For the Humanity Within
Disclaimer: Megaman is owned by Capcom but the names used here are meant for fictional purposes. If real names appear here, this is out of coincidence.
Note: I would like to apologize for my delay. Everything in school is piling up. Not to mention the computer problems and the renovation of the house. But this is no excuse. Oh, I would like to thank MegaAuthor for his help and that solitary review, heheh.
Now without any further ado, here's chapter 10.
X. Blanche
The ground gave a small, thin trail of smoke from the scorched ground. Upon it, a shadow was cast before him. Kamui stood aghast upon seeing the familiar form that stood upon the branches of a tree. The brazen light of the sun as reflected by the leaves, the sight of its showering aura gave response to the woods. Kamui noticed the grin that was short-lived as it left the stranger's lips. And the thoughts of doubt danced upon Kamui's mind, a flickering light reflected upon the surface of the stranger's sunglasses.
"Brother…" he whispered aloud.
The figure took a leap, his form flipped with agility as he descended to the ground. Landing with grace of his movement, he gazed at Kamui and a short moment of silence came between them. The wind gave its breeze as the scarves fluttered along; a voice soon followed the stillness.
"Kamui, have you awakened your true self?" these words welcomed him, the fingers moved in a small stir. "Or are you still confused with the fact of your humanity?"
Kamui felt the words pierce through him. It made sense at that matter. Clenching his fist, letting the tension pass, he gazed at his brother and grimaced but kept his composure.
"Brother, I…"
"Prove yourself to me." Takenori answered, cutting Kamui's statement aside as light gathered upon his hand. Taking its shape, a ring that circled upon his wrist, he stretched his hand towards Kamui's direction and let out a blast of energy. Kamui felt the shot come in quickly as he sidestepped from the blast. Another number of shots came rushing in at Kamui. He had no choice but to take off and run from the incoming barrage. Seeing a tree upon his line of sight, he lunged forth behind it and used its massive trunk for cover. Splinters and singed fragments scattered behind him as the blasts of energy in minute size made their impact.
Kamui was taken by surprise when that happened. He leaned his back upon the tree when the barrage halted. The cold wind brushed its caress upon his face as he clenched his fist. He never felt like retaliating. The doubts entered his mind as the question resurfaced again. The ring that circled his wrist appeared once more and the energy enveloped his palm. He stood there as he felt it amass upon his hand, giving his body a distinct aura. He turned about-face, the tree with its ruined state facing him. He glared at the trunk of wood and stretched his hand upon it.
Takenori stood on the other end, his hand now lowered at that moment. Staring at the tree and its ruined side, he winced at the note that his brother made no move. But the silence was already troubling. At that moment, a burst of splinters broke the tree and made its collapse. But a massive sphere of energy pierced through the tree and came forth with velocity towards Takenori. He agilely jumped towards the side and flipped, landing towards the left. The tree leaned and made its descent as it rushed towards him. He cart-wheeled, avoiding the falling tree and halted with his form kneeling. The wind blew once more in a moderate pace, the leaves rustled as it made a mocking applause.
Meanwhile, Klaha struggled to keep himself awake. The symbols of the white room made their glow, showing colors of spectral nature. He laid his head upon Mana's lap as she knelt upon his side, unable to stand due to his strange state. His eyes scanned upon the people that gathered, turning to Criel soon after. Klaha gave a nod, then turning to Mana, whispering something in her ear. She turned to him with a worried look but Klaha shook his head and smiled at her. Mana stood and turned to Criel.
"It's time." Criel said to the students. "Are you sure of this?"
A pause took over, seemingly unsure of what they wanted. Akira stepped forward and gazed at the teacher and smirked.
"Well, I am sure. I want to know." Akira said to him with confidence. "Besides, that's what we're here for, right?"
Kaze nodded in agreement. Mayu looked at Pai, then shifting her gaze at Kaze and Akira. Criel turned to Mana and gave her a glance of their decision. Ciel shook her head as she walked slowly to Klaha and Mana.
"I can't join you guys." Ciel said to them. "I'm sorry."
"No worries. Kojiro might need your help right now." Akira said to her.
"And you understand him better." Mayu added.
Ciel smiled gently and gave a nod. Kaze turned to Mana and gave his decision.
"Well, looks like we're all ready. So, what's next?"
"Then it's time I open the Hall of Mirrors." Mana said to them. "This will be hard for you but bear with it. It might be too risky for all of you. Are you really sure of this?"
"Yeah, we're ready for it." Akira replied. He then turned to Ciel. "Make sure Kojiro and Kamui are ok."
Mana snapped her fingers as a door appeared before them. Criel led the students to the door, following him as they walk their way through. Mana went to Klaha and helped him stand. With Ciel coming with them, they vanished from the white room.
Takenori felt the wind caress his face. The cold breeze whispered upon his ears as he stood from his kneeling state. Amused, he smirked at what has taken into play. He stood still, the fingers of his right hand wiggled and shook. He made them still by clenching his fist, opening it back once more into a palm. As the cold breeze brought along the leaves to join it, he closed his eyes as he listened to the wind.
"Let's see what you really are." Takenori whispered, opening his eyes soon after in his calm mood.
He stretched his hand upon his right side, his palm opened and the ring of energy materialized and began its motion. A flux of energy left his palm, sending a spherical shot with its large size. It destroyed a number of trees and turned the falling leaves into ashes. And at that moment, Kamui was found lying on the tree trunk, his form shaken by the blast.
Kamui felt his strength left him on that short moment. Dazed, he gazed at the canopy of leaves above him. The blur of the lights was almost getting to him. He grimaced as he clenched his fist, stretching and raising his hand upon the approaching Takenori. And the light flashed before them, running its blinding mark between them as the sun flickered its light. Kamui revealed his hand, the array appearing once more as the protruding array bars of short length appeared with its hexagonal herald. And facing it was Takenori's hand, three rings surrounding his hand along with a circle of symbols glowing in resonance. It was there that a pause came in between.
"The array of Progeny," Takenori smirked, his eyes casting its gaze upon the array upon Kamui's hand. "Interesting, but you seem to be unaware of the potentials of your 'inner humanity'. But at this rate, even without me using the array of Trinity, you will be lost and destroyed."
Takenori sent a blast of energy, pushing Kamui further as his body pierced through the tree behind him. He collided with a larger trunk, the array upon his hand disappeared. Takenori sauntered towards Kamui, watching his brother in his docile state. Unable to fight back, Kamui watched his brother near him while in a dazed state.
"You have to be stronger." Takenori said as he knelt beside him, his face up close. "If you want to be able to survive the upcoming battles, you have to fight and grow in power. I'll teach you how and I'll make you remember who you really are. Father would not have us without a reason."
Kamui watched the colors fade into darkness, the words of his brother echoed within his ears. Falling away into black, he felt the wind caress his skin once more. Drifting away, he never knew what happened next.
Criel watched the students, giving astonished looks upon the room that surrounded them. The walls gave off a number of reflections around them, giving an effect that seems to distort perception. The surfaces of the walls gave their luster, giving its illusion.
"Everyone, this is the Hall of Mirrors." Criel welcomed. "This is not just an ordinary room. Like the previous white room, it serves a very special purpose."
"Is this still a part of your house?" Akira asked, scratching the back of his head as he chuckled lightly. "I don't think were still in the house."
Criel smiled, noticing the humor of his reaction. "Good observation, Akira. This room and the previous one isn't a part of my house. These areas are specially crafted by a special friend of mine. He knew that this day would come, and that is why you are here right now."
A distortion on the surface of the mirror wall brought its molding, an arc crafted in an ancient style. The surface within it seemed fluid; setting ripples upon its resonance. In a similar manner, three more came to form. Criel gazed at the four teens, now seeking their decision.
"These doors behind me will help you. One of you can go through one of these. There is no turning back, so I shall ask you again. Are you sure of this?"
A pause took over, the four began to assess and think over. Mayu stepped forward and gave an immediate reply.
"I'm ready to take the risk, whatever that is." she said firmly. "After all, that is what we're after."
"I'm going too. And there's no turning back." Kaze gave his decision. He then turned to Akira and Pai, grinning at them. "Right?"
Akira grinned in response, raising his hand and giving a thumb up. Pai nodded in agreement. Criel brought his hand inside the pocket of his trousers, gazing at them. He gave them an instruction to be followed.
"Very well, the risk might be too much. One person goes on one door. Now, go."
A hint of hesitation came to the four. Regardless, Akira took a few steps and neared the door slowly. Staring at the surface with its ripples, he took a breath and clicked his tongue.
"Here goes." Akira snickered as he placed his hand upon it. The fluid quicksilver of the gate engulfed his hand like water. Closing his eyes, Akira stepped in and brought himself through as he is enveloped by the rippling surface. Before their eyes he vanished as he entered the gate.
"This would be interesting." Kaze remarked as he followed, a grin worn upon his face. He approached the door next to it. Without any hesitation, he walked through the quicksilver and vanished as well. Pai followed and Mayu did the same thing soon after. As they have entered the doors, Criel shifted his gaze upon the hourglass that seemed unnoticed as it stood where the four were located. Staring at the sands that fall, he closed his eyes.
"There's nothing to deny of this." Criel winced as he spoke with a cold and grim tone. Feeling a cold pang in his chest, he opened his eyes and whispered a name. "Beatrice, am I the only one to bear the burden that we once shared?"
The leaves fell cordially with the light of the sun. The autumn wind gave its cold path as Takenori carried the body of the unconscious Kamui. Sauntering under the woods with a slow pace, he gazed at Kamui as his mind dwelt upon memories. A name crossed his mind, making him look at his brother in brotherly concern.
"I wonder what Grandfather would say about this." Takenori whispered as he continued with his saunter. "I won't be surprised if you feel unwelcome and alone."
Further steps caused them to evanesce. A slight distortion sent a wave through the environs of the woods as they vanished. And a pixilated distortion made its breakdown, the serene forest vanishing and deteriorating. It left nothing, not a trace of this strange place.
Akira opened his eyes. A strange sensation marred his body as it sent an electrifying surge to his body. Nothing seems to have changed in this room where he stood. Still donning the mirror walls that surrounded him, nothing seemed remarkable. A door stood before him, unopened and untouched.
"Well, what now? Don't tell me there's nothing here." Akira said with a strain of doubt. He gazed at the door and smirked. "Well, this thing's inviting. Better get out of here then."
Akira ambled towards the door. His hand reached for the knob and turned it, the sound of metal creaked as the lock unhinged. Pushing the door open, a sight welcomed him that gave him enough to be surprised. Light peered through and as it settled to a clear image, Akira felt the tone of familiarity. A déjà vu…
A white room welcomed him. A gallery with its pedestals and elaborate pillars was what came to being. Upon the iconic pedestals stood statues, this being a familiar mark to Akira as he recognized this place. This time, the dais in the middle was missing and a mirror stood there in place of it.
"Well, this looks familiar. Figures, I'm here again ever since the last time." Akira gave a short glance upon the environs of the room, turning to the mirror that stood affront him. "But I don't remember seeing this."
Akira gave a closer look upon the mirror and noticed a strange reflection before him. A strange man clad in dark purple armor with hues of gray. A spherical herald was found on his chest and helm. Yet a crisscrossed scar was found upon his face. The reflection gazed upon Akira's eyes and upon meeting, it made him fall into shock.
Kaze stood aghast upon seeing himself in a place different from what he expected. The skies that displayed its mingled colors of crimson and azure with the clouds sailing through swiftly gave its own oddity. The wind gave its breeze to pass, carrying with it a number of cards flying to its direction. And there stood before Kaze a stranger. Dressed in what seems to resemble a tuxedo with a hat upon his head, the stranger held a strange aura. Upon his hand was a hand of five cards. He raised his head and as their eyes met, Kaze noted the resemblance.
"Is this…me?" Kaze asked weakly. The image has taken him into a shock of disbelief.
Pai was surprised upon finding herself in a room not familiar to her. Surrounded by holographic displays showing maps, live video feeds and the likes, she was estranged. The number of the computers was much to her surprise.
"Ok, this looks like something from a base. But what could this be?" Pai muttered.
The sound of echoing beeps and the clicking of the panel's keys caught her attention. She noticed someone seated upon the terminal. Her fingers moved swiftly through the keys as she managed everything. Clad in a uniform with shades of green, the binding of her hair in pigtails, this image seemed familiar to Pai. Curiosity aroused her to move in, taking a closer look.
Mayu stood amidst the bamboo forest. The verdant colors gave a strange sensation to her. The leaves that fall from the highest peaks of the shoots come in slower paces, gliding freely upon their descent. She only sighed as this sight welcomed her.
"Well, feels different." Mayu smiled, "Looks familiar too."
The bamboo shoots rustled and swung. The wind blew with its strong gale, whipping at Mayu with its updraft. Her arms covered her head as she shielded herself from the wind. Soon, it came to a halt and the deafening silence took over. Lowering her hands, Mayu turned around and wondered about what just took place. Before she had a chance to speak, a distinct whistling of a reed flute dragged her attention. She turned back and saw a stranger clad in light armor of peach and orange. The long emerald shaded hair bound in one lock and the face made her flinch upon seeing this.
Mayu stood stunned as she watched this stranger stare at her in return. The wind blew with the leaves dancing along with it. Questions made their way as they coursed out of her lips.
Kaze gazed at the stranger as it offered him a deck of cards. Silenced by this gesture, he cautiously reached for the cards.
Pai tapped the shoulder of this young girl upon the computer panel. The young girl stopped and turned her head slowly to look back. Their eyes met and Pai was shocked to see who this person was.
Akira could only watch the reflection. Clenching his fist, he felt dismayed and enraged. Unable to bear the mingling confusion and enlightenment, he had no restraint to take this action. Without any second thought, he raised his hand.
A blow taken, rushing towards the mirror. Shattering into a number of shards and pieces, the solid mirror became quicksilver and in its fluid state, it flashed and splattered.
From slumber, a pair of eyes shot open followed by a gasp for air. The ceiling with a light bulb hanging in place, the ray of sunlight peering through the window, the wooden walls and furnishings, and a familiar presence welcomed him. Kojiro turned his head to the side, wondering where he is. Turning to his other side, he noticed a slumbering Ciel upon the bedside. Kojiro tried to rise from the bed, setting himself upright. He gazed at her as she began to move. Rising from her sleep, she rubbed her eyes and turned to Kojiro.
"Kojiro, you're awake." Ciel said with a gentle smile on her face. "I'm relieved."
Kojiro tried to remember what happened. Unable to recall what has taken place, he bowed his head. His hands gripped the sheet, crumpling it.
"Ciel, what happened?" Kojiro said in a soft tone.
Before Ciel could even speak, a voice took the answer. "We found you unconscious. You were down on the floor. Anything before that, we have no clue."
At the door was Mana. She entered and took a seat. Crossing her legs together, one raised and leaning upon the other, she gazed at Kojiro and Ciel with a grin on her face.
"Well, good thing you're up. We thought you won't wake up." Mana continued. "Klaha and I were worried about your state."
I never knew brother would get worried about me. Uh-uh. Kojiro pondered. He turned to Mana and with a calm look, he raised his query. "How long was I out?"
"Two days." Mana replied. "It wasn't much of a surprise for Klaha and I. But you worried someone else here."
Kojiro closed his eyes, placing his palm to engulf his face in it. He changed the subject. "So where are the others?"
"Pai and the others went to school already. Kamui went to the woods somewhere around here. Klaha went out as well, but he's at the lake." Ciel replied to him. "Dad told us not to go to school yet. You have to recover."
Kojiro smiled at her. Feeling indebted to her, he spoke to her. "Thanks."
Somewhere in the woods at the mountain trail, Klaha stood alone and still. His eyes closed in concentration, his mind cleared. The wind made its gentle breeze as he clasped the grip of the saber, dormant in form. A flash of light came forth as he swung with a swift stroke. The large tree that stood affront him collapsed and fell. Without any hesitation, he vanished in a quick interval. Around a few seconds, he returned to where he stood, the blade of light bare in the open. He turned the blade and upon that gesture, the falling log was divided into a number of pieces. A lone applause was heard behind him. Klaha smirked and recognized this movement.
"Well, you did seem rusty." the voice gave its comment.
"I know," Klaha replied. "I'm trying to get my skills back to what they were." He turned and looked at this stranger. "What about you Takenori?"
"Some spar did give a few moves. It was short." Takenori replied. "Right now, Kamui is at the mountainside. We have to train all of them."
Klaha smirked as he sat on the stump, noting its singed yet clean cut. His blade reverted form and he took a breath. "So you're still rigid. You never even take a breather. Sounds familiar for some reason…"
Takenori leaned upon a nearby tree and gazed at the sky through his sunglasses. The scarf of amber shade rested still, covering his lips. Klaha gazed at his companion and upon the back of his mind, he winced with the doubt.
"Takenori,"
"What is it?"
"Do you think I should tell Kojiro the truth?"
"It may be late. But just do what you feel is right. He deserves to know."
"Even if it hurts him?
Takenori winced and turned to Klaha. "Even if it hurt him…"
Kamui stood atop the cliff. He gazed at his right hand, wondering about this power given to him. The voice of his brother, Takenori, echoed in his ears. He remembered some of the words that he said, giving its haunting.
"Have you awakened your true self…or are you still confused with your humanity?"
"You have to be stronger…"
"If you want to survive…you have to grow in power…fight"
Unable to bear the echoing thoughts in his mind, Kamui clenched his hand and the ring bracer upon his hand came forth as it circled in motion upon his wrist. Stretching his hand upon the open sky, he gathered the energy upon his hand and released the amassed force. The recoil of his shot pushed him slightly. Clasping his right hand, he tried again. And it kept going around a number of ten times. He stopped at the eleventh, his mind exhausted. He stood there without a word, without any action.
Kojiro walked his way through the forest. Navigating through the woods in search for his brother, at last he found him seated on a stump. The lake was in sight as he arrived. Klaha rose and faced Kojiro with a serious gaze. Quiet as it is, an air of hesitation came between them as they waited on who starts.
"Kojiro," Klaha started. "There's something that I should tell you."
"What is it brother?" Kojiro asked.
Klaha felt the need of the serene lake, the need of Mana's aid, the need of Criel's points of view, even the company of Takenori. But he felt the burden upon his back and upon his heart. He had no option.
"Do you remember the time when I left for the week?" Klaha reminded him, after a short moment of mincing words.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"When I was away, I went to the north to do some things to resolve and amend. At that moment, I was out investigating as well. These events that just passed, the recent ambush was no accident. Something is trying to kill all of us. And the reason why we're here is to get ready for it."
"Is that all you have to say?" Kojiro asked.
Klaha shook his head. "Not done. I have another thing to tell you. Forgive me if I have not told you this earlier."
Hesitation made its buildup as he felt the weight of the facts. Clenching his fist, he gazed at his brother and delivered the news. "Dad…he's ….dead."
The wind blew violently with its breeze. The cold air brought Kojiro to shiver not by the frigid caress of the wind but by the shock of the truth; and as the sea of trees rustled like the sea welcomed by the shore, grief followed its way to him.
Ciel stood behind the tree as she watched Kojiro stand in silence. Feeling the worry becoming her burden, she stood there and watched behind the concealing obscure of the trees.
(End of Chapter 10)
Author's tête-à-tête
The doubt and the grief, what more could be burdening them? As the days pass by, a scheme lurks within. What awaits the chosen ones?
This chapter could prove to be a bit confusing. Forgive the case of delays since this one is hard to piece in. No character guessing at the moment but the next chapter has it. Please review. Your comments, reviews, suggestions are appreciated.
Sydney Grise