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: Remember the guessing game here…the previous chapter had a few though I didn't mention it. So include in your reviews about their identity, both from chapter 3 and 4. Keep your eyes open, this is the fourth chapter of the story. Enjoy…

IV. Truth Conspiracy of Reality

Complete darkness found under the pitch-black sky. Though it was adorned with the watchful stars, the darkness shrouded the midnight as the moon never showed its serene face. The gleaming lights created a star-filled lake upon casting the reflection. Kamui stared at the sky with his form lying on the ground, caressed by the verdant grass. The silence was continuous as he rested and reflected, yet unable to close his eyes. He couldn't get any sleep.

"This doesn't feel the same at all." Kamui whispered to his lone state, "Ever since that incident took place."

He lifted his hand affront his face, his palm covering the stars from his gaze. The events from before came to him. He recalled the still voice telling him what to do during that moment. The way that his hand gathered such tremendous energy and using it against a foe that was destroyed with that powerful shot. He couldn't shake the thought that he possessed such.

"What am I?" Kamui asked to himself. "Am I really human?"

Kamui brought his palm to engulf his face as he closed his eyes. The night seemed to fade from him as he drifted in slumber, alone in that lakeside and under the tree's shade. Unknowingly, someone approached him and smiled gently. Gentle hands touched his face as it laid a blanket upon his form.

Kojiro went out from his room and caught a glimpse of his brother, Klaha, through the glass door of the balcony. Seated on the recliner, Kojiro ignored the steady form gazing at the sky. Putting a T-shirt on while he sauntered with his jeans on, he noticed his brother was fast asleep on his recliner, a can of beer stood erect on the floor at his right side. Klaha's black shirt was creased with the motion of his body resting on the recliner, unbuttoned and placing his chest bare to the wind. Kojiro noticed something strange with his brother. A teardrop was found trailing from his eyes as he slept, uttering a word in his sleep.

"…why…father?"

Kojiro was shocked in hearing his brother utter a question. What was going on in this dream that his brother is facing in that dark night of the new moon? He walked back to his room, leaving every trace of what has happened to the passing night. He took off the binding of his hair, letting it fall in a flowing manner. He took off his shirt as he laid his back on the bed, his weary state taking over as he closed his eyes.

What's going on lately?

The window was covered with dew, refracting the sneaking gleam of the sunlight as it peered through with its golden rays. Kojiro rose from his bed at an early time, turning to his alarm clock. It was earlier than the set time of the alarm. He pressed the button, shutting it off before it strikes its disturbing ring. He sauntered towards the bathroom and had a shower while the music player rigged on his stereo played a song that filled the house with music. He smirked as the song played "Illuminati" while he took a shower.

He left his bedroom dressed in his uniform, and his long blond hair bound together. Placing an earring on his left ear, he clasped his bag and turned off the player and stereo. He dropped them on the chair near the dining table, noticing a cooked breakfast of eggs and bacon while a note was placed beside it. Kojiro took the note and began reading.

"Hey Kami, I got some breakfast for you today cause I have a favor to ask of you. I'll be out for a week. I have a trip to the mountains to do some stuff. Don't worry, I have made a list for the menu and the goods are in the fridge if you need any of these. And go to the garage if you need transportation for the week. It's a gift. Take care, bro. Klaha."

Kojiro smirked and sat down. He began to eat his breakfast and time passed. As he finished, he took the dishes and washed them. Then went to the garage to see what Klaha was trying to tell him.

What's brother thinking about? Kojiro wondered as he opened the door of the garage. What's this? Is this the gift that he's talking about?

The light went on and revealed from the darkness of the garage a motorbike, sporting a slick black paint finish. The craftsmanship and the design, the shining chrome parts and the frame, the slick tires, it was a new motorbike. Kojiro closed his eyes and left the garage.

"Definitely, I won't use it today to go to school." he said as he walked his way to school.

It was strange that he was the only one walking on that time of the morning. Upon his arrival at the school gate, he saw Kamui standing near the gate. He was leaning on the closed gate as Kojiro came upon the campus.

"It's unusual, you're early today. Did something happen?" Kamui voiced his welcome as he leaned on the side of the gate.

Kojiro sighed out a reply as he stopped at the gate. "Well, my brother went for his trip and I woke up very early."

"A peculiar case if I must say. Anyways, the school is still closed." Kamui turned his head and glanced at the clock tower then moved his sight lower to the gate. "How's this going to work?"

Without any word said, Kamui leaped over the gate and entered the school campus. Kojiro clicked his tongue as he watched him land upon the other side of the fence with cat-like reflexes. Kamui looked at him and gestured his hand in a beckon. Kojiro sighed and jumped up and across the gate. Upon landing on his feet, they walked on through the empty grounds. They sauntered towards the entrance of the main building yet halfway Kojiro halted and felt pressure to his body, reacting to something. He grabbed Kamui by the shoulder and motioned him to halt.

"Wait Kamui," Kojiro spoke as he silently tried to discern. "Something's here."

Kamui closed his eyes and attempted to focus, opening his eyes soon as he felt something coming.

"Kojiro, move it!" Kamui warned as he pushed Kojiro aside and nimbly sidestepped, evading a speeding blade that struck the ground where they once stood. Kojiro's bag fell to the ground, the sling snapped as he evaded. He turned, gazing at the silhouette that stood atop the clock tower, and stretched his right hand upon that direction, preparing to activate his energy shot. Kojiro glanced at the projectile impaled on the ground; its curved features resembling the crescent moon gleamed at the light of the sun. He looked at Kamui then turned to where he was looking and grimaced at the hostile figure standing. Adorned with a crescent herald upon his head, its humanoid form clad in black armor, he raised his hand upon his side and waved it down. Two black rifts appeared and brought out a myriad of its minions, armed with claw and clad in gray armor. Kamui clenched his fist as Kojiro opened his palm and felt energy gathering upon it, summoning his weapon. Kojiro turned to Kamui and smirked.

"We got no choice here." Kamui said to him as he glared at their foes.

"Since there are not much people here, let's buy some time." Kojiro replied with a suggestion as he whisked the hilt of the saber clasped upon his hand to reveal the luminescent blade. "Let's go!"

Kamui nodded as his fist began to glow, the ring beginning to circulate and materialize. Kojiro charged forth at the foes as Kamui stretched his right arm, the ring revolving with quick motion. The energy began to increase in magnitude, the aura shone with its white presence. He clasped his right hand with his left, releasing the energy sphere that had the size comparable to his body. With velocity, it collided with a group of five enemies and destroyed them upon impact. Kojiro, on the other hand, parried a thrusting blow of a clawed adversary, sending a horizontal swing as it cut through the head cleanly. He then dashed upon his left and delivered a descending vertical slash before the enemy had a chance to strike. Five of them surrounded Kojiro and charged in. He then turned and spun with the sword swung sideways, circling the stroke and destroying them in one attempt.

"Kamui, how many are they?" Kojiro shouted with his inquiry, striking one on his side with a diagonal strike then a thrust. "They seem to keep coming."

"Around a few more to go," Kamui answered as he threw his form airborne and blasted the enemy group of six with a charge shot. "I think we'll be finished before they're here."

"Hope it would be." Kojiro agreed as he pulled out his saber and jumped after an airborne enemy lunging at him. With a graceful stroke, he cut the adversary in half. Kamui landed and began to shoot a barrage of energy bullets the size of his fist, destroying the ones that are going to strike Kojiro on the side. He turned on his sides to find them fall with holes on their bodies. The other hostiles began to back away from them and then melded with the surroundings as they vanished from their sight, retreating from the battle. Kojiro approached Kamui while his eyes are searching if there are any left. Kamui sighed and placed his hands in his pockets.

"Well, looks like our stuff is ok." Kamui spoke nonchalantly at Kojiro.

"What was that ambush about?" Kojiro asked as he sauntered towards his school bag, noticing the gash on the strap. "Darn, I have to fix this thing."

"What are they after anyway?" Kamui uttered his query as they turned to the gate, now opened.

A teacher was walking into the campus, neatly dressed with a suit. His hand was carrying a briefcase while his free hand lay within the pocket of his slacks. His long hair of platinum danced with the wind as he sauntered to the two students. The glasses that he wore gleamed with the reflection of the sky as he looked at the gazes of these two. With a smile he greeted them as he approached them.

"Well, you two are early." he smiled as he halted before them. He scanned at their faces and tried to recall. "I haven't seen you two before. Are you new to this school?"

"Yes sir," Kamui answered as he bowed with respect. Kojiro responded the same way.

"Wait, you don't have to do that." the teacher gestured them to go as they are, "Anyways, I might see you around later. You can have a tour around the campus for free if you want."

"I guess we don't need it." Kojiro answered with a cold tone.

"Very well then, I'll proceed to the faculty room to prepare something. Good day."

The teacher left them there as the students entered the campus a few at a time. Kamui and Kojiro watched him enter the school building. Without a word said, they stood there. Kamui was about to walk when…

"Hey guys…" a voice called them.

"That must be him." Kojiro smirked as he looked back and saw him walk to their direction. He turned to Kamui and watched his visage go blank at the moment. "Do we have to…?"

"Let's forget it for now." Kamui answered as walked towards the building. "I'll see you later at the cafeteria during lunch time."

"Yeah, sure," he answered as he fixed the strap and slung the bag to his shoulder and followed in entering.

The bell rang on that moment as each student entered their classrooms and waited for their teachers. The day continued on like a usual routine. Attendance was checked and for Kamui, he was only paying attention to his lessons, ignoring the impression of Mayu about him previously. His seatmates perused at him due to the striking resemblance. He ignored that thought as the door slid open and a teacher entered.

"Well, here's literature class." Mayu said to him as she was seated on his left, a gap apart for the aisle.

The teacher entered, his long platinum hair flowing with grace danced upon his motion. Whispers were heard as they noticed this teacher was different from their usual teacher. He turned to the students and gestured them to be still, complied as expected. He clasped the chalk and began to write on the chalk board, his name was spelled after. Kamui was surprised most of all, recognizing him as he turned to the students.

It's the same teacher that Kojiro and I met earlier. Kamui pondered.

"Class, I will be the substitute teacher for Mr. Nero." the platinum haired teacher began to speak. "I am Criel Delacroix and I will be your literature teacher for this time and the days following. Mr. Nero told me to manage the literature class for him since he's in a leave of absence for a number of days."

The class took their seats and Criel began to check the attendance of the class. He watched as he looked at these students. Then his eyes met the form of Kamui, he smiled and gave him a warm welcome. He opened his book and began his new lesson in class. Kamui began to brainstorm, doubting if he was there during the incident earlier that morning. The period continued as the day passed.

At the cafeteria, Kamui sat beside Kojiro as they both had curry rice. Akira sat across the table as he ate his sandwich. Kaze and Mayu were with them while Pai sat beside Akira and it was noticeable that someone was missing. Kojiro smirked as he continued eating.

"Guy's you heard about the substitute teacher in literature?" Akira started off.

"Who, was it the one who took Mr. Nero's place?" Mayu asked.

"Yeah," Kaze remarked.

"His name's Mr. Delacroix." Pai stated, sipping her orange juice. "Heard he's a cool guy, but…"

"He has that mysterious feel going on with him." Mayu added.

"We met him earlier." Kojiro said with a cold silent tone.

The group looked at him as he said those words. It didn't seem true.

"Yeah, Kojiro and I happened to get here early." Kamui explained. "And we just met him as he entered the campus."

The group went in unison with awes. A sigh left Kaze's lips as he noticed the incomplete group.

"So she's not here." said Kojiro as he ate, noticing the void of the group.

"Yeah," Akira added, "When you expect her to show up, she doesn't appear."

"Who are you referring to anyway?" Kamui asked.

Akira took a last bite on one sandwich, sipping from his carton of orange juice soon after.

"Well, it's…"

"Hi guys!"

The group turned to Kamui. Bewildered, he started to wonder. He looked behind him and found Alia standing there. Kamui stood from his seat and offered his seat to her. After she was settled, he moved towards Akira and sat beside him. Alia was surprised at him, she tilted her head unknowingly.

"Hey, who's the good looking guy?" Alia asked with her usual upbeat tone.

"That's Kamui." Kojiro answered as he watched Kamui finish his last spoonful.

Kamui was strangely quiet. He stood from his seat and cleared his throat.

"Excuse me guys, I have to go." he pardoned himself and as he turned his back, he left the scene.

"Where's he going?" Kaze asked, surprised.

Alia smiled at Kamui as he left. She shrugged and gave her strange comment.

"Guess he's shy." Alia smirked mischievously as she winked.

"You might say that." Kojiro added as he looked at her. "Well, do you have a clue?"

"Uh…" Alia began to think.

"Guess not." Kojiro answered as he finished his plate. He stood and readied himself. "I'll go ahead, I'll see you later."

Kojiro left without any word uttered to them as he walked on. As he went to the classroom, he found Ciel all alone. She held a book in her hands, reading quietly as she had the feel of timelessness. Kojiro leaned on the wall and perused at her form, the open window beside her was fit for a background to a portrait. He crossed his arms yet it stirred the wall, breaking the silence. She quickly turned and saw him, welcomed him with a smile as she hid her startled expression.

"Oh, Kojiro," Ciel greeted, "I never expected you here."

Kojiro smiled and took a seat as he caught a glance of her book. Ciel shifted her glance to the pages. Hiding her tense and startled expression behind the book, she was breathing with a thought of doubt running in her mind.

I wasn't expecting him to be here. What am I going to do? Ciel pondered tensely as her face blushed.

"Ciel, I think I'll need your help." Kojiro started off with this statement, catching Ciel's attention.

"Eh? What is it?" Ciel asked.

"I think I'll join a club here in school."

Ciel giggled as she watched Kojiro's face lost in his thoughts while saying those words. Knowing that he doesn't have a clue on what to join in, she found this to be a matter hard to resist.

"Well, have you asked yourself what you're good at?" Ciel perused at him with a smile worn on her face.

"Let's see. I can't think of anything that can fit me."

"Well, just think of it for a while and tell me if you have decided."

Kojiro stared at the window and his mind wandered while he glanced at her form while reading the volume on her hand. His mind that was troubled with the thoughts of chaos that ensued on the previous days seemed to vanish as time seemed to stop at that moment. In his mind was only a serene image beheld, Ciel being the subject of a mind's portrait of calm. He felt amused and calm, watching her.

She is a beautiful angel...I cannot believe anything such as this would be possible. For once, I never find it interesting but now, what's this? The thoughts of question rushed in his head as he watched her.

Ciel looked at Kojiro and their eyes met on that moment. It seemed eternal on that matter, the image of beauty and serenity. But it was only in a fleeting moment. She felt her heart beating in time with a ticking clock that beats within the silence. She smiled as she called his name.

"Kojiro, is something the matter?"

Kojiro reverted attention to her and to reality as he turned his eyes to the ground. "Don't mind me. I was just lost in my thoughts." He sighed quietly as he hid his expression. What was that? It felt strange. It was different from before.

Ciel was surprised to see Kojiro in this condition, in a situation where they're alone. I never knew he looked so cute with that shy look. She stood from her seat and stretched her hand to him. "Come on, let's go. I'll try to help you find a club to join to."

Kojiro reached his hand to her and smiled, nodding in agreement as he stood.

Classes for the day were over and concluded. The rooftop was spacious for one to stand on to. The stranger's platinum hair danced freely with the wind as he held in his palm a time piece. The golden handicraft propped open as the hands of the clock ticked, reading 3:00.

"It would be interesting, seeing these chosen people of the inner sanctuary." he whispered to the air. "It's time for us watchers to move in place."

"Criel, it's time for you to die with the rest of them!"

Criel closed the time piece and placed it in his coat's pocket. Clenching his fist, he smirked. The unknown figure behind him was poised to strike, raising his crescent blade to hurl upon him. With a quick interval of time, he opened his palm and whisked his hand upon his side, letting out a dagger-like piece into the air. The projectile gained velocity as it homed in and struck its foe, blasting it into ashes as it exploded by impact.

"I won't let you interfere." Criel turned to the fallen foe clad in black armor, sporting a crescent motif on its head as it vanished into ash and dust. "Illuminati…"

Criel stared at the orange sky and smiled. He uttered a name as he left the rooftop.

"Shuen…"

Upon where he stood on that rooftop, a feather of black fell on the ground as the wind brought its breeze. It spelled a new chapter as a conspiracy unfolds.

(End of Chapter 4)

Author's tête-à-tête:

New characters now lead to a new arc in the story. The updates wouldn't be as frequent as they should but it'll come in a run of three days or in simple terms, twice a week. Keep yourselves tuned in.

Now that a new enemy arises from the shadows, and the powers of the three have awakened, what will happen to their destiny? And who is this stranger in the school?

New Characters: (guess who they are.)

From chapter 3:

Yukimura and Albert, (Try to guess who they are)

From chapter 4:

Criel Delacroix (try to guess)

Shuen (try to guess)

Up next is chapter 5. Hope you review this, I appreciate it. And if you have any suggestions, go ahead and post them.

Sydney Grise

Quote of the quarter – "Face the mirror if you doubt the soul within. Gaze upon the eyes of your reflection and see the truth."