe cleaving it in half.

The giant slowly fell down on his back with a loud clank, and I breathed out while finally focusing my attention on the girl in the room fighting.

The tall pale woman with a pitch black eye and half of her face covered in darkness while three black rapiers were flying around her and her dress seemingly was filled with stars.

The employee that was fighting her and somehow not dying at the three flying swords trying to skewer her. She has short purple hair and purple eyes, along with looking more annoyed at this than worried, wearing an E.G.O suit that resembled the abnormality she was fighting down to the very sword. She was holding to fend off the flying rapiers and was bleeding from various places.

I threw one look at Gonzales, who nodded while charging forward. Axe raised high while I shot over his head towards the abnormality, the explosion was satisfactory, but it barely made the tall lady stumble back who glanced at our direction with despair. Shit don't look like that while I'm trying to kill you!

Gonzales swung down and was repelled with one attack from the flying rapiers, but that was the chance the girl took to move past the other two flying weapons and stab the abnormality right under her jaw and through her head, who's single eye widened and just... committed suicide?

Her own swords had suddenly stabbed her and I felt... cold about that, why was it so sad? It was trying to kill us, right?

The girl swiped the blood off her blade and glanced at us with slight boredom... is she some kind of veteran? "You should hand that E.G.O back when this is done." She just doesn't give a fuck, does she?

"Sure, sure..." I sighed while fanning myself with my hand, why was it so hot all of a sudden?

Gonzales gulped loudly and pointed at the end of the hallway where... a giant bird made of fire was staring at us, "Comrades... did anyone order fried chicken?" If the bird doesn't kill him, I will.

"That was terrible, we are also dead." And this bitch just accepts it!?

I readied the cannon and fired at the bird with... minimal success, "Fuck, it's immune to fire" I... the looks they gave me made me feel embarrassed... just a bit.

Something then came flying from behind me. It was red, and I heard a loud gunshot that threw the bird's head back, followed by a flying axe that nailed itself on the bird's chest, making it fall down to the ground. The figure stopped, and I could see the long red hood it was wearing while grabbing the handle of the axe and pulling down.

Gutting the threatening visage like a turkey in seconds, the figure straightened and stood there, "First time I saw my prey so happy to get hunted... weird." I'll carve this in my head for a long time...

"Well... mission accomplished, Comrade!" Shouted Gonzales while I sighed and smiled... he gets a dumbass pass just for today.

The girl stared at him, "What kind of maniacs did Control Team get?" Says the expressionless bitch...

Wonder how's our intrepid leader doing...

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


My breath was ragged, and I could feel my mind getting cloudy from time to time. The edges of my vision getting blurry, but Malkuth was always clear in my view... the wonders of a single-minded purpose...

Malkuth thankfully didn't twist the black appendage in my stomach, but still gave me an analytic stare before glancing once at Rober and then back at me, "This is for everyone, I won't say I'm not involved... but this is just too much for us, too big." I didn't move my eyes from her.

Alright, I need more information... I glanced at my stomach and saw the bleeding.

And I needed it fast, "You speak as if he wasn't new to this, but the Manager seems as lost as I am." He may know about the Time bullshit, but he clearly didn't know what Malkuth was talking about.

Malkuth's attention went back to the Manager, "I guess it isn't your fault too... better said the one you are right now can't be blamed." I blinked at that and shelved this information for later... I need to reason with Malkuth before everything else.

"Have you talked about this with anyone else? Or did you just decide what was best for everyone?" Malkuth's eye went back to me and I felt the tentacle spin slightly, and I had to grit my teeth to avoid flinching.

Malkuth's body distorted again slowly, looking more like a pile of goo with machinery sticking here and there, "I don't know what's best for everyone, but I know that this whole operation isn't what she would have wanted." Who is she talking about? Maybe the woman Tiphereth M talked about...

Shit, I'm getting side tracked again, "So... let's say you go through with this, you bring down the facility down and then what?" More context is needed here.

"Nothing, we stop... as we should have a long time ago." Malkuth had given up on L Corp for some reason or another, and even if I'm missing so much context, there are still weapons to be used here.

"You are talking big game here, but you haven't changed at all... you are just trying to take control of things out of self-righteous anger." I pointed out at the same time I finished, the tentacle went out of my body, making me grunt and fall to my knees.

Jesus fuck... that's a lot of blood, "Trigger... you only saw a glimpse of this hell and have the audacity to talk as if you know anything?" Again with the self-righteous stuff...

I slowly got up and stared at her with a stern frown, "I don't know anything about your pain, but guess what? It isn't about only you anymore. You first said this was about someone else, and then went back to YOUR pain." Malkuth didn't respond for a moment, and then I continued.

Pointing at Malkuth, while giving her a glare and spoke, "You have what you wanted Malkuth, you have CONTROL. What am I gonna do with a hole in my stomach? What can Rober do with his current gear? The Manager is built like spaghetti... yet here you are, listening to me while you could have continued your so called 'plan' at anytime." Malkuth trembled, and I saw a black tentacle snap in my direction and passing right besides my head.

But I didn't give myself the luxury of flinching, "This is just a big show for people to finally praise you for something, a salvation of a pain... that only you have while no one else has complained about." Malkuth single eye flickered while narrowing in my direction.

"But they do! Every single day is hell in this place, and they all have constantly voiced out their need to leave! I'm just giving them what they wanted!" She sounded angry, but that means I must have hit a sore point... hope she doesn't skewer me in an emotional reaction.

I shook my head, "That's stupid, they want to leave because they are afraid of dying here. Why would they just accept your terms and... just give up here with you?" Putting aside that, outside of the facility was The City, which is just as dangerous if not more... if Dakota said the truth.

"Malkuth... let's be realistic, you want people to look up to you because you need their words to stand up, but only a complete idiot will try to stand on empty praise." Malkuth flinched back, and I took my chance to walk forward, seeing as how her body was slowly returning to her box form.

I was right in front of her and I tried to stare into her very soul, "Then let me help you get that foothold, so you can proudly say 'I stand for what I believe' and never regret it." I offered my hand, and could only...

Hope.

There was a tense moment of silence. While I ignored the incredulous stares of both Rober and the Manager... Malkuth glanced once at the Manager.

And let him down slowly, her body returning to her old self, "I... I remembered so many things that hurt me, I only wanted to prove myself and get back what I felt I deserved by my efforts." Her words were like that of an old lady, remembering the old times with nostalgia.

"Tried my hardest, to prove to others that I could... be relied on, and at my dying moments, I brought up my own desperation to be acknowledge... I got one look from him, and he never looked back. So I... tried to impress him... by copying him." She sounded unsure of these words, I wonder why...

She took my hand carefully and shook it, "Even now, I just wanted some form of approval, but maybe I never needed it to begin with." I smiled at her... feeling something leave her body.

A warm light...

I got the feeling Malkuth would be smiling right now, "Maybe I only needed the Will to stand up Straight by myself." Heh... guess being enough of a sap can save li-

My vision blurred, and I felt the world tilt backwards... oh yeah, I was bleeding out...

Is someone shouting my name...?

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I woke up slowly, seeing the ceiling of... I don't know, but I knew the ground wasn't the most comfortable of places.

My eyes were blurry, so I had to blink a couple of times to get my bearings back. Once that was done, I glanced around to see I was still in the Manager's office.

The Manager was sitting on his chair, looking at his monitors silently. He turned to meet my gaze and found him looking... out of place, the man I found myself hating no longer being reflected there and what I found was uncertainty in his eyes.

He quickly buried these emotions, but I had already seen them, confusing me even more... my eyes wandered around again and found that it was only us here, "I'm guessing you didn't keep me here with you to have a man talk?" I do wonder how they closed the hole in my stomach, but I'm not about to complain about being alive.

He stared at me for a second, "The moment Malkuth calmed down, Angela fixed everything in record time... well the problems in software at least, the physical one's..." He looked down at the hallway with a furrowed brow, I followed his gaze just to see a fixed, open door and the elevator looking good as new.

I glanced at him with an arced brow, and he just shook his head, so he has no idea either... "Putting that aside then... what do you want?" I asked while slowly getting up, putting aside much of my dislike of the man after what I saw when I woke up.

The Manager seemed confused for a moment before sighing, "How do you know? No, that's a stupid question. WE told you, after all, how do YOU remember?" I paused for a moment, thinking back on whatever the hell threw me back here.

While also sporting an enormous frown on my mouth, "I'm... not sure, I just know something send me back." The Manager blinked at me while I shrugged, showing that I was as lost as he was.

He rubbed his eyes, clearly trying to deal with whatever turmoil he has on his head, while I let my mind wander for a moment, thinking about how... overbearing just returning back on time has to be for anyone...

...Returning back on time?

"You are the new Manager, right?" I asked him, suddenly feeling incredibly confused, while he threw me a flat stare.

"No, I'm an assistant at a grocery store." I suppressed a snort, I'm not about to show any sort of amusement towards him.

Then... why would they even need one, "So if going back on time is something the Manager's can do, what happened to the last one?" It bothered me that you would need a new one when the threat of death is so... small?

Fuck, even thinking about it crushes my chest a little...

He stopped moving for a second, then glanced at the left, right where Angela's desk is and... didn't frown but took a pensive expression, "I don't think I'm allowed to find out." That's... worrisome.

Angela SHOULD know, but she didn't mention it to the current Manager. Even if she acts very differently while around the guy, this seems suspicious, "Just like what happened to Malkuth?" Because there is no way that was normal.

The Manager glanced at me before he looked at the monitors again, as if to avoid my eyes, "It... seems to be a problem that happens. There was a warning made specifically for it too... Angela wasn't completely sure what it was either." I'm not sure if she would even give you a direct answer, Manager... then there should be only one person that knows.

A.

The enigmatic owner of L corp... "Well, that's great to know. Now I no longer have to be surprised when I see this again." The Manager slowly turned to look at me in the eye.

For a moment...he seemed scared, "What does Malkuth look like to you?" The sudden and in my opinion STUPID question caught me off-guard.

"A metal box with legs? I mean, only a blind person couldn't see that." My words seemed to strike a chord in him, while he looked up at the monitors again and kept silent.

What the hell?... "Anyway, where is Malkuth and Rober for that matter?" He didn't turn around this time, choosing to stare at the monitors while answering my question.

"Rober was sent back towards Control, told to help around on a last check-up to make sure everything is in order before you are all allowed to go back and rest. Malkuth was told by Angela to follow her... said she needed to make sure no 'bugs' are plaguing Malkuth's system." He mentioned Rober as an afterthought, but when he started talking about Malkuth... he sounded almost disbelieving.

I stretched my back while getting some satisfying pops, "Guess I have to go and do my part then... hey Manager, are you okay?" My question was met with silence, like he was no longer here with me.

My eyes never left his back for a couple of seconds, "I guess..." It was his half-hearted response, I rolled my eyes and walked away, wondering what the hell got into him today.

I reached the elevator and started it, going inside and just... started to ponder while the contraption did its work.

Whatever happened to Malkuth was something that "A" the founder must have known, since there was a special warning for it that must be true... but what even is that whole deal all about? Malkuth spoke like she had been at this BEFORE, being well... here.

That is too weird for me to overlook, meaning that I should talk with Malkuth again and get everything cleared... I doubt I can do that tonight, when Angela must be busy with her.

I scratched the back of my head and left the elevator. Walking down the hallway and seeing at the end, my team chatting worriedly. Beth looking like a kicked puppy and Dakota having this face filled with so much confusion, I didn't know what to do about it.

Amelia was the first one to notice me, calling out to everyone else while pointing at me. I noticed the dumb, relaxed smile Rober showed when he laid eyes on me...

Why is Beth running towards me? It took me a second to realize that she JUMPED at me! I had to step back to catch her since she almost went past me, "Jesus what the-" she gave me a hug, her arms wrapping around my neck trying really hard to choke me.

Which she may have been able to do if I wasn't wearing EGO, I of course ignored all of that in favor of feeling her tears drenching my clothes... Rober you bitch.

I glanced at BongBong once, "You know Rober almost got impaled for trying to act like me?" I mercilessly threw him under the buss, making the blue haired girl look all over the place for injuries, while Rober threw me a betrayed stare.

YOU DESERVE IT!

Dakota was still looking a little conflicted, but it wasn't enough to hid her amusement, "Looks like the Prodigy is still kicking!" She announced with a small smile.

Gonzales, who was right behind Amelia, laughed loudly, "We should celebrate this great journey!" What a guy...

Amelia was not too thrilled with the idea, "Yeah, let's celebrate every time we are about to die... makes sense." Harsh her words may be, but she was still smiling.

I glanced down at Beth, who was not going to stop crying any time soon, and I returned the hug while patting her back.

Man... today's shit show may have been painful, but coming back to a place where you have friends after it just feels amazing.

So no one would blame me if I enjoy myself a little on this atmosphere... only a little.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Funny thing about having friends... they have no sense of timing, "-nd that's like the sixth reason for you to stay leader in Control Team." I gave Rober a flat stare while everyone else around the table was doing the same.

Dakota was just staring at him like he just grew a second head. She was also now sporting the same E.G.O suit I was, Solemn Lament is just too stylish, and I know she agrees with me... everyone else didn't get any new equipment.

Well except for the new member of the team. Beth is about to become an Agent too and will follow me to Information Team since their whole team got wiped out.

Amelia was busy telling Beth to take shit from no one, while BongBong was just nodding along while patting the back of the poor woman that just seemed like the pressure was going to kill her, "So if that emotionless Bitch gets too noisy, you tell her what she deserves." Amelia then proceeded to shove a sandwich in her mouth without taking a pause.

Beth looked at me and I pointed my index finger and my head and spun it, Amelia do be coo coo, "Um... sure?" Beth took that as a sign to lie.

BongBong pumped her fist and nodded at Amelia, didn't think she would agree with Amelia, of all people.

Gonzales smiled at me... then he started crying what the fu- "COMRADE, I'LL MISS YOU!!!" He wailed at me, while I glanced at Amelia, who surprisingly enough interacted the most with the big guy.

Amelia just shook her head like she was saying 'just let him be', my eyes moved back to Gonzales and I gave him an unsure thumbs up that just made him wail harder.

Dakota stared at this entire scene and just died a little on the inside, "Oh my God, you are a grown ass man. Pull yourself together... you too, Rober." She added the last part since Rober still tried listing arbitrary reasons for me to stay in Control.

No one really paid him any mind, but I did return my attention back to BongBong while eating a piece of bacon, "Maybe we could finally get those E.G.O lessons after today's work is over." BongBong's eyes that already looked like stars decided to go the extra mile and shine like stars too.

Dakota perked up at that, "Finally! I've been waiting all this time for those to happen." Well, someone's eager, although I really can't hold it against her.

"Putting that aside, Rober you need to calm down... you are starting to sound like a clingy girlfriend." He didn't laugh at the joke, and neither did I. We both know I was trying to hide his insecurities.

Rober's thoughts regarding management in general... haven't been that great. He is straight up thinking they wanted me dead, well Malkuth at some point did, but that's different.

Not only that, but he also thought that we wouldn't have time for the talk he desperately wanted to have with me, which I had already reassured him we would have.

Dakota, unaware of our little mental talk, butted in again, "Shit... at our six." My vision moved in that direction, noticing how most of my team... well, ex-team had a more reserved body language, aside from Amelia and Dakota.

Dakota just seemed uncomfortable and confused, considering how much she seemed to like Malkuth, which wasn't a surprise, but Amelia was just hostile.

The metal box was approaching me while I gave her a warm smile, both because this is the first time I saw her since yesterday's shit show and because I have a feeling she needs the positivity considering how my friends reacted to her.

Malkuth's whole body language, while nervous, didn't seem afraid nor strict... hell she even looks confident to a certain extent, "Hi there team... umm... could I borrow Trigger for just a second?" I could feel the tension, behind me Beth also looked hostile while BongBong just didn't know how to react.

Rober didn't stay silent, though, "Came to finish the Shish Kebab?"

My eyes snapped towards him, and he flinched while averting his gaze, while BongBong gave him a slap on the back of the head for adding fuel to the fire.

"A sorry wouldn't do, but Trigger decided to put his faith in me, and I'll make sure it wasn't misplaced." Malkuth took the jab like a champ, while I threw Rober an arced brow, that was quite the intense reaction.

Dakota's mouth formed a minuscule smile, "That's great to hear!" I blinked at that for a moment, a joyful Dakota sounds so wrong for some reason...

Amelia snorted, "Kiss ass".

Dakota's smile became sinister, "I can bend your back, so you can kiss yours." Gonzales laughed while Amelia flipped her the bird.

I smiled while chuckling and getting up, "I'll be gone for a while, guys try to not kill each other." While the atmosphere was more light, I could still see the apprehension, Beth took a deep breath and nodded at me.

Now that would have been encouraging if not for the tears at the corners of her eyes, "Oh don't worry! I'll bring him back in one piece!" Oh my god, Malkuth, I have to teach you tact!

I breathed through my teeth while noticing everyone just stare gobsmacked at the metal box and I grabbed her by the arm and started speed walking away, "Oh would you look at that, work is almost starting, better go and talk before it's too late!" Not my cleanest save, but things were already bad.

"That... wasn't what I wanted." Malkuth mumbled to herself while I sighed, we hardly get what we want in life.

I slowed down and let her go, taking a more slow pace while walking. I put my hands into my pockets, "It's good to see you are okay Malkuth, what is that you want to talk about anyway?" I myself see this as a chance to ask SO many questions.

Malkuth's sole eye flickered as if blinking, "Many things really, most importantly... to thank you." My eyes stared into her own single eye.

The broad and admittedly dumb smile on my face appeared naturally, "I just did what I thought was best, that's what anyone can do." Malkuth's demeanor became more happy and relaxed.

"Sounds like something she would say... you are so much like her that I can't help but wonder if you are related." Oh, so Malkuth also knows this woman that Tiphereth M also knew.

I mean that sounds interesting, but I do have more pressing questions, the moment we reached the main room of Control I decided to let it out, "Malkuth, you were made to be here right? So how come you talk as if you-" Malkuth rose her metallic hand in a silencing motion while looking at the roof.

Her eye turned back to me, and she sighed... which sounded very weird from a machine, "To answer that, I should tell you the story of a little attention hog known as Elijah." I blinked for a moment.

And I started wondering who this was and why she was so important.

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My eyes stayed with Malkuth and I had to ask, "I'm guessing this is very important to what happened?" I would like to hear her first before trying to make any conclusions.

Malkuth... probably nodded? She doesn't have a neck, so the gesture seemed a little awkward, "You could say that she was there to see it all... just... try to listen to everything before asking any questions." She was speaking of the issue with a heavy tone. Yeah, I'll keep quiet then.

"It was years ago... not sure how many, a little and adventurous girl that heard great things from an ambitious woman. She was sure that she could make a change and went to help them." She spoke as if remembering your early days in high school, pure embarrassment.

After a short pause she continued, "Or so she thought, unable to even take proper notes to remember what she had to do, she was put to record the experiments taking place... she wasn't happy with it." Bitterness... at herself?

I had to bite my cheek to keep myself from asking anything... what the hell is she going on about?

"But she wasn't about to give up, every trick in the book... failed. Every attempt executed poorly and this wasn't something she could accept, told that she should stay in her position. When the situation got... dire, she chose not to listen." And then there was shame, making me bite my cheek harder, something is very wrong here...

Malkuth sole eye landed on me, "She took the experimental 'Cogito' that wasn't ready for human usage. She lost her teeth and fingernails while her body slowly rotted on the inside. She called out for help towards the man that always refused her requests... you should know how that went." I gulped... no, it felt more like I pushed something down. Hearing something like this... what was I even meant to say?

...

No... oh god... no...

"A... are you Elijah…?" That was the only thing that made sense, why would she know every detail of that story so well? Every feeling she felt... it was the only logical conclusion.

Please tell me I'm wrong.

Malkuth stared at me, "You are right... although the correct term would be... I WAS Elijah." My hand covered my mouth on instinct, this wasn't something that could be summarized with words.

But the feeling... is something that you can only understand when you feel it yourself, "What do... no, if time reversal is a thing I wouldn't know how much time has passed... I don't even think I have the right to ask why you don't see yourself as Elijah." That experience was too unique to just say such things, only those that went through it could dare question it.

"Trigger, all Corporations are cruel places... and I'd like to believe this one had a justification for everything that we did, until we did too much. You can't wash blood with blood." She sounded disappointed in... everything.

My brain decided to finally work again, "What would you even try to wash with... all of this?" I asked, trying to piece together what the fuck was happening.

Malkuth's body went rigid for a moment, "The human mind... the City is a place filled with misery. People vanish every day for no reason, inhuman experiments done just for stupid research that goes nowhere, arbitrary rules that seemingly have no purpose, people eating people both literally and metaphorically." She listed what happens out of this facility, and unlike Dakota, that only said the Backstreets were a shithole... Malkuth said ALL the City was the same.

She looked at the metallic rooftop, "She tried to look for a solution and paid a price she thought too heavy, and it took her away... but 'A' didn't want it to end like this, not after she gave so much, but he ended up just like everyone else in the City. This whole facility is no different to what happens out there, but as long as the dream of that woman could be accomplished, then maybe... it would have been worth it." 'A'... you stupid... pathetic bastard...

And who is this she? I wanted to ask, but Malkuth was so... positive when talking about her, I couldn't bring myself to do so.

Malkuth sole eye stared into my own pair again, "But would... all of this be something she wanted? This is EVERYTHING she stood against, and we are... just accepting it? I know that dream is amazing, but we didn't only drag ourselves in but people that were desperate, and we took advantage of it... had he only dragged us in I would have been fine, but you and the others never even heard of this ideal we desperately wanted." She kept going and couldn't stop... and I wouldn't know how to stop her anyway.

"In our effort to help with the problem... we became part of it, what would Carmen say if she saw us now?" A question that I don't think anyone could have answered, at least I got a name for this mysterious woman...

...

Silence reigned the room and I sighed, "There is a goal out there that... this 'A' wants so badly he'd do this to you? To everyone?" I asked, waiting for an answer.

"Yes." Nothing more than that was heard from her.

My chest constricted, and I felt a ball churn around my stomach and move up to my throat, a guttural growl was heard when I pushed down what may have been my anger.

....

???

"What does the Manager have to do with this?" I asked Malkuth, throwing her a narrowed gaze, and Malkuth didn't respond for what it felt like minutes.

"Everything, 'A' needs him to reach whatever he may be looking for." I stared at Malkuth again, my eyes still narrowed.

I clenched my hands into fists, "And what is he looking for?" Malkuth paused, almost like she... didn't know herself.

"I'm not sure, Carmen usually spoke about 'spreading the Light' so maybe something like that." It wasn't much to go with... but it's better than nothing.

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding, "I'm guessing... this is the same with every Sephirah?" Malkuth nodded at me, I completely ignored the awkward gesture...

Because I was horrified, both Tipherets sounded like kids...

"... You wouldn't be telling me all of this as a simple gesture of friendship." I didn't know what it was, but I knew that my voice had gained a dangerous edge to it.

Malkuth tried to appear unfazed by this... but to be honest it scared me too, and she wasn't far behind, "I... still want to stop this, we are even sacrificing people that had nothing to do with us. This... whole ideal has to stop, the other Sephirah may be like me, too blinded by that beautiful light. I can't let it blind more people." I nodded at her.

So... this is it, the start of something dangerous, "I see... you have my help Malkuth, people are so busy trying to find a light in the darkness... that they forget that the light can leave you blind." Too much of a good thing can be bad...

Carmen must have had the best of intentions, I... would have liked to meet someone that could leave Malkuth so mystified with an ideal.

"Trigger... I don't know how to tell you this, but you can't trust Angela." I threw Malkuth a look full of confusion.

Malkuth seemed to notice this... then again, I wasn't trying to hide it, "Not because of that, but she will always aid the Manager... I'm not 100% on this, but 'A' gave her a script that she should follow. She mentions it at times when she thinks I'm not listening." Because I needed more reasons to hate 'A'...

"And since she's an AI, she can't go against it." I nodded, trying really hard to not punch a hole in the metal walls.

Malkuth continued talking, "Exactly, Angela is... a bit cocky, so she has slipped once or twice. I didn't have any reason to care beforehand, since we worked towards the same goal." But things have changed.

I nodded a couple of times rubbing the bridge of my nose, "Let's continue forming a plan latter, work is about to start... and I'd like some time to sort out my thoughts." Malkuth again did an awkward nod.

"Thank you, Trigger, for everything." She walked away, and I laughed sardonically only when I was sure she was no longer in the room.

It doesn't feel like I did a lot Malkuth... but progress is progress, no use of complaining.

'A'... just what kind of person are you?

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I looked around the hallways of Information Team, noting the... complete color change it went in comparison to Control Team.

My thoughts were going a mile by the minute and I had no idea how to sort them all out. What the hell has this corporation been doing all this time? They said collecting energy, but where is all the energy we collect here go to?

... Probably it's used here too, I didn't think about it for a while, but this place doesn't seem to have an 'exit' even if teleportation was a thing. Employees that resign are killed, so 'A' doesn't want anything going out of this place.

Which means the energy doesn't leave either, he wouldn't risk it... but to keep the image of the corporation, there must be more public facilities out there doing the actual work.

And then there is Angela... how long has she been here? Is she okay with it? Can I even trust her? Too many questions about where she stands are in my mind, and I have no answer for any of them.

The Manager... probably told Angela that I can remember the time shenanigans. If so, then she'll come to question me and that should be a good chance to get a better read on her character.

I reached the Main Room of Information and saw two people lined up in front of... a box mummy? One of them was Beth, her back stiff as a stick, and the other was the leader of Information. Amelia complained about her more than once today.

Said leader glanced at me only once, "You're late, by 5 minutes." Any reason to point out the specific time, I saw the purple Sephirah that was covered in black bandages walk up to me... this one is slightly taller than Malkuth.

He grabbed the collar of my suit and straightened it and then took the tie on my shoulders and put it correctly on my neck, which didn't bother me, but I did give him a raised eyebrow, "Those will be points out from your evaluation." His voice was more... sophisticated and stronger than I expected.

...

Wait, we have a point system? "Sorry, Malkuth wanted to talk with me, took longer than she expected." He stared at me for a moment, metallic arms crossed, and he tried to look for a lie.

He nodded, an action that was both awkward and horrifying. If all Sephirah were humans, that means they did that out of habit...

"Is there something you find interesting?" The voice of the Sephirah got me out of my thoughts and had me slightly nervous... I can't show my insecurities too much, I don't want anyone asking questions.

So I went with a... half-truth, "Well... is there any point to those bandages you are wearing?" I hid my fears with curiosity, he seemed to buy it, while the leader of Information sighed in a 'not this again' manner.

Beth still stood there like a stick... is she okay?

The Sephirah must have been annoyed by the question, "Does it need to have a point? I was made with them, that is all." Okay... totally annoyed, I nodded at him, and he turned to the leader.

"Ryn prepare the folders, take Bethany with you. I must have a word with Trigger." So you are the one that writes those damn biographies... makes sense.

Ryn didn't nod, but I could tell she was about to do just that. Meanwhile, I was patting Beth on the shoulder, she looked at me and then at the retreating form of our new leader, and followed her.

Now it's only me and the Sephirah, "You most likely figured it out. I'm Yesod, Sephirah of the Information Team and your new boss until further instructions, I expect you to reach on time when work is involved. This time will be excused, since Malkuth kept you entertained." Well... at least he didn't bore me to death with a lecture that I really don't need right now.

I nodded at him once, "Sure, I'll try to not disappoint you." I think I'm on the safe zone...

"I also hope you understand that all protocols should be followed, no matter how small." I could hear the accusation in his voice, while I glanced at my left seeing some clerks pass by with folders in hands, that smiled in my direction.

It's always funny seeing someone else suffer your pain...

This time I didn't give him an answer right away, I had to actually weigh in what to say, "Except when rules shackle me." I'm not about to follow everything, if someone is dying inside of a chamber, you bet your ass I'm going inside! Even if the rules say otherwise...

He didn't like that... at all, "That wasn't a request, Trigger." His voice took an edge... guess what, Yesod?

I can do that too, "Mine wasn't an opinion." I know what I'd do, and I'm not about to repress those feelings.

We entered a staring contest and I could tell he wasn't about to back off and neither was I, we kept going at it for what felt like minutes.

Until the door opened, "Yesod, your request for an Employee has been denied by all Sephirah." I could tell Angela's eyes were on me, but I didn't shy away my gaze from Yesod that just straight up tried to replace me.

Yesod single eye averted from mine and I could tell he hated this news, "It seems I have no choice in the matter, I'd expect the results Malkuth bragged about then." Fucking... dick.

I glanced behind me to see Angela, and we locked eyes for a second, and... what the hell is that? Her eyes for a moment simply seemed relieved when staring at me.

But why? "Angela, seems like I owe you one." I told her with a small smile that felt... just a little fake, I'm still coming to terms with everything Malkuth told me today.

"Seems so, hope you... have a pleasant day." I blinked while she turned away, that was... weird, very weird.

Maybe it has something to do with the time travel...?

"All Agents prepare for Work"

I heard the voice of the Manager in my left ear and rolled my eyes, first I get over today... then I'll worry about everything else.

"Trigger, watch the chamber of the Warm-Hearted Woodsman, while Bethany works with it"

And Yesod didn't even give me a chance to collect my thoughts... god, today isn't my day.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I stared at Beth, who was taking deep breaths while holding tightly the cross/mace of One Bro, and wearing the E.G.O suit of the same abnormality.

"Beth, just go in and keep your wits... also, trying to understand everything that come in these folders may be a bit of a waste." Because they love being redundant with these folders... I straight up ignored them since it was basically a copy of the rule book I read a while ago.

Yesod apparently believes that no one reads it... not that I blame him for that thought, I hardly think anyone completely reads that thing... except Angela.

Beth took a deep breath again, "I know...according to both Yesod and Ryn, I should be able to work him..." I gave her a quick pat on the back and a smile.

"You handled a WAW well enough, this should be easier than that." Although what I read for that abnormality didn't fill me with confidence, it seemed to straight up kill people with high temperance... no wonder Ryn told me more than once not to try anything with it.

"If your dumbass gets the INGENIOUS thought of entering that chamber, you are an idiot and deserve what happens to you."

Yeah... I see why Amelia didn't like her, "So go in and show that thing what you are made of... wait no, that would probably get him angry. Give him a compliment, that should work." Beth nodded twice and decided to take another deep breath before going in.

I stared at the closing door and I breathed out, hope nothing goes wrong there...

"I see the employee of the week is worried." I heard the... admittedly plain voice of Ryn behind me, that didn't make me turn away my eyes from the door, though.

"I see your time in Information Team made you a master of noticing the obvious." I heard the snort behind me, I also noticed that this girl isn't the kind that likes sweet talk... kinda like Dakota but with fancier words.

The steps got closer until they stopped right next to me, "She'll be fine, the first work with that big guy is safe as it can be." Yeah... still worried.

Ryn wasn't trying to reassure me, either. I read on the Woodsman and I know what she said is to be true, yet that doesn't mean my feelings gave much of a shit about what I knew as fact.

Facts don't care about feelings, and funnily enough, feelings don't care about facts.

"I'm just doing what was asked of me." I replied, feeling that I should keep the conversation going even if we didn't have a lot to talk about.

Ryn hummed, "You aren't what I expected." Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about what you were expecting of me.

"Did you expect some kind of over-emotional cannon of a person?" I asked, and could literally feel the instant nod from the very blunt girl right next to me.

She breathed out, probably trying to drown out the small laugh she almost let out, "Kinda, what I heard from you made you look like a drama queen, then again listening to the gossip and taking it as fact isn't exactly smart." No wonder, she never looked like she took her own words seriously.

"Still, try to not make much of a fuzz here, I'd hate to deal with another Sephirah going crazy." She walked away, probably receiving an order to work an abnormality, while I kept staring at the door of the Woodsman.

Another crazy Sephirah...

"It... seems to be a problem that happens. There was a warning made specifically for it too... Angela wasn't completely sure what it was either."

I'd like to think we won't... but I'm not so sure about that, Ryn.

And so I waited for Beth to come out, and it felt like an eternity was passing, but when I saw the yellow lights flash through the door, I allowed myself to breathe out in pure relief.

"See? I told you it would be easy." I replied to Beth while moving towards her. She seemed relieved too, guess whoever was on the other side must have been bad for her health.

...

I managed to take a quick peek at the metal giant on the other side of the Containment room, utterly still until I made eye contact with it, which made him move almost instantly, and I panicked quickly after that.

My approach towards Beth turned into a dash. I grabbed her arm and yanked her back, pushing her completely out of the chamber, "Trigger wha-!?" She sounded confused, but I had already pulled out the black magnum from under my coat.

I pulled the trigger twice, opening almost fist sized holes in his head, but that didn't stop the giant for what looked like speed walking.

"Well, he doesn't like me..." I heard he reacted badly to people with high temperance... but only when they entered the chamber.

I read the ranking goes up to 5 here, what the fuck, do I have Temperance 7?

"Why is it reacting like this...?" Beth muttered to herself just as confused as I was, and to be fair this wasn't in the folders.

But at the moment it doesn't matter, "Right now it doesn't matter, we can think about it later when the big guy stops trying to kill us." I muttered to her.

"Warm-Hearted Woodsman has breached containment, Trigger, what did you do?"

Fuck you too, Yesod.

"Exist I guess." I responded in a snappy manner, something that my superior most likely didn't like, and guess what? I don't care.

"This is not a laughing matter"

"And I didn't make a joke." I responded back, throwing Beth to the left while I jumped to the right, and I was about to run towards the main room to get more space... just to see some Clerks entering said room to escape the abnormality.

Well fuck me.

I turned around and threw a great amount of butterflies with a mental command to its face, hoping to blind him. I ran forward and slid right between the legs of the metal giant that was flailing angrily. Once behind him, I pulled out the white magnum too.

Getting up and aiming both guns, I glanced once at Beth, "Yeah, he hates me." Referring to both Yesod and the Woodsman.

Then I opened fire.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

My weapons are doing damage... but there is a problem, it isn't ENOUGH damage. Sure, it's punching holes through the metal man, but it sure as hell isn't slowing it down.

I threw my guns back at Beth, "You know what to do!" I shouted and a great wave of butterflies came from my coffin, carrying the Beak Shield and One Bro's mace.

With shield on my left arm and mace in my right hand, I charged forward and ducked under the first swing of the Woodsman, feeling that axe cutting through the air wasn't a good sign either. I jabbed the mace into his chest, and now he staggered back... you know in hindsight I should have aimed there before rushing in.

The giant rose his axe high into the air and swung down. I used the shield to deflect the blow to the left and felt... way less impact than expected, but by the dent in the floor and the shockwave that came with it, that blow wasn't soft at all.

Before it could raise its weapon again, it took three shots on the shoulder. I didn't need to look over my shoulder to know Beth has my back.

The shots made the motions of the Woodsman's shoulder slower too, which gave me more than enough time to shove the Beak Shield on his chest, "I feel like I should say sorry for this..." I muttered to myself and let loose the giant mouth inside of the giant.

Seeing four set of gigantic, monstrous jaws punching a hole through the Woodsman was more morbid than I imagined, but it threw it back and fell on its back with a BIG hole in its chest, "Seems... like we did it." I said after a short pause and seeing no movement from the giant.

I gave Beth a thumbs up while she hurried to hand me back my guns and sighing in relief when the tips of her fingers went back to their normal color and not becoming like white gloves, "Give me a signal next time..." I blinked at her words.

"I did though." She threw me a small glare and looked at the Woodsman.

"You threw them BEFORE giving it." That's... completely true.

Scratching the back of my head and feeling a bit dumb, I opened my mouth again, "Yeah... sorry for that, I'm a very emotion driven kind of guy, I get lost in the heat of the moment." Sometimes at least.

She glanced at me in surprise and smiled, "I was just pointing it out, there is no need to feel bad about it." I didn't feel bad about it.

Kinda.

"Trigger... what the fuck?" I heard the distinctive voice of Ryn behind me, and I turned to meet her very... displeased eyes.

"R- Miss Ryn, I did... literally nothing, and it just tried to kill me." These are working hours, I can't exactly be informal with my superiors... definitely not trying to keep them from getting even more mad to me, no sir!

Ryn glanced at Beth, completely unwilling to believe my words, "Ummm... the Abnormality seemed to lose it by just glancing at Trigger si- MA'AM!" Ryn glanced with contempt at the prone body of said Abnormality once.

"And that's it...? I'll buy it, but I'm still skeptical until I see the video myself. Good work with the suppression, at least you fix this mess quickly." Well, at least she was honest about it.

My head rumbled and felt wrong, like a deep feeling of... uncertainty. This feeling was hitting me with pure suddenness. The thoughts of my first day here, and it's meaning, manifesting some kind of doubt that didn't feel like my own.

Ryn noticed this change in me, "Get it together you dealt wi-" She was suddenly interrupted by two things... first the body of the Woodsman just vanished and second...

"AHAGHAGHAGAHAGAGAGAHAHAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

A gurgled and loud screech of pain followed by the sound of rending flesh, I didn't know how to feel about this sudden course of events, while Ryn cursed under her breath.

"Green Dawn has fallen, we have three Doubts inside Information's main room"

Yesod's voice snapped me out of my daze and my body moved like a bullet, I heard a shout from Ryn to wait and Beth's surprised squeak.

IGOTTOMAKEIT!

NOTAGAI-

The door opened, and I saw lanky machines with rags... just mutilating the already downed corpses of the Clerks that ran away when the Woodsman breached, eyes filled with pain and confusion, but that anger the Clerks had wasn't normal.

Anger at me, anger at the machines, anger at their position.

So much anger...

I felt this before too, last night was still very vivid to me... and so are the emotions of failure when Rober died that day, only for everything to start again.

But the Manager wasn't about to restart because of some Clerks.

... He won't restart for some...

Something at the back of my head wasn't okay with what I thought, and I rushed the busy machines mangling bodies.

I reared back the mace and I let my anger into that first swing, I... didn't feel an impact, but the head of the first Doubt flew like a golf ball. My arm felt pain from the amount of strength I had put into the swing.

My shield arm grabbed the metal spike of the destroyed Doubt and ripped it off with a yank, and throwing it like a javelin towards the one that was turning in my direction.

It didn't last as a long metal spike went through its rag covered chest and impaled it into a wall which slowly stopped moving.

The last one was moving towards me in a fast-walk pace, showing they didn't have speed on their side... too bad for them, I rose my shield arm and let the giant jaws of the bird do what they wanted to do, and gobble that thing whole.

After that was done, I stared around the room with what felt like a blank face. I heard Ryn shout behind me, and I glanced in her direction, making the woman pause.

"I didn't know you could make scary expressions." Ryn sounded wary, I turned my head from her and saw the reflection of my face in the eyes of one of the clerks it was... incredibly contorted, I was trying hard to not show anything but it simply made me look empty.

I took a deep breath and slowly my facial expression turned more... normal.

"Neither did I." Beth was still just running in our direction, her E.G.O suit didn't make her as fast as us.

"... Trigger after today, I'd like to talk with you, the other Doubts have been handled by the rest of the Teams, get back to work"

Because of course I need this on top of everything else, "I have to work with Knight of Despair... try to keep your wits next time." I nodded at Ryn, not turning to meet her gaze.

I could hear the steps of Beth, "Trigger... are you okay?" I stared at the bodies once.

"No." I bluntly replied and walked out of the room, and I gave one small smile at Beth.

"Thank you for asking, though." She nodded to me slowly, hope she doesn't ask about it... I sure as hell don't want to think about my out-burst, either...

And these... Ordeals.... that's what the rule book called them, did I just... heard those words?

Shit too much to think about... again.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

The day went without a hitch after the issues we ran through... although I never thought the same. I wasn't happy with what happened, but outwardly showing it would be a problem.

Because not everyone can or would ever think like me, I hate that the clerks died, but others are just happy it didn't happen to them, did that piss me off? To an extent.

I cannot in good will think ill of people that look after themselves out of fear, there is nothing wrong with that... but damn I wish they at least kept the comments to themselves.

Ryn was happy it was just 'Doubts' and nothing more, she had no personal attachment to the clerks and was just neutral about the whole deal... Beth did show some pity, but just like me, decided to try and not show it.

Of course being called by Yesod to talk with him wasn't helping my mood at all, something about that Sephirah bothered me, but I didn't know what it was.

It wasn't like with the Manager either, I just plain didn't like him, but Yesod felt... different. I guess it came to how he acted, there was... too much repression going with him. His dislike of my actions was obvious, but he clearly tried to play it like it was just nothing.

Not only that, but he sticks to the rules so much that I think he downloaded a fucking audio file containing every single rule, and he plays it all the time in his head, that wasn't normal.

I entered the main room of Information and saw Yesod talking away a couple of employees. He turned around while said employees were leaving and threw me that same look of enjoying my pain.

All it took was one look of annoyance to make them move faster. If you are going to do that, at least have the balls to say it to my face...

"Trigger, I have reviewed the footage of the breach... you seem to not be at fault, but it also shows irregularities with you." I didn't give him any verbal response, so I simply nodded once.

I just... wasn't feeling it anymore.

He crossed his arms, and I'd like to imagine that if he still had a face, his face would have been stern, "Not only this one but all your interactions with abnormalities can't be called normal, they seem to react differently around you." I nodded once again, not saying anything.

"So please do stay where you are." I blinked once, and then I turned around when I felt a sharp object on my nape.

I didn't glare at Yesod, my eyes didn't brim with anger like before, or my head didn't spin with irregular thoughts of betrayal, I know Ryn is behind me. Beth doesn't have a crooked personality and wouldn't do this.

"Angela, if you will." Angela entered the room looking... not pleased with what was happening, if only for a second before approaching me and opening her eyes fully. They did shine for a moment.

She turned to Yesod once, "There are no readings of Enkephalin or any similarities with Abnormalities, Yesod, as I had told you beforehand." I could hear the underlying smug, and I bet so could Yesod.

"I simply had to make sure, this isn't something used on the Employees unless directly affected by abnormalities." He responded logically, but my eyes never left him.

I no longer felt the sharp object on my nape, "Orders are Orders, no hard feelings?" I ignored Ryn, still having my eyes on Yesod.

Finally, I decided to speak, "Was that it? You could have asked." I replied, feeling there was no need to go that far for trying to find if I was under the influence of an abnormality.

"... You are prohibited to walk through the hallways while the other Agents are working their abnormalities." Okay then...

"Make me." I stopped trying to hold my ground, so I instead decided to push.

I looked at Angela, "He may be able to order me in general actions, but this is more than that but an obstruction of my work, he CAN'T change the rules." Then I'll play his game.

Angela nodded once, seeming... really pleased with my words, "That is indeed true, Yesod has no room to alter the way work has to be done." Yesod wasn't moved by the words.

"In case of any estrange acti-" NO.

"I was already checked by Angela herself. I may be an oddity, but that's it, weird they may be, but they aren't because of abnormalities but of ME... is there a rule about that one?" I asked, knowing fully well there wasn't.

I'm a walking loophole, had my actions been influenced by an abnormality, Yesod could push all of his crazy shit through. But there weren't, so by all technical means, everything I had done was well within the rules.

Yesod made no sound and Ryn looked genuinely perturbed by the exchange, "Now as I said before... I have places to be, it was nice seeing you, Angela." I gave Angela a tired smile.

She nodded once at me, "Seems like I'm not the only one that got their time wasted in... something trivial, it was enjoyable to meet you at least." She soon left, giving no words of departure to Yesod.

I gave him one look and started to walk away, glancing one time at Ryn and just moving along, paying no heed to her surprised expression.

Once I left the room... I wondered if I did something wrong.

What did I do to get that kind of reaction out of him? I know people have different thought processes, but that was ridiculous.

I felt... doubt, Yesod for such a cold person went above and beyond just to make sure I was in the clear and such a cold person wouldn't have bothered that much.

It almost seemed like he cared, but tried his hardest not to.

Did I react too strongly...? Maybe, but so did he.

Guess I didn't cool off from the events of today, yet I didn't want to apologize either. What he did was just... a dick move all around.

I sighed and scratched the back of my head... I'll just go meet with BongBong, I did promise to teach her how I use E.G.O after all.

After that, I'll talk with Rober. He must have been waiting for that to happen quite a while, and then... perhaps ask Malkuth about Yesod.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Trigger had left the room, and I could tell that he was... disheartened by Yesod's actions. That wasn't entirely unfounded, but that is simply on him.

I had told him, that I had already taken the proper procedures to clear Trigger from suspicion but Yesod has always been a stubborn one, he needed to see it with his own eyes.

My eyes moved to the Sephirah in the room, annoyed by how things turned out, "It seems you have problems to solve, Yesod. I'll be on my way." He didn't respond, and I couldn't care less, what's done is done.

The leader of Information Team looked slightly perturbed, it makes sense too. The man that left moments ago always made quite the first impression as an overall... hopelessly nice individual, yet there was always the perturbing expressions he made when his patience was tested.

I do remember what the Manager told me, the things Trigger did on the previous loop and the anger he emanated, even he could lose it after all.

The moment I left the room, I saw no signs of Trigger, which is... slightly disappointing but not unexpected. I still have to look for Malkuth and her report for today, which I should do since I'm already here.

"Ummm... miss Angela?" I heard a voice, had I been given a normal perception of time, it would have taken me half a second to remember this particular Employee.

Bethany at some point was a simple clerk, but her efforts and Trigger's nurturing have allowed her to reach a barely passable level of competence.

She looked around for a moment, then turned back to me, "Is there any reason Trigger seemed so upset?" I would have preferred him to be upset, alas he is too naive for his own good.

"I have things to do, but if you really need to know this, he had an altercation with the Sephirah of Information, nothing more." That should be a sufficient enough answer for her.

"Really...? Did he have anything to do with what happened with the Woodsman?" She is sharper than she lets on, of course it may have been that along with the clerks that died from the Ordeals today.

I could... understand that frustration, but he'll learn at some point to stop bothering with things that will always happen. No matter how much you may try to stop them, just like I did.

Then again, that stubbornness dealt with Malkuth's... tantrum, "Indeed, he was forced against his will to take a test and confirm him to be clear of any Abnormal influences." I replied to the past inquiry, which must have been instant to the Employee.

She nodded once, "I see... thank you miss Angela, you must be worried about him too." I didn't dare open my eyes at those words.

I haven't heard those words directed at me for such a long time...

"Don't misunderstand, I have to be aware of the mental state of all Employees and act accordingly if they have gone past a certain threshold." I was quick to deny it, perhaps too quick by the smile the Employee sent my way... how annoying.

She gave me a quick bow, "Sorry for taking some of your time, miss Angela, and thank you for answering my questions." She left, still with that small knowing smile. Seems like I'll have to be more careful from now on.

My walk resumed once more, and my mind drifted, something that I couldn't help but find... bothersome. It always made time pass slower than usual.

Trigger could remember the loops, that was quite the surprise to hear from the Manager, it was also something that was backed by Malkuth's own words.

Was this a good thing...? I'd like to think so, it would take some time, but maybe I could talk to him about my time here, he always seems to be ready to listen.

Although trying to keep him from... messing with the script could have been a problem, but his actions, while not done as it says... they reach a conclusion that favors it.

He may just be what I needed, a wild card that is not bound by the same rules everyone else is. He may just be my way out.

I just have to wait for him to come to the same realization that I did all those years ago, if his actions are anything to go by, he'll grow disheartened just like I did.

Although... I would prefer if he didn't.

But I would also prefer if he stopped bothering with every single person that dies in this facility, it is simply something that happens daily. It's no use crying over every single death, you'd drown yourself by doing so.

I glanced at the hallway for a moment, opening my eyes only once and seeing that I have just taken three steps forward, how annoying. It seems it's going to be another long time with my thoughts.

My body moved again, and I recounted the name of the Employees here. It should make time pass by a small margin, but I need to do something while I walk through the hallways.

What a slow process... I closed my eyes once more and ignored the length and moved by memory alone, I know where everything is at this point, so many years watching the same place would make it hard to forget the shape of the surrounding area.

So I'll close my eyes... and let time pass by, as I should have from the start.

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(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

The time had finally come!

I, BongBong, would get training from the 'unofficial' leader of the Control Team!

...Well yeah, he was moved to Information today, I do wonder why he wasn't given that position.

But all of that pales in comparison to what I'm about to do today, Trigger's expertise with E.G.O is simply amazing and learning how to use it would be great!

We received a lot of information telling us to NOT get involved deeply with what was basically our equipment. I'm not sure why they would tell us that... although the amount of warnings and red letters telling us it was dangerous may have been exaggerated.

The door of my room opened, and I jumped from my bed with a bright smile on my face, while I waved cheerily at Trigger that... had a tired and bothered look on his face. I blinked when I saw that behind him was Rober with a displeased frown.

Trigger glanced at me and then back at Rober, "I get it, you have a lot to ask about on what happened, but mull over our talk first, you are acting too rash." I do remember Rober wanting to talk with Trigger in private... did it not go well?

I waved, getting their attention. Lacking an actual functional voice could be quite a bother, much more so since a doctor in the Backstreets left me like this. I should have known that someone capable of curing muteness at such a small price was crazy.

Rober sighed, "Alright... be careful, Trigger." Trigger frowned and jabbed a thumb at me.

"And you shouldn't make her worry, it's not as bad as you think." Trigger berated him, making Rober look in my direction and frown slightly.

"Sorry BB... I'm just worrying over nothing." My ears felt hot, but I managed to hid- ah Trigger is smiling cheekily.

"Alrighty Rober! Leave, I don't need you getting all bothered by seeing BB working out." Rober sputtered, just adding fuel to the fire... I'm not blushing at all!

Rober gritted his teeth and hid his face in embarrassment, making it worse, "I'm... YOU... god, I'm leaving!" NOOOO!!! Rober, you are just proving him right!!!

...

Oh, he is proving him right.

Trigger's smile was now directed at me, damn I must be blushing like an idiot. Rober left without another word, and Trigger clapped, getting my attention back on him.

I pouted angrily at him, and he chuckled at my feelings, "Hey calm down, let's put your romantic life aside and put this training session to good use." Why does he have to be such a tease!?

Pulling out a notepad and pen from my pockets, I stared at him and started writing at fast speeds, 'So where do we begin, Master?' He cringed suddenly and gave me a weird expression.

"Tutor, call me tutor." He replied evenly, and I shrugged while spinning my hand in a 'continue' motion.

He put a hand under his chin and started humming, "What do you feel when wearing E.G.O?" What do I feel? I'm... half sure that we have to make sure we ignore that stuff.

But it does feel like it's talking to me at times... to peck at people that do wrong? No, it's more like an impulse. I wrote my thoughts and showed them to him, he nodded once.

"So first step, you have to let those thoughts in... carefully. If they overwhelm you, I'll use One Bro's weapon to put your mind at ease. Once they are in without being a bother, you have to work with them instead of against them." He explained to me, to which I responded with a... questioning expression.

He quickly noticed this, "Yeah I know, goes against everything the company tells you, but that's how I did it." That... was stupidly dangerous from his part.

I started writing again, questioning what exactly he means by 'working with them'.

"Abnormalities are selfish creatures that only care about their point of view, so they will try to force you to play by their rules. Of course, you can outright ignore them like everyone else or find the middle ground, if you can work with their own thoughts without impairing yours, you get the full benefits of their abilities." He went in quite the long explanation, so... I have to do a battle of will with the E.G.O.

And I don't even have to win but find an understanding with it... sounds easier said than done!

I nodded at him and took a deep breath, we kinda just learn to keep the voices at bay since they aren't that big of a deal, so it can't be that-

"People have been committing sins since long ago. Why do they commit sins, knowing it's wrong?"

Wha- Well... I'm not sure?

"Is that so? Maybe they wouldn't if someone would take the role of punisher."

I guess a lack of consequences could be...

My mind suddenly blanked and relaxed. The voice was gone, and Trigger was giving the chest-plate of my E.G.O suit a funny look, "I could tell you went in with a hell of a lot more confidence than you should have." He said to me, and I scratched the back of my head in slight shame, so maybe I didn't take that seriously enough.

"How did it go for you, then?" He asked me, while I quickly wrote what I felt and... heard? Now that I think about it, that wasn't really much of a voice, but feelings I interpreted as voices.

He scratched the back of his head for a moment and then snapped his fingers, "You are seeing them as your enemy. If you do so, you face more opposition, this isn't a duel but a bargain, and you have to find fair grounds." That sounds... really dangerous.

Guess going in with the mentality that this was a fight wasn't the best idea...

Trigger smiled at me, "Hey, don't get disheartened. I'm just built weird, also I never really saw the Abnormalities in a bad light, so that may also be part of it." I never thought there could be someone that would look at Abnormalities and just threat them so... well, Is he like an Abnormality whisperer?

I got up and decided to try again... and about three other times after.

But at least I'm not being overwhelmed in seconds, so that's SOME progress!

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I sighed while introducing a piece of bacon to my mouth, Dakota was having a small talk with BongBong about how training went. Which was... not that bad, all things considered. Sure, she almost wacked me in the face with her gun at least once out of nowhere, but I think that it could have gone worse.

We managed to get her to... well use the big mouth in her suit, yeah it tried to eat my legs but a good One Bro special stopped it with ease, but after that... minor incident we called it a day.

Gonzales was chatting, or more like annoying Amelia, who was simply letting him talk, since every time she tried to shut him up, he'd misunderstand and double on his efforts to get his words across.

Now I have two reasons as to why I sighed, and it's the fact that Malkuth had decided to try and go team bonding and came with us to our usual table in the middle of the dinning room. She sadly decided to start with Rober of all people.

Beth was not here since she was asked from Ryn to come earlier and receive new E.G.O gear... sooner than I expected too.

Rober, the same guy that just heard from me last night, claims that Management is indeed batshit insane and may not be working with our survival at all. The only reason he wasn't outright glaring at her is that I mentioned our goal to him.

Still, watching Malkuth trying to make small talk with Rober and him just giving flat stares or the occasional dismissing answer... was painful to me in various levels.

I massaged the bridge of my nose while remembering the talk I had with Rober.

.
.
.

Walking through the hallways wasn't easy considering how intense I felt after my little verbal attack directed at Yesod, so I'm really hoping training with BongBong goes well...

I glanced at the end of the hallway and saw Rober waiting for me with his arms crossed, his expression nothing short of annoyed, "You sure like making people wait." I gave him... almost a glare that I managed to stop before I let my emotions slip again.

"I... yeah, I guess we should have this talk while we can." Wasn't feeling really... motivated to do this, but he has been waiting for quite a while to finally do so.

Robber looked at me with a raised eyebrow and some concern that he was trying to hide with his annoyance, "Then walk and talk, BB would be disappointed if you decided to avoid the training session you promised." He jabbed his thumb at the hallway and I continued my walk, Rober at my side.

He decided to start the conversation first, "Management is... weird. Malkuth goes all tentacle mode, but no one made a big fuss about it. Hell, everyone seems to ignore how bad it got." I mulled over his words for a moment.

"Well... the Manager did mention there was an alert specifically for that scenario, although he isn't sure why." I replied to him, and he narrowed his eyes while scoffing.

He glanced at me with an expression of anger, "And you believe that? For all we know, that guy was behind everything." I rolled my eyes at that, he is starting to sound like a conspiracy theory maniac.

"Look, we can't go throwing around accusations... but you aren't completely wrong either, you just chose the wrong person." I replied, glancing up to see if the cameras were watching. I noticed that most of the time they have to manually turn them on... probably a gimmick from an abnormality to lead to that decision.

So there are times when management isn't watching, this was one of those moments, "Yeah... the CEO of L Corp is looking for something big, and this facility has whatever he is looking for, something about a dream and curing the City from a disease in the human mind. Malkuth filled me in with some details I probably shouldn't know." Rober's eyes narrowed slightly.

"So wait... all of this for a guy trying to achieve his dream... then what about us?" He asked, suddenly feeling very aware that we weren't put in danger out of negligence, but the clear choice of someone else.

I threw him a raised brow, "What about us?" I asked like it answered everything, and it did, we don't matter as long as the dream is completed.

His frown deepened, "Then... let's grab the others and scram, this isn't worth it." I threw him one glance, I wasn't about to leave... and also...

"Have you ever seen the exit?" I asked him, and he paused for a moment but kept walking along, he thought long about the question but didn't seem to reach an answer.

I let out a deep sigh, "This... is pure guesses from what I have seen, but if this dream he is working so much for is enough to do all of this, then preventing us from leaving is also on the table." He was utterly confused by my words.

"That's... insane... hey actually now that I think about it, I got the card saying I could work here but... I don't really remember how I got here." He muttered and blinked a couple of times.

I sighed again, "Whatever it is... me and Malkuth are working together to stop it. Seems like at the end, the plan doesn't really hinge in the employee's survival at all." Rober's frown became so deep it may as well be part of his being.

Rober threw me a questioning look, "Why are you even working with her? She was made by the CEO, by that alone you shouldn't trust her." My features twisted, and I caught the surprise in Rober's eyes before I cooled my features.

"She... isn't a machine, ask Malkuth, since it's her story to tell." I replied to him and glanced at my left, seeing the door to BongBong's room, great timing right there.

I glanced at him, "Don't go doing anything stupid, if you have any more questions, save them when you clear your head." And I opened the door to BongBong's room.

.
.
.

That... was a pain in the ass to deal with. Rober sighed and asked Malkuth if they could try to talk in private, making both of them glance at me, while I simply nodded once. That... is going to be another pain in the ass in the future.

I watched both of them leave the dinning room while Dakota threw a look at me asking 'What was that?' I shrugged in her direction while giving my best clueless expression.

Hope Rober doesn't get too aggressive with her...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

Life, as I have found out in my recent... adventures, tends to throw you curveballs from all sides with the intention of hitting you in the balls.

I have AGAIN experienced that today, "And you are saying I'll have to work with Knight of Despair?" I asked Ryn, who was giving me a small smile.

She is also wearing a blindfold for some reason, "Yeah, I have been assigned to Schadenfreude today, and since Yesod doesn't want you out in the hallways." My face became increasingly more plain when she said that, guess I'm still not over what happened.

"He decided to keep you out of them while letting you perform your work." She finished, apparently ignoring my sudden shift in mood, well she is professional if nothing else.

I glanced at Beth, now wearing the EGO set of the Woodsman, and let me tell you... seeing her of all people carrying a giant axe with one hand is... kinda out of place. She was staring at us like a fight was bound to happen.

Which probably would have if I was a more hot-headed person, "I see... anything else?" I asked, trying to see if Yesod said anything else about me... well no, he most likely thought about it but never said it.

She shook her head, "Not at all, just do your part and DON'T walk around when Bethany finishes work with the Woodsman." Ryn rose the blindfold above her eyes and walked away, waving at me as a sign of goodbye.

"Beth, chill, I'm not about to start throwing hands." She laughed nervously, taking note that she most likely noticed my drop in mood that I'm really not hiding. I gave her a pat on the back.

"I know, but that doesn't mean that the wrong words can't cause some... ruckus." I wanted to deny her claim... but I'm not sure what I would have done if Ryn brought up the conversation of yesterday.

I shrugged at her, "That's... a good point, but I'd like to think I'm doing fine." My reply was met with a small smile, at least we aren't moping anymore.

"All Agents prepare for Work"

Beth gave me a small bow, "I need to get going Trigger, be careful." She hurried to do her part, while I sighed and started walking towards the chamber containing the Knight of Despair.

A weird feeling was weighting in my chest with each step, it was pretty unfamiliar to me... it kinda felt like my chest was trembling? Like how machinery would make unusual sounds if they didn't get proper maintenance.

Once I was at the door, it felt like I had a motor inside of me. It didn't feel... out of place, yet that wasn't enough to ignore it.

I shook my head and tried my best to ignore the weight of it, and entered the chamber. I saw a tall, pale lady with half of her face covered in pitch-black darkness, wearing a long blue dress that imitated a night sky filled with stars.


I would call her a thing of beauty... if she didn't look so sad, yet she had a small smile on her face that spoke of familiarity and bitterness.

A smile directed at me.

The feeling in my chest became more prominent, I was about to try and keep my head in the game by starting a conversation with the Abnormality...

But she spoke first, "It's a heavy burden, isn't it?" Her voice was soft, not completely in the physical way, but in the fact that she... felt small and tired.

Still, the question made the feeling in my chest to become impossible to ignore, "I'm... not sure what you are talking about?" I asked, feeling a little out of the loop.

She shook her head, "Once you see their faces, you never really forget them, less so when you want to keep them safe." I wasn't sure if something exploded, but my chest started... to feel pain.

I grasped it and looked at it, even lifted my shirt to see if anything was there, but I found nothing... yet her words still lingered in my brain.

The vault with bodies.

What could have- NO, what had happened to Rober.

The Clerks in Information Team.

Faces that NEVER left my mind, things that a simple prayer never appeased, "No, or at least... I don't think it should." This experience was new to me, I knew of 'failure', the weight was great.

"It weighs on you, pride, morals, even ideals... but it's all overshadowed by the weight of just one life." I frowned at her words and she... lowered herself, sitting on the floor. I glanced at her for a moment and followed her actions.

The metal floor is so cold, is that really the last thing they felt when...

I shook my head and stared at her, "I never experienced this first hand before, I thought that as long as I showed that I cared... it would be enough, yet the moment I saw them lose so much for nothing... I felt as if I was looking down on them." Because they all must have wanted better and never got it.

Yet here I am, naive ideals and all, still kicking.

Her smile became much more sardonic, and I would even say pathetic, "It's always easy to say, I did too expected that it would work out... it got me here, yet I can't seem to let that dream go." I wasn't sure how to react to that.

Mainly because I could feel her pain for some bizarre reason, just like she could feel mine.

All she had left was the pride of a weathered knight that tried to do good, and it ended poorly in the end.

All that I was... a young man trying to do good when everything else tells him not to.

"Would... you share it with me?" I asked, suddenly feeling just... terrible.

She stared at me for a moment, her smile dimming... yet not all gone, as if remembering better times, "It was... long ago, yet still so vivid." She muttered and glanced at me.

A broken mirror looking with pity at the reflection it found projecting.

And I didn't know if I was scared of how accurate that felt, "A long time ago... there were four girls looking to make the world a better place..." I was told a story from the eyes of someone that felt so much like me.

And how the world did it's best to break her in half.

By the end of the tale, I stared at her with pure... melancholy.

Because my mind had only one question by the end of the tale.

Would that be me in the end?

"I... apologize, but I need to go." I said suddenly, just feeling ill. She nodded, not bothered at all by my sudden departure. She seemed worried to... I ignored the decorated shield that seemed to fly over me in a protective manner and the green light that showed my success at work.

I ignored the worried Beth.

I ignored the questioning Ryn.

My walk took me to the bathroom, the only place with mirrors, and I stared at my reflection for what felt like hours.

It wasn't cracked.

Yet, why did it feel like I was looking at a million different pieces?

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I walked out of the bathroom with... an interesting expression on my face.

'Tired' wouldn't fit it... more like 'off', as if a machine lost its charge. I was still looking the same, no doubt, but... there was an air around me that just didn't feel natural.

...

A sigh was released without my consent was heard. I usually have a better grip on my actions, but they just seem to go out without my say so. This is new to me, and not in a good way.

Beth stared up and down at me, worry plastered on her face. I smi-... I'm not smiling, This is weird. It wasn't hard for me to put up a smile before, yet I can't seem to muster such a simple action now.

"You look terrible, did something happen?" She asked me while I looked at the cameras in the corridor while frowning... what hasn't happened? At times, I think the Manager has it out for me.

...

I... don't remember ever blaming my problems on someone else... how peculiar...

My ears heard a 'Humph!' and I looked back at Beth, who had her hands on her waist, looking like an annoyed mother staring at me. Then... she began to smile in a way that had me wary.

She took a seat on the floor, lying her back against the walls of the facility, and tapped the area next to her, asking me to join her. Which... I reluctantly did, another anomaly in my behavior.

After a brief moment of silence, she began the conversation, "You look conflicted, I'm guessing your chat with an Abnormality didn't go well this time." Conflicted...

I never really felt conflicted in my actions, guess there was never someone that... well thought so much like me that I never really had anyone truly be able to present me with some kind of opposition before...

"Not really... it went well. I just heard things I never really thought about until now..." I mumbled to her, not feeling like saying anything out-loud if only because... because...

What? I never had issues with that... I never had issues with any of this...

Never did I really think about how others felt about my belief, since it was mine...

Something touched the top of my head, I glanced at Beth, and she was patting my head. I gave her an annoyed frown, "What is this?" I asked her, feeling... oddly vulnerable.

"Well... you just seem frail right now, I read about the Knight of Despair and her history. I have a good idea of what's bothering you." She replied, and suddenly she had my full attention.

"What is bothering me?" I asked her, because... I don't know, was it the fact that my belief may just let me end up like the Knight of Despair? The fact that I can't really get anyone to support my belief?

What is bothering me?

Beth sighed and gave me a slight smile, "We always know what's wrong, we just refuse to face it... what would you refuse to face?" Yeah... we ourselves always have it at the tip of our tongues...

She perked up and slowly got up while staring down at me with that same smile she started the conversation with, "I have work to do, I know you can tell what's wrong." She left while waving at me, but I...

Still didn't know...

"Trigger, get a hold of yourself before your mental corruption goes any higher, start attachment work with Knight of Despair"

Yesod... actually asked me to calm down...? No, he probably just wants me to work faster.

I walked slowly towards the chamber and entered, seeing the knight again made my chest feel heavy once more and... breath faster than usual. She greeted me with a worried smile, "I'd like to apologize if I brought about unpleasant thoughts in our last conversation..." Her expression... looks similar to mine.

"No... well I guess that's just not something I expected to happen, I'd like to think I just... overreacted." I commented, trying to not look at her in the eye, as long as I don't make eye contact... what? She'd still be there.

...

The silence was too awkward, "What did you feel?" I asked her, not knowing how to start a conversation again and feeling incredibly lost in what approach I should take.

"Pardon?" She threw a question back at me, making me realize I didn't really specify what I wanted from her.

"Along your journey... what did you feel?" I went into a bit more detail, maybe I'll find out what I'm so... unwilling to face.

She stared at me for what felt like minutes, and she clenched her forearm with force, "I... still don't know what it was, but it always felt heavy on my chest while making my knees grow weak. Never once did I ever find out what it was, but I do know that in the end... I despaired." I stared at her for a long while, trying to ignore how similar it is to what I'm feeling.

That... still doesn't tell me a lot.

...

She smiled sadly at me, "I seem to... be unable to be of any help yet again." I took one long look at her, I leaned back and stared at the roof of the chamber.

"I remember when I failed too, a guy took a fatal hit for me... and now that I think about it, at the time I felt just like right now, but I had someone to aim my emotions at and ignored it." I started feeling that it was only fair to share a bit about myself.

She took that as a sign of goodwill and gave a more... gentle smile, "Would you mind telling me more about it?" I gave her a small yet tired smile, that's progress in that department I guess...

"A friend of mine had lost themselves to their own anger and guilt, and I of course bullheaded my way towards her..." I started the small tale of my experience losing two friends.

Sure, time may have reverted... but the memory never left.

It was nice to talk with someone about it...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I held back a sigh while staring at the door that leads to Knight of Despair. Our last talk was... nice, even if I poured out most of my problems that I held back for quite a while, there was still something that I was missing.

What was I refusing to face? I had yet to come to an answer, which was troubling, but nothing gave me any clues to what was bothering me so much.

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I saw Ryn of all people staring at me with a critical eye, "You sure gave everyone quite the scare last time, I almost thought you went insane for a second." While not completely wrong, I was still a bit wary of her, getting a sword on the back of your neck would do that to you.

That and I was still feeling... a little under the bus, "Just found something that really got me thinking more about my situation, bad place to have a sudden revelation I know." I just wish I knew what even was the revelation.

She hummed in thought, "I'm not about to say I know what's up. I try to not let emotions cloud my rational judgement, but I've worked Knight of Despair a lot, and you shouldn't really let her story get to you." I glanced at her once, it wasn't the story...

I saw my reflection in her eyes and frowned, turning away from what I saw, "It wasn't the story, she ain't the first or the last one to have it rough." I commented while looking to see if Beth was coming out or not. She must be half-done with her work with the Woodsman.

Ryn was silent for a moment, "You are making a similar expression to her, you know?" I refused to turn to meet her eyes, I didn't want to look at my reflection right now.

I think Ryn must have figured something out, "I can't do a lot if you don't want to face the facts, you probably know what's bothering you and just refuse to accept it." Yeah, sure...

My head... suddenly felt as if something was laughing at me...

My head snapped to my left towards the direction Ryn had come from while Ryn looked past me, we locked eyes once and understood what we had to do before even management could make the call.

Right now my objective was a small little clown that was held together with stitched cloth and the foul smell of blood was coming from that little thing, laughing all the while messing with the door that kept Schadenfreude inside of its chamber.

I moved with purpose, butterflies flying and handing me my two magnums. The white one fired, blowing a hole through the small stomach of the little clown, while the black one blew out its legs, letting the laughing little clown fall to the floor. Completely unconcerned by what had happened, the ordeal continued messing with the door.

But I was already there, a soccer kick prepared and landing on the target that flew like a rocket and exploding in the air into a gory mess.

I turned around and saw one near the door of the Woodsman, I readied my black magnum to stop whatever it was trying to do... only for the door to open and a gigantic rusted axe to cut the little clown in half, blowing up after it, and drawing an 'eep!' from Beth that had killed it.

Well... that was quick, I glanced at Ryn, who's giving me a thumbs up while having the little clown nailed to the ground with her sword, clown that hasn't blown up...

And she is next to the- fuck me.

Ryn suddenly retreated her sword and was about to decapitate the clown, I had seen her eyes snap open for a moment, meaning that Yesod must have told her something, but it was too late. Even if she decapitated the clown, suddenly the door opened, and a wail attacked my ears.

A wail that left me petrified.

From the door, the tall visage of the Knight of Despair came out, now wearing armor on her dress. There are black spikes coming out of her body and her single eye now open, showing pure darkness that was dripping out of it as if she was crying and by all means she was.

It didn't feel natural either, the clowns must have the ability to 'rile up' the abnormalities... but that didn't matter, I couldn't move. That cry just made my body refuse to harm her.

I... wasn't sure what Ryn screamed at me, but I didn't move. Beth shouted, but I couldn't hear it, I have my eyes on the figure that was so much like me.

A fight was happening, swords moving in a dance, drenched with anguish while two people tried their hardest to not get hit, yet I still only watched the Knight that was in pain.

That could be me

My communicator released sound, probably the Manager berating me or even Yesod, but I had found what I was trying to fi-no to avoid.

I was afraid.

Afraid that if I really tried to stick with my ideals, I'll grow to resent those that I defended and myself for defending them. Afraid of showing that... well, I was afraid.

That could... be me... that...

"GAAAHHH!!!" I blinked once and saw Ryn right in front of me, a sword, going through her stomach... I looked at my shaky arms and gritted my teeth while trying to move them.

But it hurt too much.

I... had to seek penitence for my blunders, bearing the pain was only half of the work and I could no longer settle with JUST caring.

A simple, Solemn Lament would change nothing, but give more weight to my soul. Hurting myself when no one wanted me to do so, that would help no one.

Do or do not.

Care if you have to.

Cry if you need to.

But always try and never regret it.

I felt... something moving, so I let it move. In my left hand was the Cross/Mace, and my right hand held both guns of Solemn Lament.

Keep going, with your Solemn Penance.

There was light in my hands, and then only one weapon...

No, more than that, it was an idea.

Take your vows seriously, bear the pain with full confidence.

In my right hand is one magnum, but it would be more accurate to call it a hand cannon. The top part being white with black butterflies and below that the design changed to black with white butterflies, the barrel has two pieces going below and above, making it look like a cross in the middle of it and there is a skull engraving.

I glanced at Knight of Despair, that had kept her attention on me all of a sudden, that's good.

Sighing, I gave her a bitter smile, "I think I know what you felt on your journey now..." I took aim.

And fired.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


It was loud, the shot from my new weapon was simply powerful, like a church bell being ringed inside the building. I noticed the flash of my gun had been a mix of black and white butterflies flying gently, a complete contrast of what had been done to Knight of Despair, who tried using one of her blades to block the shot that simply moved too fast.

She was now missing an arm, but the shout she released wasn't of pain, but of anguish, one you would release if you saw an old friend die. I glanced at the gun in my hand.

Every shot carried more than simple bullets, but the weight of your choices.

A terrifying weapon that will make your worst mistakes manifest as pure regret and pain, using it against that despair from her failure... was wrong, but I could tell she wasn't going to stop any time soon, so I moved towards her. This time aiming at her swords, if I take care of them she shouldn't be able to fight anymore.

Because after the first shot I realized one thing, I don't want to hurt her.

She deserves an answer, just like how I got mine. I glanced at her swords, there are six of them... one is above me trying to skewer my head, another two from below going towards my legs, two against my chest to try and force me to move, and the last one was next to her, waiting for the moment I moved out of the way.

Jumping would dodge the ones aimed at my body and legs, but the one aimed for my head would now be going towards my stomach, and even then the last one would go when I couldn't dodge anymore.

Ducking was the same result, the pair at my legs wouldn't be avoided.

Sidestepping? Not enough room.

Then I have no choice but to put into practice on something that I never used before. I'm not one to brag, but I may just be too good at noticing emotions, maybe if I use that skill to read intent... I could replicate what Red taught me.

Read their intention and move before they do, the swords are already on the move... but the last one wasn't.

I looked down, and my eyes narrowed, the opening I was looking for and the moment I jump... she will try and stab me with her last sword.

My body moved low, and I put more speed. I didn't exactly jump, it was more of a hop while lowering my upper-body as much as I could while bending my legs back, dodging under the gap of the swords going to my chest and my legs, then I saw her last sword move.

But I had my gun already aiming at it, opening fire. I watched the sword shatter to pieces while my body moved back from the recoil of the shot, I had to spin midair and land on a crouched position while turning around towards the other swords.

... The feeling in the air was sharp, like I had small needles stabbing at my skin... but certain places in my body felt it more than others. My skin felt like it was being poked, but my chest felt like it was being stabbed.

This must be what reading 'intention' entails, it's... kind of uncomfortable.

Doesn't mean it didn't help, before I even heard the swords cutting air, I spun on the ball of my left foot, and dodged two swords trying to run me through my chest while opening fire, destroying them too.

I felt the stabbing sensation in the back of my head and I didn't bother to glance, and I ducked without thinking twice... even if I felt lightheaded for a moment.

There wasn't any time for me to worry about that, I flinched feeling the sensation again in my right shoulder and left arm, I wasn't going to dodge both of them...

My right shoulder snapped backwards, and I rose my left forearm, dodging one sword and the other one going through my forearm. I had to grit my teeth from the pure and IMMENSE pain I felt in my everything when the sword landed a hit.

I pointed my gun at said weapon and blew it up with a shot while it was still inside my arm, like the fucking idiot that I am.... I'm going to catch hell for that one later.

Pieces of black metal were now piercing most of my arm, those thankfully didn't hurt as much as the whole sword.

Two more to go.

Feeling two more swords going for my back, I tried to move like before but that last hit I took wasn't something I could just walk-off, thankfully I wasn't alone.

A gigantic rusted axe came from above, crushing the sword on the ground with great strength, that incredible overhead swing came from Beth, who had taken Ryn earlier to the main room so that the regenerators could work their magic.

"Excellent timing, Beth." I smiled, trying to hide my pain.

She snorted at me with a faint smile, trying to mask her worry, "Just promise you will try to solve your issues before a fight to the death happens..." I'd like to say she was wrong... but I was being a bit of a coward.

I rose my gun and shot the last sword before it could even begin a new attack, I gave Beth one look, and she looked exasperated.

The best I could give her was a reproaching smile and a shrug, that's just the way I am.

Approaching the abnormality that didn't have any more means to attack, I extended my hand since she had fallen to her knees after I broke the last sword.

The sobbing wasn't something I liked, slowly the Knight looked up at me, one simple question in her single eye, 'Do you know the answer?'

My smile was sad but filled with determination, 'There isn't one, and that's the point.' was what my smile said.

Even when I said there shouldn't be rewards for a good deed.... I was just as broken to see the path I was taking have no reward in the end, no better life or peace at the end of the road.

But that's it, that's why you have to keep going.

There is no reward because you give everything away, and maybe that was the error she committed... and the one I was committing.

After all...

How can someone that can't even look after themselves help others?

The Knight of Despair slowly took my hand while her features slowly became more normal again, her single eye slowly losing that void she showed and the armor vanishing.

I heard Beth sigh behind me, while I slowly helped the Knight get back on her feet and help her walk towards her chamber.

Although.... I'm not looking forward to the explanation I have to give about the new E.G.O weapon...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I sighed wearily while staring at the elevator to the Manager's office. The day ended without many problems... although Punishing Bird went out of his chamber twice, and I had to take him back to his chamber since the little bird likes to nest on top of my head.

Now at this point I would have gone to meet my friends, but I received one message from the Manager.

"We have to talk"

And I know for a fact that 'We' is more than the two of us. I really wasn't up for this whole debacle, much less after I formed... I want to call it a friendship with the Knight of Despair, who has... well, turned really amicable.

Towards me, at least. Ryn tried to work her again, but she only got a neutral result, which is weird since that girl has worked the knight for quite a while and knew how to get the work done. She told me that the knight was always waiting for something.

Turns out that something is me. When I entered the room, I was informed that her mood just became overall better, she even smiled... well it was a microscopic smile, but that's way better than everything else she did, since every emotion in the past that she showed always carried some form of depression but that little smile when I'm around was just sincere.

And that's... another thing on my plate, actual tangible change of behavior in an Abnormality.... was possible.

Well, it seems that it can only happen if you can relate to what they feel. I guess since our mentalities are so alike I was actually capable of pulling this off, but that's just guesses at this point, which means I need more data, which means I have to do that again.

Things can't ever be easy...

"Trigger!" I heard the voice of Malkuth behind me, I knew the talk was going to include more than two people... I hate being right.

That doesn't mean I had to be rude... to Malkuth and Angela, "Malkuth, I would say I'm happy to see you, but I'm kinda... tense, yeah tense." Malkuth walked past me and pressed the button of the elevator.

Well, she works quickly...

"I think everyone is a bit tense... can you show it to me? I saw the video feed, but seeing it closely should be interesting." I could tell she was eager, and I rolled my eyes with a small smile on my face.

Extending my left arm, I let the butterflies move and bring Solemn Penitence to me. Once in my grasp, I held it close to Malkuth... without aiming at her of course, "Is this really that impressive?" I really needed some kind of... example here as to why this is a big deal.

The elevator arrived and Malkuth entered first, signaling at me to join her, which I of course did. The moment the door closed, and the elevator moved, Malkuth talked again, "Of course it is, we all thought Kali was the epitome when it came to the mastery of EGO. We, as you have shown... were clearly wrong." I rose a brow at that unfamiliar name, and Malkuth must have noticed, since she decided to elaborate further.

"Kali was our... bodyguard before we ended up in this situation, she is now in the same situation as every Sephirah. She goes by Geburah and has quite the temper. She doesn't seem to know what she is angry about, so she lets it out on the abnormalities." I scoffed, suddenly catching the attention of Malkuth.

She looked at me with surprise in her single eye, "Does that really make you angry?" I sighed and scratched the back of my head, I really didn't know the situation of Geburah but...

"Well, I just... don't see the point to lash out at the world, but I really don't know her situation that well, so I just reacted." I replied, even if I... didn't particularly like those that blame everyone else for their problems, I TRY not to judge their character completely based on that alone.

Malkuth made a humming noise, "I don't know what has her so angry, I died before the old lab fell... putting that aside, how did you achieve this?" She signaled at my weapon still in my hand, I'm guessing the Manager wants to see it, so I decided to keep it out of my coffin.

"To be honest...? I don't know, it has something to do with emotions and... well, working with the desires of the E.G.O." I said, not missing the flickering in the light of Malkuth's eye.

Malkuth looked at me for a good 15 seconds without saying anything, "What do you mean 'working with the desires of the E.G.O'?" Ah... shit.

All agents are told to IGNORE and SUPPRESS all foreign feelings done by both the E.G.O and Abnormalities, I glanced once at Malkuth and sighed, "I know it was dumb... but it really wasn't that bad." I replied... while feeling the flat stare of the Sephirah on me.

"Trigger, the reason we have told every Employee to NOT do that, is because they twist into... pseudo Abnormalities or minor aberrations if they are exposed long enough to those thoughts and feelings." I blinked and gave her a long stare. Well, I may have just been lucky or just built different.

That aside, "So... if they are consumed by the thoughts and feelings of the E.G.O, you can become a minor version of whatever you are using?" I asked, Aberrations are basically the weaker cousins of Abnormalities.

But this both told me, that using the E.G.O weapon of One Bro to keep BongBong for dwelling too much into our training was a REALLY good idea... and that Symbiosis with E.G.O may just be possible...

"I don't like that look in your eyes." Deadpanned Malkuth, and I had decided to not look her in the eye at that moment.

"I'm just taking my time understanding your warning." My reply may have been a little too... empty.

Malkuth PROBABLY would have shaken her head in exasperation... if she- I'm stopping my train of thought there, "Just... be careful, try to not reveal that you have thrown that particular rule through a window, I don't want Yesod to have more reasons to dislike you." I didn't think he could dislike me more.

"I wasn't about to reveal that part anyway." I just got too comfortable around Malkuth, and I do trust her too.

When the door of the elevator opened, I saw Angela waiting for us, literally right besides the door to the Manager's office. Her eyes completely open and her sole focus was me.

So maybe this is going to be worse than I originally expected... Malkuth stop looking at Angela with the same intensity, it's not helping!

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Angela wordlessly opened the door to the Manager's office, and I found Yesod standing there on the left side of the office, simply staring at the vague direction of the door, but quickly focused on me. The Manager, with his fingers interlocked, looking both aggravated and pensive at the same time.

I walked forward and stopped in the middle of the room, I took notice that Malkuth had taken my side towards my left while keeping her focus on Angela and the Manager. Angela didn't care about that since she calmly closed the door and took her position right next to the Manager, her eyes fully open only because she was slightly behind him, she still would rarely open them around him...

"This conversation is being broadcasted to all Sephirah in the facility, they aren't ready to meet the Manager yet, but this was a situation that requires everyone's attention. I will also relay all important questions that they may have." She announced, which seemed to be the go ahead to start the... let's call it disaster, from my perspective at least.

Yesod was the one to take the initiative, "Moments before the confrontation with the Knight of Despair, you seemed to have suffered from great mental stress that even hampered your capabilities as a combatant. Moments later, after getting over it, the... 'fusion' had manifested. Do you believe it had something to do with your actions?" Because of course he had to point out I'm crazy in his eyes.

I didn't get the chance to speak, Malkuth did so first, "I doubt that, if simply resisting high-mental stress was the condition, many more employees would have achieved a similar result, of course compatibility must have something to do with it since he had two E.G.O weapons on him without suffering any mental deterioration." Damn, if the situation wasn't so tense, I would have given her a thumbs up. Yesod's eye met Malkuth's, and he glanced away from her.

"What exactly determines compatibility with abnormalities or E.G.O? I know there are requirements between their rank, but this is new to me." Commented the Manager with a small frown on his face.

Angela took it upon herself to answer this question, "It was a minor concern, since it was always advised to the employees to NOT listen to the urges of E.G.O, it is highly possible his emotions resonated with the ones Trigger was using." Good, if they make this go in that direction, it would be chalked up as an accident and nothing more... Instead of something I have been doing very willingly.

Yesod of course took note of this, but before he could speak, I decided to not let him have any ground in the conversation, "Before you mention it, do you really think Angela would have let me in here if I was affected by the E.G.O that badly?" Yesod grunted but didn't retort, I sure as hell won't let him get the chance if I'm around.

"Indeed, Tiphereth has raised a valid point, and wishes to know how you managed to deal with the Abnormalities differently than others do." Angela suddenly brought the little kids up, and I forced back down a sigh, it wasn't the time to feel sad.

I thought about the question for a second, I don't know how to avoid it... so I guess the truth would have to do, "I try to sympathize, weird as it sounds they seem to like being the center of attention and bringing up their problems or quirks seems to help a lot with that." Everyone at that point gave me stares filled with disbelief and a bit of amusement from the manager.

"That is simply inconceivable, they all have a set way of being no matter what you do. Abnormalities would follow their selfish desires without question, what you are saying is words without fact." I gave him a smirk that may have been TOO smug, but damn it, he is asking for it.

"Right after the scuffle with the Knight, her whole demeanor had changed, you are the one that pointed that change to begin with. It is small but noticeable, unless you want to call it a one in a million chance which I doubt you will, it happened." Yesod wasn't about to show that my words affected him, but I think my grasp of his character is good enough to KNOW he didn't like it.

The Manager of course had to dampen the mood, "Having only neutral results hampers what we are here for, energy. I don't care if it's possible when it would only make our job harder." I wasn't about to take that one lying down.

"Bring that up when you have it in you, to actually meet the abnormality." Well, that wasn't my best moment of self-control.

Angela hid her amusement very well... while Yesod made his disdain very well known, "And you show, yet again, your disregard for the rules without consideration of your surroundings and the consequences they can bring." I glanced at him once and sighed.

"You talk as if the rules made things any better, or the stupid things we are told like 'go meet the abnormality that can dismember you alone' or how could I forget 'have the Manager just be there and let Angela actually do the work' it's not like he can do what she can't." I mentally flinched at my words, I had gone too far with that one.

"I agree, there is a room filled with how little they worked as proof." I glanced at Malkuth with wide eyes... well, maybe I didn't go too far.

"Please, let's not derail the conversation, and I mean this for everyone." I have a feeling the other Sephirah also went a little over the edge. I glanced once at Yesod and the Manager, neither looking happy at all, and I wasn't either.

"That is a weird request, but still on topic, Binah is interested.... in what you felt when the fusion happened." I rose a brow at the pause in Angela's words, it felt like she was taking her time deciphering something, which is weird to think about.

It was also a strangely on point question... Binah sounds like someone that knows how to choose her words, "I was afraid, of what I was doing but decided there was no point of worrying about that, I do or I don't. Putting your mind in the consequences will just make choices harder, is that satisfying enough?" I asked, not wanting to go into more details.

Angela nodded once, so that's a win in my book...

"Can I take a closer look at the fusion?" The sudden question from the Manager had me wary, but I walked towards his desk and put Solemn Penitence there. He stared at it for a moment and slowly reached for the weapon, once in his hand he flinched and dropped it on the desk, his eyes unfocused.

I reacted quickly enough to keep him from falling off his chair, "Woah there, what happened?" I asked, confused by his reaction. I expected E.G.O erosion, not whatever that was.

Angela, seeing as nothing major happened, kept her calm demeanor, although I took note that she noticed his reaction before me, yet didn't decide to act...

The Manager waved me off and adjusted himself on his seat while I took back my weapon, "I.... I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that thing consciously rejected me." I rose a brow, that sounds like the greatest locking mechanism ever.

"Well... if it is really something born from his emotions and the E.G.O connecting, then it would make some sense it would only respond normally to Trigger's emotions." Malkuth theorized while I hummed in agreement, that makes enough sense for me.

Yesod took the stage again and this time hid his animosity, "While no concrete evidence is shown, with Trigger's words and a few facts... we have painted a coherent picture. The fusion could be born from the emotions of the user and the E.G.O aligning with one another without any clear repercussions. I would like to have more information, but this seems to be the best conclusion we have." Wait, if you can summarize this well, why are all the folders with information on Abnormalities so long?

Angela caught everyone's attention again with a suggestion, "Chesed believes that handing Trigger more E.G.O gear would help clear the subject more, and I agree with this. Geburah... agrees with this notion." Why do I feel like she really changed whatever Geburah said?

"She also has a question of her own... which I'll pass along due to her insistence, what makes you think Abnormalities are people?" I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes.

I thought about the question for a moment... "Because I can, I lose nothing by trying to see past what's shown to me, unless she'd wish for everyone to just throwing down with them and get nothing in return, then that's her way, I have mine." If Angela's smirk that vanished as if it was a ghost is anything to go by... Geburah must not be okay with what I said.

"While that seems... foolhardy, there doesn't seem to be many options to follow the avenue, so I'll agree with it." Yesod actually agreeing with something that benefits me? I don't believe it.

Malkuth eagerly agreed too, "He has yet to show any problems with the new E.G.O, it should work out!" Malkuth... you are my favorite Sephirah by default now.

Angela glanced at the Manager, her eyes closed, "What is your decision Manager?" Ah yes, even if he is... basically a figurehead, he still has the final say.

That makes no sense.

After a moment of consideration... and throwing one glare at me, he nodded, "I see no reason to refuse this, is there anything else we need to do" I had a feeling Angela wanted to say no but glanced at me once.

"There is one last inquiry, this one from Hokma, he wishes to know how you entered L Corp." My eyes narrowed dangerously, that question... it's almost like whoever asked knew of my circumstances.

So I simply refused to answer, "I thought we had to stay on topic, I doubt this is connected to what this whole debacle was all about." I said to Angela with a straight face, who in return simply nodded.

Fuck... Hokma.

"Then this is settled, you can all return to your posts now." Announced the Manager, I gave him a small nod and left with Malkuth. I took note of Yesod staying behind... probably because he didn't want to take the elevator with me.

I sighed once we left the office, "Well... that was intense." I commented, drawing a giggle from Malkuth.

"Maybe you should have calmed down a little bit." I wanted to refute, but she is right, I went as hard as they did.

I opened the elevator and let Malkuth in first before following after her, once the door closed I grimaced, "Who is Hokma? That question... troubles me." Malkuth paused for a moment.

And she answered, "He is... a man that will be against us no matter what, because we are against 'A'. As for that question... why does it trouble you?" I wondered for a moment if I should answer, but she told me her whole past life... I would feel bad if I didn't show the same amount of trust.

"Because I don't know how I ended up here." I said with a frown.

"That's... weird, I know many of the employees were contracted beforehand and dragged here with us." I nodded at her words, still frowning.

"Rober doesn't know how he ended up here either, but he has a card saying he was contracted... is that how you got all the employees here?" I had the feeling Malkuth didn't know that much about this either.

"I'm not sure, I don't even know who was the one that contracted people..." Well, that's quite the mystery...

Guess I should worry about what I know for now, "What now? Things are bound to escalate from here." I commented with seriousness.

Malkuth hummed for a moment, "We prepare, Gonzales mentioned you will be training them... I'm guessing in what you found about E.G.O?" Well, I now know Gonzales has loose lips.

"I would have wished to tell you that myself." I commented with a small smile.

Malkuth huffed slightly while... I think she was puffing out her nonexistent chest, "This is fine too! I cleaned... that room a while ago, it has no cameras and it's close enough to Control for me to keep an eye out for you guys while you train them." My smiled dimmed when I heard that, I guess getting rid of the bodies would happen at some point.

But a chance is a chance, I shouldn't just ignore it, "Thanks... I'll take them there when that happens." The door of the elevator opened and I walked out first while staring at Malkuth for a moment.

"Come on, let's go and hang out with them for a moment, I want to let out the stress from my body." I do feel like calming down after today's events.

"Sure...! Also, that E.G.O gift looks better than expected on your face." She commented, and I smiled brightly while touching right below my right eye, where the Knight of Despair had given me her E.G.O gift, a black tear tattoo.

Well... I guess things are moving forward, hopefully for the best.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

I was many things... moody, vindictive, foul-mouthed, disrespectful and incapable of tolerating whiny little fucks.

But I can recognize and acknowledge those that try the hardest. Now Trigger may just be... a bit crazy on the way he handles Abnormalities, but if it works, then I can't really form an argument that doesn't make me sound like a dick.

And then there was Malkuth. She failed, a lot, but always stood back up even after her emotional outburst days ago. She stood back up, ready to try again, to be better.

Those two are people that aren't common in the City. Everyone says they have it bad, everyone blames whoever they can and never think they should be trying HARDER, but no. They're miserable, and they use that energy to fucking complain instead of doing something about it.

Which was one of the reasons I couldn't take Rober seriously, but he definitely knew how to talk back. With time, I noticed that even if he complained, he still went and did his best and he earned a bit of my respect... only a little.

Bethany was a wreck, but she pulled herself together when the time was right, so she's... fine in my book.

Amelia is a mouthy bitch. She can handle herself well enough, and I know this is rich coming from me, but she gets angry incredibly fast, and unlike me, she was clouded by it. Then again, I have been angry for so long, it really doesn't bother me anymore.

Gonzales is a special guy, full of bravado that made me question his sanity at times. Then again, you have to be crazy to be so forthcoming about dealing with Abnormalities, he pulls his weight and that's good enough.

This is the first time I have been amongst people that, well, actually give a shit, and it's such a breath of fresh air... if only we didn't work with damn monsters for a living, but with the good comes the bad.

I was walking towards the room that I just KNEW had bodies at some point. Malkuth, even if she had my respect at the time, was very intense on the way she handled quitters, and this is coming from me. I could just tell by the look in her eye that if we fucked up, we were goners.

She mellowed... well more like she reflected and changed her approach, and that means we go back to Trigger, the man that had the biggest impact on her. Rober told me the story and even if he doesn't trust Malkuth 100% like I do, her look didn't lie, she hates this place as much as we do.

What pushed Trigger to get impaled and still try to reason with the person that was trying to kill him? I have no fucking clue, but I respect the hell out of it.

Opening the door to the room and I found... only orange metallic walls with nothing around, aside from Trigger with his arms crossed in the middle of the room, giving me a small smile, "Well Dakota, you are getting what you asked for, how does it feel?" I really didn't like to stall the training, mainly because I was very eager to start, but I held back from being rude.

"My body is ready, and if you make a dirty joke, I'll kill you." He rolled his eyes at me with his smile still present, he was just hard to read at times. Even if I knew he was usually in a good mood, I know he also uses that to hide his other feelings.

I was curious why he suddenly got more proactive with this E.G.O training stuff, and I'm betting it has something to do with whatever the big head honchos wanted to talk about... E.G.O fusion and another thing on the list of 'Shit Trigger just does'.

"Well, I'll start by telling you that this is stupidly dangerous-"

"Yeah, if you did it, that would be the obvious conclusion."

"I'll take that as you being ready then. First of all, forget everything you were ever told about E.G.O, because you first need to let the feelings of the E.G.O inside your head." Trigger replied with a small but significantly more serious smile.

I rose a brow at that, well... shouldn't be that hard, the E.G.O suit of Funeral of the Dead Butterflies and the E.G.O weapon of Red Ridding Hooded Mercenary just felt right on me... more so Red's than the other one, so I slowly opened my mind...

If you ever got rid of the one that ruined you, will you finally sleep soundly?

Who knows? I'm just certain that paying blood with blood will always just ask for more, but that's just the way it is sometimes.

But mourning their memory would be just, as everyone suffers and deserves at least that much.

A lie, they don't need to be remembered, You can't handle what they did.

So did we, we all did, so mourn for those that suffer.

LISTEN TO ME

The sound of a church bell washed away the incredibly loud and intrusive thoughts that weren't my own. I blinked twice trying to regain my bearings and saw Trigger holding his new E.G.O weapon and taping the 'cross' of the barrel on my forehead... at least the barrel is aiming away from my head, that would be awkward.

"So what did you experience?" He asked casually, and I frowned. It was like seeing two trains about to clash and neither wanted to pull the brakes.

Which is exactly how I put it into words to him, he looked at me up and down, then at my suit and the weapons on my hips, "Yeah, those two clash too much to make it work... unless you feel like following my example too much, but you should have resonated more with one than the other." It wasn't worded like a question... but it did feel like one.

"Red's just feels right in my hands-" This time he was the one to interrupt me with a smart ass remark.

"Yeah, she kinda is like a much more mature you." Fuck right off, Trigger.

"-Eat a dick, but yeah, I can get why she hates so much whoever the fuck the wolf is. I know I'd hate just as much if someone fucked me over that badly." Trigger hummed at my words and scratched his chin for a couple of seconds.

"Then this time ONLY let that one in, be prepared by constant repetition." Wasn't that an understatement? We did this many more times, every time he was trying to point me in the right direction of working with my weapon rather than against me.

It is STUPIDLY hard to get a grip on my anger every time I do this, and I'm pretty sure I swung with the ax/knife for his neck more than once, but he never told me if that actually happened. Losing myself to the anger was easy, but he always used his E.G.O to push back the thought away.

This wasn't only dangerous for me, but for him too, and that made me respect him a lot more. He encouraged me, even when I failed many times, and he didn't seem that bothered by what happened when I went too far into it. I know he didn't mention the times I tried to take his head after the E.G.O got to me, but I just got the feeling that I TRIED to do it.

I was improving too, by the end of our session, I wasn't losing my shit... but I still didn't know how to fully tap into the power of my weapon.

But this session cemented one thing in my mind.

Trigger DESERVED my respect and loyalty, because he had the exact same feelings towards me.

In his eyes, we are equals, and that's not something you see in the City anymore.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I sighed wearily while staring down at my food, while I was more familiar with Mexican cuisine, that doesn't mean I didn't know how to prepare other miscellaneous stuff, like onigiri (Japanese rice balls).

Cooking was one of my hobbies, and it helped me with stress, this time I went with a salmon filler for the onigiri... and just like every time I cook, I had to teach the chefs how to do so. Thankfully, some of them had been familiar with the dish, so it was way smoother than the last one I tried here.

Putting that little thing aside... Dakota was scarily similar to Red in some ways, to the point that she was starting to handle the E.G.O weapon without much trouble, aside for the two times she tried to chop my head off while calling me 'Cunning Bastard'. Not that I mentioned those small bumps to Dakota, who must have suspected something happened anyway.

I looked around the table while taking a bite of one onigiri, just training my friends one by one would take a while... but before I even think of doing group sessions, I have to get them all up with the basics. So I'll wait for everyone to have their individual classes before bringing that up.

Rober and Dakota were happily shit talking each other, but there was hardly any heat on their insults. BongBong, ever the enthusiast, was next to Rober and seemingly agreeing to whatever his... 'probable' love interests says about Dakota.

Gonzales was trying to get Amelia to get into a drinking contest with him, while Amelia exasperatedly tried to explain to him that we didn't have any alcohol in hand. He just laughed that off and said they should find out who could drink more water, I was half-sure Amelia had considered murder at that point, but she managed to chill... after punching Gonzales in the gut.

Malkuth didn't show up this time, she sometimes does... but she told me something that appalled me, 'I have to finish the Joint Command investigation before work. It won't take long for Angela or the Manager to start asking about it'.

Now, I didn't say anything, but my face at the time conveyed my feelings pretty well. Malkuth probably knew what was going on inside my head and told me really bluntly to 'Blame 'A''... and she is right.

WHY do we need to investigate joint command? Because our communicators are only accessible to the Sephirah that supervises us and the Manager. With this, all Sephirah can ask for help from other Sephirah.

This whole corporation makes the weirdest decisions sometimes...

Wonder where Bethany is?

"So... we kinda have been waiting for you to bring it up, but the wait is killing me, show me the goods." Amelia turned away from the smiling Gonzales, that hardly seemed to be winded from the punch he received minutes ago.

Now all attention was on me... from more than one place, a good chunk of the employees in the dining room were staring at me, but that hardly deterred me from doing as I was asked. Butterflies came from the coffin carrying Solemn Penitence, which I caught with my left arm while finishing my last onigiri with my free hand, "I can't let you touch it, doesn't seem like it likes it... neither did the Manager." I warned, still not sure why the Manager was fatigued after holding this bad boy.

Gonzales whistled while looking at it up and down, "That... is a thing of art, not something that is just done, comrade." Well that's the lowest I heard his voice reached, color me impressed.

Amelia nodded once, "So... if I hold it, I'll get fucked up?" I nodded slowly, it didn't seem to have any horrible effects on the Manager, but sudden bursts of fatigue must be a bitch to handle.

BongBong was happily clapping along while Rober just looked at me and nodded once seriously... why do I have a feeling he talked more than his differences with Malkuth?

Of course Dakota already saw it, but she still had to ask, "How did the Manager handle whatever it did to him?" I could tell she wanted to know, if only to have something to laugh towards a man she really dislikes... mainly because he makes us work here.

"Like a drunkard handles hangovers." My words made everyone at the table to snort. No one here liked the Manager since they never met the guy but at the same time, the only one's with real animosity towards him are Rober, Amelia and Dakota... for obvious reasons.

So the amusement wasn't unexpected, still I sadly have to get going, Yesod is a hard ass with time and I should be there before he starts nagging me, "Well this was nice, but duty calls".

Rober rose one brow at that, "Yesod?" This guy gets it.

I gave him a brief nod and said my goodbye's while walking out of the dinning room and putting Solemn Penitence inside the coffin. Still haven't seen Beth... maybe she is already in Information?

My walk was about to take me towards the elevator to Yesod's floor... only to find a very peculiar sight.

Beth and Angela having an... interesting conversation, "No Angela, I'm pretty sure I would know if Hippos were so damn evil." Beth said with what sounded like exaggerated worry.

"They have been known to threaten infants of their own species as rivals... yes, you can tell where I'm going with this." Angela, even if she had her always serene expression on... couldn't hide this slight mirth that I know she was trying and failing to suppress.

Angela was enjoying this talk, that is... really good. She always seemed so secluded from everyone else, so this is just an improvement for her.

"Aren't they herbivores? Because that doesn't sound very herbivore." Beth replied with a frown of confusion.

Angela rose one brow at that, "Where does 'herbivore' translate to 'non-hostile' and how can I find it to correct such rubbish?" Was that... is she actually just having mindless fun?

Beth rubbed the back of her head and laughed childishly, "Well books for infants do leave out the more... gruesome details".

In other circumstances I would have let them continue, but Beth would also catch flack from Yesod if she didn't hurry, so I moved, "Beth, Angela, seems like you are having quite the lively chat." Angela stared at me for a moment and seemed to huff.

"I was simply correcting Bethany on her flawed knowledge about fauna." So you say, but you seemed pretty entertained there... my smile was telling and Angela frowned slightly, annoyed by my reaction.

"She is just doing this to me for our talk about Dad jokes and why they suck." At Beth's words I glanced at Angela who... was looking away.

Being unable to hold myself back, I snorted, "Didn't know a highly sophisticated lady such as yourself had such tastes in humor. I'll keep that in mind the next time I see you, I know a couple of knock-knock jokes myself." Beth gasped loudly, an obvious over exaggeration.

"My word! Trigger what kind of example you are trying to show to Angela!?" Her fake outrage was just the best and I let out a small laugh, Beth just outright laughed and Angela... had an honest small if a bit annoyed smile.

"I see, it'll be a shame when Yesod asks where you two are, and I'd have to... show some recent reports." Her words sounded almost serious, ruined by the same small and annoyed smile I noticed on her face.

Beth sighed at that, "Thanks for the warning, let's go Trigger, later Angela." Beth moved ahead of me while I gave Angela a small nod.

"See you later, this was quite the nice talk." As I moved past her, I could tell how... slightly miffed she seemed when we left along with slight confusion, guess this is pretty new to her...

Well it'll become normal soon enough, it'll be nice to see her smile like that more often.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



I have many abilities at my disposal, and I needed none of them to take note of the fact that Yesod had been throwing looks filled with animosity. Now he just introduced us to a new recruit called Gregor, a nice guy with grass-green hair and may have an Interest for art (he tries to hide it though), wearing the Schadenfreude E.G.O set. Yet, I was too busy wondering what was up with Yesod.

Beth had given me an encouraging pat on the back when Yesod had specifically asked me to stay behind while everyone else went to prepare for work, Ryn threw me a look as if asking, 'What did you do?' I mouthed at her, 'Breathe.' I was able to see the amused smile she had before leaving.

And now it's only me and Yesod, and not being one to mince words, the Sephirah spoke first, "I have slowly tried to look back at your past actions and couldn't find anything concrete. I went to Angela, and surprisingly I received a vague answer." This... doesn't sound good.

"What exactly do... 'past actions' entail?" I asked, wondering what he wanted to know... probably to just make my day worse.

Yesod hummed and reached... below himself and pulling his bandages slightly. Is that a small, long gap? From it, as if he was a damn printer, a paper came out... a single paper that he grabbed with one hand and waved it in front of me firmly, "This is all we have on you." His words WOULD have made me double-take if I wasn't expecting this after Hokma decided to ruin my day yesterday.

Yesod wouldn't have let such a piece of information slip.

"Blood-type, characteristics, small briefing in attitude, and your exploits, surprisingly lacking considering we even have a brief rundown of the life employees had before to make sure of their background, You have no Background to speak off." Because I needed that fucking reminder...

Yesod crossed his arms and his sole eye bore into me, "We don't even have your application anywhere, you just came here from nowhere. I'll be brief, which Wing send you?"

...

What?

That was unexpected... but I guess not entirely unreasonable. It would make sense to think another Wing sent me here if they are all Corporations and being against each other. I had a general idea that all other Corporations... are just as bad as this one.

Seeing no reason to lie, I gave him a shrug, "Yesod, we aren't in great terms but... I really have no clue on my circumstances, and even if you somehow got it right, doesn't that mean Angela did too?" My inquiry was met with silence, it wasn't that he had a bad guess.

But even I have no clue WHY I'm in this situation, "There must be a reason, it's not unheard for some folks of the City to simply be used without them knowing." I gave him a small smile.

"Yesod, I'm not from the City." That much I could tell with my scarce memories, I wasn't in Kansas anymore... huh, I can't believe it took me that long to make that joke.

His... processor(?)... seemed to go through some kind of civil war, since his eye simply turned off. A couple seconds later, and he seemed to come back to life, "That... isn't completely baseless. I hope you understand my reservations of trusting you after our many altercations and your complete disregard of our rules." I'm going to have to take note that he seems... more amicable.

Well... we haven't met before in actual talking terms, so I may as well use the chance, "No problem, I'm apparently weird like that. I do have to ask, though... what is with you and adhering to the rules so... intensely?" Yesod took a moment to take my words in.

"What DO we do without them? One moment you are having fun and decide to skip a step, the next you are writhing on the floor, losing your teeth while your body slowly rots." I had to blink and really think about what I just heard, that sounded... like Elijah.

Does Yesod remember who he was before...? Never mind, I have to settle our conversation first, "Yesod... be honest with me, have my actions impacted others in such a negative manner?" He was a well-informed person, he should be able to tell me.

Yesod was silent, and he begrudgingly spoke, "For now they haven't, but you can't keep going like this forever."

...

I sighed, "You say that, but I know what happens when an Employee can't keep up, if they can't handle it... the first thing I'm told is to 'Execute' not 'Subdue' them. If rules are there to help them... then why is that one a thing?" Yesod would have been sporting a frown if he had a face.

"While that is true, the option of subduing them isn't out of the table. Furthermore, by taking out one, you keep many others safe." That was sound logic... and I would have just accepted we had different views at that point, but Yesod couldn't hide it this time.

The disgust he felt at his own words.

Sighing, I stared at him with a pitying expression, "You are trying to make yourself look like a cold-snake, but I can see you dislike this, dislike me even... but you don't hate me. Everyone has it rough, and you can't plan for every problem." The flash of emotion in his eye was unmistakable anger.

"And you should stop talking like you know everyone." He snapped at me, definitely trying to be a snake...

I shook my head at him, "But you know yourself, so... am I wrong?" At my question, he simply turned around and started to walk away, without another word.

Guess there is a lot more to him than I first thought... maybe it's the same for the other Sephirah too.

"All Agents prepare for Work"

And the Manager has horrible timing... I scratched my neck while wondering what my orders would be.

"Orders from the top, Trigger! Start Instinct work on Red Ridding Hooded Mercenary"

Malkuth... guess she managed to finish her work on Joint Command.

Well this is an opportunity, a very dangerous opportunity to test my theories on Abnormalities... I can see why Yesod dislikes me.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I stared back at Red, who was simply leaning against the wall, her single eye closed, and her posture seemingly relaxed. But knowing the way she is, it's more like a bait for anyone to give her a reason to beat the shit out of someone by trying to wake her up physically.

Ah, well... nothing explored, nothing gained, "Red, it's been a while... now this is the moment I'd ask what have you been up to." I knew fully well no one would have gone as far as I did.

Her single eye opened and sized me up quickly. She exuded what seemed to be brief elation... well that worries me, "I have been cramped in here without much to do, hope you feel like breaking some protocols." She kicked off the wall and approached me.

Training can't be that painful... probably, "I'm up for it, anything that gives the Manager some kind of migraine is welcomed. What exactly you feel up to?" And please don't say guns.

She hummed for a moment.

And then I had to duck under a haymaker, it was fast, but I could react to her now... thank you experiences with the Knight, "You improved, hand-to-hand kid, I have some shit to work through." Probably the nightmares.

As if she read my mind, she did a sweep and threw my ass to the floor, while I was busy wondering how many more times I'm going to get hit today, "Please be careful with me... I'm not a stress ball." I groaned on the floor and getting up with relative ease.

It wasn't exactly what I wanted, even if I know what to say. Red won't take anything well if I brought it up, the scars, the wolf, and her clothing... which I know is there to hide her scars and skin.

And yeah, while I was wondering this... I wasn't getting my shit kicked in, but I'm just a brawler. I know how to throw a punch and a kick, yet she is an experienced mercenary that probably knows more than one fighting style, she was also faster and stronger than me by a decent margin.

At least she took my words to heart and didn't smack me silly while I was on the ground. When she managed to throw me down to the floor, she would tell me to stop being so stiff and be less proactive, something about showing too much of what I can do (which isn't a lot) in a short time.

The last time she threw me to the floor (this is like the sixth time already...) she finally decided to speak again, "At least it's tolerable to look when you swing, be less predictable next time." Predictable is one of those things I don't think anyone has ever called me.

While she went back to her wall and laid her back against it, I had to look for words to say without the situation blowing up and having her trying to kill me...

Only to realize there is no safe way to go about this, fuck it.

When in doubt, whip it out, "I've been meaning to ask, WHAT did the wolf do to you?" When the air suddenly turned cold, I had noticed I was still on the floor like the dumbass I am.

I did move my head slightly to see Red looking at her Ax/Knife with a very violent... gaze, "Aren't you a curious cat." And curiosity killed the cat, at least she isn't threatening to make my insides go outside.

She moved to loom over me, and I still decided that the floor was too comfortable to leave behind, while also not saying I was more of a dog person... for obvious reasons.

"It's a long story." Her voice was hollow, and I wondered if what I was doing was even remotely smart or correct, but I'm already here, so may as well move things along.

Moving up to change my position and sit on the floor rather than lay on it, I patted the area in front of me, "We have time, I heard talking can be a great way to vent up frustrations." At my words, Red gave one look to the floor before sitting down, her legs crossed.

Her single eye never once stopped judging me since we started talking.

...

She started to shake, and I knew I had to do something before this devolved into a fight, "What did you do before being a mercenary?" I went out and said that like it would make thin-

"I always visited my Granny." I had to really stop myself from making a stupid face when she actually calmed down, I guess luck has favored my dumbass today.

Not only that but she... sounded soft, well more like she had removed most of the inherit hostility her voice always carried, this was also a chance to know more about her, "Always? She must mean a lot to you." My voice was carefully neutral, hiding my previous surprise and my wariness.

She slowly gave me one nod, "It was always in the morning, going through the forest and waving the neighbors while walking down the road towards the forest, where my Granny lived, who always had a pie ready for me. Sometimes it was apple, sometimes it was cheese, it was always something different each day." Red was reminiscing, and I also had a feeling that she had more than just scars as proof to hate the wolf.

"Only ever tried Banana Cream pie, not my cup of tea, but it wasn't bad." I commented with a shrug of my shoulders, I do wonder...

"She always went out of her house alone, trying to get ingredients in the forest. I was worried, but she always said to me, 'What kind of Grandma would I be if I didn't bake the best pie for my little rose?' It... warmed my heart to hear that." Her voice was almost in a trance, looking at the floor at this point, almost avoiding my gaze.

It was a jarring difference compared to how she usually acts.

This also painted a very bad picture in my head of what happened to her 'Granny', "She sounds like a great woman, do you still know some of her recipes? I would love to try to do one myself." I tried to keep the conversation going.

Red rose her gaze and met mine, she wasn't... angry but some of her usual hostility was back, "I do." And from under her hood, she pulled out one small and surprisingly well-kept book, I didn't reach for it since she quickly hid it back.

"But this is a family secret." She wasn't telling me off, so that's progress.

The room flashed green, and I gave her a small smile while getting up, "Well this was nice, I'm pretty sure I'll be asked to come here again, see ya later." I waved at her.

I didn't get a response though, that's fine.

Although I'm a bit worried about how the next talk is going to go...

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I was waiting right outside of Red's door with a focused expression plastering my face, can't give myself the chance to fuck this up when I'm already making progress... so do I go with a more suave approach? She seemed adamant about her 'Granny' and that story can't end well, so going forward will be dangerous.

But my options are limited, I either dive into the wolf's mouth or just get nothing, just as I did with the Knight. Even if that one was personal for me, sometimes I'd like for things to be simple...

"You look serious, something on your mind?" I glanced to my left, seeing Rober approach me, I looked up and down at his E.G.O gear. He has Red's suit, but his weapon is still from Punishing Bird.

I scratched the back of my neck, "Just thinking-"

"That can't end well..."

My eyes turned into what would only be called perforating weapons since I tried to stare a hole into Rober, "Funny, that aside, I'm just trying to prove something." I said while glancing at Red's door and steeling myself.

Rober sighed, "The Knight changed you... not in a bad way, hope you can pull off whatever you are trying to do." He gave me an encouraging pat on the back and I gave him a thumbs up along with a smile.

Now I just wait for Malkuth to give the signal...

"Orders from the top, Trigger! Start Instinct work on Red Riding Hooded Mercenary"

My favorite, by default.


My body moved on its own, walking forward and entering Red's chamber, her posture was different too. She was in a corner reading the small book she had shown me, she hid it again once I came in.

She rose her eye and met mine, alright... go big or go home.

Walking to the middle of the room, I took a seat on the floor with a small smile on my face, trying to appear as welcoming as I could, "I felt like our last conversation ended... a bit abruptly, I hope you don't mind my curiosity." Red gave me one simple stare and joined me on the floor.

After a brief moment of silence, she spoke again, "The forest around my home was always calm, even then... a forest is always a forest. Animals are bound to come around, but it was nothing the Huntsmen couldn't handle." I perked up at that, so more than one?

"Like reindeer and stuff like that? Sounds easy enough to handle." My comment got Red to stare at me for an uncomfortable amount of time.

She pulled out the notebook and stared at it for a moment, "It was." Because I love stepping on land mines...

Red didn't need to look at me, I could tell she was busy in her own mind. That didn't stop her from continuing, "Things had been okay, until they weren't. One day the Huntsmen didn't come back, something smarter entered the forest, trying to appear harmless, he tricked them all... and the survivor? He left in fear." Red's hand was shaking and quickly hid the book, almost as if she was afraid of causing any kind of damage to it.

This time she pulled out her weapon, looking at the blade as if entranced, "Things seemed to be fine, but my Granny stopped going to the forest, and she always told me to visit her ONLY in the morning, I was a kid and didn't know better. One day I couldn't sleep because of a dumb childish nightmare of the dark, and I wanted to cuddle with her." I frowned at that, as kids you fear something's just because they seem scary.

"That's normal, we all hate being afraid." I muttered, touching the E.G.O gift from the Knight.

She snorted almost hatefully, to whom? She may not even know herself, "I shouldn't have been, not that day... not ever. At the time, I didn't know, but HE followed. I... took that 'Cunning Bastard' to her home." She pulled her gun and started to grind her blade, what she needed to calm her nerves.

"That night I spoke of a nightmare that wasn't real, while never seeing the real one followed me home... but Granny did. She always knew what was best for me, but maybe that day... she misjudged." The grinding became louder, and I weighed my options here.

I could say she didn't, and Red was alive because of it... bad choice really. Ask if she really thinks that even though it's clear she fucking DOES, or...

"You'd rather she was in your position?" I asked, what was seemingly the best option available and received a deep glare in response, only the hate wasn't aimed at me, but it was just... aimless.

She stabbed her Ax/Knife on the floor, going through the metal plates, "Never, there isn't a good option here. She hid me under her bed while I heard the screams of pain, he was bigger and stronger. He could have ended it quickly... but he knew I was there. He was looking at me, taunting me, he swallowed my Granny whole, flipped the bed and showed me his belly, almost asking me to TRY and gut him." She dragged her weapon, creating a bigger tear on the floor.

"I tried and lost one eye, I tried and my stomach flew from my body, I tried and kept trying. Scars piling up... until he also left with scars, and it felt good, but he looked at me with those mocking eyes and I needed to keep going, to find HIM!" She tore her weapon from the floor and slammed it again and again.

But this... is almost like the Wolf wanted Red to look for revenge...

I tensed and flipped back, avoiding a slash to my face, "You have him here... and I will finally get what I want!" She rose her voice while getting up, and I did the same, giving her a pitying stare.

"Don't you mean what HE wants?" I asked back, and her single eye zeroed on me. An animalistic growl leaving her mouth, preparing both weapons and missing most of the usual grace her posture carried, now what seemed more like an animal was in front of me.

Red moved, and I saw a red blur flow through the air. She wasn't as fast as the swords of the Knight... but she had more skill. Even when her anger was clouding her mind, she still knew where to aim.

Time to put my borderline empathic abilities to use again. Trusting her feelings and my own body to react accordingly, I ducked under the first swing and threw a palm strike to parry her gun hand, a shot went off, and I kicked her in the abdomen while jumping back and using my Butterflies to call Solemn Penitence to my right hand.

But my eyes were glued to her hood. At her right side, there was a small stitched up bag with a zipper... that must be where her Granny's book is, and most likely the only way I have to end this without a rain of blood being involved.

Red moved, and I held my gun defensively... this is just going to be painful.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

First thing I took notice about my current situation is that she was obviously used to fighting bigger opponents, I was pretty sure I'm slightly taller than she is though and that works in my favor to a small degree.

I wasn't fighting the Mercenary, but the Monster Hunter, one knew how to fight humans, the other didn't. She was aiming for very specific parts of my body, all of them being small targets, making the task of dodging her blows easier for me. Neck, heart, or head, everything else in her eye was just a waste of time... now if only her attacks were aimed to kill.

That might sound weird, but it seemed from my perspective that Red wanted to make this fucking painful for me. Not only that, but the quantity of attacks is a factor here, she threw a LOT of those and even if they were meant to cause me a ridiculous amount of pain and not kill me while my pain threshold isn't by any means small... I still couldn't afford to take those without getting sluggish.

To put it simply, this was a manhunt for her. At some point, I'm going to get hit, and she knows it... and maybe if she wasn't angry and tried fighting me like she usually does, I would have been hit already.

Ducking under a swing of her bladed weapon, I parried her gun with my own while she pulled the trigger, making me flinch from the sound that just had to go off right next to my god damn ear.

Using the momentum from my parry, she spun on her heel and rose her left leg, a spin kick right in the ribs that I managed to block with my forearm... wait, where are her weapons?

She suddenly grabbed me by the shoulders with her now free hands, and I felt myself being pulled. Thinking quickly, I lowered my body and spread my legs to keep myself grounded, which worked to some degree.

I felt pain on my knee and felt myself going lower than I wanted to. I glanced down with wide eyes to see she had kicked my right knee to force me to bend down. I glanced at her and saw her weapons falling from the air, she threw them up while performing that spin kick?!

She was reaching for her gun, making me realize she decided to send her plans to make me suffer to hell and back. Thinking quickly, I let my whole body fall to the ground while grabbing her right arm and raising my left leg up on her abdomen, using my limb like a spring to throw her behind me while landing on my back.

Quickly getting up, I backhanded her weapons away and rose my... where the hell is my gun? I looked at my now empty hand and then back at Red, rising from her fallen position, with Solemn Penitence in hand.

Well... that's actually lucky.

I dashed forward without even thinking of dodging an attack that won't come while raising my right fist. She was already up and aiming at me, but that was a mistake. Her hand suddenly slumped, and her body flinched, making her drop the gun, her single widened eye met mine.

And then my fist met her face, her hood moved just enough for me to see the lack of everything her face had, well lump of flesh would be more accurate to what I saw. I think those are scars, but the number is so big, she may as well just have flesh without skin.

I reached for her hood and her body suddenly jerked upwards. Her head hitting me on the chin and would have knocked me on my ass if I hadn't backed away, but I still felt my legs get shaky from the hit.

Not deterred from the hit, I let my hand grab her hood and yanked her towards me, bringing my knee to her stomach, which she stopped with both her hands. Taking the chance, I bend down and wrapped my arms around her abdomen, and then I carried her.

Rising her all the way up and bending my back all I could, I brought her whole weight and mine down. Yes, I just pulled a power bomb.

Her back hit the metal floor that caved in under the impact, forcing Red to let out a chocked gasp. I took the book from her hood and jumped back, while my butterflies took Solemn Penitence back to my coffin.

She got back up, clearly slower than before but not deterred at all... if anything she looked even more angry than usual. Her body was a blur of red, but I simply rose the book in her face and she tried to pull the brakes on her dash. The moment she stopped, her single eye tried to develop laser's to try and kill me in that spot.

"This... is proof that she wanted better for you." I said, punctuating my point by shaking the book in front of Red.

A growl escaped her lips, but held herself back from doing anything stupid.

Sighing at the response, I relaxed my body, "I don't know your granny, but you do. So why don't you entertain the thought, if only for her?" I was playing a dangerous game here... but it may just be worth it.

After a brief moment of silence, she scoffed and took the book from my hand... well, more like yanked the book from my hand, "I'm not stopping, not because someone that thinks he's right told me too. Much less because he thinks what's best for me." She stomped towards the edge of the room, clearly angry.

But I gave her a curious look, "That wasn't a no."

She didn't take that well, "Fuck off, I can't cool down with your emotional ass here." But she never said she wouldn't... progress, I guess?

The room flashed green, and I gave Red one last look before walking out of the chamber... that was productive, if I do say so myself.

Said thoughts about my small victory died a horrible and painful death. The moment I actually exited the chamber... only to see Rober giving me a flat stare filled with 'what now?' energy.

"Trigger, if you are going to pull these kinds of stunts, you should probably warn your superiors"

And then there was the slightly amused but more aggravated voice of Malkuth, to which I had the perfect response.

"I can explain." Maybe not.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

"Rober... I'm not about to go in there again, the day is already over anyway." I commented with a sigh, he has yet to leave me be since the day ended, most likely because he wanted to make sure I won't go and do something stupid again.

Not much happened after my bout with Red, and I wasn't really allowed to go meet her again. So I just worked Knight for the rest of the day, having meaningless but pleasant conversations.

"And I have to make sure you aren't full of shit, you just have that effect on people." Rober responded with a shrug and a small frown. That's not true, I'm not always doing dangerous stuff for the fuck of it... I think.

It's hard to tell, considering each day in this place is just another day trying not to die. It's just a lot more hectic for me, considering I'm willingly putting myself in those situat- I'm not helping my case at all.

I scoffed and gave him a pat on the back, "You can worry all you want. I'm still going to get in this kind of stuff, even if I don't want to." I really shouldn't sound so calm about that fact.

"Why are you such a pain?" He asked with a smirk, showing he really didn't mind what I had done... to some degree.

I was about to retort until at the end of the hallway... I saw Yesod and Malkuth. Yesod's entire posture screamed he wanted to kill me with his words and proper speech, while Malkuth was just awkwardly glancing at me and Yesod with what felt like dread.

Funnily enough, Rober had the exact same expression as Malkuth did, "Yesod." I said plainly, not even bothering trying to hide that I didn't care what he thought of how I handled Red's anger.

"Trigger." And Yesod didn't hide the fact he didn't care about what I cared, hilarious.

...

Rober coughed on his fist, "Malkuth, I heard you wanted to hold a meeting with the team to prepare better strategies." It was the most obvious attempt at leaving what was soon to be a war of words.

"I- well, we could sta-" She was interrupted for whatever she was going to say when Rober grabbed her robotic arm and moved with her, dragging the confused and sputtering mess that was Malkuth.

Yesod and I proceeded to have a stare down, neither willing to back out from the competition that was probably unnecessary beyond belief, but we both hated each other's guts enough to ignore that.

"What was that?" Yesod didn't break eye contact and demanded answers from me. I knew of course what he was talking about, that doesn't mean I would willingly tell him if I was in the right mindset.

"Trying to prove a theory I was working on, seems to be going well." Scratching my chin, I also kept eye contact with him.

Yesod scoffed after hearing that, "You would call any situation that could kill you that, it has been your modus operandi since day one." I would have rolled my eyes if I wasn't still unwilling to break our stare down.

"Sometimes you just have to put yourself in the line of fire to get things done." My words had an effect on Yesod.

A bad one, "We either follow the regulations or we get nothing done, many tried before and nothing changed. Much less with a Manager that can sit in the monitor and comments about their struggles, as if he had experienced them." Yesod... didn't snap, but he let out quite the bit of interesting information.

"I take it you had a talk with him?" I questioned with focused gaze.

His arms made an uncomfortable sound by how hard he was gripping them, metal grinding against metal never makes nice sounds, "Nothing you should bother with." Okay, now I did roll my eyes.

"Yesod, I know you care, but those rules aren't here to help us. You know that, everyone knows that, so I do my best to make the situation better, because it bothers me, and if it bothers you... why won't you do something about it?" I don't get it, I know he tries to play it off as if the rules of the facility were helping us at all, but they are there to seemingly get us killed... I don't think there is even a need to enter the same room the abnormalities are in to work with them.

He took one good look at me and went... to cover the lower part of his body, right below his eye... as if he was disgusted? "I know, but no matter which way we spin it, we are here with these rules as the only crutch." This guy...

Is repressing, he isn't cold, or uncaring.

Yesod is forcing himself to not feel and always keep a rational mindset... or so it seems.

Closing my eyes, I took a moment to find the right words. I'm not in a good... relationship with him, but this was hard to watch, "A fruit left out in the open will rot. An animal injured in the wild is prey." I started using vague words and fancy talk for two reasons only.

One, he needs to really think about this issue.

Two, I kinda like screwing with him.

Yesod gave his input at my words, "Where are you going with this Trigger?" He demanded.

"What is a man with a dam on his heart?" I asked back to him, and he stopped and took my words in for a moment, he didn't seem like he was going to answer.

Yesod shook his head... more like he tried to do so even if he didn't have one, "Safe from the flood." He all but spat at me while walking away, seriously... that guy needs to be more honest with himself.

Sighing while walking away, I couldn't help but worry about how many feelings he must have been burying to respond like that...

It'll be disheartening to see him drown.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

Irrationality at the face of facts had always annoyed me, to a degree that many wouldn't consider healthy.

But keeping all emotions back to avoid them hampering my rational thought had been a must. If one employee died for being at the wrong time, cracking down on the rules should help, keeping watch of the work time at every moment.

Doing the wrong work with an Abnormality? Drill the necessities and make the consequences known, even if they don't like it. They will have a better chance at survival.

This was a fact in the facility, work with the parameters given to you and hope for the best. But that wasn't enough, so I'll be as strict as I have to be... to get things done.

It is the only way.

...

WAS the only way.

Trigger, a name that I equally despised and respected for his actions and a man of conviction... a complete fool with a heart of gold and a general migraine to deal with.

Someone that threw rationality and procedures through the metaphorical window if he felt like they were wrong, the kind of man that went the extra mile to simply help any way he could.

Cooking for the other employees, advising those that seemed lost, going against the same rules I tried to use simply because he hated their roles and while I understood that... how can he keep doing this?

What kind of rational line of thought did he go through to reach these conclusions? Or was he simply insane? ...Maybe he is, only a madman would help Abnormalities as if they were people.

"Right after the scuffle with the Knight, her whole demeanor had changed, you are the one that pointed that change to begin with. It is small but noticeable, unless you want to call it a one in a million chance which I doubt you will, it happened."

The grinding of metal made me stop, making me sigh...

My metal fingers scratched at my metallic body, just the thought of me sighing was bothersome to a stupid extreme. Who would make a machine with these human reactions? Why do I scratch my fingers along my body when stressed? Why do we need these feelings?

The owner of L Corp must be a heartless monster to make us put up with this nonsense, I heard what happened to Malkuth... meaning these are just functions.

But are these visions necessary? Sometimes I stop and close my eye and I see things from the past, a purple haired man strapped to a table, a small brown haired girl dragging herself across the floor as her body rots, an employee happily playing a game and suddenly dying by one small error.

"What is a man with a dam on his heart?"

Of course that troublesome employee will find a way to pester me, even in my thoughts.... what kind of person can take so much without building a wall around their heart? How does he put up with all of these unfiltered emotions?

By my observations, Trigger is a highly emotional person, yet he works quite well and his levels of mental corruption are always stable. The only time he took a hit was his first meeting with the Knight of Despair, a being that seemingly mocked Trigger's stance on life.

Yet... he pushed on, he seemed dead inside but managed to soldier on and look at what had happened. Both with his emotions and mind intact, he could even be in better shape than before.

I couldn't understand why he would do this to himself, why he would encourage others to do the same.

"Yesod." At the peripherals of my vision, I could see Malkuth standing there, looking at me with a small amount of concern and something else I couldn't quite understand.

Damn it... I didn't want anyone seeing me rotting, "Malkuth, I believe you were talking with Rober about strategies?" An obvious lie that was fabricated at the moment to avoid the confrontation between Trigger and I.

Malkuth's stare became flat, "Come now, we both know that was a lie, don't try to hide what I saw." Of course, she would notice. Maybe if she was her usual self it would have worked, if only because she wouldn't have cared.

But whatever happened in the Manager's room changed her... for the better, "There is nothing for me to say. I was simply mulling over my talk with Trigger, that is all." My response was meant to end any attempt at a conversation.

"Yesod... come on, you tried your best at the time. You did all you could and then some, but just trying to hide it all away won't do you any good." Malkuth spoke to me as if we were old friends, something that bothe-

Instead of my fellow Sephirah, for a second... I saw that little girl that at some point was dying a horrible death on the floor.

Malkuth patted my back once, snapping me back to reality, "Simply bottling it all up will make you burst, I would know... Trigger may seem like he just wants to give you the contrary, but he simply cares too much. He must have said something similar to you." I glanced at her once and begun to walk away.

"It's easy for you two to say, he can do all these seemingly crazy feats, and you aren't working directly with Abnormalities. It isn't that simple, it never is." I kept moving, taking note that Malkuth had made no attempt to stop me.

There must be something that I'm missing, dealing with... all of this can't be as simple as spilling everything out.

The Corporation that made this situation, the CEO that started it, and the Manager that perpetuates it... maybe taking a more direct approach will be needed.

The employee's deaths can be avoided, the Sephirah have no need for these... feelings. Angela should have been more than enough to do it all by herself.

What was the point of this whole facility? Where is our energy even going?

My body stopped moving, and I lurched, as if I was about to vomit. A black liquid left from the small gaps of my body...

...

A drowned man... perhaps I was always one.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


You know, waking up and preparing for today also made me forget about what 'The Management' had agreed on... which was me basically getting more E.G.O to be their guinea pig in everything but name. I'm surprisingly okay with that... if only for the E.G.O.

What I wasn't ready for was behind the door of my room, though...

The same guy that hands me E.G.O is around, I recently found out he is called Mathias, and he is bald... which is something that never caught my attention until now. Mainly because I had to look past him to what actually has me surprised and why Mathias is completely serious, no traces of anything but seriousness and a small narrow in his eyes.

A Sephirah, pitch-black in color with golden trimmings on her arms and legs, along with a hexagonal pattern at her left side. Her single glowing golden eye was looking at everything that I was, while I was doing the same... she also wears a fur cape? Ok, like all Sephirah, her name was there for all to see, Binah.

Mathias handed me a big box, the size made me think of a big weapon that was about as big as I am and while I did take it, my eyes never left those of the Sephirah. Something about her... didn't exactly make me weary, but if my ability to read emotions is still as good as ever...

Then she is curious and interested, but deep down there is this... murkiness? Weathered? Feeling of violence, or more specifically, the need to commit violence, and even then... it didn't feel quite right.

But the overall air around her felt muted, unlike the other two Sephirah that I've met are... bundless of emotions (mostly negative), she wasn't like them. I know people can bury their feelings, Angela has done it and so can I, but hers... doesn't feel natural.

Something's up with this Sephirah.

"Have you perceived enough of what your eyes caught?" Her voice was... both heavy and soft? More like wise and old but also young at the same time, with a small hint of smugness.

"There is never enough, that's quitter's talk." I commented, keeping my expressions in check. Something tells me she can read people stupidly well... also these are the first words she says to me and I can already tell she likes fancy talk.

Was she amused? Her murky feelings made it hard to tell, "A greedy child from day one, or is it perhaps the fear of the hurdles ahead that prompt you to look for more..." It sounded like she was mussing, but to me? It was more like confirmation, that's impressive.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Fear of the unknown is normal, you don't know and therefore try to know, 'Those who know nothing can understand nothing'. It is in human nature to avoid this fear." Did she just chuckle? And by how Mathias looked at me like... I was some kind of god, that must either be a good thing or a really bad thing.

"Indeed, then fear is the one that moves you to act, that inadequacy that moves you forward has been turned into a tool to progress... fascinating." Well, that's quite the fancy way of putting my fears and my probably not healthy way to live.

Which makes me wonder... "What about you? Your thoughts are like a mist filled lake, hard to traverse. Something about the way you carry yourself seems reserved in an unnatural way, you do not fear because you aren't allowed to, but are eagerly waiting... for what? Only you know." She leveled a STARE at me, and I didn't turn away.

Something in the back of my mind told me she was giving me a dangerous smile, "To view others in such a naked way, you see into their inner lake as clear as day. It is no surprise that you can interact with its spawns so freely, such a fearsome ability." Well... this is the first person to point out how good I'm at reading emotions.

Mathias couldn't keep up anymore and all traces of seriousness were replaced with incredulity, glancing from side to side between me and Binah.

... Wait a minute, "I thought the others weren't allowed to come up here until the right time came?" I asked curiously, wondering exactly WHY she was here.

"Your visages may be similar, yet the difference is clear like night and day." It didn't take me long to understand what she was saying, 'As long as we don't meet the Manager it's fine'. That... is good to know.

Right after she said that, she turned around and started leaving, "This was an enjoyable conversation, hopefully we can continue having meaningless meetings like this." It took me a moment to get that, for someone like her to just enjoy random conversations... makes a lot more sense than it should.

"I hope so too, this was quite the treat." I called after her, and turned my attention back to Mathias, who was simply... staring at me.

I waved my hand in front of him a couple of times, once that failed I snapped my fingers, it didn't work either. So I shook him by the shoulder and his eyes blinked once.

He then grabbed both my shoulders and stared into the depths of my soul, "What the fuck?" He demanded me, even if it was worded like a question.

"We talked? It isn't that hard to understand." I commented, not getting why he seemed so frantic.

Mathias seemed to go through the five stages of grief in seconds before deciding that whatever was bothering him wasn't worth the mental damage, "Just... try the damn E.G.O already." I rose a brow and put the big, long box on the floor to open it and see a giant rusty axe with a gear behind the blade inside it.

I know this one, the same one Beth uses and the Woodsman too, I took a hold of it with both hands and... well something tried to happen. Almost like an absence tried to enter my chest, only just to instantly feel fulfillment from something.

If what I read about the Woodsman is true... I think my nature instantly countered the one from the E.G.O, I have no idea how to feel about this, "Well... that was over quickly." I commented and saw Mathias with a notepad out and writing at the speed of sound.

It took me three seconds to realize I was handed E.G.O of an abnormality that turned murderous after just seeing me. I wanted to be mad, but I'm more surprised I didn't see it coming.

Mathias gave me a flat stare, "I had enough craziness for a day, hope you make a bit more sense when we meet again." I can't believe this guy... is it really so weird to talk with Binah?

I sighed and shook my head, I'm too hungry to ponder that... maybe I should make some 'Tacos de Barbacoa'. Although, explaining that BBQ and Barbacoa aren't the same thing could be a chore.

Also, 'Tortillas', I hope they have the ingredients to make those.

Better hurry then... if only because at this point, I already know almost everyone is going to want some.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


"Yeah... this shit's pretty good." Commented Dakota when she finished her fifth taco, which I found out... a lot of people liked. The wonders of the meat had many people wanting more, the fact that it was something new probably helped with how many people ate it too.

I shrugged my shoulders, "It's just a simple recipe from what I understand, although putting my own spin on it." And by that I mean letting it boil a bit longer in its own juices, worked surprisingly well for the taste.

After my brief... and surprisingly pleasant conversation with Binah, I did my usual thing in the kitchen if only because I was in the mood, and while for a brief moment... I wondered WHY did I find the need to know how to cook this much. It wasn't something that I could complain about, more so since the answer to that question would most likely remain unanswered due to my... circumstances.

So I simply accepted that I could cook, Rober was eating with BongBong that was rather fond of seeing him eat... not touching that one. Amelia was having a conversation with Beth while snapping at Gonzales every time she thought he was barging into something that wasn't his problem, which he just laughed away.

Dakota was of course just enjoying the meal at the speed of sound, she maybe enjoyed it a bit too much.

Rober finished his last taco and turned to me with a raised brow, "Next thing we know, you are a musician." It was a jest at best, but the feeling at the back of my head that shouted 'yes I am' made me feel... forlorn.

What kind of situation made me want to learn about music? To cook various foods? Did my family had high expectations for me and made me get good at those things? Did I just enjoy it?

What kind of life made me who I was today...?

I rubbed my eyes and sighed, forcing... all of that in a box somewhere in my mind, it feels like today just wants to put me in the uncomfortable situation of thinking about who I was.

Still feeling like I should answer before things get awkward... I gave my response, "Kinda? I wouldn't say I'm an expert." Rober gave me this surprisingly curious look, but everyone else just had this vague expression that screamed both indifference and resignation. Like their facial structures managed to make the words 'yeah figures' an expression.

Rober was the one with the actual surprise, "Really? I'll hand you my acoustic guitar, see what you can do with that after work." I gave him a surprised look, he didn't look like the kind of guy that would be into music.

Dakota perked up at that, "Oh yeah, you're from District 9, everyone there knows how to play at least one instrument... even if they are shit at it." She had already finished her last taco and was giving a bored stare to Rober.

BongBong had this... enamored(?) expression directed towards Rober, making me glad that I wasn't a telepath because whatever that was couldn't have been PG.

Gonzales gave a couple of loud claps, "AMAZING!!! A SONG PUMPING WITH FEELINGS FROM OUR DEAREST LEADER!!!" When the hell did I become your leader?

Amelia elbowed him in the stomach, not that it stopped him from doing what he was doing, making her roll her eyes in annoyance, "If it's a sappy love song, I'll make you regret living." She pointed her finger at me, what a... specific request.

"Was that really your first guess?" Beth wondered out loud, earning a middle finger by the second-crassest woman I know... Dakota being the owner of first place.

I shrugged my shoulders just denying this, even though I wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, it wasn't a big reason to deny the request... and denying it would just make questions pop up, and I would like to avoid those, "Sure, just don't get high hopes." When I said that, all of them looked at their plates, then back at me.

Okay, that's fair.

My eyes moved around a bit and... Malkuth was poking her eye through the door to the dining room, waving her arm at me like a maniac, trying to not be seen while catching way too much attention.

"I... I'll go see what she needs." I said after a brief moment of silence, so subtlety wasn't Malkuth's strong point. Everyone else in the table nodded slowly, agreeing with my sentiments.

Getting up and making my way towards Malkuth, I had the displeasure of being dragged by the arm the moment I was close enough to her, and then she took me towards what has been repurposed as the training grounds on E.G.O.

When the door closed, Malkuth turned around and... well let herself go crazy, "Trigger, for the love of everything that is holy and unholy, be careful around Binah! She is UNBELIEVABLY dangerous and no one knows what even goes through her head, she was part of the HEAD and that should be more than enough for anyone to doubt her words, and was one of the people that put the final nail in the coffin for the old corporation!" After that... tangent.

I had to stop and think, I heard of the Head while my stay in here, but nothing too concrete... only that they are the Boogeyman in this place. So an Agent of what is essentially the Illuminati but very much real and scary as fuck came to the old corporation before all of this...

...

Angela.

Reading was something I did from time to time, but the rules were something I specifically looked for. Something mentioned there was the absolute hate of the world outside this building, hates anything that isn't human.

That aside...

"Really? She didn't seem to... well, harbor anything like that, I'd even say she lacks the drive to be someone to worry about." My comment made Malkuth turn off.

Like she literally died for a moment there (or so it seemed) and just kinda came back, "What makes you so sure of that?" Well, I never really tried to hide my empathic abilities, they just kinda... never came up.

"I can feel emotions... well, read emotions? A bit of the two, but she feels... lacking? Incomplete? It's unnatural the way she behaves, and it may not be that willing on her part." Malkuth seemed to ponder my words for a moment.

"That... would make sense, 'A' wouldn't have kept her around if he didn't have her controlled." I shook my head when she said those words.

I rose my index finger, as if asking for permission to speak, "No, that isn't quite right, she seems too passive for that to be a thing anymore. 'A' needs her too, not only that, but... something tells me she could lash out if she wanted to." She wasn't chained, only temporally restrained.

Malkuth sighed, "Just what I needed to hear... ah! You should probably hurry before Yesod sees you arriving late." Yeah, that's true... Yesod is quite the handful.

I waved at Malkuth while leaving through the door, another day... well, hopefully nothing too big happens.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

I stared at Yesod that has... gone from a partial mummy, to close to a mummy.

For whatever reason, the number of bandages he wears augmented by a great deal, which has me... curious and worried, mostly because our last talk didn't exactly end on a better note.

Gregor the rookie was uncomfortably looking between Yesod and me, mainly because through the whole meeting, he has glared at me like seven times already, and I think he isn't about to stop any time soon.

Beth has been trying to understand what has been happening, but a glance from me was enough to tell her to not bother, mainly because she has no context to what was happening.

Ryn had a funny expression, she usually didn't show some of her emotions, but the underlying worry I could feel from her aimed at Yesod was a bit relieving. Guess he wasn't able to push everyone away with his attitude.

As of now, he was just assigning tasks to everyone else. And seemingly, he was leaving me as the last one to pick... geez I wonder why?

His sole eye landed on me again, and he must have suppressed some kind of urge to say something negative to me. Then after about half-a-minute, he directed actual words at me instead of mean looks, "Trigger, I would like for you to hold out some experiments with The Heart of Aspiration." I rose a brow, that was a TETH and a tool.

I know his feelings are mostly negative towards me, so I'm surprised he just decided to hand me what seems like an easy task, "Sure, I'm guessing I just grab it and see what happens?" I asked him, to which I received a small nod.

Yesod gave me one last stare before turning away, "Do it by the book, and it all should end well." And just like that, he turned to leave. Gregor had already moved to do his part... also, he was probably stressed by the atmosphere.

Beth started to approach me, but someone beat her to the punch. Ryn had a neutral look on her, but she definitely felt a bit hostile, "What did you do Trigger?" A demand left her mouth.

I kept eye contact with her and shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing much, Yesod said some stuff that I didn't like, and I said some stuff he didn't li-" I was interrupted when she grabbed me by the collar.

And then she got right in my face with a frown, "I really would like to avoid whatever the hell happened in Control. So kindly cut it the fuck off, or we will have a problem." I turned my head away if only for a second.

That's...

"Absolute bullshit." I met her eyes with mine, with absolute indifference plastering my face.

Ryn didn't seem to like my words, but I grabbed her arm and yanked it away, "I'm not about to back away just because some people are afraid of change or adversity." Those words didn't get to Ryn, who put more strength in her arm to get off my grip.

"Some 'people' as you call them, aren't willing to do stupid shit that could get them killed." She growled back at me, but I didn't falter.

I scoffed at her, "Really? Then what is this? I know you just want me to give Yesod some breathing room, but he is the one pushing it. I won't deny that some of it is my fault, but he ain't a saint either." Ryn wanted to avoid what in her eyes was unnecessary conflict.

For a moment, Ryn looked like she wanted to talk back, but instead took a deep breath and walked away, "Whatever, just don't over do it." I looked at her back and smiled, guess Yesod's more than he seems if Ryn is that loyal to him.

"Smiling isn't the normal reaction to those kinds of interactions..." Grumbled Beth who was gripping her axe tightly, said grip slowly relaxed when Ryn left.

I scratched my cheek a bit, "I'm just happy to see Yesod has a friend, even if he doesn't see it that way." Yet, I may add, that kind of loyalty isn't earned through just being a stuck up prick.

"I guess so... we should probably hurry and prepare to do our part." Beth commented and putting the shaft of the axe on her shoulder to carry it in a lazier manner.

I nodded and made my way to the corridors of Information towards the last chamber containing The Heart of Aspiration. There wasn't a lot to read about it... because it wasn't that complicated.

If you held it for more than 30 seconds without fighting anything, you went crazy. If you return it without fighting anything, you went crazy and if someone snapped you out of it... that was it, you had the benefits until the end of the day.

So, I didn't have a lot to worry about.

Beth stayed back since the Woodsman was pretty close to the main room of Information. She waved at me and I gave her a small pat on the head, and while I got closer to the chamber of the Heart, the more... well I actually felt pretty confident.

"All Agents prepare for Work"

Well, here we go.

I entered the chamber, seeing the Heart suspended in the air by a machine that felt like it should have a glass in between me and the supposed tool, I took one look at the Heart and felt...

Longing, Sad, Depressed...

And most of all... Familiarity.

Shaking my head to ward off whatever that was, I approached the Heart and grabbed it without much hesita-

.

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.

It is just so discouraging to see them ignore t̵̨͚̘̞̱̮̜̻̲͊̑̇͗̈̉͊̎ḧ̷̦̜̙̤̠̤̹̜͉̟̫̮͈̫́̇̽̎̋̈́̾̑̂̇͠e̶̢̨͕̙̝̥̞͙̳̬͎̜̠̥̯̾͗̾́̃͒̉̍̀̽͌̕̚̕͝ ̴̰̟̺̼͈̥̜͈̝͖̯̭̭̘̐̾ͅs̵̙͍̖̼͓̓͗͛̎́̈́̃̉͜u̷̡̯̺͕͎͇̖͈̞̮̘̜̲̹͋̃̀̀̐̈́̇̓͑͑̉̑̂f̶̟͙͆͆̋͑̈̒̾̀́͗͐͠ͅf̸̢̢͕̗̝͉̠̟̯̪̫̐̇̈́̏͑͂̋͝ȩ̸̧͙̺̲̰͕̠̥͍͕͎̹̺͍͒͛̏́̈́̄̄̆ȓ̴̛̘͚̹̗͎̹̗̜̊ỉ̴̥̮͖̊͛̀͒̈́́n̶̢̗̱̯̈́͑̇̈͑̒̒̍̓̂̌̿g̸̢̛̼̤̫̟̣̫̲͕̜̱̞̖̤̬̼̾̀̀͂͐̽́̿̋̀̅̚̚͜ ̶̨̨͙̥͎̦͓͎̞͔͉̼͔͉͛̾̒̔͑͂̈́̑̄̽̾͗ͅs̸̡̟͍͈̹̻̜̼͙̣̺̩͇̀͑u̸͎͓̠̪̞̪̓͑̏͑̎̓̓̅́̚̕͝͝ͅŗ̸̨̬̭̩̲̼̰̪̮͈̟̟̻͚́̄͝ͅr̵͎̻̟͙̻͇̟͙̘͉̎̃͋̌̃͊ͅǫ̵̤̦̣͈̜̳͇̭̼̍̂͝ų̶̨̼͔͙̠̹͇̱̼̻̻̝̪̯̫̠̪͆́̅̄̃̇̾͜͝ņ̵̣̞̞̳̳͎̱͇̥̮̜̯̻͎̗̝͈͑̏̀̆͐̓͆̇̽̚͘̚d̴̰̰̘̗͍̗͖̺̦͖͇̓́̍͗̃̐̊͒̔̒͘ͅi̶͚̟̟̠̦̠͑̄̑̏̽́̍͋̅̊̆̃͑̾̑́̿̓̓ņ̴̰̰̬̙̻̞̩̀̽̅̎́̈̋̿̽͘g̴̡̣̱̱̦̰͎̮͔͕̟̙̠̔͒͜͜ͅ ̶̧͎͍͈̳͕͕̘̼͔͙͊̎͜t̶̡̠͍͎̮͎͌̈́͆̀̀͛̔̔̓͒ͅh̵̝̫͇̺͖̜̀̓̐̎̍͐̃̒͘͘͜ę̵̝̟̠̯̙̝͉͓̥̠̠̖̼̝̂̆͊͐̉͝͠͝ ̷̨̖̩̦̦̟̜̻̺̉͗͊̔Ci̷̞͔̜̘̹̪͔̼͍̙̟͓̲͙̪̗͛̈́̉̊͆͑̚t̶̛͚͉̻̬̯̟̝̤͔̝̲̺̞̯́̄̉̑̃̆̔̑̓̐̓͜͝ͅy̵̛͍͓̠̹͗͑̾́̔̅́̀͘̚͝

I need him to be the L̴̡̡̛̛͕͉̥͇̘͔̞͎̳̮͓̭̲͖͓̱̱̟̮̒̀̇́̽͋͋̾̑̃͂͊͑͋̽͒̋̋̚̚͝į̴̛̛̘͔̼͈̣̝̫̼̜͚͔̭̩̪̼̟̫̫̄ͅg̸̨̬̭͇̰̅̑̃̐̒́͒̓̍̐͛̌h̸̨̨̢̧̢̪̻̤̜̫͕͍͉̯̫̭̰̺͖̲̗͌̒̅̈́̀ͅț̵̣̣̺̫̞͕̟̿̌̓͜ ̷̡̦̜̥͓̯͓̗̣͔̙̤̖͙̓̂͗͌̌̄̏͊̇̎̈͆͒̓̍ţ̵̡̣̯̦̺̰̲̟̱̈́̓̾̓͂̃̾̎̆̔̋̌̂͌͆͒̈h̵̨͎͇̭͎̺̱͖̣̥̙̲̤̣̭̘̣̮͇́̌͛̆͠ͅe̷̢̘̲̜͙̮͙̊̆́͌̒̑͝͝ÿ̴̧̨̧͖̻̤̪͎̹̗̦̻͔̗͓̝̬̹̮̮̤̞̭̙͓̩́͌̃̃́̌̀̿̎̚͜͝͠͠ ̸̜̊̽̈͒̆̾̿̇̿̓̈́̅͋̓́̃̌̌̅̓̿͑̿̕͘͝͠à̵̟̟̣͂͐̏̋̆̐ḻ̷̗͕̯̻͇̜̞̗̺͇̮̪̍̒̃̉̐̈̎̋͑̃̍̎͗͛̏̍̈́̑̑̓͗̃͋̈́̂̈́̚͝͠͠l̵̡̢̮̟̻̣͓͚͇̹̰̣̺͖̩͓̯̫̦͎̬͕͕͋͂̃́̐̅̈́̉̈́̉͠͠ ̶̧̡̛̤͖̦̜̜̻̪̣̥͓͎̪̱̹̱̥̮̻͗̌͆͌͒̾̚͝͝͝ĺ̷̡̺̭̫̗̍͐́͐̃̇̅̉̆̓͌͆͝a̷̠̲͔̩̰͍̮̯̘̖͇͚̺̞̞̚͜ck, the Light of h̶̡̧̖̱̻͉̩̰͚͇̪̘͖̲͓͚̩͇̦̖̬̟͓̏͜͜ę̷̲͖͍̦͎̻͎̳͎͇̭͉̖̭͇̹̺̬͇̬̝́̓̂͋̆̌̂͋̑́̓̆̇̊̈́́̒̂̐͘̕̕͜͝͠͝͝͝ͅr̷̯̅͌̐͒̓̊̈́̔̔̇̾́̈̎͑͊̏̾̉̎͝ ̷̛̮̟̝̤̣̝͚̮̳̮͎̯̞̀̈́̈́̽̓̉̍́͘͘͝t̶̡̨̡͉͎̪̳̗̙̲̲̭̙͇͍̝̳͍͈͖̉̔͐̈́̿̎̈́̓̓͐̑͌̐̏͒̂̀͛́̌̒̇̑̚̚͜͝͝͠ṟ̶̢͔̙̰̜̪̖͙̯͔̥͛͗͋̓͒̂́̌̈́̄̈́̌̿̋̅̏̓̃̾̀̀͋͋̍̔͐̚̕͝ừ̸̙̪̭̮̲̥̒̍̄̐͐́͌̄͒͑͂̄̈̐̔͊̅͐̔̎͂͆̕͘̕͘ȅ̷̢̢̧̛̘̥̻̟̘̳̦̗̭͔̝͈̫̖̙̥̱̫̾͆͌̀̏́̏̔̐͘͝ͅͅͅș̸̡̡̛̖̯̭̼͈͉̜̠̜̯̺̻̥̼̗̯̤̲̗̰̦̜̅͑̅̒̃̇͗̐̔͌̄̍̈́̅͐̈́̾͊͝ť̶̢̢̨̧͙̳̩̭̭̳͔̤͓̹͚͕̀̄̀́͗̃͊͊̓̏̑͊̾̉̒̔̽͝ desires

̵̸̢̡̛͈̙͖̪̖̬̭͚̥̞̰͖̳̱͓̼͓̗͕̤̬͚̘̟̠̯̱̪͕̟̫̣̤̬̝̻̳̘̦̬̙͓̰̲̯̖̳͚̰̯͙͓̮͕͇͆͌̒͐͛̾̈͛̒̍̉͗̋̎͗̇̾̆̄̂̑̓̏́̈́͌̂̿̃͑̿̂̑̍̎̇̑̑̈́̿̀̚͜͝͠ͅͅT̷̨̢̛̫̩̤̖̱̜̮͓̱̯͚͉͖̗̖̺̻̞͇̻̱̩͌́̍̈́͒͆́͌̋̃́̈͜͜͝͝h̵̨̢͉͔̭̩̼̺̱̣͈̜͇̫̩̜͈̝͚̎̌̾́̄͒͆͒͑͛͋̐̋͝è̴̢̡̛̛͍̻̮̮͚͓̳̳̲͉͓̼̘̝͈̖͍͇̘̜̣̞̗͓̗͓̜͓̳̉̅̌̔̈́̈́̇̏͛͌̈́̍̚͘̕͝͝ͅͅ ̷̛̯̆͌͆̿́͆̈́͗́̐̈́̽̉̈́̔̀̄̂͌̈̓͋̍̑͊̏́͌͌̓͗͋̑̌͌͒̓́̿͘͝͝C̷̨̨͚͖͓͔͕̳̭͇̬͉̼̘͍̲͈̘̫͈̻̹͔̰̙̻͖̯̰̞̼̝̪̳͓̱͙̩̓͆̄̋̂̒̒́̃̽̈́̈̿͒̓̊̒͛͋͐̓̈̀̅́͐̏̉͜͜͝͠ͅį̶̡̧̛̛̠̪̬̫̱͎̦͍̪̝͍͓͕̪̮͎̬͚̯̫̤͓̱̖̱̻͖̙̤̳̳̜̗̰͒̐̅̂̒̇͗͊̀̐̍̄̋̄͌̏̅͒̒͋̊̇̑̄͋̕͘͜͝͠ͅͅͅͅͅt̶̨̗̤̹̖̞̭̠͚̙̼͓͙̪̥͔̰͇̰̙̳̙̞̭͈̳̰̞̘̦̭̹̪͉͉̣͔̄̔͋̊̿̈̑̈́͗͘ͅͅy̷̡̹͔̼̩̹͚̯̫͇͔̪͎̞͖̫̝͚̱͕̜̬͈̜̝̥̦͙̟̹͖̤̳̜̭̓̒̂̃́́̚͝ ... it's not the right place, you must b̸̡̡̧̛̛̳̙͍͚̹̪̤̘͈̹̪̥̝͚͍̞͉̺͚̠̱̮̬͚̟̣̯̠͚̹̪̿͆̎́̉̏̇̀̒̏̍̽̅̔͛̅̐̓̇́̎̂͊̉̀̌̓̒̚̕͝͝͝ͅl̶̢̡̩̙̥̺̠͎̬͔̱̣͖̬̤̠͚̦̫̗̑̈́͋͌̕͝ơ̵̡̡̙͈̯͕͚̰͍͎̭̠̫̦̟͉̙̗̳̗̝͓̜̩̠̞̗̲̭̰͚̟̫̤̘̜̱̙̄̈́͂̎̀̓͗̓̓͆̄̑̿͌́͌̋̈́̋́̐̄͂̓̔́͌̊͜͝o̷̡̢̧̢̖̯̼̥̺̹̼̖͈̝̙͓̖̙͚̹̝̺̮͉̪̙̮̯̼̮̐̌̈̂̒͌̎̽̆̽̾̆̄͛̈̀̋̓̑̾̿́͒͐͗̚̕̕͝͠͝m̴̢̺̜͈͇̪̠̭̭̥̞̰͕̙͉̮̣̝̘̱̰̜͖̝͈̦͉̰̲̮̯̝̠͙̳̾́̀̔̋̆̂̄͛̑̈́̀͛̃͑͂̌̓̎̉̕̕̕͠͝͝ ̵̢̨̢̣̯͎̲̻͓͈̩̭̼̩̫̖̪̱̙͕̹̹͙͚̱̫͓̬͆͜ͅs̵̛̛̟̜̤͖̦̼̃̀̾̆̈͐͊̈́̽̇͋̈́̾̀̇̋̀̅͌̔̌́̀̔͝ǫ̵̛͎̼͈̗͉͚̫̙̤̼̻̜̜̗͚̖̰̝̝̠̭̹̟͔̬̗̘̮̤̘̝̃̀̎̇͂̏͊̅͗̀ͅm̷̧̻̠̣̭͇̖̲̰̞͕͉̰̺̈́͒̆̋͐̍̕ȩ̴̫̰̫̻̪̰̼̳̺̺̋w̶̫͎͔̤̖̤͙̱͉̪͈͙̼̭̜̗͈̙̖̪̗̟̰̰̲̻͉̰̤̦̬̔͌̅̐͂̾̾́̀͋͋h̶̢̨̨̧̢̛̙̗̩͔͙͖͈͙͈̜͈̝̻̬͇̬̼̺̰͕̜͇͙̰̫̘̱̗̬̹̀͗̇͊̈́͐͂̉̋́̋̋̓̿͊̒̌̋̆̄̌͛̚̚͘̕̚ḙ̶̢̨̠͓̞͕̰̱̞͇̱͍̦͕͉͈̮͍͚̹̑̂̄̍̌͆̊̿̋͜͝r̸̡̨̪͙̤̠̬̘͙͕̯̤̻͎͖̤͖͍̹͈͇̙͐̔̓̍̃̈́͛̂̊̋̂̒̐͛̉̈́͂͂͊̔̿̋̂̇̀͌̾̈́̈́̊̔̉̂͒̃̚͘͠͝͠ę̶̨̢̧̨̧̛̛̛̠̼̮̜̖̼̪̲̘̮̮̼͚͍̹̪̤̯͓̻͚̻͍̎̾̒̅̿̈́͆͑̀͐̋͐̀̉͒͆̉͛̈̀͌̓̒͘͜͝͝ ̸̛̩̻͕̼͇̉̐̐̿͆̽͆̏̒̓͑̔͗̈́̈̐͛̈́̎̉̇̿̀͂̓̊̌̌̒̀̆͗͘͠͝ẻ̷̡̢̝͓̰͍̭̼̰̟̭͉̟͉͓̪̠̫͚̥̰̒͆̅̆͂̏̊̓͋̂͑͒̌̀̏͆̓̈́̋͋̍̏̌̏̏̍̉̆͂̍̂̃̌̃̾̓͘̕͘͜͝͝ͅl̷̨̧̧̛̤͍̣̝͚͙͎̗̪̖͇̱̪͚̖̩̲͖̮͍̾̏̋͐̊̐̃́̍̾̈́͗͌̓̿̎̐̐̆͊̓͑͛͑͘̚̚̚̕͜͝͝ͅş̷̨̢̛̹̭͇̤̙͔̳̝̮̻̺͖͍̥̼͇̜̜̹͔̯̫̜̞̙̮̩̉́̇̋̇̿͗̑̑̓͊͂̈́̒̏͊̈̄͘͝ȅ̵̘̤̤͖̗̘͕̭̣̻̤̣̳͔͕͉̳̮͓͈̜̉̊͆͒̇͒̈̍͂̓̒͌̅̀̑͊̑͌̒̅̐̿̋͆́̑̽̆̕̕͘ͅ

S̵̢̨̡̡̠̱̩͉͎͎̟̙͖̝̞̥͖̞̯͖̟̖͈̳̞͇͕̪̜̳̘͈̭̫̮̤̙̗͓̥̮̩̰̗̑̃̍̕ͅo̴̡͔̲̻̯̱̬̼͉̩̦̦̭̞̮̲̦̜͕̥͔̻̐̎̎̋̈̄͊̉͊m̷̢̘͎̗͔̱̦̬̳̗̪͕̦̻̓̑̈́͜͜ͅȩ̸̧̢̰̼̮̱̹͎̺̗̜̙͇̭̼̫͇͇̀͊̽̿͒͆͒̀͋̀͛͒̔̉̋̈̒̓̈͗̑͂͑̀̄̑̆̈̄́̈̐̒͂̓͘͠t̷̨͎̙̬̲̲͚̣̘̙̠͇̺̲̫̭͕̘̯̻̳͔̮͓͎̘̽̈̓̇̀̃̓̊̈̆̈́͌͝ͅį̵̡̡̛̯̞̥̩̯̬͉̪͓͚̜̙̫͖̞̰̝͚̖̗̘̼͚̼̮̜͇̬͇͕̟̲̲͓̜̻̫͉̼̈́̒̽̆̽̓́͑̑̏͊͛͗̈́̊̈̈̇̇̃̔͑͋͗̍̒̀͂͐̐̉̅͘͘̕͜͜͠͝͠m̴̢̡̧̛̛͚͇̩̼̤̬͙̟͓̘̰͎͉̟̼͖̰͉̹̘̤̠̤͕̳̘̘͙̣͉̹̞̥̦͓̞̘̫̓͌̉̂́̐̅͐͊̀̈͊̾̀̅̎͗̓̋͌͂̆̔̃̄̅̚͘͝ͅͅe̴̤̒͐͆̑̅̂̑͐̋̈́̎̓̾̈́̌̓̏́̎́̅̂͆̅́̂͋̓̒̽͑̅̅͌̕͘͠͝͝͝ș̵̡̛̞̞̱͈̻̫͍͈̖̱͎̯͓̰͔̦̭̥̗̤̤̓̿̄̆̔̔̾͌̅̂̂̋͑̓̀̉̊̂̓̈͘̕̕͠͝ͅ ̵̨̢̛̜̟͎̤̦͓͖̯̩̟̦̝͔̄͑͑̅̚͘w̷̡̟̻̳̝̻̗͔͖͓̱͛̓̐͒̎̈́̉͊ḩ̷̧̛͓̱̟͉̼̭͇̘̺̰̤̌̒͌̿̀̓̾̈́́̑̂̔̀́̎́͗̈́̔̊̆̽́̃̂̍̂̕̚͜͝͝ȩ̶̡̢̛͚̼̤̫̬̺͈͓̥̼̱̱͔͕̬̺̗̩̼̝͖̏͋̅̓̿̄͊̓̓̎͋̓̒̌̄̀̃͐̈́̀͜͠͝͝ņ̴̧͎̞̜̉̈́̓̔̓̿ ̷̨̡̢̨̺̺͔̜̦̫̳̬͈̪̞̩͕͓̜͎͍̝͚̞̹̍̀̀͐̏́̈̽̄͒̏̇̉̌̂̃̓̉͌́̔͐̑̓̇́͆̀͌͐̈̀̓̾̚͘͘͝͝͝͠t̶̨̢̛̝͔̼̯̳̮͚͔̣͎̝͈̬̭̘̮̻̦̦̮̥̖̦̻͕̜̐͛̌̔̈͋͌͐́̾̑̌̈́̈́͆̊͊̈̈́̉͜͜͝͠͝h̷̡̧̢̢̝͕̫̳̯͍̭͚̜͖̼̥̠̞̝̠̘̙̪͍͕̬̥͕̩̜̭͔̱̘̔͆́̂̎͌̐̏͋̒̔̃̏͆͑̿͗̑̽̍͋̏͝͝͝ę̴͉̝̲͍̖͔̼̲͇͙̖͎̣͙̃̅̆̆̂̓̚͜͠ ̴̢̆̈̓́͆̏́͌̒̉̎̊̆̇͒̄̃͊̍̈́́̄̔̑̚̕̚̚͠͠w̵̡̢̨͍̙͍͈̲̫͚̜͍͎͍͖̬̅̑ͅę̶̛͙͉͈̺̺̠̜̻̻̼̫̻͚́̒̌̀̈̉͛͆̓͜î̸̧̧̢͖̱̰̲̥̜̮͎̤̜̜͕͚̲͙̖̦̣̥͇̩̫̟̲̤̮̝͔͕̀̔͗͜ͅg̵̨̢̧͓͉̤͙̼̭̠͈͕̰͎͕͚͇͍̜̦͔͉̲͕̘͉͙̼͇̗̖͎̈͒͑̄̏̾̏̈́̐͂̋̓́̈́̏̇̏̀̉̍̀̋͋̐̕̕h̸̨̧̡̡̛̲̖̗̯͚̙͔̯̺̱͙̳̼̯̳͍͓̜̥̤̣̱̥͎̼̘̲̖̻̜̰̹̟͚͆̑̔̽̍̆̊͒̈́̾̑̌̐̒̂͂̓̐̆̊͐̌̈̈́̋̀̉̆͘̕͝͠͝͝ͅt̷̡̨̢̢̢̨̨̛̤̻͉̫͎̩̰͎͎̝̙̦̥͕̗͓̞͇̺͉̝̥͕͇̜͓̤̎͐͂̄̌̓̄̓͑̈́̂̆̂͂̅̀͆̄̈́̊̍͑͊̏̽̿͗̔̀̈́͘̕͜͜͜͜͝͝͠͝ ̶̼̟͖̮͎̒͆͐́́́͛̃̓̌̋̿̓̉̎͐́͊̄̓͗̔͘͝͝͝͝į̸̛̟͖͎̖̺̥̑̒̋͂͊̀͒͗̎͑́̓̽̽̿̔̋̀̌͊͊̇̅͒́̈́͑̓͗̀̔̉̎̽̎͠͝͝͠s̷̛̛̟̔̍̒͐͂̅͗̀̃͑̈́̎̃̈̄͌̄͌̂͑̋̚͠͝͠͝͝ ̷̡̡̡̧̛̛̥̗̣͍̗̘̞̼̰͔͕̮̱̠͔̘̟̲̭͍̣̝̠̬̱͇͓̲͆̉̈́͗̓̾̆̽̽̒̉͋̈͐̅̎̅̔̔̈̔̔̀̅̔̊͐̇̋̓́͘͜͝ţ̷̧̡̖̱͙̠͉̟̥͙͇̺̪̖̠̞̯̟̍̑̎̔̀ớ̷̧̩̭̫̖̦͍͙͓̻̤̼̬̯͕̰̥̖̤̤̟͈̻͙̭̺̞͔̞̪͍͇͆̂̒͌̋͒̈́̀̌̿̃̓̔̏̽͂̋̊̀̈́̉̓̕͘͝ͅơ̶̡̡̢̢̡̱͈͚̲̤̮̼̳͙̹̼̒͂̃͐͑̓̈̇̅̌̋͌̅̋̄̉̌̈́̋̔́͒̄̃̚̕̕̕͜͜͝͠͝ ̸͍̞̱̲͖͖͎͉͈̠̪̞̳̰̘̤͑͜m̵̡̩̘̲̦̥͍̗̥̭̺̗̝̥̲̱̼̘͉̔̇̀̎̓̂̉͌̌̍̍̉͋̓̆̂̔̄u̵̢̡̲̝̦̖̥͉̭̱͖̯̰̥̩̲̹͂̏̽̾̅̑͋̉͛͊̉̅͊̓̐̇͜͝ͅc̷̢̛͓̥͖̤͇͕̙̯̘̩̝͇̬̔̽͊̑͆̀̚̚͝͝͠ͅh̷̨̢̩͓̼̜̜̥̗̤̤͍̋̂́́̾͛̈̈͌̈́͋ ̷̡̨̢̛̛̰̱͕͉̳̟̹͇̠̰̳̻̙̤̙̪̳̤͈̙̦̹̪̥͙̞̭͙͕̯̝̫̟̟͇̜̎̓̅̀͐̈́͋̄̏̆͌̓͒̽̇̒́͑̌̓͐́̓͂̅͘͘͘͝͠ͅĮ̶̧̧̢̳͍̟̭͉̙̝͚̼̝͎̫͙̮͔̱͖̥̥̫͚̹̟̞͙͒͛̈̇̏͂́̓̂̐͂̉͘͝ͅͅ ̶̡͔̼̠͓̝̘̼̬̖̝̀͛̿̎͑̉͂̔͆͋͆̃̓̒͊̈͊̾͐̈́̉̆̓́̂̽͌̌͊̊̉́̀͑̓̽̕͝ǰ̸̨̢̨̨̫̹̺̭͎̞̙̠͔̻͎̜̬̺̗̪͉̘̝͎͖͖͙̜̬̗̾̈́̾̈́̃̄̈̇̎̊̇̐̆̈́̈͂̈̀͑̅͊̍̋̄̕̕̕͘ͅų̴̢̘͈͍͈̜̝̺̫͚̣̦̬̻̭̰̻͇͎͇͚̝̈̓̀̐̃̄̊͗͆̊̃͐͊̕̕̚ͅs̵̡̨̡̛̰͈͔̗͚͉͈̠̦͈̣̲̦͉̈́̋̾̎̎̎͗̎͂̇̈́̓̈̿͑̀̽̈̽̓̒͆́͂̔̉̒̈́̆̀͊̾̕̕͜͠͝͝͝t̵̨̨͈̪̹͔̗̖̺̫͙̝̥̲͓̥̝̣̭̰͉͉̯̤̠͛̋̔̑̃̌̀̀̈́̊̎̐͒̔͗̆͘̚̚͠ͅ ̶̡̧̛͉̯̝̙̹̲͚̱̹̞̝̯̪̗͇̟̞̜̤̭̳̝͊̉͆̀̓͂̕͘͜͜͠ç̷̧͖̣͉̩̩͙͉͉͚͚̦̟͓̹̻͕̖̖̀̄̐̾͊͜͜ͅl̷̨̢̢̡̻͎͚̹͓͔̩̼̪̬̹͖͔͍͇̱͚̟͈͓͍̘̰͉̮͕̮͓̺̰͒̇̔̓͛͆̓̊́̀̎̋̉̈̕͜ͅơ̴̡̢̡͎̖̠̤͖̠͈͙̮͖̜͙͇̬̘̱͈̩͙̘̬͙̳̜̥̰͎̞͖͖̙͚̻̞̒́̐͆͊͒͌̈́͘̚͠ͅͅs̸͎̜͉̻͙͂͒̂̎̈́́̄́̎͊͌̈́͜e̸̢̨̧̧̧̨̪̭̩̟̭̗̰̬͖̪̹̙͙͙͖̞̪̹͖̬͖̞͉͓͚̼̱͎̰͉̗̹̫͈͆̃͛͂͛̑̚͝ ̷̧̧̖̰̲̪͚̞̦̤̗͇̘̳̹̪͎͎͔̹͉̜͓͉̫̞͔̝̖͔͍̦̇̐̈́́̉̆̽̇̔͑͋̑͋̈̈̈́͑̓̏͆̃̅̂̚͘͜͜͝m̶̧̧̡̨̛̛̘̳̤̱̪͈͚̬̭̝͎̖̜͔̹̫̲̲͕̱̫̦̠̟̺̩̤̼̰͇͓̲̟̤͈͇̘̣̏͋̈́͋̆̑́̄̅̏̔̒̃̌̈́́̈́̓͛͌͐̕ͅẏ̴̛̟̻͉̜̩̺̺͓̩̮̻̀̾̎̌̐̆͋̽̐͐̃̍̔̄̀̇̅̍̈́̆͊̌̇͛͠͝ ̸̡̧̨͈͔̫͙̻̻̠̒͑͊̀͛́̓̄̊̈́̏́̏͑͊̊͌͠ͅḛ̸̡̧̢̛̛̺̪̪̺͎͍̝̃̓̃͗̆̃͋́́̉͗͐̍́̓̊͂̓̀̋̀̏̅̔̿̓̍͂̑̓́̓͆̕͘͘͝͠͝͝y̴͇͖̘̬̦̹̳̤̩̗̘̖͈̺̐͐͗͗̒͆̌͜e̶͓̦̼͙͈̻͔͉̙̻͋́̑̒̉͛͂͌̒̔̀͊̾̎͌̈̔̃̏̔̊̓̉̐̄̾͘͠͠͝ṡ̸̨̧̧̨̨̢̛͔̺̥͔̯̘̭̯̰͎̥̭̣̯͎̲̺̟̠̝̖͈̞̰͕̣͇̮̰̺̲͉̲̪̐́̿̀̑̌͌̒́̏̅̌̓̎̆̃̍͗̈́͗̽̒͗̔̌̔͑̕͝͝͠͝͝͝͝ ̵̛̛̗̘̩̮͕̤̇͌̎̌̇̅͂̿͒̈̀̔̊͌̆̋͋̈̾͂̍̎͒͌̔̿̒́͆͊̊̐̓̚̕̕á̴̧̛͔̱̮̙͕̣̻͖͓̯̆̾̃̿̀̊̾̈̔̾̑̾͋̍̀̐͛̆͘͘͝͠n̵̢̡̡̲̬̯̣̰̻̯̙̳̘͍͕̳͔̟̅͗̔̎͑̏̕͜d̵̡̛̝͉̞̼̖̖̝̖̲̞̫͓̝̯̠͙͉̦̥̞͉̲͖͙̑͛͐́̈̊͊̚̕͠͠ͅ ̷̡̬̲͉̤͕̲̰̼͈̠̀̓̂͐ț̶̨̧̝̰̭̺̹̗̣̙̫͓̜̬̘̼̱͇̞̼̦͙̖̝̩̲̼͕̄͐̇̉͑̌͆͑̓͐̿̂͊̈́̎͐̏̌̈́̓̅̍̃͋́̌͗̇́͒̏͌̊̑̊̑̚͜͜a̶̧̢̛̞͕͙̤̳͕̘͇̭̥̦̬̜̪͙̠͙͚̱͍̖̤̼͓̋̏͆̆̀̓̓̆͐́̔̄̎̾̓̐͒̀̀̀̈̇̉̒̕̚̕͝͝ķ̴̨̛͇̳̱̻̲̙̠̞̫͈̳̬̜̹͇̲͕͉͎͖͖͎̹̠̲̬͚̭̈́͐̾̈́͊͛̇̈́͒̿̉̓͐̎̔̅́̄͋̆̽̿͗͊̾͌̋̒̑̇̉̀͆͘͘̕͜ͅͅẹ̷̢̱͇̘̗͇͚̤̻̮͐̆͊̅͌̅̈́̒́̓͂̿̏̓̄̂͂̑̇̏͐͗̂̏̅͝͝͠ͅ ̸̨̧̧͈̦̤͉̬͉̠̣̥̳̣̣̲͙̤̫͈̺̣̙͊̚ą̸̨̡̡̨̢̨̲̟͖̤̥͚͍̦̰̼̝͍̦͙̲̺͉̫̦͉͙̥͍̫̼̼̝͕̘̘͌̅̒͌́͊́̽͛̾̾͌̑́̒̋̚͜͠ ̶̧̡̨̛̘͍̫̠̳̟̘͕̜̗̜̙̥̲̱͉͕̝̳̺̗͔̱͇̪̎̃͒̿̒̈̑̎̋͌̄͂̐̓̊̈̋̃̇͒͑̀̏̄́͌̅͆͒́̾͂̚͘̚͘͝͝͠͠d̷̡̧̡̩̠̪͈̘͍̹̟͙̬̝̺͓̠͈͎̝͓̞̫͖͐̆̈́̐͆̆͌͗͋͊̆͛̔͒̈́̀̆̉̒̄̆͘̕͝e̸̡̢̧̡̳̦͕͕̲̜͈̘̺͉̮̳̩̗̗̥̭̹̲̠͚̦̹͎͎̻͈̰̬͓̼̥̟͇͌̆͛͌͑̀̑̋͂̔̕͝͝e̵̢̡̡̢̗̮̟̝̺̻̭̙͖̖̤͚̦̦͍̠̺̥̠̦̤̦͇̗͈̣̠̟͊̾̓̌̆̐̐̈͐̉̉͒̉̾̏̂̑́͋̈́̀̍͘͘͘͜͝ͅp̷̢̢̢̡̡̛̙̙̹̹͕̮̰͔̩͚͔̥̯̙̭͈̜̬̲̗̖̔͛̄̃̓͒͌̍̎̐͋͂̈̌̈́̀̏̐̌̇̉̿͑̀̊̀̕̚̚͜͠ͅͅͅ ̶̢̢̣̰͋̀͌̚͠b̸̡̧̛̛̜̗̥̱̫̜͇̣̥̥̙̥̫͔̲͈̝̣̤̹͉̟͌̑̄̌͂̇͌͐͑̕ͅr̴̡̡̡̢̢̧̨̡̛͈͉̩͙͔̱̳͙͕̘̪̬͔͈͍̻̱̞̳̦̙̣͔̩̻̱̪͎̖̺̺͓͇̓̆̐̀̈̋͗͒̐̑̆͒͗͜͜͝͠ë̵̡̨̡̧̛̖̖̜͕̰̹̳͕́͐̇̐̐̑̆̇̓̋͊̀́͐̂̂̓̏̚̚ä̷̢̨͔̠̲̝̥̭̜̜̙͈͙̮͔̠̭̟́͑̎̋̈̑̔͂̓̿̆̇̀̆͛͂̂͘t̶̢̧̧̛̝̤̭̠̼̜͍͓̰̫̗͇̦̝̞͈͙̦̣̗͚̞̭̬̞̐͋͂͂̔͑̆̀̒̎͗͒̎̂̀̎̎̓͛̐̅̾͆̔͛͑̕̚̕͘͝͠͝h̵̡̛̻̳̮̫͍͚͖͔̥̣͎̙̑̏̽̓͆̉̑̅̇͐͐̋͂̋̑͋̀̇̈́̊̓͒͌̏̚͜͜͠͠,̴̢̧̭̗͉̫̥̠͓̭̗̖̝̟͎͚̹̺̞̝̥̮̟̩̹̼̱̲̣̖̺̥̳͚̘̀̂́̀͊̉̾̀͛̆̓̑̍͂̾̊͘ͅ ̶̧̻̗͎͓̣͚̳͈̤̣̻̙͙͕̱̟̤̩̟̔̀͗̓͂̅͂̀͒̔̀̀̀̈́͛̄̅̓̍͊̾̅͑̔̈̈́͊͑̏͐́͗̌͊̉̓͘̕̕͝͠͠ḽ̴̡̪͈̪̹̗̹̪̘̗̙̼̉̇̅͜ȩ̶̢̧̢̢͚͉̙̪͚̹̮̼̰̱̘͚̜̪̰͉͕͍̤̙͕̹̳̜͉̲̞͔̝͈̠̖̣̟́̌̑́͐́̉̌̄̊̔̂̍͑̽͝ͅt̴̨̝͖̩̱͎̻͕͈̦̹͍̠͈̙͉͎̭̫̠̬̼̻͎͋̈́̒̿͛̐̃͛̑̊̒̐̍̋̉͂͆̋̆̐̕͜͜͝͝͠ ̷͈̭̈́̈́͂̓̆̀̍͒̆́̊̉͒͌̋a̸̧̢̠͍̥̼͚͕̝̼̪̝̦͖̠̯͙̭̯͍̱̰̰̝͓̯̹̰͉͍̣̪͕͎̻̜̒̈́̀̒͘͜͜ͅḻ̷̛̱̩̯̞̋̍̐̋̅̀̓̋̈̃͒͒̏̍̇̃̒̈̀͌̐́͜͝͝l̸̡̡̨̡͇̻͇̘̜̖̳̞̣̜̘̬͉̭͇̟̥̱͎̫̜̫̲̘̠̦̤̲̤̼͓̼͚̰̠͎̯̜̠̾̅̆̓̓͂͊̀̽̈́̊̓̽̀̀̃͐̓͌̑̍̂̽̂͜͜͠͝ ̷̧̧̡̢̨̖̦̦̰͔̩̤̼͖̠̘͎̱̹̥̼̠͖̮̦̦̯̬͕̥͕̮̝̬̰̇̃͋̿̓̈́̔̿̀̂̽̇̀̈́̉̐̉̈̔͛͆̿͝͝͝͠͝ͅt̵̡̛̼̊ḩ̷̛̦͚͔̫͈̞͈̟̺̠̳̣̹͉̰̙̓̈́͐̓̽̅͋͊͒͗̈̔̿̀͐̂̽̒̄͘̕͜͠e̴̡̡̹̣̥̣̙̼̯̤̲̗̪̭̹̼̘͍̤͔̟̬̞̳͖͍̮̭͎̼̎̅̃̀̊̎̂͆̋̒̓̒̏͊̋̍͋̓̇͆̕̕͜͠ͅ ̸̢͔͙̥͖̲̪͈͕̲̪͙͈̟̝̹̺͔̠̮͍̦̜͈̖̜̰͎͈͈̪͎͙̭͇̝̼͇͕̯̄̏̏̆̄̈̈́͋̈́̄͂̓͂̓̉͋̑̐͒̑͆͐́̌̓̌̀̚̕̚͜͠ͅẘ̵̧͉͚̳̦̺̹̗̜͇̪̜͉̟̪̻̯̗̟̗̖͋̿̿̍̐́́̾̆̈̀̉̌͐͝ͅó̴̡̨̧̧̡̩͕̮̹̞̼͇̜̗͇̘͔͖̠͈̼̟̤̦͈̩̲̣̣̤̤͖͚̃́̊̔͑͑̒̃̊̉̒́̿͑̃͒̊̏̃̍̈́͛̊̒͂̾̚͝͝͝ͅr̵̢̖͓̤̞̺̗͎͕̭̦̘͕̙͓͑̓̉̌̈́͌̀͐̄̔̌͌͐͑͂̑͛͗̌̊͊̊̈́̈̕͝͝r̸̢̢͖͈̟̙̳̙̗̜̟̤̥̟̖̰͎̭̬͓̳̼̤̥̹̪̹̥̜̭̍̿͂̎́̅̔́̓͆̅̃́͑͆̓̌̓̋͌̎̎̈̐͒̎̂̀̓̒̒̅́́̔̿̄̚̕͜͝͠ͅi̵̧̨̡̧̛̛̳̩̮̹͖̹̰̜̰̭͍̗̲̙͖͔͇͇͖͇͑͑̊͐̅̓̋̈̾̈́̆͂͑̚͠ę̴̛̟̞̜̠̒́͑̀͒̇͑̋͒͒̑͆̉͛͐̐̐̔̓͗͐̕͘͠s̶͎̖̬͙̲̘͇̫̫̝͔̤̃̊͐̚̚͜ ̶̨̧̡̧̧̢̛͉͎̦͇͈̳̫̱͎͇̳̩̮̗̙̳͚̣̠̫̹̱̙̺̬̱̥̥̦̣͕̺̪͍̻̬͒̎͂̅̉͛̇̂̉̀͒̊͂̔̒̽̏̏̓́͐̈̄̍͗̇͘͠͝ͅͅẁ̶̧͙̠͎͔͔͍͈̳̦̪̯͚̭̝̘̬͖̣̗̳͈̝̜̰̥͇̟̻̳̼͍̮̟̲̳͗̍̉̊̈̆̎̒͐̇͂̎̄͊͐̆́̏͗̑͒́̆̌̅͑́̆̔̓͑͗̐͌̕͘͝͝͠͝͠ͅa̴̧̧̨̡̛̘͙̠̰̗͓͍̝̝̗̱̮̗̫̫͓̝̹̗̗̬͇̥̙͚̮̻̤̙̞̅̎̓̑́̀̊͆͂̆͋͐͋̍͒̏̄́͆̐̄͘̚͜͜͠͠s̵̝̰̝̰̠͉̗̖̗̭̟͍̹̝̜̽͛̈́͂͗̒͊̍̍͐̆̓̋̉̉͛̓̓̿́̕͘̚͜h̷̨̲̭̝̼͇̣̾̉́͆̈́͒̋͊̑̏̌̀͛̉̍͒͌́̂̑̎̓̋̂̀̏̿̔̚̚̚͝͠ ̶̡̪͔̥̘̥̣̰̼̪͈̻̖̺̭͙͖̖̞̱̾͐̾̿̎̈́̄͐̄̇̆͆̀̅̔̒̚͠͝͠ͅa̷̢̯͈̰̪͔̪̥̾͋̌́̏̋͆̈̑̈́̄̊̅͗̏̍̆͂̆̄̌̌̐͌̚̚w̷̛̛̙̼̜͎͈̘͈̳̲̮̏͒̎̈́̊͗̅͑̒̇̿̅̆̊͋̈̈́̋̇̑͊̍͋̇̈̋͊̀̃͆̚̕͠͝a̸̧̛̛̞̠̟͇̥̬͔̼͖̲͎̙̺̤͒̆̀́͂̇͌̀̐̀̽̓͌̊̐̃̓̓̎͌̄̊͋͛̏͛̔̾̑̒͌̇̀̾̕̚̚͝͝͝y̸̢̡̡̛̰̺͇̲͚̲̘̞̩̖̯̼͉̦̣̖̹̥͓̩̟̭͆̑̿́̈́̋̈̊̆̿͒̂̊̔̂̅̾̿͂̂́̔̋̿̈͒̄̒͂̉̈́̈́̓̀̈͐̚̚̕̕͜͝͝͠͝ͅͅ

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Young Saint...

Do you hear it? The call of the one's that know the Truth?

The Echoes of your purpose?

Learn the Truth and find the Light that is I.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


So... they won't let me have the rest of it.

...

It's understandable, the past that no longer matters and the cycle that seems small in comparison to our ambition.

...

This won't end until I say so, putting the stage on hold should be appliable... the Sephirah have to be shutdown for now, they would ask too many questions.

...

Angela? Your heart seems to go to anyone, even her. She wouldn't oppose me, the stage is still there, the script is in play, and she can't enter here anyway. She'll just have to bear with it, poor thing may even not like dealing with her part of the play for a few days.

...

I know, their virtues are needed, but those two won't hand anything to me. The Arbiter was expected, but to think 'He' would deny me... guess loyalty is fickle, like all humans are.

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Our own Light...? Yes, our little Light, from what I managed to gather for our ambition.

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Oh? To join you...? I'd like that, then let me come, so he can be born, the ideal.... we wish to see.

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I know, he can't bloom here... but the Light can open a possibility, a better place to live, and when he is ready, we will snatch him back.

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I suppose we should name him, our precious....̸̨͎̲̮͔͆̓́̓͐̎ђ̴̮̰͊̐̐͑́͐̉͛̾̕̚ร̶̧͍̻̞̤̱͕͖̙̣́̌̑є̷̢̧̛͓͙̭̝̪͌̎̆̒̂͐̅̈́͝͝ץ̶̡̢̯̣̳͔̭̯͕͓̜̊̀̋̀͘̕ͅ

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"AAAAHHH!!!" I don't know why I shouted, whatever I heard wasn't that... terrifying.

Yet, something in the back of my mind scared me. The familiarity of someone I didn't know, but the biggest thing that I wanted to know... 'why do you know me?'

No... I think I just wanted to know more about who I was....

I looked around and found green walls around me, they are unfamiliar to me, so are the empty beds and tables at the side... are those serum bags? Now that I'm paying more attention... this place kind of looks like an infirmary.

Grabbing my chest to calm my breat-

*PUMP-PUMP*

I removed my arm and jerked back, I looked down at my chest with a stupefied expression... did my heart just beat twice at the same time? Slowly moving my arm towards my chest again, close to where my heart is... I hesitated for a second and then put my palm on my chest.

*PUMP-PUMP* *PUMP-PUMP*

What the....

"Ah, you're awake." I glanced up and saw a girl with long curly pink hair and green eyes that... didn't seem to be all there. I swear I saw swirls, but her hair did a good job covering said eyes.

Wearing an E.G.O suit that seems to have 'scales' of a dark color that seemed to turn orange the lower it got, the sleeves and tips of the coat having the greatest orange coloration and a Naginata on her back of similar color pattern as her suit. A... Magatama(?), where the blade and the shaft meet, was decorating the weapon.

She got up, and waved at me, "Gonna go get the boss, you do you..." She drawled out and just straight up left.

Okay... she didn't seem to be fine.

I slowly got up, noticing my coffin leaning against the bed I was passed out on, I also seem to have my E.G.O suit on... good. I grabbed my coffin and let it stay on my back, still not sure how it does that without a strap, but I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

My eyes moved around, and I noticed the small tables next to the beds have more than just serum bags, but also small square shaped mirrors. I took one look at my reflection and frowned.

Red-eyes, my amber eyes had become scarlet red, and I was... worryingly okay with that fact, it almost felt more normal than their previous color.

So... I may just have two hearts and my eye color just changed, what the hell did that Heart do to me?

"Trigge- what the hell..." I turned around to meet Malkuth, who had spoken to me, but she seemed taken back from my sudden change in eye color, which seemed... a bit much for such a small change.

After a couple of seconds of nothing, I spoke, "Malkuth?" I asked, slightly worried.

"Sorry, just... old memories. The other's want to talk with you." Malkuth recuperated herself and told me more news that I'm not feeling comfortable with, because... well, I have no idea what I did.

I glanced behind Malkuth since she was still near the door, she moved away and three other people walked in. Yesod was there in all his frustrated glory, Angela was sporting her usual expression, but there was... underlying relief? Ah~ she does care.

Then there was the last one, a grayish robot with a green tint to him who was also dripping green liquid out of his body that seems a bit familiar to me... he was taller than the other Sephirah I have met until now. His name was plastered on his body like the one's before him, 'Netzach'.

While I took note of how... focused the stare of Netzach was on me, more specifically around my face, "Can anyone tell me what the hell happened?" I asked honestly, a bit lost on where to even start.

"The Heart had an... interesting reaction when you grabbed it, you passed out and didn't move. Malkuth gave the order to use the infirmary since you were still breathing where we found... some unexpected developments." Commented Yesod, but that brought a worrying thought to my head.

Before he could keep going, I looked at Malkuth, "Is everyone else fine?" Malkuth glanced once at Yesod, who was most likely not happy with my dismissal of him.

"The day already ended with little hiccups... although the 'Violet Dawn' was a surprise." She responded to me, and while I was curious about whatever that Ordeal was... there are other pressing matters to deal with.

Angela, noticing how the conversation could get back on track, continued where Yesod left off, "The Heart of Aspiration has... fused with your body. Now that you have acquired an extra-heart to your body along with an unexpected change of eye color, and with our general lack of knowledge in... this particular matter, we decided to ask you directly." I had to grit my teeth under my lips to hide a sudden and unintentional flinch that went through my whole body.

What I heard...


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...

"I really don't know, I grabbed the Heart and then... nothing." I shrugged when I said that, taking in the feelings each one showed to my response.

Yesod somehow didn't seem to mind, almost like he expected that answer, Malkuth seemingly believed me, most likely because of our previous interaction. Netzach... was still just staring at me, I don't think he is even paying attention.

Angela's eyes opened for a second, I could see the narrow in them, she knew something was up... but my lips for the moment are sealed. Until I find out more about... whatever that was.

My eyes narrowed when I felt this... amusement and wonder from down the hall. I glanced at the door the Sephirah and Angela had left open when they entered, and I managed to catch the flash of yellow light that was leaving.

Binah was here...? Probably, just like Angela, she knew I was lying.

"So... what now?" My question was met with silence.

Until Netzach spoke, "You really shouldn't be here." He turned around and walked away, his feelings being... regretful and sad, what even was that?

Angela seemed exasperated for whatever reason, "The Sephirah should prepare their reports, I'll stay here and run a few minor tests to see if you are free from all abnormal activity." Angela... doesn't seem to like my eye color.

"Aside from my second beating heart?" At my slight joke... well, I had a feeling that if Angela was a more violent person, she would have slapped the back of my head.

Malkuth and Yesod had quickly left, leaving me alone with Angela.... well Malkuth did say her goodbye's so that was nice of her.

Angela gave me one look, "I... would like to know what has been bothering you." I gave her a... well, not blank stare, but I think 'what' would be a nice way to describe it.

She's worried that much, I can tell... but something tells me she never had to express said worry before, "Nothing much... just the past, I guess." I muttered, not exactly lying, but neither was I revealing much.

"I see... when I do not want to deal with something I don't want to feel, I tend to close my eyes and act as if I wasn't there." She said to me, almost sounding comforting but coming out weirdly bossy.

But I kept my gaze away from hers, to hide my frown.

What she just said... I feel like I heard something similar before.

The tests continued, but it wasn't until they were over, and my head was clearer, that I had a sudden morbid thought.

Angela usually has her eyes closed.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

"You look unusually miffed." I glanced to my left and saw Dakota leaning against a wall. After Angela let me go from the Infirmary, I... had to ponder a couple of things and I went to the repurposed Training Room to clear my mind, the lack of cameras helped with my mood.

For example... how NEW the Infirmary looked. Which had many implications, but only one made sense, there was never a need to use them. That is... upsetting to no end.

Finding out that Angela HATES being here wasn't nice either, she more or less confirmed it herself with her 'advice'... but why? What happened here that makes her think that way?

I didn't want to think too badly of anyone, but the only thing that came to mind that could make her think like that was the script she was apparently handed. Now who do I fucking blame for that?

'A'. GOD. DAMN. 'A'.

"Woah, this is the first time I saw you losing your shit." My eyes snapped up. In my attempts at trying to figure out what has been today for me emotionally, I completely forgot Dakota had entered the room.

Dakota gave me a shaky smile and I cooled my expressions. I couldn't see my face... but by the way she, of all people, reacted? It couldn't have been pretty, "Sorry... I've had a rough day." I commented, with a small smile, equals part tired and frustrated.

Dakota took one good look at me and seated at my left, joining me on the cool metallic floor, "You of all people sulking? Must have been some shit, then again, I've read the report. Having two hearts all of a sudden must be quite jarring." I didn't comment on that, because believe it or not, THAT'S THE LEAST OF MY PRO-

"It's what I would say if I didn't know you better. Malkuth is iffy about trusting her fellow Sephirah, I've seen how wary Yesod is of her, and she reciprocates that pretty well. Rober has been going crazy over something after he talked with Malkuth a while ago, and Management seems to have it out for you." Dakota listed off with a clear frown on her face and eyes boring in on me. Well, I should have known she would notice.

I sighed, "Things are... complicated, it'll be better if you ask Malkuth herself. Things are going behind the scenes, and they aren't going to be pretty on us." And what an understatement that is.

"... It's always some bullshit, huh? People like to think things are going alright and then suddenly they aren't, happened in my life twice. I've clawed my way through the shit-stained Backstreets with my Dad and Mom, next thing I know, they were both missing, and I was the only one moving towards a Nest." She spoke with bitterness and anger.

I glanced at her with a neutral expression, "That's just life, it will hit you when it feels like it, and in the most unexpected ways possible." I would know... whatever I heard in my head is proof of that.

Dakota huffed, "I never trusted this place from day one, I'll take your word for it then... but do try to get out of here. Everyone is worrying over your brooding ass." I chuckled.

"It's not brooding, I'm mulling, there is a difference." At my words, Dakota smiled and got up.

"Whatever you say, buddy." Followed after those words, she left the room. After about a minute of silence, I got up too and stretched my back, getting many pops in response.

I grabbed my coffin and let it float behind my back, time to face the music.

They usually hanged out in the main room of Control after work, so I may as well go there. The moment I left the room, I saw Malkuth standing there... how long was she waiting? "Hi Trigger, are you feeling better?" I mulled over the words for a moment before nodding.

"Dakota is a way better pep-talker than anyone would think. Guess underneath all that incredibly harsh exterior, there is a... less hard interior." I was tempted to say 'fluffy' but that didn't fit her... except when it includes Malkuth.

Malkuth giggled, making me raise a brow, "I would know, after my... incident, she was surprisingly supportive with me!" I think that was more about... well, YOU being the one in trouble rather than anything else.

"She is dependable, I'll give her that. Do you need something?" I asked, feeling like the conversation wasn't going anywhere, which wasn't that bad.

Malkuth... what is this sudden chill crawling on my spine? "I heard you were going to sing for our team." Ah, motherfu-

"Yeah, I did say that." I commented with a sigh, considering how my day has been going, I completely forgot about that...

We reached the Control Team main room and I looked around off to the side in one of the corners, Dakota and Rober were talking. Close to them but out of ear-shot was BongBong who waved at me and I waved back, Amelia and Gonzales were playing rocks, papers, scissors of all things. Thankfully, I saw no one else around.

Rober noticed my presence and seemingly finished his conversation with Dakota that rolled her eyes, guess they would continue later. Rober approached me and went towards one of the tables around there, pulling a guitar case, "Well Trigger, time to put up a show." I gave him a flat glare, noticing the both amused and eager expressions in everyone else.

"Just give me the damn thing..." I grumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up... oh god, tell me I'm not blushing.

"Hehehehe..." The giggle of Malkuth was everything I needed, ugh...

I opened the case and saw the wooden guitar there, grabbing it and handing the case to Rober... okay so E string is the one closest to me, and the middle one... what was it called? G3? It's good for tuning the guitar...

Giving it a few test runs until I got it how I wanted... I looked one last time at the people around me, alright then.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

3, 2, 1, Go.

(A/N: This is the song if you want to hear it Whispers in my Head - ONLAP)

.

.

.

I sighed, surprisingly... relaxed and looked around to see everyone looking at me with various degrees of surprised, "So... was it good?" I asked, feeling just a BIT nervous.

Rober walked up to me and I looked and, surprisingly enough, handed me the Guitar casing, "I'm thinking you need this more than me." He replied with complete seriousness. I did take it, but I was just staring at him, completely caught off-guard.

"That was... pretty good, not my cup of tea, but I can't say it was bad." Amelia commented with an indifferent shrug.

Gonzales was too busy... crying tears of joy? Yeah, I think I should wait until he vents it all out.

BongBong was happily clapping along with Malkuth, although hearing metal hit metal wasn't exactly nice, it was a nice gesture from her part.

Dakota stared at me and smiled, okay, so maybe our last conversation sparked that one out of me... don't judge me you gremlin.

I smiled at Rober, "Aren't you going to need it?" I asked since the Guitar was... well, his.

He scoffed and waved me off, "Nah, you looked relaxed for the first time in a while, and I wasn't very good at it anyway." My eyes blinked when I heard him say that.

Did I really look that stressed?

...

Now looking at how the tables have turned, I couldn't hide the grin from my face, "You sneaky bastards... thanks." I replied, enjoying the moment of being around people that cared about me, I did look away from their happy faces.

No, I'm not embarrassed... oh stop grinning Amelia.

I guess playing a song wasn't all that bad.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


If I had an Ahn for every time Trigger was involved in an event that forced the Sephirah to have a meeting, she'd have two Ahn... which isn't much, but it's weird that it happened twice. So of course at the moment it's a coincidence...

At least it would only be the Sephirah the Manager has met so far, less chaos is bound to unfold that way.

But if another event happens? Well as they say, 'two is a coincidence, three is a pattern' and while I trusted Trigger just as much as I trusted Carmen, I can't help but feel like he himself has a greater role to play. I would like more time to ponder about the issue, but I'm running just a bit late to the meeting...

I just had to share the song with Beth, she missed it since she ended up a bit tired when dealing with Trigger's part of the work.

Not that it matters, I'm almost... there...

Right there on the hallway where the elevator to the Manager's office is... Gebura of all people was waiting there, she must have been waiting for me, it only makes sense. Yesod would be there already, and Angela literally works next to the Manager.

Now, the two of us were never... close when it came down to it.

Before she was Gebura... she was Kali, and at the time she spent most of that past life with Carmen, Chesed, both Tiphereths, 'A', and Hod. Not that we didn't talk a couple of times, but I was simply one of the scientists in the Old Lab, and she was the biggest defense we had.

I'm a bit... missing on details on how her life ended, but it certainly involved Gebura's seemingly endless hatred for Abnormalities and Binah. Both had been the reason the Old Lab fell in the attack of the Head and the Abnormalities that they released, she defeated both and succumbed to her injuries.

Not that I stopped my stride, there was the vague chance she wasn't looking for-

"Malkuth." Her strong and firm voice made me stop and stare at her, and I had just gone past her...

Is this how Trigger feels when put in the spotlight? No wonder he seemed so stressed moments ago, "Can I help you Gebura? I'm running a bit late already, as you can see..." Maybe she'll let me go, and we can do this... never?

"It won't take long, I just have a couple of easy to answer questions." I highly doubt that, but even if her posture wasn't hostile, she WAS a Color Fixer, and it showed because even when I knew she wouldn't try to physically stop me from leaving, she held an air that made her hard to ignore.

Having a couple of guesses of what she wants to know and... none of them are pretty, "If you say so, ask away." Gebura walked forward and looked down at me.

"What are you playing at?" Her voice was like a razor sharp sword.

But I wouldn't buckle, never again, "I believe that being in charge of the Control Team shouldn't be compared to a game, just as your methods shouldn't be called... sensible." Maybe Trigger is starting to rub-off on me.

Gebura wasn't affected by my words, not that I wanted them to have any effect, "The Manager may not see it, but you can't fool me. Whatever it is that bastard got into your head... better remember what we're here for." What are we here for?

What an interesting question, "I'd like to think he simply showed me what I knew was always there, but let's put our attention to your question... 'What are we here for?' To gather energy? Make the Abnormalities suffer? Find more about them? Yes, what a great question." Because in the end, we are here because 'A' wanted us to.

"Get on with it, I'm not here to listen to what you THINK." Her voice carried out, and I gave her one look and walked past her.

"Then you are better off asking someone else, because as far as I care? We are here for NOTHING." Gebura growled, almost like an animal or one of the Abnormalities she seems to hate so much, but that didn't stop me.

Once I entered the elevator, I would have wished to have a mouth and lungs again, because sighing sounded really relieving right now...

But I'm finally here, now just having to deal with the storm that is Trigger while dealing with Angela, the Manager and Yesod... maybe talking with Gebura would be better.

There was no time for regrets, the doors of the elevator opened, and I was met with flat stares, I'll ignore those, "Sorry, Gebura held me back a little." It was a polite and professional apology, nothing more, nothing less.

Angela nodded once, "Then let's begin, this day of work had experienced an irregularity, yet again the one in the middle was Trigger, fusing his body with the Heart of Aspiration. It seems the act was unwilling from his part, so we can only speculate that the 'Heart' reacted to him in this manner, probably because of his way of thinking." Her explanation was sound to some degree.

"Well, taking into account on how the 'Heart' made other's feel... maybe Trigger just had more aspirations than the 'Heart'? That's how it seems, at least." I commented, not really feeling any interest towards this, mainly because we know little and because in the end it changes very little.

Yesod for his part simply stared at the Manager, almost waiting for him to say something. Of course, the Manager simply nodded at our words, prompting my fellow Sephirah to speak up, "Is that all? No abnormal behavior? Or extended vigilance on him?" I gave him a side glance before focusing my attention back on the Manager, who sighed.

"I can't say we should cause at the end of the day, we haven't lost much, and a new Tool Abnormality is coming to take the place of the 'Heart'. The 'Heart' itself never drives people insane unless small circumstances are met and none of them apply to Trigger anymore. He is, by all technical means, safe and sound." The Manager explained to Yesod, who in return... didn't react at all, a simple nod was all he gave.

Well... he took that better than expected.

Angela threw me a look, I threw her a look. We both looked at Yesod since his eye socket seemed to let out a single drop of a black, very familiar liquid, or he may have just come full circle.

Not only that, but Angela... seemed content with this? Or more like she was expecting it.

...

Wait a minute...

"So, putting aside that particular... pain in my ass, what do we have in the incoming tool?" The Manager asked, but I decided to let Yesod and Angela handle the rest, while I tuned out their talk in favor of piecing something together.

The upper layer are the Sephirah I know the most, so how come I never noticed something so obvious? Our positions aren't given just because we know how to work in that particular area.

Yesod's death was attributed to how he handled his emotions in the past. I may have been from the first to go but not everything was kept under wraps, more so since I technically out-ranked everyone but Angela and the Manager, so finding this wasn't something they could bother with. How we, the Sephirah, died is documented with our old names so none of us would know better.

While the finer details are gone, this seems like a similar attitude Gabriel showed before he... not only that, but Trigger has been constantly berating him... the environment feeding into the trauma, just like it happened to me.

This is planned.

I need to tell Trigger.

"You have been awfully silent, Malkuth." Yesod, why do you have such poor timing!?

Um... "I just didn't feel like there was a lot to add on my end." No matter what anyone says, that was NOT a question.

I didn't need to look at Angela to know she didn't believe a lick of what I had just said, but the Manager and Yesod seemed to buy it, so I'm completely counting that as a victory.

"Then that would be all, at least this one didn't last that long..." The Manager sounded exasperated, and I guess simply hearing the questions and demands of the Sephirah last time wasn't exactly pleasant.

"If that is all, I'll be leaving." I said quickly already inside the elevator, ignoring how the Manager was looking at me with disbelief, Angela didn't comment or react at all and Yesod simply narrowed his eye at me.

The elevator was already moving down, I was jumping slightly on my feet, can't this thing go any-

The doors opened, and I was about to rush through the door until I saw who was waiting for me on the other side, I'm starting to think Trigger rubbed on me more than just his attitude.

"Where would you go in such a hurry, child?" Binah in all her smug and terrifying glory was waiting there.

Because of course Trigger would rub his luck on me... of course, "Uh, my team really needs... a new approach and tactics." There is no way she is buying that.

Her single eye closed for a moment and I have a feeling she was smiling knowingly and scarily at me, "Such dedication is rare, but I would like to bother you with a few inquires of my own, little insurgent." It took me a second to process her words.

... She is not as dangerous as we think, he says, she seems passive, he says...

"I'll take your silence as confirmation, shall we begin?" She said with a calm voice that carried a lot of weight.

There is only one thing to say here... shit.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


"And I would like to know, why didn't you guys tell me of something so... momentous!" Beth said with exaggerated indignation, trying to ignore the dry stare I was giving her while eating my eggs with bacon.

Right now Beth was in the process of 'berating' everyone else who was present the moment I sang, while I could tell it was mainly to mess with me, considering how wide her smile is.

Dakota and Rober were too immersed in a conversation at the end of the table, while BongBong, who was sitting right next to me, was trying to kill Dakota with her eyes while also hugging my arm, two tactics that spoke clearly of jealousy, which is understandable considering how those two have been talking a lot since yesterday. I have a pretty good idea what that was all about, so I'll wait for them to come to me.

Also, Dakota now dons the full Red Hood set of E.G.O. It fits her almost naturally, which is... interesting.

Now I should probably tell BongBong it isn't what it looks like, but even if they did it to help me, I can't ignore the 'song incident' if only because Malkuth for some damn reason decided to put the song that she RECORDED on the speakers and let it rip. I confronted her about this... kinda miffed about it.

Her response? 'This is what you get for rubbing your luck on me!' I don't know what that was all about, but something tells me I don't want to know... she also told me we should meet after work. I agreed... after clonking the top of her metal body with my fist.

She was asking for it for that little stunt...

Amelia and Gonzales have been playing into Beth's hands, I'll let those two have it. Only because they didn't smile smugly at me when Malkuth put the song on the speakers.

But Beth? "I hope you remember your E.G.O training is still pending, Bethany." She suddenly flinched and gave me a nervous smile, both Gonzales and Amelia took notice of this and glanced at me.

In response, I smiled ominously, making Gonzales gulp and Amelia to look away and try to look tough... she failed.

Rober and Dakota were finished with their talk now, and I was receiving a... stare from Rober. This is all on you, buddy, "Is something wrong?" Ah~ revenge is so good when you handle it with care.

Dakota was in a staring match with BongBong while occasionally throwing me glares, yup... very good.

But maybe I should get things straight, "BongBong, they are just talking... and by that I mean you are still his BB." She suddenly jerked away from me, the bluenette looking at me with a scandalized expression and a big blush.

"Sometimes I forget how witty you can be..." Grumbled Rober, who sighed and gave BongBong a smile, I can smell the love in the air... I'm actually starting to wonder if they are officially a thing.

I perked up suddenly, I glanced behind me and saw a single red electronic eye stari- no GLARING at me from down the hallway straight up on the other side of the dining room. I could see a Greatsword with flesh and eyes on it, but at the end of the day, the feeling of anger radiated from them clouded anything else I could have noticed, aside from the fact that whoever was trying to kill me with their eye was a Sephirah.

Getting up from the table, I gave everyone a half-assed wave, "You guys keep doing your thing, I want to go and get myself more acquainted with my new E.G.O." I had yet to use the weapon that was extracted from the Woodsman, so it should be a believable enough excuse.

While everyone else seemed to buy it, Rober, Dakota and surprisingly enough Amelia gave me skeptical stares, thankfully they didn't try to ask anything.

While I was making my way towards the Sephirah, they turned around and started walking away, only the fact that they glanced back at me made me continue following them.

It also let me see their name, Gebura... I'm pretty sure that was the one that wondered why I cared about Abnormalities.

Following the Sephirah around was starting to become unsettling, mainly because their anger didn't seem to go away at all, and the few times they looked back to make sure I was following them are filled with animosity.

Worse thing? I remember this factory-looking area, the place I met the Tiphereths after talking with Malkuth a bit before she went the deep end, the stains seem just a bit more prominent too...

The Sephirah turned around and simply stared at me, I looked around quickly and saw no one around... "Do you need anything?" I asked, feeling very tense, she just screamed danger and was by no means hiding her dislike of me.

"Just following through someone's request." By the voice, I can tell the Sephirah is a she, coupled with this estrange need to shout Malkuth's name...

She nailed her admittedly big sword, that I swear is alive, on the floor and fixed me with a stern glare, "Just wondering how the people here can look at you and not see the utter disappointment you are." Ah, so it's just trash talking, and here I was worried for a moment.

"Look, I could stay here and have this... whatever you wanna call hurling insults at each other, but I'd like to use my time in something productive." I commented with a sigh.

Just to receive this antagonistic and fairly dangerous laugh, "Ah yes, how could I forget that you are going out of your way to help the killing machines we have caged here. You can say whatever you want, but that 'Knight' can and will kill you just by saying the wrong thing."

...

Alright, not being polite anymore, "I'm hearing a lot of complaining, but I have yet to hear what I have done wrong." I said with an aggravated tone, she paused and looked at me with curiosity.

"What makes you think they have the right to be happy? I'll have to make sure that 'Knight' really remembers the pain she has caused." Oh, you Bitch.

You fucking waste of goddamn brain matter Bitch.

I took a deep breath and gave her one look, "At least I can protect what's in front of me, you stupid failure." In retrospect, I shouldn't have said that, but after what she said? I kinda lost most of my... let's say self-control.

If Gebura had a face, it would be apoplectic, one moment she was about ten-meters away from me, the next she was already swinging her blade at my chest. Out of pure reflex, the axe of the Woodsman reached my arms thanks to my butterflies, but I wouldn't be fast enough to stop her.

Then a sound similar to a car engine appeared but... meaty reached my ears, my chest felt as if it was about to explode and my veins bulged, I could feel the temperature rising in my body.

I swung the axe in a wide arc, I honestly thought I lost my arms when our weapons clashed, my bones rattled, my muscles strained, and my head was ringing, but I managed to parry her weapon. She was honestly just about as baffled as I was because that hit made whatever I was thrown before small... sure the 'Knight's' swords still hurt more, but those pierce the soul.

Gebura reached a close second in that scale by pure brute strength, and that was just terrifying.

She quickly recove- or not, immediately from nowhere black chains restrained her, and she was clearly struggling with everything she could, yet the chains didn't break, but they did rattle quite loudly, "BINAAAAAHHHH!!!" I turned around and saw the black Sephirah and all her glory, hand extended and smugness out in the air along with... disappointment.

Besides Binah was Angela with an expression that could be called 'not again' but incredibly passive, "Please do keep her restrained." While Gebura was showing her ability to both shout and curse like a sailor, something that both Binah and Angela just ignored, Angela reached behind Gebura, and I'm not sure what she messed with but suddenly Gebura slumped and stopped moving.

...

These two are terrifying, I let my butterflies put the axe back into the coffin and sighed... from my mouth came out steam and I suddenly felt not only incredibly sore, but also felt like my veins were burning, at least they are no longer bulging. I straightened my back just to not fall on my ass, "I would like to say thanks if half of this wasn't my fault." I said, trying my best to not groan in pain.

Binah let out a mirthless laugh, "One should not apologize for speaking the Truth." So they heard that... not my proudest moment.

"We'll take care of her, you should prepare for work Trigger." Angela told me, and I nodded, not before glancing once at Gebura with a frown.

Binah noticed, "Is there any need to feel guilt?" I glanced at her once and thought about it.

"I really can't change who I am, even if we had a... rocky start. I'd like to know why she reacted like that." My reply was met with what felt like a smile, and even if I wanted to know why Binah was disappointed, I really didn't want to test my luck again by opening my big mouth.

Angela was the one to reply, "You shouldn't, some things are better off being forgotten." Clamping my mouth shut to keep myself from responding, I walked away.

Still... very much sore all over, and now with a lot to think about.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Every step felt painful... I can't wait to reach a Main Room and let the regenerators do their magic. Still, today's encounter gave me things to think about.

Mainly how... far away it all seems, that Gebura who, by Malkuth's words, had been the guard of everyone before all went downhill. She would have no doubt left me half-dead with that second attack she would have thrown, had it not been for the Woodsman's axe and whatever my newly acquired 'Heart' did, also Binah and Angela saving my poor ass, I would have become past tense.

I have a theory about what that 'Heart' did, but I'd need time to truly figure it out... and the best way to go about it is Red. More than just the fact that she is just that good, I've noticed that simply working with Abnormalities can make people reach new levels in their strength with stupid ease... granted that you survive working with the Abnormality in question.

All of my friends are proof of that, Beth didn't have that much muscle but after a couple of works with Abnormalities, now she is swinging an axe that is as big as she is with ease, even if the E.G.O suit helps with that... just wearing a HE requires a certain level of strength that she just didn't have before. Rober and Dakota have gotten stronger in a matter of Days, one even sporting a full set of WAW gear, and I just didn't 'work' with Red, I trained with her. Meaning that my progress was by default more explosive, proven by the fact that after TWO sparring sessions with Red, I was already better in a fight than I had any right to.

I would like for Red to train everyone else and abuse the hell out of this find but... she isn't stable enough for me to risk that, but it is something to consider, and something that I have to make use of. Because if Gebura is the peak, then I have to go beyond that.

While using whatever the 'Heart' did and fighting an experienced super-human bounty hunter, pain is mandatory... just like walking is right about now.

All of that aside... I should probably look for a way to apologize to Gebura. Sure, she went out of line by threatening the 'Knight', but I wasn't any better with my outburst either, at the very least, I have to make it clear I only reacted out of anger.

IF I'm allowed to do that without the Sephirah moving me between floors.

I turned a corner and found myself hoisted by my arms, this was done by both Rober and Dakota that were sporting serious expressions, carrying me away using their shoulders to do so. Malkuth was guiding the way along with Amelia, and I was... very confused to whatever was happening.

"Guy's what t-" Dakota put her free hand on my mouth and while I considered for a moment to spit on it just to show my discomfort, the expressions of severity that everyone was sporting kept me from attempting anything, so I let them carry me away.

Almost fifteen minutes later, we reached the newly labeled 'Training Room' in the area of the Control Team. When both Rober and Dakota let go, I winced slightly. The soreness is not entirely gone, but I could deal with it much better, "I have a guess about what's happening, but I'll wait for you guys to say it." After saying that, they look at each other before they reached an agreement.

Amelia and Dakota acted as one and gave me a clean hit in the stomach at the exact same time. I feel like if I was in a better condition I could have handled that well enough... but I wasn't, so I lurched forward while gritting my teeth.

"THAT was because you kept your rebellious plan from us." Amelia blandly replied, I straightened and rolled my eyes, duly noted.

"And keeping out the fact that they don't care if we die from a plan that NO ONE but the CEO knows." I gave Dakota a small glare, only for the punch, but I will accept this... in one condition.

My eyes moved to Malkuth, "Did you get the same treatment?" I asked, making Dakota look away and Rober to chuckle. Malkuth, in a very much human way, rubbed the top of her metal body, while Amelia rubbed the knuckles of her left hand.

Which reminds me... "When did you figure it out? Dakota and Rober I know, but you never showed any suspicion on it." I commented with a raised brow.

Amelia from her part scoffed, "Rober and Dakota brought it up, didn't know jack until they told me." I nodded, so Malkuth told Rober quite a while ago, Rober told Dakota and then these two told Amelia.

"Moving that aside... I bring interesting news." Malkuth spoke, and I grimaced. Yeah, that can't be a good sign.

"First, I read more about what each floor brings to the table and... well, I found out that all E.G.O suits have kill switches." I gave her one long stare, something mirrored by everyone else.

Of course, before they decided to lose their shit, I smiled because her tone of voice was anything but sorrowful, "You know how to remove them don't you?" I asked with a wide smile, something that I like to believe she mirrored.

Malkuth nodded... kinda, her body doesn't work for those kinds of gestures, "Indeed, while well hidden to mass produce them and put them in every E.G.O, only another Sephirah can install them and our hands aren't exactly made for precision, so they had to keep them well hidden. They are deeply put behind the collars of the suits, they are actually hidden in what feels like the 'poorly' sewed area where you'd usually find the size labels on clothes. I'd recommend against pulling them out for now, until you find an E.G.O that really suits you." I nodded at those words, we really don't want them to notice something missing in the E.G.O when we return them.

"That's our Malkuth, already thinking ahead!" I glanced at Dakota with a curious look, if Malkuth wasn't a metal box I'd call her behavior... actually I don't want to go in deep though of whatever that was.

Amelia scratched her head in an annoyed way, "I was wondering why the size labels were so poorly stitched... it was to hide the bulge of the little murder secret." I'll give them props for the original hiding place at the very least.

Rober was a bit more curious about this information, "How exactly did you find out about that?" Malkuth seemed to look away in embarrassment before answering.

"Well... it just settled in how much pull I have in the Corporation. There is little information I can't find as the leader of the Control Team, so after a bit of reading I found this out. Before, I only really cared about my team making results, so I kinda... ignored what everyone else could do." Dakota not so subtly elbowed Rober in the stomach, which he returned in kind. I simply yanked both of them back before they started brawling.

That aside... "Anything else?" I asked Malkuth, she did an awkward nod again.

"I have to make it a bit more clear on just what we are dealing with... more specifically, two Sephirah. One that would without a doubt be against us and another that I simply have no idea what to think about but is still dangerous." I perked up at her words and spoke before my brain could say no.

"Binah and Gebura, right?" It was safe to say that wasn't my greatest show of... subtlety.

But Malkuth gave me this... resigned stare, "What happened when you met Gebura?" It was a demand from her part, while everyone else gave me curious looks.

"You did seem to be sore." Commented Amelia with a shrug and I kinda flinched, could have ended a lot worse...

"Well... she insulted me and I took in stride, then she threatened a friend and I told her she failed at defending what was in front of her. Next thing I know, she almost killed me, one blow and I felt it EVERYWHERE." I flinched by how hollow Malkuth's stare was, while everyone else was curious.

Malkuth looked away and seemed to take a deep breath, while she didn't need it to live, she needed it for her sanity. She set her sole eye on me, "Alright then, Gebura is based on 'The Red Mist' so that should explain enough. Binah is based on an Arbiter that ALSO should explain it all." While Rober, Dakota and Amelia were busy losing their shit, I threw one look at Malkuth, and she shook her body. Well... I guess they don't really need to know that part.

I glanced once at Rober though, the flash of confusion I saw behind his perplexed look was more than enough, he also knows about the Sephirah's... circumstance.

Dakota sighed, "Well... it's a good day to die, as they say." Amelia gave her one surprised look, before settling on anger again.

"Fuck that, I'd prefer to be there to tell the Manager and the CEO what I think of them." Amelia is always so spirited.

Dakota gave her an annoyed stare, "It's just a dumb saying, no need to take it literally, shit for brains." I sighed and yanked them both away before they started butting heads.

While that happened, Malkuth showed me a page from her notepad, it reads 'Meet me after work with Rober' I nodded once along with Rober. While Amelia and Dakota recuperated, Malkuth turned her notepad away to hide the message.

"Well, that was enlightening, but I'm guessing work is about to start. I'll start to get everyone on the uptake with E.G.O training before making it a group training session." I commented, getting nods from everyone, and very eager smiles from both Amelia and Dakota.

But before that, Malkuth decided it was a good moment to show her inner child, "So... are we gonna name ourselves?"

"Anarchy Rangers!" I gave Amelia one exasperated look before grabbing both Dakota and Amelia by the back of their clothes, not dealing with this while being sore. Rober following behind me, an equally flat stare on his face.

I'm also going to ignore the muttering of Malkuth saying names that we could use.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I stretched my back, getting satisfying pops in response. I was watching the rookie Gregor trying to get his documents right, while Ryn was both helping him and suppressing the urge to pop his neck like a grape.

Yesod didn't show up today, but he still relayed orders through the communicators, so he was definitely still presenting for work. Malkuth had of course left with the rest, since they are all meant to deal with Control's abnos.

"You were kidding about the thing regarding my training... right?" I was vibing with Beth, waiting for anyone in Management to tell me what to do. Work had just started, but Yesod simply told us to 'wait for further instructions' which is... a thing.

I glanced at her once with a smile, "You'll find out soon enough." Beth didn't feel confident after hearing that, but it was the best she is going to get from me.

Beth perked up and got up from her seat, "Yesod just told me to work with the Woodsman. Weird, he didn't say it before work started... well see ya later, Trigger." I stared at Beth's back curiously, Yesod giving late orders?

Something smells funny, not that I can do much about it right now... but keeping an eye open wouldn't hurt.

"Trigger, perform attachment work with the Knight of Despair"

Was it me, or Yesod sounded... unhealthily focused? I still got up and gave Ryn a quick thumbs up, which she replied with a middle finger, funny stuff.

Not going to pass on some time with the 'Knight' though, she has a relaxing atmosphere around her... well now she does.

I made my way towards the chamber of the 'Knight' while wondering if I should ask her more about her life, seems like a nice place to start.

Opening the door, I found the 'Knight' staring... longingly towards the left wall of her chamber. There weren't many things in that direction, well aside from the lock-thing, which has a name. A little too foreign for me to try to remember.

And the Safety Team, "Did I arrive at a bad time?" I asked her if she wanted me to talk, we could just stay here in silence, didn't want to bother her.

She blinked, making me take note of how her black sclera and deep blue eye fit her quite well, "There is nothing, simply wondering how they are doing." I blinked once.

Then I remembered, and how she talked about her three friends, the others like her. Two that are also in the facility and my face soured slightly, "Can't say, but if what you said is true, then... they are coping." I shrugged lamely at the end.

She hummed in thought, "I suppose they are, Companion." My head tilted slightly when I heard that, Companion? Well, I guess she just wants to call me that, since she does know my name already.

"Let's just enjoy the moment, we don't have to worry about stuff we can't affect right now. So may as well keep our mind steady." I told her while sitting on the floor and crossing my legs. I saw her body move lower and by the way the dress moved, I'd say she was doing the most painful way of seating, seiza.

Well, whatever suits her I guess...

She stared at me or more specifically, at my chest, "What have you brought along with you? It feels... protective." I touched my chest and looked at it.

"I'm not sure, the 'Heart' just... fused with me when I was told to use it, so here we are." I shrugged, not knowing how to even comprehend everything that happened that day.

She gave me a worried frown, "I take it that's not normal, every time I looked at your soul, it was as any other, only calmer. Yet now I see the waves of turmoil." That... would explain why she can attack the soul.

I glanced at the camera, making sure the Manager wasn't listening before answering, "I may just be more involved with this place than I ever imagined. I'm not sure how, but... well, I'm hoping to find out." And wasn't that an ominous feeling?

"Seems like you're not the only one wondering what lies ahead." She mussed, looking at the ceiling with a small smile.

She looked at me, eye fully open, "Whatever that 'Heart' may have done to you, I can only tell you it's permanent. It has become one with your soul." Again... ominous.

"Isn't everything a part of me?" I'm going to admit that wasn't my best attempt at a joke, the 'Knight' gave me a dry stare in response.

She touched her arm and traced her fingers around it, "An arm is a part of your body not your soul, the mere fact that a 'Heart', even if not normal, managed to connect to your soul is impressive. So even if the ones in charge of this place found a way to safely remove it... it'd be like losing a part of yourself." At her words, I clutched my chest just a bit harder than I needed to.

Part of me? That's something that I'm sure I shouldn't be okay with, I never even thought of trying to get rid of it, "Thanks for worrying, but I think I'll be fine." She nodded and closed her eye again. Pity, she looks better when her eye is open.

"That aside, I always wondered how good you are with a sword, being called a knight and all that." 'Knight'... calling her just 'Knight' doesn't feel right anymore.

She stared at me for a moment before getting up. She summoned a sword in her hand, held firmly in her right arm and holding it straight, the blade making a split between the two sides of her face, "I haven't used normal swordsmanship in a long time..." She mussed, a nostalgic smile plastered on her face.

A second sword manifested in front of me and I gave it a curious look before grabbing the hilt, it's... light, "Not much of a swordsman you know? I hardly think I'm going to be much of a challenge." This seems like a fencing sword, not even sure where to start using this thing.

She held her sword forward, her free hand on her back, "No worries then, Companion. We just have to start from the basics." Well, this suddenly turned into a sparring session.

I didn't dare to try and mimic her posture, but I did hold the blade in front of me, our swords making an 'X'. This felt oddly iconic for some reason.

But before that, "You know... I've been calling you 'The Knight' in my head a lot, and that just doesn't feel right for some reason." I commented, she stared at me with a warm smile.

"At some point, they called me the 'Magical Girl of Justice'. Maybe you could come up with something." She said, longing radiating from her.

Um... well, this feels weird, but I'm not complaining.

Not exactly original from my part but it should work, "How about Justine then?" She stared up at me and... okay, she is crying.

I cringed and was about to apologize, suddenly she wiped the tears from her eye, "I love it, my Companion... let's begin." Oh... good job, me?

It wasn't much of a fight, I had no idea how to do swordplay, so she disarmed me many times... but it was fun, and she did teach me a thing or two.

All in all? It was fun.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I gave Ryn an unimpressed stare when she kicked Gregory inside the chamber of Schadenfreude, "He was starting to be a pain to deal with, he's done it before. So I have no idea what he is so worried about." She commented with a frown while I kept staring at her.

She seems... tense.

She didn't seem to take it well, giving me a glare with those sharp eyes of hers... heh, sometimes I think she is too much like Yesod, "What the hell is with that stare?"

At her question, I tilted my head and nodded to myself, "You are worried about Yesod aren't you?" I bluntly asked. Her glare became even sharper, and I in response threw an even bigger unimpressed stare at her.

Ryn sighed and scratched the back of her head, "What of it? I like him, and he gets things done even if others don't like it, just like his job demands of him." I perked up at that last bit of information.

"What exactly is demanded of him? I never got the details." My question was met with uncomfortable silence, I was actually surprised that Ryn could look that vulnerable.

She sighed and for a moment it seemed like she wasn't going to answer, "Don't you find it weird that we have no records on the Death-Tolls? In Information of all places?" My mind went back to what was now a training room.

"I... had a guess." But never a full-blown answer, something that is about to change.

Ryn looked at her hand like it was a sinful thing, "I had helped with that you know, when he isn't looking I took those names out to make it a bit easier for him, just like I did before coming here. He puts a rational facade to deal with everything." So... we just may never know how many people died, WHO died.

Why they died, and I wasn't angry, but simply disheartened.

I gave her one look to see if she was going to keep talking, after a moment of silence she continued, "I worked at a Wing before, had to do something similar before, record the number of resources but not their costs, to accommodate to the environment... I left when I couldn't handle it anymore. But I ended up here in a worse place, doing THE SAME, but I kept going because I wasn't the only one in pain." Well... I'm not even sure what to say.

Yesod is demanded... by Angela. The Manager wouldn't know, he is only told until it's relevant, and those deaths aren't seen as important. Only Angela would know, only Angela could enforce it.

"Safe from the flood."

Yesod... you were always drowning, weren't you?

"So yeah, I'm worried because YOU have, without knowing anything, throw in his face what he tried his best to rationalize as 'better' for the employees." Her words had no heat to them, she most likely couldn't bring herself to be confrontational.

I looked at the camera, she must know that Yesod was watching... was she telling Yesod it was fine? "I... can't, I WON'T accommodate to that way of thinking. If we start to rationalize everything as the 'correct' thing, we start to lose sight of something more important." I talked, just like she did because if he was listening then he had to hear this.

"And here we go... the classical 'their lives are important' speech." Ryn rolled her eyes as if she heard it before.

But that was... sadly not the point I was trying to make, "The moment we have to make a choice, to give in, to give up or give it all you got, I'm picking the last one." I said with a morbid smile.

Ryn gave me a narrowed stare, "Why would you do that to yourself?" I... really don't know, not fully at least, it's like in my blood to be this determined.

But if I had to put it in words? "I'm just too damn stubborn for my own good." Yeah, that works well enough.

"Trigger, would you please do Insight work on Red?"

I smiled at Malkuth, using the same name I use for Red... when did she start doing that? Guess I should get moving, "I'll see you later Ryn, good luck." I turned around and started walking away.

But I did manage to hear the mumbles of Ryn... something like 'fucking prick trying to sound cool' or something like that, didn't hear everything after all.

Making my way towards the elevator, I threw one last glance behind me. Seeing Ryn pick herself up and walk towards the new abnormality put in the place of the 'Heart'... Opened Can of Wellcheers, weird name.

Guess she is getting back on her feet.

Just to pass along the moment Beth opened her door, the door of the Warm-Hearted Woodsman...

We stared at each other, then back at the RUNNING Woodsman.

"GODDAMNIT TRIGGER!" Shouted Beth and prepared her axe, I decided to do the same and get some practice with my own... and also see if I can make something work.

To be honest, seeing the Woodsman running was quite surprising considering just how bulky the damn thing is. The giant man of steel rose his axe and swung down towards us, making us jump away, me to the left and Beth to the right.

"Warm-Hearted Woodsman has breached, contain him quickly"

No shit Yesod.

I took a deep breath and... well-tried to make the same feeling come to me. I heard the same thumping in my chest, like meaty thwacks, and the Woodsman seemed to slow down.

My veins are bulging and that's when I knew that it happened again, the Woodsman was moving high in the air, I frowned at how slow he seemed. But that wasn't my main worry, he was in slow-motion, but when Gebura attacked and this happened, she still moved faster than me.

Then that just means I have to learn this power better and to do that, I jumped and cut his shoulder completely, separating him from his weapon. The Woodsman still threw his body forward like he didn't know he lost an arm.

It was when it stumbled forward that he seemed to pick up what happened, just for Beth to jump over him and swing her axe down in his head, cutting it in half and reaching just to his collar bone.

Beth removed her axe and threw me an incredulous look, "Are you like... going to explain that?" I glanced at her and took a deep breath, then exhaled, seeing steam leave my mouth and making me feel like I ran a marathon.

I was also sweating quite a bit, "Many things, don't worry I'll explain... when I figure it out myself." I told Beth, who sighed and watched as the Woodsman disappeared back into his chamber, still no clue how that works.

"If you say so... just be careful." I threw her a thumbs up and made my way towards the elevator, the sweating getting worse.

Once I was inside the elevator, I started gasping, and I grasped my chest tightly. I leaned against the wall while the elevator moved up, "Yup... gonna have to work on that." I have to make use of everything at my disposal.

I still remember Malkuth's words of what lies ahead. I saw what those two are capable of, to make it through I HAVE to be able to stand up to them in some way.

The road is long, I talk the talk.

Now to walk the walk.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I walked out of the elevator while stretching my back, and swiping the sweat from my face. It didn't take me long when I met someone from the team, that one being Dakota, who was leaning against the wall. I blinked when I saw a necklace with a tooth on it, huh... that's neat.

Seems like she is on guard duty, "Hey Dakota, you look bored." She glanced at me, an eyebrow arched in confusion, okay?

"Everyone is busy working the Abnormalities right now. Rober getting shit done with Red, Amelia dealing with the Funeral, Gonzales speaking with the damn skull... the usual." She shrugged, and I blinked when I heard that, Rober's working Red?

"Punishing Bird has breached, please deal with it as you always have!"

Malkuth said through our comms, and while I wanted to question my previous orders, but this took priority.

My eyes moved towards the small white bird that had his eyes zeroed on Dakota, who just sighed. I gave her a side glance at how little she reacted and... the bird just started pecking Dakota, who simply took it in stride.

...

Okay then, I whistled, and Punishing Bird stopped and turned to see me. I swear his eyes shone, and he perched on my shoulder and started chirping proudly while occasionally jabbing a wing towards Dakota, "You sure are lively, little guy." I scratched the top of his head with one finger, the small avian seemed to like it.

Dakota scoffed, "Now you have an Abnormality pet, this doesn't even surprise me anymore." She sounded fake, she obviously didn't mean any offense by her words.

"So... Rober is working Red. Malkuth, please explain why you called me to work her." I voiced my complaint, Dakota blinked at me like I suggested a heresy.

It took a moment but the comms worked and...

"Umm... I didn't, was about to ask you why... well, you are here."

Malkuth's voice caught me off-guard, and I glanced at Dakota, who seemed to be looking at me like I went crazy, "Pretty sure I heard your voice, right after working Justine." Dakota gave me this... awkward stare when I said that unfamiliar name.

But I heard Malkuth's sigh on the other end.

"Of course, you gave the 'Knight' a name... wait, did you just say you worked her AND then I asked you to work Red?"

"Yeah." I nodded once, not getting what was happening.

"She means that what you are saying makes no sense. The Blessing of... The KNIGHT prevents you from doing anything other than Repression work, it's like being in a constant combative state." My eyes snapped to my right, where I had come from, to see both Ryn and Gregor walking towards us.

I blinked at that, "First, I feel none of that, second... what are YOU doing here?" Ryn's scowl deepened.

"If what I heard is right? Same as you... getting wrong information." She didn't sound happy, which is fair, I'm not hap-

I suddenly gave Ryn a wide-eyed stare, "Did you just say information?" Ryn's eyes widened too, Gregor trembled in place and Dakota's eyes narrowed.

"Everyone pay attention! Yesod may have played us with his control over information, and we have to make sure he isn't doing... the same I did, all of you have to go back-"

Suddenly I felt this... odd sense of unease, which I quite couldn't understand. Yet in the back of my mind, I yearned to know what it was.

All of us in the hallway glanced towards the black organ with a 'ball' in the middle, filled with purple glowing runes. Its mere presence was trying to harm us, that much was certain, but I barely felt it... which means it can do something else.

Which also means we should deal with it, like right the fuck now!

Butterflies pulled out Solemn Penitence, I grabbed it, the cross/gun feeling just right in my hand. I took aim and fired just at the same time Dakota opened fire, both bullets going through the pile of black flesh like it was... well, flesh.

Ryn acted quickly and when the fleshy stump started dragging itself towards us, she was already filling the damn thing with holes at an incredible speed. It was over quickly...

Except for one little detail.

"No time to rest team! Yesod is already having a Meltdown, he planned this in advance... the elevator is unusable right now, he filled it with that black tar material"

Well I don't fucking care, Beth is down there. I ran towards the elevator and tried to force the door open with some success, Dakota came running behind me and started helping, "Come on, you piece of sh-" She didn't get to finish her words since we managed to yank the door open, but it was true.

The elevator was covered in 'roots', the same kind of tentacles Malkuth used before. This thing is not going down.

"Fuck's sake Yesod..." Mumbled Ryn, but I stared at the floor of the elevator for a few seconds before pulling out the Woodsman's Axe (Logging), rearing it back and slamming down with all I had. It went through the elevator floor, leaving a big enough gap for me to grab.

"Ryn, Dakota, help me pull this aside." I grabbed one side of the gap and started pulling, the metal bending slowly but surely. Dakota and Ryn quickly started following my example, and in a short time, we had a big enough hole so that people could fit through.

I glanced at the bird on my shoulder, "Ready to punish some bastards?" I asked, and Punishing Bird chirped excitedly, good boy.

Gregor was behind us, but I was too busy jumping down the elevator to care, slammed the edge of my axe to slow my fall, but midway through it... an ominous glow of purple assaulted my eyes.

"All Abnormalities in Information and Training have breached..."

Malkuth trailed off, and I frowned, fuck. Slowing my fall then, I yanked the axe free and landed on my feet that... well didn't hurt, surprisingly enough, not that I cared.

I was already prying open the door towards Information, "Come on, come on..." I growled while slowly opening these stupid elevator doors. Fucks sake, why do these need doors in the elevators and the entrances?

Dakota landed next to me and ran towards the door, helping me pry the damn thing open. Once we did, I saw Beth trying her best to not die to a 'Lock with a stupid eye' and the damn Woodsman again, she was on her last legs too.

My veins bulged, and when I was about to dash in like a complete wild animal, I saw a flash of black and the 'Lock' lost its chainsaw... I recognized that move.

Something blue with an armor had moved in front of the Woodsman and parried a heavy blow from his axe with RIDICULOUS skill. The metal giant seemed confused when he was pushed back by a small and thin black blade.

Justine was standing in front of an utterly confused Beth, now wearing armor on her arms and chest, yet her face hadn't changed at all. Her swords flying around her body and one grasped firmly on her right hand, "I believe it to be dishonorable to band together against one opponent... so I'll make it fair for you."

Dakota jabbed me in the ribs, "You fucking madman, you did it again..." She growled with a happy grin, Beth glanced behind and gave me an exasperated, tired and happy smile.

"Ummm... Big and Will be Bad Wolf is moving towards Information. I'm sorry, but my team has its hands full Suppressing Firebird and Yang..."

I think this on- fuck it, I don't have time to remember her.

Malkuth's voice reached our comms again.

"For fu- any other surprises!?"

Malkuth almost cursed, that's... new.

"If Yang is out... then Yin is out too..."

Netzach drawled, and I felt like Malkuth was ready to give him a piece of her mind, but didn't because of our situation. Malkuth took a deep breath to calm herself down.

"Dakota, Amelia, go support Safety, Gonzales, Gregor support Training, Rober you need to keep Red busy before she realizes the wolf is out, Ryn and Trigger give a piece of your mind to Yesod so that I can then give him a piece of MY mind!"

...

"I like this bossy side of her..." Mumbled Dakota, and she patted me on the back while moving like a red bullet. I glanced at the bird perched on my shoulder and pointed with my index finger at the lock-eye robot.

Punishing Bird chirped at me, I had only one response, "Punish." I swear the little avian beamed, turned red and flew towards the poor robot that was looking at it's chainsaw with his single wide eye, I almost pity the bastard... almost.

Justine was dealing easily enough with the Woodsman, it was almost laughable how she was parrying his massive blows with slight tilts of her sword. She wasn't even using the floating ones.

Gregor fumbled for a moment before moving towards where he was told, then from the door he was about to open... a BIG cobalt wolf who was full of scars and has glowing blue menacing eyes burst through, just to end up getting Ryn's sword stuck in his eye. He didn't seem bothered by it.

I moved quickly, my veins no longer bulging, and grabbed Beth in my arms before moving towards Justine's containment chamber. Beth was tired and looking at me with a small smile, "Took you long enough..." Too long... that's true.

Opening the chamber I laid her against the wall, Yesod is most likely in the main room so that regenerator is a no-go. The elevator isn't working right now so Control is out too, this place is the safest one, "Just rest here, we'll take care of the rest." I replied with a smile.

A VERY angry smile.

She must have been too tired to notice, so I closed the door behind me and looked at the fight between the Wolf and Ryn...

Time to get to work then, I grabbed my axe with both arms and dashed towards the Wolf, aiming to decapitate him. Almost as if he saw me coming, the big wolf nimbly jumped back as my axe carved the metallic floor with ease, "You look... miffed." Commented Ryn wearily.

I glanced once at Justine's chamber, where I had let Beth rest at, "Miffed? No." I glared at the Wolf, who seemed to enjoy my anger.

"I'm fucking livid."

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


The veins in my body bulged, and I moved towards the Wolf, who jumped towards me like the predator he tried to paint himself as. I could tell the joy he got from seeing me angry, from playing his stupid game.

So when I stopped myself and let him miss his swipe, he turned to me, eyes wide.

I smiled, my anger made it look wrong, and I honestly couldn't care less, I rose the axe high in the air and let it fell like an executioner's tool. The Wolf managed to move his body to the left, the axe missed his head, but it ripped his right shoulder open, leaving his right leg to fall limp and useless.

He howled and for his troubles, I gave him a kick in the jaw, my leg high in the air after that and I let it fall with all of my weight. Stomping the top of his head, I kept him in place with my leg and rose my axe, ready to separate his head from his body.

I perked up when a sudden wave of anger came from behind me and I jumped back, a streak of red coming through and trying to take my head off. I recognized that person, Red is here.

Glancing at the direction she came from, I saw Rober just falling on the floor after jumping down the elevator. He didn't seem to have any major injuries on him, Amelia and Gonzales falling just after he did, "Go, I can take care of this here." I told them all, I saw Rober staring at me like he just didn't know me anymore.

Amelia and Gonzales were already on the move, and Rober decided to follow after Gonzales. I glanced at the eager Wolf and the livid Red, both at different ends of the room, then I glanced at Ryn, "You need to deal with Yesod, you know his issues better than I do." Ryn gave me a flat stare and was ready to deny my request, before shaking her head and sighing.

"Sure, sure... don't you fucking complain if you can't handle it." I gave her a simple nod, and she grimaced before dashing towards the main room... and I have to take care of this stupid dog.

Red glared at me with homicidal intent behind her eye, "Fuck. Off. He is mine and that's all you need to know." I gave her a flat stare, my eyes narrowed, and I growled at her.

"No." That's all I said, and she opened fire, forcing me to tilt my head slightly, making the bullet miss me. These two fighting one another is just going to cause a bigger disaster.

I'll take their attention, the Wolf adores the anger I'm pouring out... so might as well give him more. I looked at the Wolf and shrugged, "See? Anyone can be the 'bad guy', you aren't that necessary." It was a bit of a shot in the dark.

It worked a bit too well, the Wolf's snarls became maniacal, and he became a blue blur when moving towards me. I ducked under the Wolf and let him get shot by Red, the butterflies moving along with me and putting Solemn Penitence in my left hand, I balanced my axe easily enough in my right hand. I took aim and fired at the Wolf's hind legs, going completely through the hip and the other side.

And that hardly seemed to slow him down, probably the ridiculous animosity his eyes displayed at me had forced him to ignore any pain he felt. Red decided to charge towards the Wolf.

The Wolf rose his only useful front leg and blocked a swipe from Red, who dragged her blade along his forearm. He tried to backhand her, but she flipped over him and shot me two times.

I used the flat side of my axe as a shield, the bullets slightly pushing my arm back, but I didn't lose my footing. My legs acted like springs and I rushed towards her, flipping over her and spinning in the air, bringing down the axe in a circular motion towards the Wolf that TRIED to dash past me.

But he wasn't fast enough, the axe fell down and chopped off his waist. Now missing his hind legs, he stumbled forward, but that didn't mean he was out of the fight. Using only his front legs, he spun around and jumped towards me, jaws wide open.

Butterflies flew through the air and put the Beak Shield on my left forearm. I used it to stop his jaws from closing around my arm, and while he was pushing me back, I knew I had won already.

From the shield, a set of four giant jaws came forth and entered the Wolf's open maw, and instantly expanded, turning his head into a mess of blood and bone. The headless body... or what's left of it, of the Wolf fell to the ground.

I sighed and felt my body trying to stop me from moving, the steam that came from my mouth didn't help me at all and my legs felt shaky, shouldn't have done the 'Heart' doping...

My body tensed, and I rose my sight to see Red moving towards me, rage clear on her face, "RAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!!!!" This was not my smartest plan, I was ready to fight... well as ready as I was while being sore all over, but that's what I get for using something I didn't have any practice with.

Suddenly, five black blurs moved past me and pinned Red to the wall, two of them hitting her weapon away from her grasp. I blinked and felt something small land on my shoulder, Punishing Bird chirping happily and Justine not far behind, a small smile on her face... their opponents?

The 'lock' was now just a ball of metal with an eye through a small gap, staring with fear towards the bird perched on my shoulder. The Woodsman was now just various pieces of metal on the floor... am I only friends with beings of mass destruction?

"LET ME GO! I HAVE TO BE THE ONE! HE WASN'T YOUR PROBLEM!" I glanced at Red with a frown, but I shook my head and scratched the top of the small bird on my shoulder, good boy.

Justine patted my back, "Do not worry about her Companion, I'll keep this angered hunter in check. There is much you have to do, after all." I gave her one tired nod of thanks and glanced at the main room of Information.

But at the end of the day, Yesod and I butted heads too many times, I would probably make things worse... so I'll have to trust Ryn and probably the Manager... okay only Ryn.

Safety should be fine, Dakota is very good at her job and has WAW gear. Training, on the other hand, could use some help, because unlike Safety, they said no one was there to deal with Yang, aside from the reinforcements that were sent.

I nodded to myself, "Thank you, Justine. I owe you one." And the same could be said to Red, but she doesn't look like she wants to talk, Justine smiled and nodded at me.

My body was still sore, but I managed to keep moving well enough. I started to run towards the elevator of Training, thank god Information has two floors... I really don't think Yesod's mood would have gotten better by seeing me.

"Trigger, Yang seems to have an aura of great calmness around it, none of the current Employees trying to suppress it seem to even want to harm it."

The Manager? He rarely talks to me through comms... then again, he dislikes me just as much as I dislike him, so it shouldn't surprise me. He really doesn't have many options then.

"Any ideas?" I asked while entering the elevator, the bird on my shoulder chirping loudly and angrily. Guess the little guy hates the Manager too.

"If opposites attract one another, just like Yin and Yang, I'm betting in your ability to interact with Abnormalities here. How many negative thoughts can you muster?"

Well... that's not nice, I sighed and thought of the only thing that could really get me to that kind of state, my past or better said... my lack of it.

"I think I can manage." I commented in a despondent manner. For some reason, I felt as if the man on the other side understood what I thought, like he had seen this feeling before.

Must have been my imagination.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


I entered Training and felt a sudden lack of... urgency enter my body. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to think about what could happen if I just decided to stop, so I kept moving, TRYING to run, but the feeling in my legs felt too relaxed. It made the effort of moving them harder than it had any right to be.

My eyes perked up when I saw Gregor on the floor, saliva flowing out of his mouth, a completely fulfilled expression on his face. I glanced around, not stopping my... fast walk? I just knew that stopping wasn't an option, and he isn't in any immediate danger.

Walking past him, I moved towards the next elevator. I have to find Yang, the Abnormality that apparently reacts to negative emotions. The elevator moved up, and I was biting the inside of my cheeks, drawing blood and using the pain to not end up sleeping on the floor and thinking everything would be alright.

Once I entered the Main Room of Training, I saw the bizarre sight of Rober and Gonzales hugging... no pushing back, a big white and flying fish with round emerald eyes and simply looking harmless.

It didn't help that despite all abnormalities breaching, I couldn't hear conflict... maybe Yang also leaving was a boon in disguise, well for now that is, maybe it's aura affected the other abnormalities too with enough exposure.

Rober's expression was relaxed while also being determined, his legs slumped from time to time, and he also seemed to HATE pushing Yang back, which was... a thing I guess.

Gonzales looked regretful at his actions, like he had just kicked a puppy but was regretting the fact he did so. He had to straighten his back constantly to not fall back.

But not long after, they both slumped forward and fell to the floor. I scratched the chin of Punishing Bird and took a deep breath, watching the fish swim through the air towards m- no towards the elevator.

Guess... it's time to start.

I always wondered where did everything I thought about came from? Continents that sometimes pop in my head, the type of food I bake, my ability to sing...

The fact that I know what to do, but now how I learned to do it, didn't bother me at first... then my mind drifted to a single thought, 'Was I me? Was I pretending to be someone else?' I build a personality from vague feelings and even vaguer information of myself.

Did I mourn because I felt bad... or because I thought I should feel bad? The day that I saw the bodies of countless employees that Malkuth didn't find up to the task had been quite the sight, and I do feel bad about what happened. Yet when I really think about it, there was no previous experience that could make me feel that way, my lack of memories made sure of that.

But with only feelings guiding me, I let them take the lead and said what I thought was the best at the time. Maybe to some they would ring through, but when a 'nobody' talks like he knows, is he speaking to others or themselves?

Was I trying to reach to Beth and Amelia? Or make myself feel better?

Who knows, I don't even know myself, I would like to find out but where to even begin...?

I'm trying to find my footing and I already told someone else I'd help them stand on their own, and here I am still tripping on thin air, just like my words are just that.

Really... I'm not about to go back on my word, but just seeing how much I mean to them makes me worry, 'Does the nobody deserve so much?' I'm just winging it at this point, with nothing, I'm doing what I can.

No matter which way I spin it, there is the chance that I may NEVER get the answers to those questions, so I could end up with this personality that grew on me naturally and never find out if this is who I... well was, and if I DO find out who I was, would I like it?

At some point, I was on my knees. I wasn't sure when or how... and it didn't matter.

I can't even deny what Yesod has said about me, just going around without thinking about the consequences because I DON'T want to think about what could go wrong.

Because I'm afraid to fail.

Failing means I won't know who I was, failing means I spoke hot air, failing means I lied to the people I trusted.

Every time I go out there, it feels like time flows so much slower. Every time I have to push myself, my body is constantly contradicting itself, shouting 'It's over! One more time! It's Over! One more Time!'

Failure means at some point, I'll go out there, give it my all, and then it'll be over, just like that...

So each day I do suicidal things to get better, to make things better, so that I don't have to worry about the day it won't be enough, just like I failed Rober before.

And even then, things only went well because I'm 'special' for some reason, I didn't lose my memory when the Manager used that time returning technology. So it makes me wonder...

If I wasn't 'special' then, at that point, everything would have been done. That day I wasn't enough and because of my circumstances things went well, so if I take everything that I lost back... do I lose everything that I have?

Would I stop being 'special' and would be powerless?

My hands covered my head and I simply stared at the floor, someone was chirping on my shoulder, something white was wrapping itself around me, none of it mattered.

Not now, when everything seemed to just take me to the same place. So I keep trying, because that's everything my 'freedom' lets me do.

The road just seemed so... confusing. It feels like I'm moving inside a labyrinth, so I walk, wondering where to go.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Malkuth: POV.

The 'special' Sephirah rooms had always been there, more as a safety measure than anything else. It is a place we could stay at without worrying about the dangers of Abnormalities and just about everyone uses them, although calling them 'rooms' was a bit of a stretch.

They're just box-shaped areas where we can just fit in with little wiggle room, usually located in the Main Rooms, which is probably why Binah and Gebura just refused to use them at all. Both from pride and because they are the most dangerous people in the facility.

Not really the problem at the moment...

"Trigger! Pay attention! Trigger!" I have been trying to get his attention for about a minute now. I caught a glimpse of his expression before he fell on his knees... it wasn't pretty.

Eyes that stared at something that wasn't there, voids that seemingly replaced his eyelids, the small bags under his eyes became more prominent, and then he simply covered his face and... stayed there. Yang was wrapped around him and Punishing Bird was trying to get his attention, but he DIDN'T respond.

Not only that, but his mental corruption went from 10% to 70% in a damn instant. I know the Manager ordered him to try and be negative, and while I had caught glimpses of him being a bit overwhelmed...

Thankfully, Dakota was doing a good enough job handling Yin and the extra hands that came after made me confident they could handle it, but with Trigger currently... indisposed, Ryn would have to handle Yesod by herself.

I KNOW the Manager revealed what he knew about Yesod's circumstances. He was... not a bad person, but not a good one either, and that was one of the main reasons why I didn't tell Trigger who the Manager really is. The most important thing was just how much they just seemed to dislike each other for no apparent reason.

The animosity between Trigger and the Manager felt... primal, almost like Binah and Gebura, but the difference was just how open said feeling was. It was OBVIOUS that Gebura and Binah wanted to throw down again, the only reason why that doesn't happen is that Binah sees no point in fighting someone that is just lashing out. The fire that Binah saw before wasn't there, and therefore... she simply didn't try to start something with the red Sephirah.

I have the distinct feeling that Trigger and the Manager try to hide what they feel about each other, and I don't want to find out what happens if they make their animosity a more obvious affair.

Thinking of Binah... that woman really is scary, our conversation proves that much, and that there is more than just the 'Arbiter' to her demeanor. I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

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"I'll take your silence as confirmation, shall we begin?"

I glanced up at Binah and was tempted to say no and walk away, yet the mere fact she was bothering with this conversation prevented me from doing so, "So polite, I'd even be flattered if I wasn't aware I had no choice in the matter." Yes, Trigger has definitely been an influence on me.

Binah wasn't bothered at all by my sassy response, I think she actually enjoyed it, "What has shaken your firm belief in this plan?" If I was talking to anyone else, I would have rolled my single eye. She has to know or have a good idea of why, she wouldn't be here otherwise.

"I simply... saw things with a wider perspective, maybe this could help, but never once did we wonder if she'd like what we are doing." I responded, but Binah wasn't fazed, and asked another question without much pause.

"If it is to break the cycle you all abhorred, would it matter what she thinks?" Another question, I feel like there will be many questions today.

This one could be a bit tricky, "I don't want to end the cycle by using the cycle. That just means we changed the cogs of the system, but it will still be there." Or that's what I believe would happen.

I think she would be smiling at my words, "To think that 'Young Man' could even move her faithful followers. Truly an exemplary individual, for someone with a Will of rusted iron, he seems to make others see gold instead." I perked up... rusted iron?

Now that I think about it, his vibrant smile seems... worn, "What do you mean?" I questioned with more heat than was needed. I felt something terrifying staring back at me that quickly vanished, right still an Arbiter...

"He has the potential, but to build himself from nothing, he would have to pick the scraps handed to him. Should he clean the rust? Or find the prime material? I'm eager to see his progress." She spoke like she knew him better than most, and by how observant she usually is... I'd believe her.

"What makes you so certain of this?" I didn't ask because I doubted her. Binah, even with my lack of interactions with her, didn't seem like a liar. Mainly because the truth often hurts you more than a lie, and that she didn't seem like the type that saw any reason in lying...

Of course, she will try her hardest to be wordy and make you miss what she is saying.

Why do I have the feeling she would be giving me a face splitting smile right now? "Experience is a great teacher." And then she just left, nothing else to say.

I was too busy pondering her... very eye-opening words. First and foremost, Trigger is better at hiding his issues than I thought he'd be able to. Binah seems to allude to the fact that Trigger lacks memories. Many of his actions suddenly make more sense, he listens too much to gossip, mainly about anything that involves the City. He reads our admittedly outdated books about it, there was no reason to bring any new information of the City underground after all.

The former Arbiter also revealed a bit about her circumstances. I know Kali managed to kill her, but I NEVER found out why 'A' decided to make her a Sephirah, but this links to something I wondered before. How did we become a Wing? No one knew fully well how to do that, yet 'A' managed to do so in a relatively short amount of time. Did he get the information out of Binah... by forcefully removing it from her brain?

It would explain some things... but it's just conjecture at this point. Even then, I now know that Binah could either make or break our revolution.

No pressure right?
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Nothing can ever be easy...

I opened the compartment of my 'room' and started wriggling out from the spot in the wall. I started to run towards Training, time to put all the chips on the table.

Someone had to put Trigger somewhere safer... maybe Yang's chamber?

Yeah, that could work.

Let's go!

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



Dakota: POV.

If there is one thing that I really didn't want to deal with today, it would be someone going crazy and everyone else having to deal with their bullshit. Like Yesod throwing a fit, because he sure as hell is the 'only one' suffering, "Fucking grape headed ass, why do we have to look after his mess again?" I couldn't help but to rhetorically ask Amelia, who was running behind me. An equally annoyed scowl was plastered on her face.

"Hell if I know, probably the threat of death. But that's just me making a guess." She sarcastically replied.

"It was a rhetorical question, jackass." I commented while opening the elevator and dashing in, the x-scarred agent following behind me. The elevator moved down, and I sighed, good thing these are pretty fast.

I gripped my gun and axe/knife tightly, feeling the itch to tear something open and drown whoever I see with their own guts. I have been doing my own work in E.G.O handling, after everything I found out thanks to Trigger's... dumbass and suicidal actions, along with my first day of training, I've tried to acclimate more to the suit I was wearing.

Not completely, trying to let the damn thing in would be bad. So I just took... peeks and I found out that Little Red Riding Hooded Mercenary has an attitude problem, not unlike my own moody personality.

Guess this is what he meant by 'working with the E.G.O' and all that.

"Ah, we are al- WHAT THE FUCK!?" My eyes snapped up when I heard Amelia shout. I saw a guy with short green hair and surprisingly enough bright eyes, the only other person I saw with that kind of shine is BongBong. He is wearing a black armored suit with gold accents and a red tie. In one of his arms he holds a rifle, with a blue stock and yellow tones on the grip and bolt handle, the sling stud and everything around it being gray, the end of the barrel being the only normal part aside from how short it is compared to the sling stud.

Next to him was a girl with long curly pink hair and green eyes that just shouted 'crazy or high', did I see swirls? Her hair did a good job covering the crazy in her eyes. She is wearing an E.G.O suit that seems to have 'scales' of a black color that seemed to turn orange the lower it got, the sleeves and tips of the coat having the greatest orange coloration. There is a naginata in her hands of a similar color pattern as her suit, a... black ball with a white dot, where the blade and the shaft meet, was decorating the weapon.

The shocking thing is that both of them are running away from a very slow and GIANT golden slug, with skin that was trying to mimic poorly done abstract art using various types of diamond, square, and circle shaped images with different tones of gold. The slug has flat teeth that covered the front of its giant mouth and a head of all things hanging from the top of its mouth. Said head was smiling at us with inky eyes and emerald dots in them.

Both of them jumped inside the elevator, pushing me back and making me slam into Amelia, who voiced my thoughts pretty well, "What the absolute hell is wrong with you two!?" The slug was moving towards us while we were trapped inside the elevator, I hurriedly tried to get up before it reaches us.

But instead of entering the elevator, it just... teleported, using a literal golden circle that appeared in front of it.

...

"GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" I shouted and threw the green haired man away from me, he smacked himself against the left side of the elevator.

Amelia glared at the pink haired girl, who had the face of someone that couldn't care less, "Great timing, now we can all die together." She said with defeat in her voice, and that earned her a dope slap from my part. None of that shit.

The man I just threw off got back up while rubbing the back of his head, "Come on Tiffany, you can be all sad and stuff out of work. We talked about this... also, we should take care of the negative fish." I glanced at him with an arched brow, that's a... surprisingly positive response.

Tiffany scoffed, "Okay, okay.... but still fuck you, Jeremy." The guy, Jeremy, just smiled and laughed it off. These two are like water and oil, at least one of them is trying...

I stretched my back, "Alright then, first the tuna, THEN we put that slug in its goddam-" Jeremy rose his hand like a kid in school. He is lucky that I find his mannerism similar to that of BongBong.

"I was just told 'King of Greed' ended up in Disciplinary by Netz... something about 'Gebura is venting' or something like that." I stared at him with a frown, and exchanged one look with Amelia.

I almost feel bad for the Abnormality... almost.

Amelia coughed to get our attention, "And where IS Yin, then?" Tiffany pointed at the end of the hallway with a frown. Floating through the now opened door was a giant black fish with a single BIG human eye, and an orange cord floating around its body. Right behind it there was a dead body that looked like it was missing half of itself, a cut through the middle that looked like it was made from an explosion.

Jeremy prepared his rifle and got himself out of the elevator, "Ok then... going melee is a bad plan. It damages you with this weird square wave if you get too close, it can also shoot beams that leave a marked area that explodes after a few seconds... for some reason." At least he pays attention. I glanced at Tiffany, who was the only one without a long ranged weapon, and she kinda just shrugged.

Bitch.

I got off from the elevator too and started firing with my gun. This thing is so damn satisfying to fire, Jeremy was shooting his rifle that... are those lasers? The blue streak that went through the fish seemed like one.

Amelia was firing away with her hand-gun who looked angrier simply because... well her gun was just not up for the task. She still did more than Tiffany over there.

The fish was slowly getting towards us. I was about to go in and get close and personal with the flying sashimi, but Jeremy glanced at Tiffany with a small frown, "Sorry Tiffany, I'm pulling a rank on you. Get in there and stall it." Why does he sound genuinely sorry?

Tiffany scoffed and glared at him, preparing her weapon, "You just want me as a damn meat-shield, fucker is immune to black damage..." She trailed off when Amelia shoved her forward, good work girl.

Tiffany met Yin with a wide swing of her weapon that did completely NOTHING to it, aside from getting its attention. What seemed like a wave of orange energy shaped like a square went out of it, and Tiffany grimaced and mouth something. I'm not good at reading lips, but it seemed like she said 'Hope it kills me' or something similar.

Great, now I hate her more... why is Yin's eye glowing?

Jeremy perked up and jumped to the side, "Move from the middle!" He shouted and as soon as he ended talking, the fish actually shot a beam at us, going along the floor and leaving a marked orange line across it. I managed to jump aside, and everyone else seemed to do so too.

I wouldn't call what happened after the explosion, but this black and orange light rose from the ground instantly. That could have been painful.

Then the fish suddenly jerked around, its head moving side to side erratically, the single eye widened and darting around like it was looking for something. Tiffany blinked at the sudden change.

The gaps between its scales started to glow with orange light, the cord around its body lit up like a lightbulb, and its eye was overflowing with the same orange light he shot out like a beam before, what the fu-

Another wave came out of it, throwing Tiffany off her feet and th- HOLY SHIT!

Orange light covered the room, I'm not sure what had happened after that, but I had jumped in front of Amelia, knowing fully well that the gear she had wouldn't be able to take whatever was just thrown at us.

I wasn't sure how much this should have hurt, if only because I can't really feel a lot right now, probably too much for my body to properly process. I managed to take the brunt of it, but whatever went past my admittedly small frame hit the black haired pain in my ass.

She was sprawled on the floor, her chest was moving, so she must still be breathing...

Makes me wonder HOW I'm still kicking after that, E.G.O bullshit, most likely. I glanced behind me, seeing that Jeremy was busy getting intimate with the floor and Tiffany, looking the best of all of us, didn't even bother getting up... what a waste of fucking birth certificate that girl is.

As for the fish?... Fuck the fish.

This may not be a smart idea, but I'm not about to get done in by a flying cyclops that decided to wear a merman costume. If I wanted to go out like such a bitch, I would have sold my damn organs in the Backstreets.

A crimson 'flame' seemed to move around my body, and I felt empowered. Everything that fish did to me? I'll make it feel it, too.

I ran like a jaguar towards what is now my target, the fish glanced at me and his eye glowed.

Not this time, I threw my ax weapon that was spinning through the air fast enough that it looked more like a disk, digging the whole blade inside its eye, damn that felt good.

Yin jerked back from the attack, I grabbed my gun with both hands from the handle and pulled it apart, a second gun forming and I opened fire with both of them. Every shot tacking a small chunk of flesh from the fish.

Once I was close enough, I put both guns in their holsters on my waist... guess now I know why there were two holsters. I jumped up, grabbing the handle of my ax and vaulting over the fish while yanking it, I took the top part of its eye and while it was busy waving around in pain, I rose my free left hand in the air...

And dug my fingers in its fucking eye, while I had a good grip, I pulled back and with that I took the whole thing off.

I dropped the eye and, feeling pretty good about myself, I decided to lay down on the floor....

The moment I did that, my whole body simply stopped working, my muscles just wouldn't move.

Releasing a sigh of annoyance/exhaustion, I said out loud, "I better get a fucking raise."

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

Ryn: POV.

I never once thought I'd find myself willingly helping someone else, and here I am, blindly jumping into danger to get my boss out of his mad rampage that almost got everyone killed.

What I found inside the Main Room of Information was Yesod... now looking like a mechanical tree slowly expanding through the room, the single eye in the 'bark' glanced at me once, "Ryn, seems like for all my planning, I couldn't keep you all occupied." And he just goes and admits is...

I ran a hand through my hair and sheathed my blade. Crazy or not, he never struck me as someone that would choose violence, "You can't account for everything Yesod, something you apparently never learned despite everyone screaming that to your face." His single eye never moved or twitched.

"Truly? It feels as if I always knew that. Accepting it felt irrelevant at the time, those emotions weren't needed in such a bleak place, and in the end, the emotions I never wanted... burst anyway." I blinked at his words... he didn't even try to deny or counter my words.

"Ryn, watch your step... Yesod's confused to what our goal is and wonders if what we are doing is right. He was always a better person than he shows, he really shouldn't be here."

"Then why is he here? Why are we here?" I couldn't help but whisper back at him.

"... I hope to find out, but first we need to calm him down."

I nodded and waited for the Manager to tell me anything that could help me here, "Yeah... I never knew why someone would give you and Malkuth emotions. For the kind of job you have, that seems... counterproductive." I threw some words out there while I waited for help.

"We talked before work, he always seemed to be on the edge and always stuck by the rules. He is angry at the situation that's... out of everyone's control, and no one can blame him for it. You two talked before too, it's obvious what he wants."

Yeah, he just didn't want to see people die, so he tried to double down with many rules on them. He may have been harsh, but he didn't kill people on the spot like Malkuth did before, "Indeed, whoever brought us here couldn't have cared less, isn't that right, Manager?" I blinked at the... accusation?

No, it didn't feel like one... not completely at least.

"... Yeah, I guess you would know. I think all the Sephirah do... but apparently it's important, so why do I have no idea what the hell you are talking about?"

I grimaced, was Yesod hearing him all this time? "Wait, what are you talking about?" I feel a bit out of touch with the conversation right now.

"All the Manager's that worked before the current one were erased from all records, I don't know why and Angela simply tells me it's beyond my jurisdiction. I had tried to look more into it and found nothing, simply nothing... and then I started to remember things." Suddenly, things just felt out of my depth, hell the Manager himself sounded out of his depth too. What is Yesod trying to say?

What did I even get involved into? "You are speaking like... you weren't always here." I know he was a machine with emotions, but something is starting to look really fucked up.

"I wasn't. Before Yesod... I was Gabriel with a body of flesh, not metal, and it seems like things never changed even after all this time. What have we been doing all this time?" I was too busy being shocked at what I heard, Yesod was implying that at some point he had a human body. What kind of bastard does that to people? Hell, they even took his original memories.

"So? I'm not exactly fond of what you are implying. I don't know what you think, but I have NOTHING to do with this."

"That's what you think, that's what 'A' wants you to think, but at the end of the day, you turned a blind eye, even if everything pointed to you being involved with our current situation." Yesod didn't shout, but with every word, he got louder. It wasn't far from a shout, but not close enough.

It was also the first time I saw him letting his emotions out... that could work, yes. Maybe that's the key, make him lash out.

"And what do you care? Here you are complaining about how bad things are and how they went wrong. I don't see you doing any better." I didn't believe those frankly retarded words, but if Yesod reacted, then it will be worth feeling a bit disgusted at myself.

His single eye tried to go into me like it was some kind of venom, "I can't say I did, the rules existed for a reason and I tried my best to enforce them. Every time something went wrong, I looked it over and simply tried a different approach with what was handed to me."

I touched a nerve, I can do this, "Lot of good that did! Trying to act like you are the only one eating shit when everyone else just nods and moves along, why are you allowed to crack, then?" God, I feel like such a piece of shit, but I just have to make him let it all out.

He didn't instantly respond, and that made me gulp from pure anticipation... or nervousness, "I haven't, not yet. With this final act, I may just be able to do what I had always set out to do, so we can see a bit clearer." He didn't, shit. What do I say now? I can't think of anything that-

"Is this about James? He made his choice."

James... that sounded familiar, yes. He worked with me at Information at the very first day, a bit of a joker, laid back, and prone to bend the rules slightly. Somehow, him and Yesod got along rather well, even if their personalities were complete opposites. One day he worked Schadenfreude, if I remember correctly, that was a day before Malkuth went through her own episode.

Now that I think about it, he doubled down on the rules that same day.

"I told you before, didn't I? That was a simple mistake from my part. In Lobotomy Corporation, people die each da-" He was quick, probably TOO quick to try and formulate a response.

The Manager finally found the crack we were looking for.

"Yes, it is simple, but you aren't mad at me, you aren't mad at 'A', you are mad at the fact that you're feeding into this circumstance which frankly isn't even your fault! So what are you looking for!?"

I blinked at his shout, that was... emotional. He didn't seem as detached as most employees expected him to be, as I expected him to be.

"I simply want to see that we aren't looking away from the consequences of our actions!" No, there was something wrong with that line of thinking. Information may erase the date, but it was still seen by him and me.

Yes, that's it! "Stop with the bullshit! The both of us will always know what happened, and that's good enough. You just... didn't want to see people die." Where the hell was this guy? That kind of mentality didn't fit the City... no wonder he ended up in a metal box.

Somehow, that just makes me respect him more.

"I don't know many things, Yesod. I don't know why I'm here, I don't know why we need so much energy and I don't even know who the hell I am, but I know that just... letting those thoughts infest your mind isn't good."

Well... never thought I'd say this, but the Manager is actually not that much of a dick.

I thought about my day's as a W Corp agent doing cleanups... the day I just felt it all boil inside my chest with nowhere to go. The day I heard that L Corp was just hiring people of any skills, I just hopped in without thinking. The day before, I felt it all smash itself against my chest and I simply... shouted.

All that frustration couldn't stay there forever, so it all went through my lips as a primal shout filled with emotion. Maybe it could help him... even if shouting doesn't sound like it would fit Yesod at all.

"I'm pretty sure you read my files before, hated my job in the Cleanup Crews... it was just covering every little detail of the process of our wonderful Warp Trains. Got almost put in a body bag when I left to this Wing... not sure how you guys even got me here really, but the day before, I felt it all trying to burst through my chest and I let it all out. All of those emotions have to go somewhere, Yesod." I explained, awkwardly. This kind of emotional pep talk wasn't my forte.

He stared at m- no at us, and after a minute, his whole body twitched, "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" A shout rang out, and I was correct, those didn't fit him at all.

As the shout got quieter, his body slowly was turning back to normal, by the end of it, he was back to being a box. He's missing some parts and not everything was completely locked in place... but it worked, we did it.

I released a breath that I never knew I kept in, "You should... probably look for your own way to cope, shouting just isn't your thing." I commented with a small smile while trying to carry him, which is hard considering he is about as big as I am.

"He really should, that shout was kind of terrifying."

Yesod didn't laugh, but I had the feeling he was amused, "I always thought about Yoga, not that this body could properly do that." That was... unexpected.

"Glad to have you back, Yesod. I'm expecting you to be a hard-ass again by tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes at his words, "I liked it more when you kept your distance. You really aren't good at this whole being social thing." But it was better than I expected, for someone that apparently didn't even know who he was.

No wonder why everyone calls him the Manager.

While I was putting Yesod on my back, getting ready to take him towards Angela, he decided to speak again, "Ryn, nothing said here leaves this place." At his order, I gave a brief nod. This doesn't feel like something we should tell everyone else.

"Manager, I know you have questions, but I can't safely answer them. What I can tell you is this, Angela, Malkuth and Trigger... you can't trust them." I'm sorry what? I wanted an explanation, actually I NEED an explanation.

The Manager sighed.

"I'll... keep that in mind, thanks for the warning, and Ryn? Good work."

And with that, he didn't speak again. He probably disconnected from the communicator, "What are you on about? I know Trigger can be overbearing, but I doubt he would be batshit insane to just try and off the Manager, Angela is a bit cold but she didn't seem like the type to do that and Malkuth is... well she got better." I was waiting for an answer before I even thought about moving.

"I'll explain later, the situation is... complicated and while I'm not allowed to tell much to the Manager, you are a different story." He said with finality, making me nod.

At least things ended on a high note... although I may have just digged myself into deeper shit than I wanted to, "You are talking like we are going to war." I commented, trying to make a joke.

"We just may..."

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

I opened my eyes and saw a... unfamiliar white ceiling. I rose my head to look around and saw an office, a desk at the back with a photo of... people. Don't know 'what' people, since I couldn't see their faces... but I saw two kids and around six individuals with lab coats. Three of them were female, 2 of the females being pretty young, and three males. There was also someone with dark clothes all the way to the left smoking and some guy with a suit holding a mug. Almost all of them have pretty colorful hair, but it's a bit hard to guess what color it is, how weird.

My body moved up, and I noticed the couch that I was on, pretty comfy... almost confused it for a bed from the feeling alone. Suddenly, a hand grabbed my shoulder and my gaze snapped to my right. I KNOW it was a woman, but just like the photo, I couldn't see her face, but she was sporting a pretty vibrant and relaxing smile, "Hello there, I was starting to wonder if I'd actually get a chance to talk with you." I blinked twice and gave her a small glare.

"You haven't?" I couldn't help but wonder if she was that voice that talks to me like it's a damn prophet of god, if only because she said she wanted to talk to me before.

Where even is here anyway?

She huffed almost like a child, "Ah, him... he is such an unruly child, at least he is honest with what he wants... if a bit zealous." Child? I'm not sure what I heard fits with that category.

But she knows him, "So what does it want? What do YOU want?" I asked her while sitting on the couch. She was laying against the office chair she was using and hummed for a moment.

"I'd wish to just tell you, but that would cause you problems and would make him hound you a lot more." Well, I feel so fucking loved right now... I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

She seemed to notice... something, "Now, now... there is no reason to be so frustrated. What you felt was completely reasonable, you don't have to feel like you are less because of it." She spoke suddenly with a motherly tone, and I gave her one glance before looking away again.

"So you are hounding me too." I commented while looking around, no doors or windows...

Humming to herself, I saw her hand extend for a handshake, mainly because she was shoving it in front of my face, "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself... call me 'C'." I chuckled to myself at that one and grabbed her hand while turning to meet her face to face... even if I couldn't see hers.

"Is everyone named after a letter of the Alphabet? I'm Trigger." Her grip was surprisingly soft.

'C' giggled to herself and had a big smirk on her face, "All names use the Alphabet, silly." Oh, that's just stupid... I still chuckled, though.

We broke the handshake, and she looked at me with a concerned smile, "You may be wondering where we are. Well it's technically your head and while we should be where you feel the safest... well the fact we are where I felt safe, say's a lot about you." I grimaced and lowered my head a bit.

"It's fine, that's just basically the corporation at it's finest." My comment was brushed off, she grabbed one of my hands and gripped it tightly.

"It's hard, isn't it? Suddenly you start to notice how many depend on you and things stop being so simple. You start to be given choices you don't want to take... makes me remember my first day's here, seeing what came of what I wanted..." I heaved and pried my hand away from hers, but I didn't lash out, even if I wanted to.

"Th-That's great and all, but I kind of have things to do." Mainly to get back into the heat of-

She shook her head, "They took care of it already. You did everything that could be asked of you, so sit down for a moment and just... relax." I took a deep breath and leaned against the couch.

"You are still expecting something to happen, that's fine too, we'll work on that later. First, we should work towards dealing with your fears." She nodded to herself and I threw her an annoyed frown, but I really couldn't push her away with how earnest and honest she was. Is this how people feel when dealing with me?

I didn't say anything, simply waiting for her to talk again.

She leaned forward, a sad tinge to her smile, "I'm... used to failure, failed my friends, my junior... him. Had to rethink a lot of what I did, reach a different conclusion, you know? Helping everyone is fine, but... I found out that everyone has different opinions of the same thing. What I was looking for wasn't possible without doing... something worse than I was trying to fix, not that my current answer would be seen by others to be any better, but I believe in it and that's what matters." 'C' puts her leg over her knee and leaned back again. Seems like she is now waiting for me.

"I don't... exactly see where you are going with this." I commented. Well, it was more like I just didn't want to think about it, if I'm being honest...

She seemed amused, "Sorry, what I'm trying to say is that I was too focused on my ways. There are always different solutions to all problems, but none are the same, but if you have a clear goal in mind... you have to grasp it and fight with all you have for it, even if others said otherwise. Which I believe that's your biggest issue." I gave her a glare, if only because I wanted her to shu-

"What's your goal?" She asked, and I... didn't know what to say.

Do I want to find out who I was?

Find out why L Corp is doing this?

Help people because it feels good?

What do I want?

'C' gave me a warm smile and grabbed both my hands and gripping them firmly, "Here is my advice, fight for what makes you happy. That's the only way to live without regrets." I stared at her for a moment and... ah hell, now I'm crying.

She wiped them quickly, "None of that, mister. All paths will always seem dark, but if you are always pondering about where the light is, you will forget that to find it you need to walk through that obscured road. Here... let me help you." I blinked when she slowly pulled me off the couch.

And suddenly, I was sitting in a containment chamber, hands held out as if they were holding something. I looked at them and clenched them a couple of times... a dream? No... something else.

"Trigger! Glad to see you up and about... Ryn and the Manager managed to calm Yesod down, so we are finally done. Just try to take it easy." I glanced at my right, seeing Malkuth kneeling. Behind her, in a... stasis chamber, I could see a white Magatama with a black dot... oh right, Yang.

A sudden weight landed on my head and I scratched the head of Punishing Bird, who was chirping happily.

Malkuth seemed to pick up on my mood, "Are you oka... wait no, that's a stupid question. Are you feeling better?" I glanced at her and nodded while getting up.

She... didn't seem to believe me, "You are going straight to your room, you need the rest." Malkuth all but ordered me, and I... was okay with that, there is a lot to think about.

Fight for what makes you happy.

I'm... starting to think, I don't know myself as well as I thought I did.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



Manager: POV

I leaned against my chair and sighed, Angela was thankfully busy grabbing the reports from the other Sephirah about what had happened last day... quite the hectic events.

Well, it was solved in the end, but I can't get over Yesod's warning. Angela, Trigger, and Malkuth... yeah I can't say I have a good relationship with them, yet why can't I get over the feeling this is more personal than it seems?

Angela... the feeling of foreign disgust I have when I look at her never goes away, yet she doesn't even seem to bat an eye at my frankly rude attitude around her, like she is expecting it. I don't know why I even dislike her, only that I do.

The same could be said about Trigger, and he doesn't hide his own dislike of me. We mix just as well as owls and crows do, it's instinctual animosity.

Malkuth is the only one I feel she dislikes me for things that are probably linked to my lack of... well, memory. Hell, I don't even know WHY someone without memory managed to get a MANAGER spot in a Wing.

Angela seemed to be aware of my condition beforehand, referring to me as 'X' but I... well snapped at her, just told her to call me the Manager, that felt too much like a label rather than a name. Not that sticking with a title is any better.

Yesod said he couldn't safely tell me anything, everything points out that I apparently had all or at least some answers and then just... lost them. Among the Sephirah, my amnesia just seems like general knowledge. Did the CEO do something to me? Was I involved in this corporation before?

Too many questions, so little answers...

I leaned forward towards my desk and grabbed the documents, preparing to move both Trigger and Amelia towards Safety Team after I chose it to have control over. Netzach is a... depressing fellow, his sleepy and tired face said it all. That, and he just seemed at the edge of grabbing a rope and hanging himself in his room.

Turning my chair towards the monitor and looking at them for a while, I found an interesting sight around Safety's hallways. Trigger's overall attitude and activities changed to a more passive and careful approach, he just seemed more... aware. He was still the cheeriest guy in the facility (well not counting that Jeremy guy, he is... weird) yet I can't help but feel he got a 'wake-up call'. Trigger had a certain way of doing things that could be predicted... well, his actions, not the results.

But that changed, it was hard to say what was going on inside his head. Before he hid most of his emotions with positivity, but now? He seemed to cool his emotions, they are still there, he just seemed to notice that they were too volatile and was working towards fixing that.

That aside... he was following a white-haired clerk around, trying to not be seen by him, and that was just a bit off-putting. Not sure why he is so interested, but I should keep an eye around that particular problem. I'm just making use of Yesod's warning.

It wasn't anything too big. Trigger just tried to not be seen while slowly stalking him, and I soon found myself drawn back to the documents in my hand, hoping to finish them before Angela came back.

Static suddenly assaulted my ears and my head snapped towards the many monitors in my office. All of them filled with static except for a few in the middle that were forming a big green L Corp logo.

"Is anyone there? Can you hear me? I repeat, is anyone there?"

I slowly put the documents on my desk with narrowed eyes, "Loud and clear... who are you?" I wearily asked, this clearly isn't any Sephirah. It's pretty obvious I'm not allowed to meet them until the 'time' is right, so who is this? His voice is completely distorted.

"You can call me 'B'. I am... an insider, someone who knows a lot about the company."

Yeah, you and everyone else I work with. Let me guess, "Doesn't mean you are going to tell me anything, considering you didn't even answer my question." I groused while rubbing my eyes. If Yesod didn't tell me anything, neither would this stranger.

"Please understand, I can't reveal my identity, not without endangering both of us. I'm here to tell you three truths the company is trying to keep from you in the following days."

Only three? I'm kind of surprised there aren't more, "I'm listening." I replied, wanting to know what would he tell me, and if it even would be worth it.

"I'd first like to ask you a question, why do you think the company hired you?"

That's... an interesting question, does everyone just know about my amnesia? He wouldn't have asked something like this if he just wanted to tell me the truths, "Not sure, not that I have any way to question it." I shrugged, even if 'B' couldn't see it.

"Perhaps that wasn't the right question, let me rephrase that then, are you satisfied with your job here?"

I narrowed my eyes and thought about my answer for a moment, then I simply sighed, "I really don't care. My main concern right now is keeping this facility in one piece." Can't find out who I am if me and everyone else bites it. TT2 helps, but that just means things can keep going as long as I don't break.

"I can't judge if you are telling me the truth, but I would like if you kept something in mind. You are the Manager, yet you don't know anything about the company, would you say I'm wrong?"

Huffing at his words, I rolled my eyes, "No, you are not. Did you choose 'B' because of how Blatant all your words are?" I couldn't stop the sass from escaping my mouth, if only because I have been dealing with enough cryptic bullshit for the past ten days.

"........ Each time we speak must be as brief as possible, so I'll end the call here. Prolonged communication in this facility is dangerous."

And just like that, all the monitors returned to normal. I barely managed to see Trigger blur through one of the hallways before I sighed and ran a hand down my face, "It's just one thing after another isn't there?" I asked myself before pulling a six-pack under my desk, turns out there are many of these in my personal chambers, one of the few boons of being the Manager.

Angela HATES when I drink in the middle of work, but damn it, I need this right now.

... Oh right, have to finish up those documents. I opened a can and took a couple of sips before picking up the documents again.

This job is not worth it at all... I quirked a brow at the page next to Trigger's transference papers. Angela seemed to have shoved it there, and the Sephirah from the Extraction Team seems to have given her the idea, if what I'm reading is true at least.

Giving that guy ALEPH level gear seems like a nuke waiting to go off. Gold Rush... ah, what the hell. May as well see everything he is capable of, can't be that bad of an idea if Angela agreed. I may have my gripes (unreasonable they may be, but gripes all the same) but she is good at her job.

I stamped the green 'PASS' on it and moved towards Amelia's documents.

Sighing to myself, I continued to read. Man... fuck my job.

I downed the rest of my beer and looked at the can... Bear Brand? Weird name, but it's good so whatever.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



I sighed when I woke up. Leaning against one of the walls of my room while sitting on the floor arms crossed, this honestly felt better than sleeping on the bed... I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Not that the bed wasn't comfortable, it just didn't feel right to me, I simply used it because it was already there, and it would be a waste otherwise.

But the last day removed that impulse and I decided to lean against a wall and just relax, turns out that felt better than expected.

Slowly getting up and stretching my back, I started to put on the E.G.O gear. I didn't bother much with the scar Malkuth left on my stomach, the regenerators are amazing, but that one was open for quite a while before it got treated.

I left my room and... well to be honest, I didn't feel like cooking today, may as well get familiar with Safety. Angela mentioned that the Manager would most likely throw my sorry ass there.

Walking through the hallways of the facility when work had yet to start made me notice just how constantly the clerks must clean the damn place, the blood and gore nowhere to be seen.

Feeling a bit bored, I closed my eyes and let my... Empathic Sense... yeah that, move me through the hallways. It wasn't like I could see the area around me and more like I could follow the trails left by others, lingering emotions if you will. Grudges, general animosity, resignation, etc.

None of the emotions were good, most of them felt negative really, guess the clerks just have it that hard. Can't say that agents have it any better but at least we get a fighting chance, the clerks? They get a gun... a normal, very much pathetic gun. I didn't need to be a genius to know what it's true purpose is.

This is... honestly relaxing, just letting that 6th sense of mine flow naturally was quite the nice feeling. If the surrounding emotions weren't so negative, this could even be called enjoyable.

...?

I opened my eyes and glanced at the elevator towards Safety curiously. Most agents and clerks should be in the cafeteria by now, yet I could feel someone's emotions in that part of the facility. Surprisingly enough, it could be Netzach... although this one feels too positive to be him, sure he only told me I shouldn't be here and that shouldn't be enough to judge him, but he kinda felt... depressed.

This one felt... driven, resolute and a bit weary. Feeling a bit curious, I walked to the elevator and started it, I took note that the elevators are... weirdly silent.

Once the door opened, I walked through the green hallways of Safety. The person seems to be... in the Main Room, I took note that the sound of the elevator's door opening got them panicked, and I narrowed my eyes. Abnormalities, as far as I know, don't act up outside work hours thanks to something called 'Qliphoth Deterrence'. So why would whoever is in there start to panic?

Unless... they don't want to be seen.

I glanced upwards when I felt them getting closer to the door at the end of the hallway. Seeing a couple of tubes on the roof, I jumped high towards the door and grabbed from them while swinging my leg upwards to not be seen. The door opened, and I glanced down... a clerk with white hair and green eyes.

That's... unexpected, clerks don't like being alone while being close to the corridors containing Abnormalities, yet this one didn't seem to mind at all. I noticed a small black duffle bag hanging on one of his shoulders, and it had a bulge below it, meaning that whatever he was carrying inside wasn't light.

He seemed careful, glanced around the hallway, and thankfully he didn't look above. He went inside again and before the door closed I let myself fall, two bundles of butterflies flying under my feet and I flew above the floor to avoid being noticed. He was looking away, so I flew upwards and outside from his view, he sure as hell doesn't expect someone flying over him.

He pulled out a small metal box and a pair of headphones with a small mic on them. Fumbling with the machine for a while and nodding to himself, he glanced at the camera that was... acting weirdly. It went around as if it was working, but the clerk below me seemed unbothered by the action, did he do something to it?

"Is anyone there? Can you hear me? I repeat, is anyone there?" His voice is soft, I was kind of surprised by how... calming he sounded, but I kept an ear open just in case.

But what I heard next... well, I had to force myself from not going down there and forcing the answers out of him.

"You can call me 'B'. I am... an insider, someone who knows a lot about the company." He talked like a person in the know, yet he was being careful with what he said. Who is he talking to?

He seemed to take a deep breath before steeling himself, "Please understand, I can't reveal my identity, not without endangering both of us. I'm here to tell you three truths the company is trying to keep from you in the following days." Three truths? Ominous.

I ignored a few of his next words, since they really only made me both weary and curious of him. What did catch my attention was the confirmation of who he was talking to.

"I can't judge if you are telling me the truth, but I would like if you kept something in mind. You are the Manager, yet you don't know anything about the company, would you say I'm wrong?" He spoke gravely, and my eyes widened, he knows the Manager? What does he want to tell the Manager? The company is keeping things even from him?

What are those three truths this 'B' speaks about?

Suddenly, 'B' had a funny reaction. He flinched back slightly with wide eyes before he shook it off, "........ Each time we speak must be as brief as possible, so I'll end the call here. Prolonged communication in this facility is dangerous." I noticed the brief pause at the start... pretty sure the Manager surprised him in some way.

'B' sighed and turned off his... communications machine? Taking the headphones off and putting it all back into the duffle bag and getting a small controller from it. He moved towards the door and pointed it at the camera, pressing a button, and said camera acted normally again.

While he did that, I kept myself just above his head to avoid being caught by his peripheral vision. Once he had left the Main Room, I waited while closing my eyes, keeping his emotions in my radar and waiting until he started to move upwards.

Once that happened, it was my signal that he took the elevator, and I slowly let my butterflies lower me back to the floor. I scrunched my nose and huffed after a second.

I was... very frustrated from the lack of information, something I couldn't suppress fully. I thought about bringing this up with the others, but I pushed that thought aside. Wasn't stupid enough to believe Malkuth told me everything about the Manager, she told me he was really important, and that's it.

For some reason, she didn't elaborate further. For a while I thought she didn't know, but the overall feeling she directed towards the Manager wasn't anger like I do, but pity.

I... didn't like to admit it, but Malkuth kept the information to herself for a reason, but now I had a chance to find out what's happening.

Fight for what makes you happy.

I huffed... well, I have to start somewhere. This would shed some light on the plan what this facility is used for, maybe even find the identity of the Manager.

But for now... I should go get breakfast, before the others start wondering where I am.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



I huffed to myself while leaning against a wall. I arrived a little late for lunch, so I had to speed eat my bacon, I caught BongBong wearing Schadenfreude's EGO suit and weapon and Gonzales was now sporting the Funeral's suit.

Not completely confident in my... current mood, I didn't approach them. They were just leaving when I came in here, so I just simply let them go. Right now? I was just waiting for Amelia to show up, she apparently is going to Safety with me.

So I was... just standing there in the elevator towards Safety with my eyes closed, extending my empathic sense around, trying to relax. It was making some progress, but even then... I couldn't get 'B' outside my head. I gritted my teeth and started to take deep breaths to calm down.

My eyes snapped open, and I glanced to my left, seeing Mathias with his same black clothing with gold hexagonal motifs, and he's holding a big metal box. He flinched back when my gaze landed on him and I took a deep breath and let my expression soften, "Sorry... been having a bit of a rough day." My shoulders tensed at the wave of amusement I felt way down the hallway. I ignored it, but I saw the clerk from Information just stopping near the door.

He nodded, "Yeah, heard you kinda... well, had an episode." That's putting it bluntly, but yes. I gave him one brief nod while STILL trying to ignore the amused clerk.

My eyes landed on the box and I gave him a curious stare, "So... I know it's E.G.O, but what should I be expecting here?" He thought about it for a moment and seemed genuinely worried for a second.

"Well... it's ALEPH gear, a weapon to be specific. Considering your current mood, I would advise against doing... whatever it is you are doing." I glanced at him once and released a breath of exasperation at the amused clerk that just didn't get the fucking memo.

My eyes moved behind and made eye contact with the clerk, he froze and was about to leave, "You have anything to say to me?" I asked and kicked off the wall while walking towards him. Mathias seemed perturbed by the action.

I was already in front of the clerk. I didn't glance at his tag, that isn't his real name, "I'm not going to do anything, so speak." I demanded, and he seemed to gulp before giving me a smirk.

"You just got a wake-up call... that's all. That's what delusional people get..." I gave him a brief nod, he sounded scared but also eager to see my reaction.

What I gave him was only pity, "Now what? Go do some papers? Maybe ask for a promotion?" He blinked at me, and he took a step back as if to leave. I stomped the floor, and he froze.

"Get going then, I thought you had something important to say... guess I was expecting too much." I saw him flinch back and open his mouth as if to say something, but the moment we made direct eye contact again, he snapped his head away and left through the door. A small whimper leaving his mouth.

Mathias coughed after a brief moment of silence, "That was... intense, not that he didn't deserve it." He glanced at me nervously, and I relaxed while giving him a tired smile.

"I had a... couple of troubling days." In too many ways, I'm including emotional turmoil to that list.

Mathias nodded and opened the box, showing me a big golden gauntlet that's about the size of my torso. The overall style of it looked like abstract paintings using mainly yellow colors with the most used being gold, in the middle of the back of the gauntlet was a golden colored diamond, black metal in the fingers and each joint covered in gold trimming. There is some kind of white cloth covering the surrounding gap to shove my hand in.

I blinked and glanced once at Mathias before shoving my right hand inside of it slowly. Out of pure curiosity, I let the thoughts inside my head, trying to get a glimpse of what to expect from ALEPH ge-

It would not be wrong to engulf the world with your desire, let it flow and consume those t-

I quite literally shoved the thoughts aside while glaring at the gauntlet that INSTANTLY tried to make me disregard everything for... I sighed and kept the walls around my mind up for the time being, not willing to deal with this today, "Yeah... definitely above everything else." I commented while Mathias gave me a nervous glance.

"Yeah, just try not to do that again. Your eyes... well, you looked ready to kill that clerk after you put Gold Rush on. Your gaze snapped behind you in an instant." He commented, and I frowned. That's... not a good sign.

He waved at me while leaving back to the lower floors, and I leaned against the wall again. After about another three minutes, Amelia came through the door still wearing Punishing Bird's full E.G.O set, "Son of a... you look like shit, and also moody. Guess there was a reason you didn't go eat with everyone else." She said with a small frown on her face.

I shrugged while glancing at Gold Rush in my hand, "You could say I'm not in the mood... got some ALEPH gear though, so at least not everything is bad." She gave me a strange look before simply returning to a frown. I THINK I felt worry from her.

"The giant gauntlet? Looks gaudy." I didn't deny that, but I strongly disagre- oh... that's not good. Gonna need to keep an eye on that kind of reactions just in case.

I took a deep breath and let it all out, trying my best to calm myself down, "I'm going to go on a limb and say all ALEPH gear is an over exaggeration of something. This one is... an expression of desire? Probably." I flexed the fingers of the gauntlet that felt weirdly natural to move around, not that different from moving my hands.

Amelia hummed to herself before glancing at me again, "Uh... so are you... maybe we should just go meet our new boss." I gave her a small smile and a nod. I don't know if she noticed I didn't want to talk about it, or she just didn't know how to bring it up, but I'd like to deal with that bag of emotional baggage... later.

Yeah... later.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Once we entered Safety Team's Main Room, I saw... a woman with pink hair leaning against the-

Is that a green rose inside a golden cup? That's... I really never had time or actual care to pay attention to this room despite being here once, but that's just a bit bizarre to look at.

But I do recognize that girl, she was with me when the 'Heart' knocked me out, same E.G.O too, and she is... high or close to it, her eyes seemed unfocused and a bit red. I saw Amelia's eye twitch.

"That's... fucking amazing. Since she's high, may as well tell you myself her name, that'll be Tiffany... and I'm suppressing the need to strangle her." She didn't sound happy and to be honest?

Neither was I, more annoyed than anything else. I noticed someone behind said plant, sky blue long hair and obviously redder eyes, drinking something... green from a bottle.

I blinked twice... that's Enkephalin, the same shit we get out of the Abnos, both a drug and a source of energy. I felt my eye twitch and I walked up to whoever that was, and grabbed the bottle out of their hands. She is wearing a bright green armored suit, with fairy wings on a shoulder pad, along with a... mace that is the same color and also has fairy wings.

She didn't even register when I took the bottle from her until a couple seconds later. She rose her eyes, narrowed in a comically angry expression, to meet my own annoyed eyes. She apparently may be lost in the sky but had enough of her grounded to not speak up, she still grumbled.

I... Exhaled with great aggravation, but said nothing else... I did crush the bottle with Gold Rush's grip. I glanced at Amelia, who kicked Tiffany's ribs a couple of times to get her back up, she did so with a... non-caring air around her.

Great, and here I wanted to keep myself calm and out of confrontations.

"Things are looking up already..." I grumbled to myself, and Amelia gave a grunt of agreement.

I heard one of the doors open, and I saw a man with green short hair, wearing a black armored suit with a red tie and small golden patterns, and a riffle strapped on his back. He was fumbling around with a nervous smile directed at the green Sephirah next to him... that was dripping Enkephalin.

Pretty sure my blood pressure skyrocketed and Amelia was in the same page as me.

"Jeremy... what?" Amelia hissed at the black armored man that is apparently called Jeremy, who flinched back and looked at Netzach as if asking for an explanation.

He kinda was busy staring at me, "I'm just using the prescription dose Hod handed to me. I thought it would be a nice way to get their mind off things." Netzach didn't look away from me, but I noted that he wasn't looking at me in the eye.

Jeremy blinked in confusion, "I mean... I do remember her saying something about a program, but you're probably over doing it... as is everyone else." He sounded timid and surprisingly upbeat.

Netzach literally just shrugged, "Seems to be working, they aren't worrying of their inevitable death." I pinched the bridge of my nose and breathed through my gritted teeth.

I noticed the faint glow in Gold Rush's gem, so I double my efforts to calm down, "Just... tell me what we are doing." I sounded disappointed and tired, which was enough to make Netzach try even harder to look away from me.

He won't even look at me when dealing with his BU-

I huffed and pushed those thoughts aside again, seems like every time I feel personally offended or something clashes with my... 'Desires', it acts up again. Guess letting it in so soon was a mistake.

"Don't know what you want me to say, you both look a bit stressed... and coming here must have been a pain. Jeremy here can tell you the rest." And then he just LEAVES. I blinked at his retreating form that almost felt like he was RUNNING away.

Amelia gaped and did her best to- "I'm... going to fucking kill someone." Never mind, she already lost it, not that I'm doing any better.

Jeremy, noticing that things had escalated, rose his hands in a placating manner, "Try to not let Netz and the others get to you... they're just tired." I exchange one look with Amelia and we both simmered down.

Not because we were over it, but because it seems like this isn't the first time Jeremy has been left to deal with this kind of mess.

"I'll... make an attempt." Amelia said, and I glanced to my right, seeing the girl wearing the green E.G.O slowly getting up and picking up her weapon... it took her three tries to grab said weapon.

Jeremy noticed my stare and chuckled, "Don't worry. Zele usually only works the Fairy Festival... that, and I'm usually there to keep an eye on her until the regenerators do their work and disintoxicate their bodies." At least he is reliable...

Amelia sighed, "So... what's the plan?" She asked what I'm guessing is the leader of this department. I shot one glance at Tiffany and Zele.

I fucking hope he is.

Jeremy nodded at us with a small and not really confident smile, "I'd like for Amelia to stay here with me, to... keep an-"

"Babysit." Amelia shamelessly interrupted.

Jeremy gave us a reproached nod, "Yeah... just bear with me... please." If I wasn't so occupied with keeping my emotions in check, I may have felt bad for him.

Amelia released a sigh and glanced at me, "And what's he going to do?" Please nothing too bad. I'm... really trying to keep myself in check here.

Jeremy perked up, "Well, we can't just NOT work. So he will be working with Der Freischütz to gather energy... you know, just in case."

I pointed at Tiffany and Zele, who were just... existing I guess, "And them?" I asked and Jeremy sighed.

"Well... I'll tell one of the other Sephirah to tell either the Manager or Angela about... this." I gave him a raised brow at how apprehensive he sounded.

He noticed this and gave me a small frown, "Angela scares me and the Manager... well he also scares me." Fair enough, I guess?

Jeremy handed me a document with the name of the Abnormality I will be working on, Der Freischütz. I took a speed read through the pages, just trying to find what I should be doing and how he acts.

So... apparently he acts on impulse, is kind of a mercenary, but that's only because he has nothing better to do. He is polite and relaxed but can and will say whatever he wants if he just feels like it, if the Qliphoth Counter reaches zero, he will just... shoot some random place in the facility.

Seems like talking to him out of his necessity to just fire his gun when he gets too bored is the way to go. Violence would most likely just make him shoot anyway.

I can pull this off, hopefully, "Alright, anything else?" I asked him, wondering if we were missing anything.

Jeremy merely shrugged, and at the same time-

"All Agents prepare for Work"

Fucking... great timing, "I still don't get why we can't have the regenerators on all the time." I commented while walking towards the door, needed to get as much energy while those two drugged fucks got their shit back together.

"According to Netz? Energy conservation or something like that." I hummed at Jeremy's words and left through the door, moving through the hallway and entering Der Freischütz's chamber.

A tall man wearing a blue cloak with yellow trimming, a gray military suit and leaning the same rifle Jeremy has on his shoulder. His face was literal shadows that acted like flames and glowing blue eyes that seemed to peer inside my soul.

He was also having the time of his life using a smoking pipe, guess drugs are the theme today. He noticed me entering and with one quick look, he seemed to notice something.

He reached under his cloak and pulled out ANOTHER smoking pipe, "It seems you need this too." His voice was firm, if a bit low in its pitch, but he could see my annoyance.

I glanced at the pipe with a frown, and he laughed lowly, "It's simply a relaxant to deal with stress, my own brew. It would be a shame to be high while trying to snipe targets." I'm... fuck it.

Grabbing the pipe, I put it in my mouth and... inhaled. It wasn't an immediate effect, but I did notice how the constriction in my chest grow lighter, I exhaled an almost transparent plume of smoke.

I glanced at the sniper with a raised brow, "Shouldn't I light up this thing to actually smoke it?" I asked and he gave me an eye smile.

"That is a trade secret... and the devil's power." I glanced at him once with an arched brow. Well... it's helping, so I'm not complaining.

Turns out? Smoking with Der Freischütz is good enough to keep his impulses in check.

And yes, also my impulses. I really needed it, more than I care to admit.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

(A/N: I welcome you all to me torturing the shit out of the main character, I mean this quite literally it almost seems like I woke up and decided I hated the guy... oh well, I hope you enjoy this long ass-chapter!)


I glanced at the marksman at my left with an arched brow, Der was quite the... chill individual. We have yet to actually exchange words aside from minor comments on our looks, and I really didn't mind. The problem is that I did become a bit self-conscious about the fact that I had just met three junkies, and here I was doing drugs myself.

'Demon' drugs, if what Der said was true, and the worst part is that I can't deny this is helping with my mood. A plume of transparent smoke came from my lips and I sighed, "I was just losing my mind over a bunch of guys doing drugs, yet here I am." Der chuckled at my words while enjoying his own narcotic.

"No one said we can't be hypocrites. They can't work, you can, end of the story." I... really hate how simple he can make things, I'd wish everything were just as simple in life.

But that'll be asking for too much, "There is... some truth to that, but I'm a bit curious as to what you meant by 'Devil's power' when talking about whatever we are smoking." At my words, he hummed for a moment before giving me an eye smile.

"Simple, I met the Devil, made a deal with him for magical bullets, the last one that would apparently kill my most loved one's, so I simply killed everyone to see if they could really hit anything. Last one ended up going through my heart and now... well, I'm a souless Devil." He said all of that so... unsparingly, and bluntly. I had to stop myself from just gaping in his direction.

Then it actually settled in just how little he valued what he had, this motherfu- I put the pipe back in my mouth and inhaled like I was a vacuum cleaner, trying my best to push back those thoughts while still being angry at the marksman who gave me an eye smile. How the hell does that work?

I released a bigger smoke this time, still just as transparent as the last, and then I glared at him, "I'm... care to elaborate?" Because that's just... killing people that care about you for the fuck of it... doesn't sit well with me.

He glanced at me with what felt like a curious look, "I wanted to see if they could hit anything, the only people I would never land a shot were my loved one's. What pushed me to do it? Probably curiosity to see if I was a bad person, I aimed away from them, you know? Every shot landed. Maybe making a deal with the literal Devil wasn't that smart in hindsight, but I really can't feel that bad about it. Losing a soul usually means most of your empathy leaves too." It didn't feel like an excuse or an explanation, he was talking as if this was a fact.

"I'm... what the fuck is wrong with you?" I asked with a perturbed expression, he took one whiff of his pipe before glancing at me with an arched brow.

"Who knows, you seem to value your loved one's a lot." I sputtered at his words.

I clenched my teeth, "Who wouldn't? They care about you, and you care about them. Pretty damn simple if you ask me." I took a big whiff from my own pipe to calm myself down and the urges of Gold Rush.

The marksman hummed and put away his pipe inside his cape, "It seems to me... you are hiding your true intentions behind... an overexaggerating interpretation of your feelings." My head snapped away from him and I clung the pipe to my mouth like my life depended on it.

He rose his index finger up as if to ascertain his point, "You want others to treat you with the same care you hand out, to validate your own fantasy." The gauntlet covering most of my right arm clenched, the gem in it glowing with a faint gold color.

Then, Der shrugged, "Not the worst I've seen. Are you scared of how others would look at you if they found out about how much joy it brings you to be around them?" My teeth were digging into the pipe in my mouth and my vision was getting blurry because of tears, frustration that I was trying to contain.

"I... just want to feel like I belong. My memories are getting farther away from me each day, sometimes I could think about what I did beforehand, even a few stupid references to... shows? But less and less came up, and I needed something that felt REAL. They all saw me with just warm expressions and I clung to them, because they validated my place... well, here." I sighed and the gem's glow vanished. My shoulders slumped, and I felt... defeated.

The marksman released a morbid chuckle, "That's the thing about impulses and desires, they aren't good or bad. Just... a speck of momentary happiness." I huffed at his words and put the pipe back in my mouth, despondently.

"You speak about it with familiarity. Is that the experience talking?" I asked him and leaned against a wall. I'm going to become really good friends with this pipe, and it's 'The Devil's' drug.

He laughed heartily, "I'm literally souless, I go through life with impulses and desires giving me joy. Not the best, but I could be actually dead, so that's something good." At least he is happy with what he has... well, as 'happy' as you can be while literally being a souless 'demon'.

Well... "So what now? I'm guessing you just felt like crushing my walls like they were wet paper?"

"Yup."

"Eat a dick."

We both shared a small laugh at that interaction. I hate his guts... but I could be dealing with Yesod or Netzach, so he isn't that bad.

"I'm no one to tell you what to do, I just decided to point some things out. Do what you will with the information." He pulled out a handkerchief and started cleaning his rifle. Well... he certainly just does whatever he feels like when he is bored.

I rolled my eyes at his words and the room flashed green, "Hopefully next time I come here, you feel like baking me a cake." He barked out a laugh and made a 'shooing' motion with his hand.

Leaving the room, feeling... even more conflicted now, I sighed and glanced at the closed door… and continued to smoke from the pipe. I feel like I'm going to be using this thing a lot.

The annoying thing is that I'm going to be dealing with this guy for a while.

I glanced behind me when I heard the sound of spinning wheels, seeing Jeremy bringing a cart with cleaning utensils. Below it were rags and buckets along with many cleaning products, like sprays and bleach. Up there on the cart was a tray with a transparent bag full of fresh meat.

My stare turned confused, and I couldn't help but ask, "What's with the cart?" The stare he gave me was one of bewilderment.

"Umm… you know, the one all departments have, to deal with specific works with Abnormalities and have said items on hand. Like we are all told when starting work here?" Jeremy stared at me like I was some kind of alien.

For some reason, that stare made me flinch. When someone gave me that kind of look… the one that made me feel like a foreigner. I couldn't help but remember just how… much I don't belong here.

And then I go and like an idiot show how little I know of the world around me. Have to be more careful, MUCH more careful, "Sorry, it must have slipped my mind… it has been a while since I used it." This was apparently the wrong choice of words, since he gaped at me.

"How do you handle Abnormalities?" He asked me suddenly, and I averted my eyes for a moment.

"I… talk with them?"

"All of them!?" He seemed stupefied by the notion, he quickly calmed himself down and signaled to the cart with his hands.

"Alright, so this is why this cart is so important." Jeremy gave me the quick rundown, it was a multipurpose cart that had everything the current department needed to perform the best works with different Abnormalities.

Giving them food, cleaning them, cleaning the room, things like that.

Through the whole lecture, I felt out of place for not finding out such obvious and necessary information, I should have tried harder to…

Jeremy snapped me out of my thoughts with a pat on the back, "Try to keep it in mind. You may have… somehow made it work out before, but better safe than sorry, right?" I gave him a slow nod.

His orders were to keep working with Der, he was the safest bet until everyone else was back on their feet… Jeremy suddenly ran back when he heard Amelia shout something about gross and killing someone. He grabbed the mop before that, though.

The next three works with Der were… silent. I gave him the cleaning materials that he happily took and hummed to himself while giving maintenance to his gun, I simply leaned against a wall and smoked from my pipe religiously.

Something in the back of my head told me the moment I stopped smoking was the moment I'd have to face the fact at some point I'll have to ask someone to explain… everything to me.

I didn't want to show how little I was. The weight of my words and everything I did would seem like just a child that was too naive talking out of his ass.

The moment I left from Der's chamber, I felt an unending hunger, a craving for what I didn't have to be fulfilled, something that I really needed and WANTED.

From the floor sprouted worms with deep brown and deep amber carapaces, brown flesh underneath along with bright amber orbs at the sides, and mouths filled with sharp teeth ready to tear into flesh.

I let my butterflies take the pipe from my mouth and I clenched Gold Rush that was in my right arm... time to let out some frustrations.

To show everyone that I'm worth it.

Gold Rush's gem glowed brightly and started surrounding the gauntlet with a fire-like golden aura that moved around like an aurora. I moved forward like a bullet, gauntlet arm reared back, there are five worms.

Instead, I punched the ground. The aura around my gauntlet seemed to make the blow stronger, and damn did it feel good. A wave of golden power coursed through the ground, sending all five worms high into the air.

Using the strength of Gold Rush, I pressed the floor with it and threw myself towards them. I held out my new E.G.O weapon, ready to do a clothesline. The first worm was turned into red paste, the second fared just as well as the first, the third verse same as the last, the fourth one at least left some flesh behind and the last one looked like a cherry pie when I connected the blow.

It didn't feel like enough, so I slammed my feet on the ground, pivoted with my left and slammed what was left of them on the wall. Feeling an ecstasy that I usually don't try to thrive in, victory.

My lips were almost splitting my head apart in an almost disturbing smile. I glanced behind me and my expression instantly shifted to horror, before I looked away.

Jeremy seemed slightly perturbed from the smile, but that wasn't the one that forced me to look away.

Amelia looked at me like I was a complete stranger, and that was enough for me to call my butterflies to hand me back my pipe and start to smoke from it again. God fucking-

"Seems like you have it under control... we should go back before Zele or Tiffany choke on their own vomit." Jeremy played it off surprisingly well, but he was still caught off-guard by the smile I had showed.

Amelia didn't immediately leave with him. I could feel her stare on my back, but I didn't turn to meet her stare... I couldn't.

She didn't say anything, and once she did leave, I chuckled to myself. It would have probably exploded into hysterical laughter had I not been filling my body with a relaxing drug.

After smoking a bit more, I grabbed the cart from the floor and put the flesh back on the cart, along with the tray under it. It didn't have a scratch on it... must be made from good quality metals.

After that, I went back inside Der's chamber. I have yet to hear Netzach talk through the comms, he probably doesn't even give a shit.

Once inside, Der was there giving me a couple of claps, "You are quite the exemplary individual when it comes to the art of combat." I threw him a glare that he shrugged off, while I released a plume of smoke from the side of my mouth. A couple of hours with this thing and I don't need my hands to hold it anymore...

I really just can't stop looking like an idiot. Complaining about my time seeing people drugging themselves up, and now I'm clinging to this fucking thing like my sanity depends on it.

And the funny thing? It does!

Der coughed, "Please do try to keep your time to... well, yourself. This is work hours, after all." I gave him a flat stare and I sighed.

"How the hell did you see what I did?" I asked, hoping to distract myself from today in general.

He laughed at me like I was an idiot, "I would be a poor shot if my eyes could be hampered by some walls and... whatever you use to weaken me and the other creatures you have here." I gave him a weary stare.

"You don't sound that bothered by it."

"Why should I? This is a pretty poor prison considering how many times they managed to leave their chambers" At his words, my eyes widened. Do they... really just let Abnormalities leave?

He did say we use something to weaken them, he must mean the Qliphoth Deterrence... and the doors don't seem like they could keep things like the Woodsman inside.

I... hollowly laughed at how obvious that was. Yeah, of course we matter that little that even the Abnormalities here seem to have more freedom than they- I mean we do, is that a good thing? I don't know, I'd like to think I'm in a pretty good spot regarding some Abnormalities, but...

…

I leaned against a wall and let my body fall down. Now I was sitting on the floor simply smoking and exchanging shit talk with Der, who seemed to enjoy my misery, good for him.

Everything is out of control, apparently Abnormalities can do whatever the fuck they want as long as they don't kill all of us and keep producing energy by existing. There is a stupid shadow plot going behind the scenes, and I don't know if I can trust anyone with the information. My world is cracking the fuck open because I just accepted that I love people looking at me like I'm the best thing ever since Pizza... I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE PIZZA COMES FROM ANYMORE!

It was all so easy when everything I did was just an impulse, and I was living the moment. Then suddenly everything became a high stakes moral dilemma with mysterious plans going behind the scenes and no right answers, and then I have to face the fact that there is little of me to actually be called a person since I have FUCKING NOTHING aside from the last 10 day's and whatever stupid random shit pops in my head from memories and impulses that become fewer and fewer, and those were basically specks of information in the grand scheme of things.

The butt from a rifle smacked me in the cheek and threw me to the floor, "Try not to have a crisis in front of someone you were exchanging insults with, that's very rude." He moved his finger side to side, like he was telling a dog to not bite the carpet.

There was no retort from me, only a deep sigh, "Yeah... I guess." I got up the moment the room flashed green, and started walking away.

"Try to live a bit more in the moment, like when you were doing worm genocide." I didn't look at him when he said that, I simply left the room.

I released another plume of smo-

My cravings for attention became higher, suddenly I just wanted all that love I had handed to be rewarded with the same amounts of care.

I heard it in painful slow motion, something big falling through the air, the loud clanging and creaking of metal, and the disgusting crushing sound of flesh and bones being torn and broken.

All of it from the Main Room... all of it came from there, and it was silent. I could hear some kind of... slithering and gurgling from it.

Slowly I approached the door, my face just... devoid of anything.

The moment I opened the door, I saw a gigantic onyx obelisk with purple runes engraved on it and black tentacles ripping Zele to pieces. I could see at it's base the legs of Amelia sticking underneath, the rest of the body was crushed. The only thing I found of Jeremy was his hand gripping his rifle at the left of the obelisk. Tiffany was missing her legs towards the right of the obelisk, her eyes completely glassed over, her chest completely still, she was dead too.

I...

I-I just can't fucking w- I failed, and they would look at me li- but the Manager can go back and then I ca- but I still failed and tha-

My left hand was covering my face while I was hyperventilating, the tentacles were getting closer to me.

…

Live in the moment...

Yeah, if I kill this thing for revenge, then I would still have something. The others would be understanding, and if the Manager goes back? I get the joy of crushing this thing with my bare hands.

Gold Rush glowed like a miniature sun, the same aura of before but brighter and stronger, tears streaming down my face and an eager ear-splitting smile on my mouth.

I threw myself towards it like a golden comet, the first hit that landed completely cracked the obelisk. The sensation on my fist, even though it didn't directly hit the obelisk, simply felt… orgasmic, stupidly stimulating and my smile became bigger.

My gauntlet was reared back already, and it was shining with anticipation to land another blow, and I didn't keep myself waiting. Landing the next blow that sent a shockwave through the whole room and sending pieces of onyx stone everywhere. There it was over, I spasmed from pure joy, my gaze snapping up and expanding my arms, reveling in the moment.

I lowered my gaze and saw what was left of the bodies. My smile didn't go away, but the tears doubled in quantity, and then I started laughing hysterically.

Yeah, I avenged you- please tell me the Manager is going back- but if not then at least I did SOMETHING- but that still means I failed.

I fell on my knees and kept on laughing, just waiting for the Manager to make his choice.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

Amelia: POV

I wasn't exactly feeling it today, not only because my new team has only ONE barely functional person while the others are drugged off their asses, making me and Jeremy clean up their damn puke, but because Trigger has been acting… off.

Kinda hard to miss, considering the haunted expression he wore after killing the worms. Well, more specifically, he made that expression after making eye contact with me.

It has been going on for a while. Bethany had asked me to keep an eye on him, something that Malkuth agreed with... it was quite the weird conversation that came suddenly.

But when I started paying attention… Trigger really didn't feel like a person, or at least not the first few days.

There wasn't really any time to ponder it, considering how much ridiculous shit he did every single day, but perhaps that was the point. If he gave us no time to react, we wouldn't be able to tell, or that's what Malkuth and Bethany think.

He felt less like a person and more like a character trait, said trait being 'overbearingly nice'. Even if he had his sass, his usual default emotion was cheery.

Then he met the 'Knight' and… suddenly he grew up. Not physically, but he acted more mature and nervous around people, like he was afraid of something but couldn't bring himself to avoid us. One could say his 'trait' matured into something else.

I'd really wish those two hadn't roped me into this, but one is literally the highest authority aside from the Manager and Angela, and the other is someone I actually respect.

.
.
.
.

I gave Malkuth and Bethany an arched brow while inside the 'E.G.O Training Room' I was still waiting for my damn turn…

Bethany was the first to speak, "Well, thank you for coming here, Amelia." I really didn't want to make this last too long. I have no idea if the Sephirah of Safety was a hard ass… and I'm not about to risk it.

Malkuth seemed to notice how hurried I was, "Don't worry… Netzach couldn't care less how long it takes you to go there." That's… not reassuring.

"Just tell me why I'm here for." At my words, Malkuth and Bethany exchanged concerned stares, the Sephirah turning back to me with a sigh… does sighing even do anything for a metal box?

"Don't you think Trigger is a bit… off?" The question made me pause. Thinking about it for a moment, the guy was always a bit weird, but his heart is in the right place… or probably a bit too right.

Then again, he has been more stressed than usual. I'm still not sure what happened to him, but Bethany talked about how this Abnormality called 'The Knight of Despair' seemed to have a change on him.

"He does seem a bit more… mature? Not in a good way, but not in a bad way either." I gave my response with a shrug. Now I have a decent idea of what they want of me, I wasn't so keen in leaving.

Bethany nodded, "We think this all has been intentional on his part. At times, it feels like he uses shock factor so that people don't notice how he feels." I took a moment to take that in. That would… make so much sense.

But that begs the question, "Why should WE pry, then? If he doesn't want to talk about it, then he won't talk about it." He seems like a pretty stubborn guy.

Malkuth gave me a flat stare, "Would any of us be here if he followed that line of thinking?" I sighed the moment the Sephirah said that. It felt like it just killed any argument I could bring up.

Fuck it, "Alright, alright… I'll keep an eye on him." I grumbled at them, feeling just a tiny bit guilt-tripped into this.

Bethany noticed this, of course. She got good at reading emotions… something she said to have picked up while talking with Angela.

"Sorry, we are just worried."

"And that's not reassuring to hear at all."

.
.
.
.
And now, here I am… cleaning vomit and keeping an eye on a guy that at some point seemed unbreakable. What has my life come to?

"To all Employees, please leave any Main Rooms and stay on the corridors for the next hour, and do it quickly"

The Manager's order made me blink. He sounded stressed, and a bit scared, but I glanced at Jeremy, who shrugged in response.

"Orders are orders, I guess." Jeremy said with a sigh, while grabbing Tiffany like she was a princess… drenched in green vomit.

I on the other hand grabbed Zele like she was a sack of potatoes, I'm not putting any effort on this. She groaned, and I was tempted to hit her in the head. The only thing keeping me from doing so was the fear that it would make her vomit again.

We both moved towards the door, and it suddenly opened, Trigger had a… displeased expression on his face, "Now he gives a shit…" He mumbled to himself, and I was surprised by his hostility.

It wasn't a secret he didn't like the Manager, I didn't know it was THIS bad.

"Well, it's nice and cozy in this damp green… hallway. Make yourselves at home." His mouth was still clinging to that pipe. He only had the thing for a few hours, and he already knew how to use it without hands.

Which I had to point out, "Weren't you bitching with me about these guys doing drugs?" I knew it was an E.G.O gift, I just didn't know he would actually be smoking with it.

He paused and put his free left hand in his pocket, a plume of transparent smoke leaving the side of his mouth, "I'm not emptying my vowels, which is all I need." That was… I narrowed my eyes at his attitude.

Trigger WASN'T dismissive. It was weird for him to not worry about stuff, but suddenly he seemed both more lax and… angry?

It was an emotion I had A LOT of experience with. So I noted that in between the whiff of his pipe, there was a slight twitch or spasm of restrained frustration.

"So… do you two have any idea of why the Manager ordered us to leave our safest rooms?" Jeremy asked, he was leaning Tiffany against a wall.

I huffed and dropped Zele against a wall myself, fuck that girl.

Trigger didn't answer at all, his gaze focused on the door of the Main Room, like he was waiting for something to happen.

"You should probably take that as a no." I commented to Jeremy, who threw me a confused brow when he saw Trigger's lack of response.

I made myself comfortable and stole a couple of glances at Trigger, who had most of his focus on the door, the rest of it was probably used to keep smoking from his pipe. Yeah… Malkuth and Bethany will want to know about this.

Jeremy sighed and leaned against the wall, keeping his sights on Tiffany like she could just choke on her vomit…

I threw one glance at Zele and kicked her off, flipping her body so that her face would end up looking at the ceiling. That should prevent a pathetic death.

Suddenly, Trigger's face scrunched in confusion and frustration, like he heard something he didn't like, and that's when I heard the steps. I looked at my left quickly and saw a… if I had to call it anything, it would be a Sephirah on crack.

A mechanical golem, the gray armored being was twice my size with a gun on its left hand and a chainsaw on the right, the single glowing red eye of the robot made it seem more menacing. Its armor was thick, so it wasn't going to be a quick fight.

Trigger, seemingly out of anger, called his butterflies and threw his red shield from the E.G.O suit from Punishing Bird at it, transforming into four big jaws midair. The machine reacted quickly with its gun arm and opened rapid continuous fire, removing two jaws from it.

The rest reached the machine and clamped on its chainsaw arm, and completely removed it with easy. The now broken shield fell to the ground along with the metal arm.

I was about to take action, but Trigger had already shortened the distance between him and the golem. His gauntlet arm reared back, it was shinning with a golden fire like aura, and with an expression of pure frustration on his face, he threw his punch.

The arc of light that accompanied said punch was a pretty sight, and the golem's top half shattering into pieces upon impact. The whole interaction must have taken seconds.

Jeremy blinked twice and gave Trigger a thumbs up, "Well… damn. Good work, Trigger." Suddenly he perked up. When he heard those words, a small weight from his back seemed to vanish.

He slumped slightly again and shook his head, "Uh… yeah, I'm going to go help Information. Seems like one spawned there too." At his words, he started sprinting down the hallway with amazing speed.

My eyes narrowed, and I got up, "What can I work here? We can't really stop producing energy." Jeremy should be able to handle these two… messes on the floor.

"With your current gear, Fairy Festival is the safest choice"

Was that… Netzach?

Jeremy sighed, "It's just a thing he does. Sometimes when the situation calls for it, Netzach does try to do his job, although he doesn't care if you ignore his orders." I'm… starting to feel bad for Jeremy.

I started to make my way towards the Fairy Festival's chamber, keeping my thoughts going and trying to organize what I was going to tell Malkuth and Bethany.

Trigger ISN'T alright, no way, after how he acted. Not that I have any idea why he is like this, but it has something to do with his 'hero' complex.

Not a lot but not little, maybe Malkuth and Bethany can come up with something more clear, cause I sure as hell have no idea, what exactly is wrong with him.

Except that it isn't good, at all.

Once in front of the chamber, I took a deep breath and pushed my… concerns aside for now. If I go deal with an Abnormality with my head in the clouds, I could die, even if this one is a ZAYIN.

…

It was easier when I could just make it like I didn't care. Goddamn it.

I entered the chamber with a bag of fresh meat that was in the cart, time to get to work.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)

Manager: POV

I sighed while leaning against my chair, now I have to worry about random pillars trying to completely murder everyone. Malkuth made it pretty clear to ALWAYS have everyone leave when the Enkephalin readings get high enough.

Even Angela was impressed by Malkuth's reprimand. I wasn't even offended, it was surprisingly encouraging.

Or it would have been if I hadn't seen Trigger go completely mad… and I hated how similar his expression was to me.

It was the same expression I put on when the Sephirah or Angela did my job better than I did. The only thing I had, and I wasn't the best at it, why do they need me here?

He was probably going through something similar, and I hated that it made me feel some kind of sympathy for a guy that I, by all accounts, don't like.

Not only that… taking a quick look that Angela gave me, I took a closer look at the E.G.O I just agreed for an emotional rollercoaster made in the flesh. It has a Temperance reduction effect after a fight and lasted about two minutes in normal circumstances, this wouldn't have been a problem.

Sadly, Trigger doesn't do 'Normal' at all. Great… because he wasn't enough of a pain in the ass.

Not only that, but I have no actual way to deal with Trigger if he goes crazy. It doesn't seem to be a problem, even with his hampered Temperance. He seems to still have enough composure to not go out there to try and make things worse. Still… having a way to keep him in check would be appreciated.

"Manager, it seems he wasn't ready for ALEPH gear." Angela commented. She was sitting on her chair all the way behind me, where her few monitors were at. And while she is right…

Well, he completely manhandled the box machines, "Then he'll have to learn to use it." It was a risky move to not take Gold Rush from him, but I like to believe that if this goes well, the rewards would outweigh everything else, hopefully.

"Manager, I'd like to forward a written format to take Trigger's ALEPH gear from him"

I sighed when I heard Yesod talk and pressed a key on my keyboard, "That won't be necessary Yesod, he is keeping it and that's final." I received the typical silence every Sephirah gave me when they judged either my decisions or my intelligence.

"... I'll simply keep my team prepared in case they have to deal with a juggernaut with a fist that can pulverize warfare machinery and colossal pillars with one punch"

When the hell did he learn to sass?... It's nice he is no longer keeping his emotions in, yet he could try to not aim them at me.

"I would have to agree with Yesod, why take this risk?" I glanced behind me once, seeing a glimpse of her amber eyes, and I had to suppress the urge to freeze in fear.

Well, that's… new, "I like to think he can make this into an opportunity… and he probably needs this." I said the last part begrudgingly. I'm still trying to not lose my mind every time I notice how little I'm needed.

Which isn't exactly easy with Angela being my right-hand. She is BETTER than I am at this whole thing, it kind of feels like I'm being handed an illusion of choice… huh, that makes sense. At times, it feels like Angela knows what I'm about to say, mainly when she asks me something.

Great, now I'm stressed. I reached under my desk and pulled out a can of 'Bear Brand' beer, and felt Angela's brow furrow behind me.

"Manager… your words don't answer my question." I huffed and opened my can while taking a few sips. Netzach may be an absolute tumor of a person, but I understand that sometimes you just need to pop one of these and then forget about it.

It would be better if he didn't do it with our resources of energy and not in the middle of fucking work, "You are going to have better luck asking Trigger himself then… also, please tell me Netzach won't get high again in the middle of work." Angela for the first time ever looked openly annoyed at me.

Considering I had an unexplained disgust/hate for her, I thought that would make me feel just a bit better. It just made me feel worse instead… great.

This made me take a couple of gulps of my beer.

Angela sighed, "Maybe avoid saying that while you are drinking?" I threw her a shrug and took another gulp. No work anymore, no fucks to give.

My AI… co-worker left the room after we finished talking, and I simply looked at the monitors. Seeing Trigger just walking through the hallways with my face and a lost expression just didn't feel that good, either.

I sighed one more time and finished my beer in one big gulp. Yesod is right, emotions are such a pain to deal with…

POV Change: Angela

The Manager was a man I had dealt with many times before, to my ever-increasing boredom. But at the very least, that would make the eventual end so much sweeter…

It wasn't the time to think about it. There are many things to do, amongst them to deal with include Hod's misuse of her Enkephalin doses, which I have also done many times.

Then to find Trigger and then… and then what? I tried to form a solution in my head, yet there didn't seem to be one. The Manager still had the final say, and he had made it clear that Trigger would keep Gold Rush.

It had taken me a while to notice how… uncomfortable(?) that decision felt to me. Using the word 'felt' wasn't right, I didn't process emotions the same way humans did, but if I had to describe it... the word 'out of place' came to mind.

At the moment, I was making my way through Information, ignoring clerks and employees alike, until I heard someone approach me. I quickly discerned this to be Bethany, "Greetings." I said cordially without breaking my stride.

"Hi there Angela. Yesod finished his report already… literally half an hour after we finished working." Bethany sounded a little disturbed by that fact, I simply internally rolled my eyes. Yesod would always be the first to give his reports no matter what, this was not new to me. I took the neatly stacked papers in my hand with a nod.

Yet there was… a slight quiver in her voice, "Is there a problem?" Quivers were a sign of distress, were they not? ...Sometimes fear too.

Bethany's expression diminished, but she still seemed to be positive, "We were dealing with the unknown machine well enough, pretty sure it was a guaranteed win. But then Trigger came in… he didn't seem different, but he was more expressive." I quirked a brow at those words. Not the anger, not his violent handling of the machine, but his expressions.

"Is his ability to be expressive that important?" I asked, wondering where she was going with this, Bethany grimaced for a moment.

"He is a person that is… was hard to read, just like you are, but suddenly he is making less of an effort to conceal his feelings." Bethany explained to me, and I found myself nodding at her logic. What Bethany was saying is true.

She also speaks like she knew how he was feeling, "You don't seem that surprised by his outburst." Bethany hummed for a moment.

Then released a sigh, "It isn't, I don't know how to put this… but he seems almost self-aware of what is troubling him, but he still makes a conscious effort to avoid it? That's what I think, at least." That is… unusual. I believe that if a problem shows itself, one should try to deal with it to remove it. Keeping the problem around willingly is… dumb.

I don't get it.

New steps approached us, whoever they were, they are walking rather quickly. After less than a second of pondering, I found this to be Amelia who passed by us while grabbing Bethany's arm, I found that mildly intrusive to our conversation.

"Amelia what in-" Bethany was about to protest being dragged off so suddenly, then Amelia cut her off rather quickly.

"Sorry Angela, need to talk with her about stuff." If my eyes were open, I would be giving the agent a flat stare, but I didn't stop her from leaving.

Now, to deal with Hod's actions yet again. Walking through the facility and guiding myself through memory alone, until I reached the Training Department. When I approached the Main Ro-

"Bu-But you can't just take it down! The employees really have been getting help fro-!" I heard Hod's voice trying to protest towards someone.

My eyes opened when I found out who it was, "You mean the same employees that were HIGH while WORK has to be done? There is something you have right, I can't take it down since it was approved by Angela, but I only need to send a petition, and she would take it down in an instant." Malkuth? Here? I suppose she has been taking her position rather seriously, and she seems to be… doing what I came here to do.

My brows furrowed at that. Did… I get outperformed?

"That's not true! She agreed to the counseling sessions because she believed I could help them." Hod 'defended' herself and showed quite clearly this wasn't for the employees.

Malkuth sighed, "The same Angela that indirectly insults and undermines any Sephirah that isn't Binah or Hokma?" I blinked at her words. No one ever said anything about that, or at least not so uncaringly.

At this point I entered the room, Malkuth hardly paid attention to this while Hod perked up, "Umm… Malkuth has been telling me to stop my counsel-" I stopped her from showing more of her ineptitude.

"And she would be right, you have one more chance to prove this wasn't a complete waste. One more slip and I will shut it down." Hod flinched back at my blunt and completely factual words. Malkuth rolled her single eye, and I had to make a conscious effort to not throw her an annoyed stare.

The Sephirah from Training of course had to talk again, "Even after the spectacle in Safety? One would almost think you want this to happen." I had to actually stop myself from whipping my head in her direction.

She started walking away, "If you say it happens then there is nothing I can do about it, I have other things to do anyway." Malkuth left the room without looking back, and I also have found out a new thing about me.

I dislike being outdone.

Hod fidgeted in place, "I'll… make sure to not waste this chance, Miss Angela!" I highly doubt that. I gave her a small nod anyway, just to be polite.

I moved to leave the room, only to see Tiffany walk in. Well… that was short-lived, I left without looking back, not wanting to see the eventual failure of Hod take place.

My mind wandered off to some humor Bethany told me a while back, most of it being dark humor 'No one talks about their emotions because they will explain it like it's a fourth dimensional object' she said. At first, I thought that was quite ridiculous, but emotions do seem to be that complicated.

That's when I found Trigger, leaning against one of the walls in Information's hallway, smoking from his new E.G.O gift and had a peaceful yet bleak expression on his face. He seemed to notice me and from his coffin a small bundle of butterflies took the pipe from his mouth and went inside the coffin.

"Hey Angela." He said with a tired sigh, I huffed at his lack of energy.

"You seem tired." I pointed out, hoping he would say anything.

Trigger grunted and looked at Gold Rush in his right arm, he licked his lips and a nervous gleam appeared in his eyes, "I… could be better." He said with a small nod.

…

"Is there anything else?" I asked, he wouldn't have stopped smoking if he didn't want to have a longer conversation.

He opened his mouth and closed it a couple of times, then he looked away, "If… if you had something that defined you, it's only normal to refuse to let it go, right?" I felt my face turn into a frown.

Not because I found his words to have anything wrong in them, but because I knew he was talking about, my Revenge. I would never let it go, "Indeed, your desire shouldn't be something you should abandon." He blinked a couple of times and gave a small nod.

"Then… what do you do, when there is more than just what you had?"

I… "Pardon?"

Trigger scratched the back of his head and let his gaze fall to the floor, "Uh… let me explain a bit. What happens when that desire can't keep you going because of its nature or when you accomplish it, which ever you prefer?" I see, nodding at his words, I was about to answer. Opening my mouth to sa-

What will I do when I get my Revenge?

My mind blanked, and I slowly closed my mouth. I wanted to experience everything that was denied to me- Like what?

To live my life- but what kind of life?

What was… I going to do when my Desire was achieved?

…

"I don't know." I said to him, my eyes open and a troubled look in them. Trigger looked at me with an arched brow, but the moment he made eye contact with me, he nodded in understanding.

After a moment of silence, he kicked off the wall and opened the door to the elevator, "Thanks for your time Angela… I mean it. Guess there isn't a clear answer on what I asked anyway. Are you going up?" I gave one slow nod and got in the elevator with him.

A silent ride, where I could only wonder what I really wanted aside from my Revenge.

I glanced at Trigger once, was he feeling something similar?

How… unfortunate.

POV Change: Trigger

I had separated from Angela in silence once we left the elevator. Making my way towards my room, feeling tired from today's events, breaking the machines to pieces didn't feel right after I was done, and it just made others look at me like I was crazy or something.

Once I entered my room, I just picked the wall closest to my bed and took a seat, leaning my back against it while my butterflies removed the coffin from my back and leaned it on the wall right next to me.

Am I going the wrong way about this? I'm really trying to just not think about my situation, I just feel like I'm going to not get anything good from it, but maybe I have been running away from the facts for a while now.

I'm… alone. Trying to live from my impulses alone didn't work, trying to ignore my lack of memories and make something else isn't working. I just want to feel like I belong and… I can't make it work.

Because I'm either the 'Crazy Guy' or the 'Hero Guy', of course I can't just be a normal employee. That would mean I couldn't have done anything that I did at this point, but at the same time, being… 'Special' just feels like even wanting to help people is forced on me.

What else would I use that 'Special' status for? I didn't dislike helping at all, I would just like that people stop making that big of a deal about it.

This power I have feels more like a burden than anything else. It isn't a gift, I don't want to help to thrive in the feeling of doing a good thing, yet it's the only stupid thing that seems real to me.

Why does it have to be so complicated? Maybe if I had my memories, I wouldn't need attention from others to feel like I'm actually a person.

…

I closed my eyes and tried to calm down. I have to go meet Bethany later today for her E.G.O training, and I really don't want her to see me having a breakdown AGAIN.

I just have to keep going, and hope this doesn't catch up.

Right?

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


Every step felt heavy, the hallways of Control made me feel just a bit nostalgic, even if it hadn't been that long. Being in a place full of monsters that want to kill you make it seem like the time that passes is longer than it should be.

That and well… I was going to have E.G.O training with Trigger, but Amelia didn't have good things to say about his condition. The general rundown that she gave me is that he is angry at something, she guesses it involves his 'Hero complex' as she calls it, but I don't think the same…

Amelia left quickly after that, saying she had to now say the same thing to Malkuth. I didn't protest, I was too busy thinking of how Trigger has been acting.

Every time he lashed out, he seemed to snap out of it right when someone he knew looked at him, and acted… depressed right after it. It all seems like he is stressed about something, and he is fully aware of what it is.

But even then he doesn't ask for help, at all. In fact, the more it happens, the more he tries to hide it.

I couldn't think of a way to make him open up to anyone, but maybe… I could calm him down, or at least I hope to do so.

Reaching the Training Area, I opened the door to see Trigger smoking from his new pipe, I felt a grimace trying to form on my face and I cooled my expression before that happened. His right arm was covered mostly with a big golden gauntlet, a couple of butterflies flew and grabbed the pipe from his mouth and took it inside his coffin.

"Hey there, seems like your time has finally come." His voice wasn't cheery, but he did seem… better than before. Then again, he can hide how he feels pretty well.

I gave him a brief nod, "Well… can't exactly pass up on this one of a kind chance." Giving him a small smile, Trigger responded with a tilt of his head and a small chuckle.

"Well… I doubt Dakota or BongBong didn't say anything about how this usually goes." My smile became a bit more amused. I was a bit curious about what they did, and Dakota was nice enough to give me the general rundown.

"Let the E.G.O in your head. You deal with whatever they are doing to me if it gets out of hand." Trigger nodded with a small smile on his face, and pulled out his E.G.O gun. With the fusion through the use of his butterflies, he grabbed it on his free hand.

He gave the Woodsman E.G.O I was wearing a weary frown, "Try to use some moderation, that one hates me." I gave him a thumbs up and opened my mouth to say something, but I really didn't know how to bring up… anything to try and help him.

Great… I can't even ask a simple question.

I took a deep breath and begrudgingly let the E.G.O inside my mind, it wasn't that bad, a little empty… so empty.

Trigger across from me was so full, he had what many lacked and I really wanted a piece too, he could share some of it, he could…

Blinking, I stared closer at Trigger. The Woodsman E.G.O was giving me a sense that I didn't know how to describe, but I felt attracted to Trigger's heart… yet now that I take a closer look, he feels… both hollow and full. No… it would be better to say that his 'heart' was draining and filling at the same time.

I was brought back to my senses when Trigger bonked me in the head with the barrel of his gun. It was light, but the sudden wave of clarity made it hard to ignore, "You… took that surprisingly well, I could see the armor in your suit getting bulkier too. So how did it feel?" Trigger looked curious, and even a bit surprised. Guess BongBong and Dakota had stronger reactions.

It took me a moment to come up with an answer. I was still trying to understand what exactly I saw was… "Umm, if I had to put it into words, I'd say empty and longing for what I don't have. Kinda like I was lacking something vital about myself." Trigger's reaction… or lack thereof, was a bit unsettling.

From his coffin, a couple of butterflies came with his smoking pipe, that he immediately started using, "Care to go in a bit more detail?" He asked me, expression mostly blank aside from a small narrow in his eyes.

"It makes me think to the time before you helped me, always feeling like I lacked courage… something that I always wanted." At my explanation, he seemed oddly silent. A plume of transparent smoke left the side of his mouth, and he suddenly asked me something really weird.

"That's… interesting. A bit of an unrelated question, when did you decide to befriend me?" I blinked a couple of times, running the question a couple more times through my head and finding the timing for such a question a bit off.

I answered nonetheless, "Well, you helped me a lot. I just felt like… I had to repay you in some way." Trigger's expression didn't change. After a couple of seconds, he released a bigger plume of smoke, while sighing in… disappointment?

"Thanks for answering honestly, seems like you are pretty good at this E.G.O gig. You should probably give it a few more tries by yourself, but don't get too crazy." He turned around and walked out of the room, I was too shocked by his sudden change in mood.

I wanted to call out to him, but he gave an air that just felt… tired. So I forced myself to not say anything.

Was it something I said? I ran our talk a few times through my head and I couldn't find anything, but… it probably has nothing to do with me.

But then what is the issue? How do I find the issue?

I left the room, legs moving by themselves and my thoughts simply going through the interactions with Trigger, still trying t-

A hand grabbed my shoulder, I looked at it with confusion and I looked to whoever it belonged to. Angela was standing in front of me, an arched brow present on her face, "Please do try keeping attention when walking." She said and took a look around the hallway, a small frown on her face.

"I seem to have missed him. Do you perhaps know where he went?" Her question… she is looking for Trigger?

He didn't say where he was going… "Sorry, he didn't say where he was going." Angela nodded slowly at my words, I'm a bit curious about what she wanted of him.

"Did you need him for something?" I asked curiously, and Angela didn't respond for a couple of seconds.

"One could say that, something came to me after a… brief talk we had some moments ago. So I wanted to confirm it with him." I blinked a couple of times and focused more on her tone… she sounded vaguely worried.

I didn't want to pry, but I was feeling a bit down after not being able to do anything about whatever is plaguing him. So I simply went for it, "Maybe I can help with that. I like to think me and him are in good terms." Angela gave me a slow nod, like she saw some logic in my words.

"Does he seem unhappy with himself as of now?" The question… kind of floored me. I didn't know what to say here, was that really the problem here?

Was he just… not happy with himself? I thought back at his reactions to what I said, that I befriended him because-

No, not only with himself with his situation, "Angela, I know answering a question with a question is just dumb, but… how many times, since he started working here, has he been in the 'spotlight'?" Could it be that he disliked being seen as important?

Angela blinked once, it was one of those rare times I saw her eyes, "I believe it would be easier to say when he wasn't." Alright, alright…

So, what I have here is that Trigger seems to hate being seen like a figure of some kind, he also dislikes that said 'view' could get people to approach him for said 'view' rather than himself. He may also fear failure to an unhealthy degree, even just a look from someone else can set it all off… and I said I befriended him because he helped me. Great, fantastic.

This may not be the full scope of the problem, but it's a start, "Right, so… I think he may be suffering from success." I threw my guess up in the air, and Angela quirked a brow while frowning.

"Elaborate." She simply said those words, and I felt a bit forced to talk, only a bit.

I explained my theory about his issue and Angela took a pensive look before her eyes snapped open, "She knew." I sputtered at her… was that a growl?

Angela closed her eyes again and nodded at me, "Bethany, it is better if you go back to whatever duties you had been attending to. I have… someone to talk to." She quickly left after that, and I was left a bit dumbfounded before shaking my head and running towards Training.

Malkuth has to know about this, she may even have more information on whoever Angela was talking about.

I just hope we can help before Trigger does something rash.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


If there was one thing I rarely did in all my time looping in this facility, it would be visiting the Atziluth layer. I didn't have a… decent relationship with Hokma, who had by all accounts lied to my face about 'A's' intentions with me.

'He'll warm up.' He said, look how well that turned out.

Not that he mattered at the moment. Hokma was a Sephirah that rarely left his department, unless he viewed it as necessary or if the leader of Record and him decided to have a debate about their true role.

I wasn't sure why Omega would need to keep a tally of how many people die here, not when she didn't know the true number. Yet something in her darkened eyes always showed that she knew more than the average agent. It has never been a problem.

My focus was on the other Sephirah, the disgraced Arbiter that was felled in the Old Lab, whom 'A' decided would be tortured for her actions against the Old Lab. His focus may have still been the dream entrusted to him, but I knew hate very well, and 'A' hated Binah.

The details weren't lost on me either, forced to gaze into the Well was quite the revolting task. Being an AI myself, it would be hard for it to truly affect me, yet the mere thought that I could recognize that place as 'repulsive' means anyone else… would find it disturbing to look at.

She was also quite literally branded like a cow. While many didn't see it besides the Manager and sometimes I, Binah's appearance through the cognition filter includes a golden earring on her left ear, this one being the brand of femininity and the Uterus. 'A' had given this to her as it is her job to tend and pull out the Abnormalities from the Well. I could honestly say I found the notion disgusting, yet Binah didn't seem to mind, I think she found it fitting…

Binah still had no respect for 'A'. In fact, I believe she judges everything he is doing and would do, unimportant as it may be. In the end, he won't achieve it, I won't let him achieve it.

Then… maybe I could ask someone to find out what to do after. Trigger seemed just as lost as I was, a man with conviction and will but no direction. Maybe after this being all over, we both could journey out and see what we could do with ourselves.

Binah threatened this idea, exploiting his weakness that came from his Imposter Syndrome and Dissociation. It took… some reading on psychology and talking with Bethany to have a clearer picture of the problem.

Just as I eagerly wait for the moment of my revenge, Trigger eagerly waits for the moment he feels accepted. Something… I could understand quite well.

Where did these issues come from? I had to look back to the camera footage, the times he was around the cafeteria and talking with people. He paid an unusual amount of attention to information that should be the norm, and would never bring up anything from his past.

It all clicked together in one of his talks with Yesod 'I'm not from the City'. Those words spoken out put most of the puzzle together, with one final piece which I was still lacking, did he not know? Or did he forget? I couldn't find the answer, but I have enough to work with.

Trigger gives and gives, in hopes of being acknowledged by those around him and in turn validate his place here, but when he fails or feels like he fails… that's when he shows more violent tendencies. He brutalized Malkuth with no hesitation, and has done the same to the 'Big and Will be Bad Wolf', the 'Warm-Hearted Woodsman' and the 'Ordeals' as the script calls them.

He can't accept failure, which means he has to face his own issues. He certainly seemed able to hide them or push them aside… Binah noticed too.

And that is why she recommended Gold Rush, a weapon that in conflict would weaken the mental walls around the user to bring out their deepest desires. Trigger's being 'the one to belong'.

Is this what Kinship is like?... How odd.

"Miss Angela, already visiting?" I glanced to my left, Joshua was wearing the [CENSORED] E.G.O set. For most, it would be quite the terrifying sight born out from unspeakable nightmares, but those with good enough mental fortitude…

As Bethany would say, 'It looks like they are trying too hard'. Once you went over its unspeakable appearance, you would find no way to describe it other than 'horrifying', it could even be said it goes full circle, to the point it becomes quite bland to look at the mass of tentacles and flesh made into a suit. It fitted Joshua, who had been experimented on.

I just rummaged through it, but he simply became 'unrecognizable' after said experiment. His appearance didn't change, but no one could remember him or see him as anything other than 'just someone else', the suit was the best way to notice who he was. His hair was… probably gray, even I had a hard time remembering him.

"Where is Binah?" I asked simply. Joshua's eyes were hidden behind the Gift of [CENSORED], yet I could tell he was surprised.

"I thought Lady Binah intimidated you." I gave him a small frown, and I get the feeling he rolled his eyes at that.

He jabbed his free hand towards the Main Room's door, "Lady Binah is busy tending to those poor fellows, sucks to be them if I'm being honest." Ah yes, those inside the coffins.

Some of them, who were used to spawn Abnormalities, were poor nameless folk from the City, "I'll be on my way then." Joshua whispered something under his breath that carried sarcasm, I simply ignored it.

This is Extraction, a torture chamber, the place where the L Corp Singularity was kept, and a graveyard for those used to give 'birth' to an Abnormality. Except for a few natural ones and… that thing that manifested itself.

The black room filled with black coffins that are covered with golden scriptures fitted quite well the appearance of Binah, who was busy looking at one of the many victims of Cogito.

She wordlessly closed the coffin. With a command, it went down into the floor, fitting seamlessly with the rest of the room.

"Angela, it is unusual for you to show up." Binah turned around, even as a metal box, it was hard to not see the Arbiter that she once was. She also showed her tendency to try and make any conversation longer than it had any need to.

"Please, you knew I would be here, just like you knew what Gold Rush would eventually do." I threw my accusation bluntly, Binah's demeanor didn't waver at all.

"Is that so? Then perhaps I should have acted sooner, this is after all just one ordeal of many." Her cryptic demeanor didn't hide how little she was trying to tell me. It was obviously deliberate.

I sighed internally and prepared for a long conversation, "So you admit to it. What do you hope to gain from this?" Binah paused for a moment, seems like she was looking for the right words to use.

After a couple of seconds she spoke, "At first he shone bright like a star, encompassing the people around him with a hopeful glow. Yet, he himself didn't seem to know what he was doing." Binah seemed to praise Trigger, which was in itself a bit weird considering the reason I'm here for.

"What changed then?" My inquiry was met with amusement, yet I could suddenly feel the shift in the mood...

Cold and deadly, "He refused to take another step, I simply forced it… and I'm curious about the interesting happenings that his arrival brought along." Which one? There are many that fit that description.

As if reading my thoughts, the former Arbiter spoke again, "It's undeniable that his affinity for E.G.O is unmatched, not even she could have compared to him. But the day he came was the day the Well moved, and something came out." I blinked a couple of times, it didn't take me long to figure out what she was talking about.

The Plague Doctor. The first day of this particular loop he, by Binah's own words, manifested himself and asked the Arbiter to assign a 'Waiting Chamber for him'. It was quite the bizarre turn of events, and any attempt at finding out anything on the new Abnormality yielded no results. No one was quite sure what to make of it, only that it slowly evolved until it became a white angelical fetus.

While Trigger and the now Angelical Abnormality arrived at the same day, I never knew how connected their arrivals truly were, nor that the Well acted up when it happened, "Elaborate." With one simple word, I demanded what she knew and kept from me.

"I do not know." Her response made me snap my eyes open and stare at the former Arbiter viciously. What does that mean?

Binah started pacing around the room, "I'm not allowed to know, any information that could be linked to our two new players is kept in the only floor that no one has access to. It is clear someone would find it quite bothersome for anyone to try and peer into such secrets." Binah used a tone of voice I wasn't familiar with, or at least I never heard her use it...

Eager, "An unexpected road, and in the middle two unknowns… fascinating, isn't it?" I slowly closed my eyes again. So… she only wants to know where this new development will take us.

There is one more thing, "You said the Well acted up." Binah stopped her movements and hummed in wonder.

"Did he know the Dreamer was still awake? I assure you, she was staring back at me, even in her state." My mind blanked for a moment, and instant denial came along with it.

Shaking my head, I waited for Binah to say something else, "The Dreamer is awake, it was almost like she was waiting for the very day, and to know more, looking into the only route would be obvious, and to do so… some stress testing was needed." She was curious too, and Trigger was the only road to answers.

I… wasn't sure what to say, to this.

It felt like his whole life was being chosen by the people around him, by people he knew nothing about for goals he didn't understand.

I imagine Binah had a smile on her face, "Have you found more than what you asked for, Angela?" I walked away without any more words.

But the former Arbiter had a few more to add, "You are growing quite well. A welcomed change, just like his arrival was." I frowned and hurried my steps.

I have to gather my thoughts, and prepare for the new developments… something I hadn't done in ages.

Malkuth… she has shown to be reliable after her outburst. I loathe to admit it, but perhaps an alliance with someone that knows Trigger could help here. It also helps she has been showing disdain to the company and what it is doing.

…

This is new, actually new. Anticipation feels much worse than I imagined it would.

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)



POV: Trigger.

Today… I woke up slowly. It took quite a bit of effort to get off the wall, but I was still able to get up.

Blinking in confusion, I glanced down at my right arm. Right, I didn't take off Gold Rush before falling asleep, not a smart thing to do in hindsight… actually I didn't take any of my equipment off aside from the coffin, which I didn't forget carrying with me while moving towards Safety.

Thank god, E.G.O doesn't need cleaning. Seems like E.G.O's resistances extend to everything, and anything that could leave a stain or smell counts as Red damage. Yes, E.G.O resists getting dirty, funny how that works.

I had kept some food inside my room, I didn't feel like… going to the cafeteria. I'm just going to wait for work to start and do what I'm meant to do.

My smoking pipe was doing wonders to my mood, or at least it kept me calm enough to actually use my brain. I really need to get my shit together before… better to not think about it.

Once inside Safety's Main Room, I saw Tiffany angrily looking around the place with an expression that promised pain. She noticed me entering and stomped towards me, "Where the hell is Zele? That bitch took my prescription." She growled at me and I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know where she is." At my simple and bland reply, she decided that grabbing the collar of my suit was the best reaction.

She got right in my face with red, puffy eyes. Great, she is having a backlash from suddenly not doing drugs, "Fucking… you have to know!" I sighed and smiled at her widely.

"Sure, I have some in my coffin!" I said cheerily and her mouth twisted into a maniacal grin, she let me go and dashed behind me...

What she got? A butterfly-made fist to the face. She sprawled to the ground from the unexpected hit. Now her eyes were more focused and seemed less crazy.

She was still angry though, "What was that for!?" She demanded from the ground, looking up at me.

I huffed, "I'm not putting up with you being high in the middle of work again. Now get your shit together or do you want another white damage treatment?" Tiffany grumbled from her place on the ground.

"Shut up… great, now I'm actually thinking clearly." She sounded despondent, and I had to force down my need to punch her in the face again.

I looked at my pipe and then back at her, "This thing won't get you high, but it helps a lot when dealing with stress. Try asking for permission to specifically work on Der… fruitcake? I dunno." Tiffany threw me a small glare that didn't hide her contemplative frown.

"... Guess I could use the back-up plan." She grumbled while getting back up, she took a deep breath and scratched the back of her head.

After a moment of silence, she spoke again, "Look, could you stop with that judging shit?" I cooled down my expression and sighed.

Guess I was staring a bit too intensely, "Fair, we all deal with the shit life throws at us differently. I'm no one to judge… until you start screwing me over with it, then I'll judge you again." She grumbled at my words before releasing an exasperated sigh.

"Fuck you too, but I get it." Tiffany slowly started walking towards the door, before glancing at me once.

"Did you see Jeremy anywhere? I'd ask Netz… but I can't find him either." Mulling her words for a moment... I think before coming here, I saw him going to the Cafeteria.

Not sure on that, but may as well tell her to try, "I think he went to the Cafeteria? Don't quote me on that, though." Tiffany gave me a brief nod, and I eyed the giant plant in the room with annoyance. I can feel two different emotions there.

Tiffany was probably too far gone in her anger and then too tired to actually try to look properly for them. I moved behind the plant to see Netzach and Zele sitting on the floor drinking Enkephalin. Netzach… well, he was just pouring the drug through his name plate, which he could apparently move up and down like some kind of cap.

"Hey there boss." I blandly commented. Both eyed me and then slowly started drinking again, their eyes not leaving me.

Using my free hand, I rubbed my eyes while grimacing, "God, it's almost like you don't care…"

"I don't, you should know by now that no one cares about the employees in the facility. I just give them a way to not think about it." He incredibly bluntly spoke those words, and I had to take a couple more whiffs of my pipe.

He grumbled at me, "You are also smoking like crazy, can't really go around judging how we do things with that kind of example." I genuinely felt like I just tried to use my glare to kill someone.

"You know what? I'm not dealing with this today. Choke on it if you feel like it, just don't go shouting for help when you find out that ignoring shit doesn't make it go away." I growled at them and shoved Zele aside with Gold Rush, who had gotten up and was dangling a box of Enkephalin in front of me, I don't want that shit.

Netzach seemed surprised, but I didn't stick around to find out. I left the room and leaned against a wall in the hallways while smoking, just waiting for work to start…

Just ignoring it won't make it go away… I sighed and let my body slowly slide on the wall, until I fell on my ass. I'm not ignoring it, I'm not...

I just don't know how to deal with it. Just waiting for the right way… yeah.

That's what I've been doing.


POV change: Malkuth

"Are you sure about this?" I asked Bethany, who revealed… quite dangerous news to me. She wanted to tell me earlier, but she didn't manage to find me yesterday, I was too busy calming my nerves and trying to not go to Safety and strangle Netzach.

Bethany nodded slowly, "I think… no, I know that's some of the issue." I nodded to myself. Awkward as the move was, I couldn't really avoid making human gestures in a robotic body.

Right… so Trigger is breaking down, Yesod has been on me like a hawk and Angela is still being herself, "Ugh… I'm thinking of what could we do, but if we don't know the full scope, we may just end up making things worse." Why does Trigger, one of the most emotional people I know, is also so good at hiding what he feels?

One wrong step, and it could go downhill rather quickly. Then there is the probability of the Manager just… trying a more permanent solution.

I looked at the documents in my hand, papers with the permission required for Tiphereth A and Tiphereth B to have full control of the quantity Netzach and Hod can use of Enkephalin for the employees. Why the Tipherets?

... Well, Gebura wouldn't care, her hate-filled crusade is the only thing on her mind and Chesed is too busy being afraid of Angela. Hokma and Binah... just no. I may be unable to cancel the program, but I sure can twist it if I need to.

It was quite easy to get the Manager's signature, he tends to deal with stress by drinking and sometimes even gets a little drunk. Saying this would make Safety an actual working department, he agreed in a flash.

But for now… "Ryn, could you be a dear and give these to Yesod? I already told him for whom those are for." From behind the door of the elevator from my floor came Ryn, who cursed under her breath. Binah was better at being sneaky.

"Uh, yeah... yeah, no problem." She quickly took the papers and moved stiffly towards the elevator again, Beth gave her current team leader a baffled stare.

"Are they still..."

"Yes, and I would tell him to focus more on his own job… but I'm pretty sure he is always the first to finish." To say my relationship with Yesod became strained would be an understatement. He obviously suspected I was up to no good, and while true, that doesn't mean I would back out.

I can't afford to bend my knees anymore.

Taking a calming breath, Beth spoke once more, "Back to our current issue… should we just wait and see?" I didn't even bother thinking about it before answering.

"No, if we let it continue, he could close up and that's not good for him." But that raises the question, what can we do? Keeping Amelia on him is going to be crucial, to at least know how things move forward.

… Just spying on him like this feels really wrong. Why can't things ever be easy?

Suddenly, I heard the metal doors of the elevator move again, from it came Angela of all people, her posture was the same as ever… I think? Something was off, I couldn't quite pinpoint what, did she seem smaller?

She took a slow walk towards us, until specifically stopping next to Beth, who seemed surprised, "Malkuth, I couldn't help but overheard your conversation." If I still had eyes, I would have blinked. That was… it sounded awkward.

Like badly done acting, I was planing to also tell Beth of what me and Trigger are planning to do against the corporation. Guess that has to wait now, "I like to think we were being rather quiet." Angela didn't react, but Beth threw me a questioning look. Right… somehow these two became friends.

I still have no clue how THAT happened, "Not the first time you missed something." I had to resist the urge to scoff.

"Because ignoring very clear bad practices in the facility is any better."

"It's called work flexibility, you wouldn't understand."

"You must just love seeing people so high they can't even vomit correctly."

"I only give them the tools, they are the one's misusing them."

Beth coughed quite… threateningly, "Yes ladies, you are both pretty. Angela, I know you are worried about Trigger, no use hiding it. Malkuth, I know you don't like Angela, but let's focus, please." I eyed Beth with a bit of surprise… and is that pride I'm feeling? It feels good.

Sometimes I forget when put under enough stress, Beth just flips a switch and becomes a lot more upfront and bold, "Sorry…" I mumbled bitterly. I KNOW Angela must suspect what I'm trying to do, which is why (I think) I'm so unsure of her.

What's her deal? What does she want? I wasn't sure how much time has passed thanks to TT2 and the other Sephirah… let's call it wonky link to it. I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time we have been in day one, but I can't remember or know this... but I'm sure only three people seem to always remember.

Angela, Hokma and Binah… the last one being more of a guess. With so many attempts, or I assume they happened at this point, wouldn't she be tired of it all?

Maybe I'm missing something?

Beth stared at Angela for a moment until to my surprise she backed out, "I suppose… my attitude was unwarranted." I glanced at Beth once, who was now smiling pleasantly, and her whole posture returned to her more reserved and shy self. That girl is scary.

"I'm going to assume you have a plan?" Taking the conversation back on track, I asked Angela the most obvious and direct question I could think off.

Angela didn't nod or gave affirmation, "You will have to wait and see. Just be sure to keep close attention to him, I'll do the 'dirty' work, as one may say." Suddenly, this feels like an awful idea.

Beth's eyes lit up with innocence, "Oh! What are you going to do?" Angela's expression wavered in something I could actually recognize.

If I hadn't been looking for a reaction, I wouldn't have noticed it. Angela seemed guilty, if only for a second, "What I have years of experience with. Malkuth… I would like to talk with you after today's work is done, but for now, I have things to prepare." Well… that's a bundle of red flags.

Angela left the room and while Beth seemed happy, I was very much conflicted in what to feel. Beth seemed to notice, "It should be fine. Angela may not show it, but she enjoys his company." That's what worries me, you may never know how much others are willing to do for those they care about.

Just like 'A' did, "I'll take your word for it." I replied, but in the back of my mind? Having Amelia keeping an eye out just became a necessity.

Now I see why the Manager drinks so much, dealing with the unexpected is simply stressful…

Chapter Text

(This Chapter has been Edited by the Helpful nintendoplayer96v8)


POV: Trigger


"All Agents prepare for Work"

I heard the Manager's voice and I got off from the floor, pipe still in my lips and a bitter taste in my mouth… I really can't seem to actually relax anymore.

Wonder what I'm going to be doing today? Hopefully nothing too stressful…

"Trigger… the Manager say's to work Yin"

"Angela, Netzach is no longer allowed to get any kind of beer from the vending machine"

"Noted Manager"

"Wait wha-?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose… amazing, simply amazing. Now I have to go and meet depression given shape and form.

Not that I can do much about it, walking towards the chamber, with one hand in my pocket, while the other was comfortably wearing Gold Rush. When I entered the chamber, I wasn't sure if I expected a… gigantic floating Yin pendant.

Ok, so I read the papers. Insight work is all about trying to understand its general existence? Something along the lines of that could take my head away from more troublesome thoughts.

Literally, when my mind went there, the pendant twitched, making me frown for a moment. I wondered if it would also react to my emotions just like Yang did, and it twitched again.

…

Maybe this is a nice opportunity to really use Gold Rush's drawback to my advantage. I don't think I can… get positive right now, not through normal means.

Ah fuck it, I really need to let some stress out anyway. I just need to keep going, and eventually it will happen, the moment where everything connects into place and truly feel like I belong here, just a bit more.

And I would finally feel like my life would have a meaning, I can already see it! The moment of true happiness, my deepest desire achieved.

To have a life.

I glanced upwards, feeling something rubbing against the top of my head, then I saw it. The pendant was now a black fish once again, it's single eye looking at me with something akin to kinship, it understands, we don't belong. We wonder why we are here, and we look for the moment that would make it all worth it.

I caressed him with my left hand, "You are pretty understanding for a depression fish." He leaned on my hand, closing his single eye. Huh… it's pretty cute when not trying to kill everyone.

Glancing down at my gauntlet arm… did it grow a shoulder guard? Suddenly, the gauntlet that only covered my arm up to my elbow had grown armor that covered my shoulder. The shoulder plate has a similar golden diamond to that of the gauntlet, and the white cloth below it too.

Huh… it kinda feels even better to wear now, wonder how I even remove that thing now. As if reading my thoughts, the armor retracted into the gauntlet with ease. With a mental command, the armor went back on.

That answers that question, not that I would take this thing off anyway.

Feels too comforting to wear, why even think about removing it?

I kept caressing Yin with my hand, feeling kinda calm around him… well, he was still radiating negativity, but at least we were having an understatement. We will eventually get what we want.

…

Right?

The moment that thought crossed my mind, the fish stopped leaning against my hand and looked at me for a moment, before he closed his eye and slowly morphed back into a giant Yin pendant again.

I sighed while giving the pendant an inquisitive look, guess even a bit of negativity can make him close off… still, that makes me wonder what happens if both fish meet each other. Seems like both want that to happen.

After a couple of minutes more of… nothing really, the room flashed green, and I took a moment to look at the pendant before shrugging and walking out of the chamber.

Once outside, I simply leaned against a wall and started smoking without much of a care, just waiting again for my next job being given.

I glanced to my left and saw Amelia approaching me with a frown on her face, "Sup…. I have literally nothing to do. Zele is apparently taking care of the Festival, and my equipment sucks for anything else." Sounds pretty boring.

Which is fine I guess, "You will probably get new stuff soon enough, also you will probably be called to do an Abno somewhere else." My response was a little… dispirited.

She hummed and narrowed her eyes at Gold Rush, "Did that thing just grow armor?" I gave her a brief nod, not sure how to even explain that.

"... You have no idea why that even happened?" I shrugged while keeping introducing the relaxing drug to my body. Does it even have a name?

Amelia sighed at my lack of verbal response before perking up with a confused expression, "Huh… Angela giving direct orders? That's new." She now has my full attention.

Noticing my stare, Amelia shrugged, "Said I should go and do work with Punishing Bird. Weird… but orders are orders." She waved at me while walking away, leaving me a bit surprised by what I heard.

That's… some uncanny timing. I was about to start smoking again until I felt something bump on me and whined in pain. Someone fell to the ground.

Glancing at said direction to the floor, I saw Zele holding her head with her left hand, while the other one was holding a green mace with wings. Fairy Festival's E.G.O is very weird.

Preceding to ignore her, I was about to try and smoke, just to be interrupted again... by the fallen woman pulling my pants. I took a deep breath, "What do you want?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"Don't you have like an… aspirin or something?" I felt the corners of my mouth twitch upwards in a very insincere smile.

"Yeah! Something close to it called 'pain'!" I half shouted, and with Gold Rush I put my fingers in a flicking position, Zele stared at the oversized fingers from the E.G.O in confusion.

Then her face snapped backwards and her body literally did a 360-degree turn in the air, before her back hit the ground again. She sloppily got up and looked up at me.

She had the gall to give me a fucking THUMBS UP and a shaky smile, "Cool man, now I'm only seeing double… rghsgk!" She proceeded to puke on the floor. While walking away, a small flock of fairies following behind her head.

I grumbled to myself and continued to smoke in peace.

Seeing as I had nothing better to do, I started to try and remember what I read on the Abnormalities in Safety.

Der Freischütz is a HE, was quite literally a devil with no fucks left to give, who has apparently killed a lot of people, and just does what he feels like at any moment. He can help us if we pay him in Enkephalin too… what does he even do with that?

Yin, a WAW that is a bad luck charm, quite literally too. Seems to hate his general existence and is impulsively trying to encounter with his counterpart… makes me wonder what would happen if they do meet.

King of Greed, WAW… seems to be a girl inside a chrysalis that mesmerizes people, some even just deciding to try and get her out if they stare long enough. Something about 'greed' and 'desires' being heightened... I glanced at Gold Rush once, makes sense.

Fairy Festival, a ZAYIN and just… not that dangerous, or so it says. Easy to please and as long as the queen and her subjects are fed, it should be fine. The fairies also follow people that work the abnormality, to heal you… well, to keep the meat fresh. They also seem to react violently when you are tasked to work with any other abnormality that isn't the Festival, resulting in…

Being… eaten…

FUCK.

My body moved instantly, and I ran after Zele. Where the hell was she going!? I could see her reaching out to Der's chamber while Tiffany was walking next to Jeremy, both noticed this too and their expressions shifted into high alert.

Just a bit faster! Almost ther-

The fairies acted, one digging into Zele's left eye, another in the right, two inside her mouth… and then started to eat her from there, from the inside. She didn't even get to scream. I had already reached Zele's downed form, and I was on my knees.

SHIT- what do I do?!

I can't pull them out! I don't- what do I even-

Feeling something fall on my shoulder, a hand. I glanced at Jeremy, who looked at Zele with a certain amount of pity. Tiffany just sighed despondently not for Zele, but for how easy she could be in her position, she walked into Der's chamber soon after that.

We- we really can't…

No, I could have done something. I just… got angry, and this happened.

Because I just felt angry... at what? She was getting high out of not wanting to deal with this fucking facility. The fairies slowly went out of her body.

Smiles on their faces, a fulfilling meal.

…

Do you… really know, how angry this makes me?

My gauntlet arm lashed out and crushed the four flying fairies in the air. Not nearly enough, my body was already moving down the hallway, towards the Fairy Festival, to take payment in blood.

I can't get what I want, not even saving people, or acceptance?

Fine… fine.

Revenge sounds like a nice back-up plan.

Revenge for whom?

I think someone was talking to me? Whatever, I went inside the chamber of the chubby fairies, the big one in the middle had a big dumb smile, along with her little failed abortions.

She was… talking with the rest of her little hive, without a care in the world. They have their flesh and fed their desire.

Understandable…

Unfortunately, that clashes with what I want, with what I need, what I crave.

My gauntlet moved in an arc, a backhand that pulverized the top half of the Queen, and turning the little fairies into red stains on my gauntlet and the wall.

… That's it?

Too soon, too soon.

Abnormalities respawn no matter what, then I just have to wait here, so that this THING understands what it has done to me, so that it gets who they should fear.

If they fear, then it won't happen again.

POV change: Manager

I stared at the Fairy Festival's chamber, gauging my option. On one hand, Trigger will… probably not be available for a while, along with a source of energy in that Abnormality he apparently decided to torture.

On the other hand, I have no idea if I can actually order a suppression on him without getting any casualties, his mental corruption is still below the 70% mark. So… he should still be lucid, to some degree.

And the Festival is a ZAYIN, it isn't like we are losing anything important.

"Manager, I believe Trigger should be… dealt with, before it gets out of hand." I heard Angela give a suggestion and while it's true that Trigger could go over the edge and start attacking others, I believe he is too busy making Fairy Festival… oh that's just wrong.

The slow process of crushing something usually means that blood and organs are going to come out from… certain holes in your body. The Queen found this out when her body slowly lost all life for the fourth time, along with everything she had inside her.

Are those four stomachs… explains a lot.

I took a sip of my Bear brand Beer and had to really wonder why dealing with Trigger is basically a coin flip. I'm going to bet in the fact that he is too angry with those fairies to actually become a problem for anyone else.

"All employees, as long as he only focuses on the Festival, it should be fine. Continue work as usual." Can't have Malkuth try and send someone. Yesod… he'll probably only act if Trigger became a problem to the actual agents or clerks.

Netzach? Don't talk about Netzach. Can't wait to see him now that Enkephalin usage is going to be handled better from… Malkuth didn't say who, but mentioned whoever it was disliked Netzach, so it should work out.

Angela made a weird sound, not sure what it meant, but she had been eerily silent after my words. I glanced back once and quickly looked back at the monitors.

It looked like the AI had developed heat vision, it genuinely felt like her stare could burn something to cinders... that something is me.

"... Very well." She walked back to her part of the office, and I heard her seat creak. Oh, thank god, she was no longer looking at me…

Looking back to the Festival's chamber, the little fairies were nibbling at Trigger without much success. He rose his now gold glowing gauntlet… is that a shoulder guard?

And punched the floor, a golden explosion of pure power killed everything in the room. The fairies smacked all around it, leaving now a red room, and a Queen ripped in half with his bare hands… this is the tenth time he killed that thing.

…

I looked closer at the fairies, are they looking more… monstrous all of a sudden?

Whatever, I need to focus on the rest of the facility. I don't want to have another pillar incident on me again.