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: This whole chapter is coinciding with the previous chapters. It happened on the same day, and the latter half will show the continuation of where the previous chapter left off. And now, let the waltz begin.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you chapter 8.

VIII. Enlightenment

The morning sun made its welcome upon the windows of the room. Kamui sat on the bedside, awake from his sleep. Shirtless and drenched in cold sweat, he gazed at his right hand as he felt it quiver. He recalled the event, a puzzle within his mind. He rose, and went to the bathroom, washing his face as his mind dwelt on the thoughts that seemed to have plagued him.

Water flowed through the white sink as it made its own pool of crystalline clarity. His thoughts came to him. The time when his hand glowed with the ring that braced his wrist as it hovered and gathered energy. The voice in his mind stated a command to strike, the shot leaving his hand as it destroyed the dark beings of enmity. And on that moment from the eve that passed where it made protrusions as it amplified and revealed a powerful strike. The energy that gathered as barrier that protected him rushing to his hand with three spheres and making its influx towards the target with a spiraling helix as it destroyed his foes. It was an image of his manner in battle as it made its mark on his head. Kamui clasped the water into his hands, droplets trickled from his palms. And with that moment, he flushed it towards his face.

It did not seem very human at all. Kamui pondered as he took another splash of water into his face, its cool caress making its mark. "Why is this happening in the first place?"

He closed his eyes as he dipped his face to the water. His mind drifted and an image of Alia came to mind. Her face that showed a strange aura of mystery was making its own revolution. The moment when she fell to the ground as her head brought its aching, her form in a weak state as she clung to his leg as he was going to make his attack on the enemy. And as he gazed upon her eyes on that moment, he noticed the glow of amber that flickered. What did this mean?

His eyes shot open as he retracted from his submerged state. Gasping for air at that moment with the trickling of water, he stared at the mirror and perused at his own reflection. Without any word made, he turned and took the towel nearby and rid himself of the troubling thoughts.

At the kitchen, a woman made preparations upon the table. The highlights of blue and red shone with gloss upon the light of the morning. The apron blended with the jeans and the purple shirt she wore. Laying the dishes filled with bacon and eggs, she took off the apron for a while and took her seat on the dining table. Soon after that, Kamui came out dressed with his blue long sleeved shirt and jeans. He wore no scarf on that moment as he sat down.

"Morning Kamui," she gave her greeting. "So, did you sleep well?"

"I'm fine, Mana." Kamui answered, taking a sip from his cup of coffee.

Mana looked at Kamui and noticed an expression that seemed unchanging. He seemed to drift away from usual. No word followed from his lips as he continued on his meal. She noticed this and recalled the reason behind Criel's appearance.

So he still hasn't figured out yet. Mana thought. He has to know somehow. If only he was here.

"Sis, do you plan to go somewhere later?" Kamui asked as he looked at her casually.

"I'll be staying here for a while." Mana answered, "I'm expecting someone to visit here."

Kamui shrugged and finished his meal. The thoughts rendered in his mind continued to make its flash. He stood soon after and departed the dining table, heading back to his own room. Mana sighed at his brother as she revealed the pendant that hung on her neck, hidden within her shirt. Opening the round face, she smiled upon the image that lay upon halves, a picture of a man with ruffled hair and hazel eyes on one end, and a picture of a man with shoulder length platinum hair and gray eyes on the other.

Brother… She thought with a sigh as she closed the locket and hid it once more.

Kamui entered his room and went to his desk. As he was about to take the bag resting on top of the desk, a polyphonic ring echoed within the four corners of the room. Kamui searched for his phone, finding it resting on his desk beside the bag. He picked it up and answered.

"Kamui here," he answered.

"Kamui, it's me."

"Alia," Kamui recognized the voice from the other line. He remembered quickly the whole incident from before, the thought rose from his mind. "So, are you feeling alright?"

"I'm ok. Anyways, where should we meet? Mr. Delacroix wants to meet us today, remember?"

"Oh, that…" Kamui posed for a moment as he took his blue scarf and carried his bag. "Well, we better go to the school theater instead. I think that's where he'll meet us."

"Ok. Uh…Kamui…"

"What is it Alia?" he asked, halting on that moment.

"About last night…Do you find it strange? Mr. Delacroix was there too. And that thing that came from your hand. It's too strange."

Kamui felt his thought rush quickly into his mind. "Alia, I find it strange myself. I have no clue why this was happening in the first place. If we could ask him ourselves, then better. But let's put things aside for now. I'll see you at the theater."

"Ok then, I'll see you around."

The phone hung up as it marked the end of the conversation. Kamui placed the scarf on his neck and partly wrapped it around. With the bag slung on his back, he left his room in and ambled towards the door through the living room. He came across Mana who was seated on the sofa.

"Sis, I'll be going."

"Take care, Kamui." Mana replied as Kamui went to the door and left his abode.

Kamui was walking on his way to the train station. His mind recalled the past events once more. Its images came in random succession as he neared the ticket booth. The cool air brought him to wait for the right moment. He made his way to the train and took his seat. The train had a few passengers along within, making him alone on his seat while riding on his way to Heaven Dragon High.

The mind that traveled through the number of images of nature that seemed to drift quickly from the windowsill of his seat. Doubts made its course upon his mind as he watched the swift transport make its way to the city.

Back at Kamui's house, Mana sat at the sofa during the quiet moment that passed on that morning. A few moments have already passed; hours may have made its crossing. Clasping a book on her hand, she read a novel that was a gift to her by someone who is special to her. Her eyes passed by each line and letter, her mind following the narration of words. But the silence made its halt as a ringing sound resounded. Emulating an old phone, it rang with its electronic noise. Mana lowered the book in hand and reached for the mobile phone lying in her pocket.

"This is Mana." she answered. A pause on that moment made her face flash with a smile. "Klaha, what made you call?"

"Well I'm at the gas station right now. Mind if I go there at your place first and pay a visit?"

Mana smiled as she heard his voice. She gazed at the chimes that hung upon the window. "Well, I'd love to. So how's the trip?"

"I'm fine; actually I'm kinda near to your place right now."

"Oh, I see. You never told me that you'll be going for a week."

"Did I? Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I forgot to tell you about that. I'm really sorry."

Mana chuckled as she heard his voice with delight. "Well, you had me worried."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about things…You'll hear a knock on the door right…about……now."

A knock sounded its mark upon the door. Mana turned upon the entrance and went there. The line was cut as soon as the door sounded its notice. Mana rose from her seat and walked towards the door, clasping the knob with slight trembling. She turned it and pulled, opening the door affront her. And what welcomed her was a man with shoulder length platinum hair. The black coat on top of his shirt of its lime shade and the trousers of black made him recognizable. Mana smiled and threw herself upon this man whom she treasured greatly. He caught her and embraced her within his arms, a warm welcome that he longed for.

"Klaha," Mana whispered to him with joy. "I'm so glad to see you."

Klaha smiled as he held her close to him. He cherished the moment being welcomed by someone that cared for him. The burden of the bag slung in his back and the weight of Mana meant nothing to him.

"Did you miss me?" he asked with a smooth tone lined with sweetness.

"Of course I did. You had me worried for not telling me, silly." Mana replied. She then pulled him inside the house. "Come in." she said in eagerness.

Klaha felt his loneliness fade on that moment, his worries fade on that single moment with her. He came in the house and felt its comfort within its walls. Bringing the burden of the bag down on the sofa and brought out a plastic bag filled with ingredients. This in hand, he went to the kitchen as Mana went ahead there. He laid them on the table as he set foot on the kitchen. Mana wondered what made him bring these things along.

"Mana, I took care of the ingredients." Klaha said with a smile. "I miss your way of making dishes."

Mana smiled back with Klaha's act of thoughtfulness. It was something that she had missed from him. Taking the apron on her body, she readied herself with his help at reach.

Meanwhile, Criel sat on the bench on the park a few blocks away from the theater. The sun scattered its rays as he watched his students practice their skills individually while others rested and had their break. A book clasped on his hand, he read while letting time slip for the moment. Glancing at the words imparted within its pages, he searched for a fitting piece. He winced as he placed the bookmark on that certain part. He turned to his students and rose from his seat.

"Ok, dear students," he called out as he gestured them to gather. They followed and listened to their teacher. "We'll do this again from the top. After this, you can all go. Is that clear?"

The students answered in unison, agreeing to his deal. Criel clapped his hands as a signal to begin.

The house seemed quiet at that moment. Its silence echoed within its walls as the couple gazed at the horizon through the veranda. Mana leaned her head upon her beloved's shoulder. Klaha brought his arm upon her, brining her close to his side. Everything seemed still, the wind making its song.

"Klaha, do you think all this will end?" Mana asked with a soft tone.

"For this craziness, yes, there will be an end." Klaha answered as he cuddled her. "But this time that I have with you, I wish it wouldn't end."

Mana closed her eyes as she held Klaha's hand. "If only there's something that we can do to fix this."

Klaha stroked her hair as he gazed at the horizon on that afternoon. "There will be hope to this. I'm sure of it."

It was about time the club's practice ended. Kamui stood under the shade of the tree, gazing at the bench where Criel was seated. He leaned his form upon the trunk of the tree as he waited for someone to come. It was uncalled for when a pair of hands came from behind, tapping his shoulders with a quick snap. Criel turned and smiled at the figure behind Kamui.

He quickly turned while the pain reverberated upon his shoulders. He smirked as he noticed the short blond hair and the hazel eyes. Noting the slacks of black that she wore along with the long sleeved shirt of lavender shade, he winced at who it was.

"Hey, you look drowsy." Alia gave her reply with a line of mischief.

"You don't have to hit me that way." Kamui remarked as he brought his hands to wrench around, letting the pain fade. He then turned to their teacher. "So, is there something that you have to say to us teacher?"

Criel smiled as he gazed at the pair. He held the book that he read earlier and without hesitation, he gave it to them. The two students wondered with this action.

"Here, take these and read the bookmarked area. That'll be the piece that we're going to talk about on the next meeting." Criel said nonchalantly. His then turned its serious gaze at them as he began to change the topic. "Alia, Kamui, I would like to meet you tomorrow. Kamui, bring your sister along as well. Pass the message to Kojiro and the others."

"Ok." Alia replied with affirmation.

"Sir," Kamui hesitated with his words as he took a breath. Criel gazed at this student and readied himself to listen. "Is this…about what happened recently?"

Criel only gave a nod as he rose from where he sat. He sauntered away from the pair as he gave farewell. "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll tell you more about it. Till then..."

Kamui stood speechless. He turned and went on his way, the bag upon his burden. Alia followed him as they went on their way. Alia noticed the blank look in Kamui's face. An idea came to her head as she tapped Kamui's shoulder.

"Kamui," she called. "Are you heading somewhere?"

"Well, I got nowhere to go in particular." Kamui mused as he wondered.

"Mind if you come with me?" Alia made her offer, "I know a place where we can hang out for a while."

Kamui snickered upon hearing her. He smirked at the thought that others would think. "Ok, hopefully they don't think of it as a date. But it's my treat."

"Eh?" Alia came with a surprised look. "Did you hit your head?"

"Just a way of paying you back." Kamui answered as both walked on their way.

The wind made its way among the trees on the meadow where the home belonging to Kojiro stood. The sun was on its way upon the west, journeying towards the day's end. The sight it made upon the windowsill gave Kojiro a wandering thought. He can clearly remember how Ciel shed her tears upon his chest. The image of her in his arms was vivid for him to forget. He closed his eyes as he listened to the breeze making the leaves dance in the air. He brought his palm upon his chest, feeling the pulsating beat that pounded with its strange sensation.

I can't even say to her. Kojiro thought to himself as he lay on the bed of his room. He gazed at his hand as it revealed the dormant form of his saber, the handle. "To protect someone you treasure dearly…" He uttered as he clasped the object, vanishing soon after.

Kojiro rose from the bed, letting his form come in erect posture. As he was going to take a step, the door opened and Ciel entered the room with a tray bearing a pair of cups and a kettle. She wore a smile on her face as she looked at Kojiro.

"Have some tea Kojiro." she sounded her offer. Kojiro reverted with his form into taking his seat on the bedside. Ciel placed the tray on the desk and poured in the drink into the cup and gave it to Kojiro.

"Ciel, are going to go back home?" Kojiro asked as he took a sip from the cup. "I'm just worried."

Ciel froze on that moment. She stared at him, silent in the spur of moment.

"Don't worry about me." she answered. As she took her cup, she sat on the chair beside the desk and looked at him. "Is there something wrong?"

Kojiro seemed to hesitate, reminded of what he told her. He took a sip from the cup once more, the tea taking its relieving warmth to his form. Gazing at its glittering surface, he sighed. "It's nothing…really. Nothing important, I guess."

"Make her stay Kojiro, be a gentleman…" said a familiar voice that made its interruption.

Ciel and Kojiro turned to the door which was left open. What welcomed them was a man with a lime shaded shirt and dark shaded jeans. The black coat hung upon his shoulder as his platinum hair and gray eyes made its recognition to Kojiro. Left aghast, he sat there with a startled welcome.

"Klaha…?" Kojiro spoke with a puzzled look. He never anticipated his return nor did he expect the time when he is going to return. "What the….? When did you come back?"

Klaha entered the room and sat on the floor, his leg curled with its knee upon the level of his face while the other leg lay sideways. Resting his hand upon his knee, he gave his answer.

"Well, just finished my trip before the week ends. Nothing wrong about that, right?" Klaha reasoned out. Noticing the guest that was with Kojiro, he smirked mischievously. "So…did I ruin the romantic moment with your girlfriend?"

The word made its ringing upon their ears. Ciel bowed her head to hide her blushing face. Kojiro felt uneasy and glared upon his brother. "What was that about!?" he screamed at his brother.

Klaha chuckled upon such reaction. He enjoyed the look of his brother losing his usual calm side. It's been long since he saw this look of his. He turned his gaze to Ciel and wondered. "And miss, you must be Ciel. I've heard of you somehow from a friend of mine."

Ciel smiled as she slightly gave a bow in respect. "It's nice to meet you…"

"Call me Klaha. I'm Kojiro's brother, a bit older than him." Klaha replied and looked at his brother. Kojiro gave a bewildered look as he saw Klaha nod his head. He then turned to Ciel with a smile worn on his face. "I guess you can stay here for a little while longer."

Ciel felt herself lighten up with this premise. With this act of kindness she smiled and accepted with a nod. Kojiro felt a mixture of relief and embarrassment. Klaha turned to his brother and gave his explanation.

"Thank you." Ciel replied to the decision.

"Well. Since we don't have enough rooms, you can share it with Kojiro if that will be alright with you." Klaha explained.

Kojiro felt his face rush red with this situation. It was good for some reason but the idea was bad. Having no choice, he sighed without a comment.

Klaha rose from where he was situated and turned his direction to the door. Halting halfway, he turned to the pair. "Let's go to the dining room. I have something that you might enjoy, courtesy of Mana's culinary skill."

The sun leaned further as it gave its orange gaze upon the earth. The dusk is drawing near. Criel sat alone at his desk in his humble abode. Leaning on his chair to rest his form, he winced at the shadow leaning upon the corner of the room. He turned his chair towards the window behind him and spoke.

"Well Takenori, it's time to tell them the truth." Criel said without any tone of expression.

Takenori took his form to stand, his body clad of his crimson coat and its yellow scarf made its resemblance known from the shade. As he stared through his sunglasses, he smirked.

"I believe we have to do this." he replied. "Have you sent the messages?"

"I have. They'll come here. But the truth hurts, I warn you. This might affect your brother, your sister and the rest of them."

"It's the price of truth. They must know."

Criel took his hand and clasped it upon his face as his glasses lay upon the desk. His cold features made its definite decision. All that he could do now is to wait.

The night made itself definite. Ciel's slumbering form lay upon Kojiro's bed. Unable to close his eyes was Kojiro who lies awake beside her. Staring at the ceiling, his mind brought its unsaid words to gather. It seemed to write its piece on its own.

Why am I silent? I can't even recognize the truth behind this strange emotion. I feel it but I cannot make anything out of it. It feels strange. My chest is about to burst on that moment. When I see you, it feels complete. But it digs further into me.

Kojiro raised his hand and placed it before his sight. It makes me shiver. I don't know what to do. It feels cold but with you, its warmth fills me. He turned his body towards the side. His face was welcomed with her face, bearing the sight of peace in dreams. Her hand laid upon the pillow affront her face; Kojiro stared at her and placed his hand on top of her hand and smiled.

"I'll be here…" Kojiro whispered.

Kojiro noticed Ciel's profile give her smile. It gave Kojiro a slight sound of peace. He clasped her hand and closed his eyes, drifting to his dreams. Ciel was awake on that moment, hearing those words. She felt the warmth of his hand and the security of his words. She smiled and went to dream once more, hearing his voice.

(End of Chapter 8)

Author's tête-à-tête

Love, Death, Apathy, Truth…its edge shall face us all…

The next chapter is being encoded so to speak. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Don't worry, it'll be posted sooner. I'm excited to have that chapter come out. Whew.

No new characters today. But I hope you enjoy the pairings. Hehehehe

Anyways, please review this chapter. If there are comments and suggestions, I'm open to them as always. Hope to hear from you guys. Thanks…

Sydney Grise