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: Before I begin. I must offer you my apologies for not updating frequently. After, we're human after all. heheh...Anyhow, the format has been changed for the sake of clarity and better perspectives. Lines would separate the scenes and whatever has a parenthesis within it is a flashback or an explanation. You'll see it. Oh, don't forget to guess the new character identities.

And here's chapter 12

XII. Silent Innocence

"Will I ever be heard? Will I ever be seen? He wouldn't mind. I may not exist to him. After all, I'm just someone who only watches him silently."

The diary lay open atop the surface of the wooden desk. The window was failed to be closed as a gentle breeze entered and brought the page where these words are written aside, turning over and revealing the previous pages where it has been written. The clock ticked quietly upon that late afternoon as the cold wind signaled the upcoming winter.

The bell on the campus rang its melodic tune, signing another end to a subject. Criel smiled at the class as he closed his folio and watched the students make their move in taking their books and leaving the classroom. He gave one announcement that made the students jump out of their seats.

"Class, three days from now marks our semester's seasonal break. I'll be seeing you after two weeks. But…" Criel said to them, hearing the cheers of the class but a silence came soon after with a hanging statement. "Your reports are due at the end of the break. So just keep this thing in mind."

Low sighs are heard upon recalling the requirement. The students were expecting to have nothing else but vacation. Criel noticed this as he glanced at the faces of the students in the class.

"Well, that doesn't mean you don't have the right to enjoy. Just keep this thing in mind and you'll do just fine. Ok, class dismissed."

He left the room as the students scrambled with their books and made their individual agendas. Kamui took his sling bag and turned to the door's direction. Unknowingly, a pair of eyes stared at his form from behind, a few seats away from him.

The young girl remained seated on that moment as she watched Kamui. Her auburn hair with its flowing length, bearing a single braided strand on her left side rested on her shoulder, her eyes of purple gazed at Kamui's profile with silent enchantment to the image. Clasping her binder, she watched him leave the classroom without a word.

I never noticed you. Who are you? Her thoughts ran in her mind as she walked out of the classroom soon after, sauntering through the corridors and making her way to the grounds of the campus.

On that afternoon, she was seated under the shade of the tree. The angle overlooking the woods behind the school building was perfect. With the sketchbook resting upon her lap, clasping a pencil within her hand, she laid the pointed tip upon the page and was about to take the first stroke. She hesitated as a thought held her back for a moment.

"Not now…" she whispered as she remembered the profile of this young man. She lifted her head and gazed at the view before her. But fate played with her sooner as it caught her by surprise.

Traversing through the view was Kamui. The scarf of blue wrapped upon his neck danced with the cool breeze, his hair of jet black dancing along. The young girl felt aghast upon seeing him, her heart pulsing without a possible reason as she feels exhilaration. She froze as she watched him pass by. Kamui suddenly stopped midway; the wind brought its breeze in a moderate pace. He turned his head and faced her, blankly gazing at her.

Her heart raced as his eyes met hers upon that distance. Her thoughts enveloped her mind as she clasped the sketchbook. Everything seemed to fall still, almost near to halting everything around them in motion. Her auburn braid that hung on the side of her cheek felt the caress of the wind.

Come on, Kasumi. Calm down. She thought to herself. Finding in a situation that took her breathless, his gaze being much more than she could handle, she could only remain in her eyes fixed at him.

The young man didn't mind as he turned his head back to where he was going. He sauntered without any word uttered; the cold wind brought its passing as he left the scene. Kasumi never knew what his thoughts were but this has taken her by surprise. As he began to gain distance and faded in the other end of the path, she could only curse herself silently.

Her fingers shook, the pencil that she had held with it quivered. Closing her eyes, she felt regret running through her fingertips, scratching lines with the blank page of the sketchpad. The wind brought the leaves to fall upon that afternoon light, a sole leaf of maple landing upon the paper surface.

"Why?" Kasumi whispered as the sun leaned upon the horizon.

The light took over in its turn, the pages of the diary turned as the door opened. Kasumi entered her room, placing her binder on the table side by side with the open diary. She tossed herself upon the bed, shaking it as it caught her body. Staring at the ceiling, her mind wandered with questions as she breathed slowly.

I can't believe it. What's wrong with me? Kasumi thought to herself. Her hand rested perpendicular to her face as she closed her eyes. A thought of him came to mind. Is it you? Tell me I'm wrong…please, Kamui.

Letting out a sigh, she drifted with her thoughts as she slowly faded into slumber. The maple leaf drifting with the wind from the surroundings outside entered the open window, landing its way upon her desk. There was nothing more to recall for her sake but tomorrow.

"I could only wish of seeing you…if only my wish is granted, I can reveal myself to you."

The door swung open as she left the house. Another morning has begun for her. Knowing that the days are passing quickly, she walked quietly on her way to school. The frigid wind blew its captivating breeze as she continued on the path taking her to the campus. The trees seemed desolate as the leaves have totally vanished from their branches. Kasumi gave a glance at the trees as she continued further, entering the gate and traversing through the grounds.

"A few more days then winter comes…What now?" she whispered to herself.

Crossing her sight was the fluttering scarf dancing in the wind. Crimson and azure flashes gave hint to this stranger as he walked through on his way, his jet black hair showing Kasumi who this is. But she didn't mind, continuing on her way through the grounds and through the corridors of the building.

The door slid open and what welcomed her was an empty room. She shrugged and took her seat, laying the binder upon her desk. Clasping the sketchbook, she opened and revealed the blank page. The silence was growing, magnifying the sound of the wind outside. But something took her attention as the door slid open once more. The sound of footsteps echoed within the room and this made her realize who it was.

Kamui…? She recalled his name in her mind, remembering this being uttered by a certain friend. She watched him take his seat in front of her, his profile seen once more.

Kamui remained silent as if the room was empty. Gazing at the view outside through the window, he leaned on his elbow as his fist supported his head. No clue was given to what he was thinking. But for Kasumi, she clasped her pencil and began sketching, her eyes gazing at his profile as it begins to take image to her sketchpad.

If only this could last. Kasumi thought to herself as she finished the details.

A snap echoed in the quiet room. A pen fell down to the floor and its drop caught both sides off guard. Kamui turned and saw Kasumi taken by surprise. Speechless, she stared at him petrified by his gaze. Kamui smirked inwardly as he leaned on the backrest of his seat.

"So you're here early. I never knew there would be anyone else that had this habit of getting to this classroom when it's empty." Kamui stated upon seeing her.

Kasumi smiled shyly as she bowed her head. "I was a bit early. I thought I was kinda late you see…"

"Talking about advance clockwork…You are early." A female voice interrupted the conversation. The door was left open and as footsteps echoed, a girl entered. Sporting the blond hair of partial shortness and her azure eyes gazed at the unusual sight. With a mischievous grin, she gave a strange comment. "Did I interrupt something…interesting?"

Kamui just sighed as he rose from his seat. Kasumi blushed at that moment, hiding her face with the folio.

"Hmph, I never expected you to be like that after being left out Alia." Kamui gave a grunt in a reply as he walked towards the window.

"Yeah, like I'm supposed to know that." Alia snickered with her reply. Turning to Kasumi, she approached her and smiled. "Kasumi,"

Kasumi backed up a bit as Alia approached her. Her eyes were caught at the sight of the sketchpad. Curiosity aroused and with matching mischief, she swiped the sketchpad.

"Hey, wait—" Kasumi resisted but this was of no avail.

Alia gazed at the pad and found a startling discovery. She grinned as she noted the details in the drawing were made in an exact manner. She took a seat beside her and whispered to her ear.

"Well, what do we have here?" Alia smiled as she was surprised to see what has been made. And in the pad was the profile of Kamui, well rendered in a pencil portrait. "You are really good with the pencil."

Kasumi gave no answer to the matter. She looked at the window, at Kamui who stood by gazing at the view of the clear sky. She then shifted her gaze and looked at Alia who bore a troubled look upon her face. Alia shrugged it off as she looked at Kasumi.

"You're good. You got the details." Alia said to her. "But why did you pick Kamui for the sketch?"

Kasumi said nothing once more, a flush of red seen upon her face as she chokes upon the words to answer with. Alia placed her hand upon her shoulder as she smiled.

"I can tell from the way you look." Alia said in a whisper. "You like him don't you?"

Kasumi jumped from her seat as she heard these words. She shook her head as Alia giggled upon her reaction. She tilted her head curiously as she watched Kasumi cover her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. For what came in Alia's mind, it confirmed a truth.

"No worries." Alia said to her, tapping her shoulder once more. "It's between us anyway."

Kasumi didn't know what to do on that moment. She just kept quiet as she gazed at the image of Kamui that was captured by her own hands. The wind gave its breeze outside the room as its whisper echoes. Noticing the open window upon where Kamui stood, Kasumi could only watch him gaze at the outside environs as the wind touched his face.

"I hope you can hear my voice…If only I had courage to tell you."

Another day passed. The café at the plaza seemed empty for that morning. Kasumi tended the bar area, dressed in her uniform of a skirt and blouse of blue and white as an apron was worn on top of it. The café was partly empty; only two people sat on the table near the door. Quiet as it seemed, she tended the dishes on the sink. Tending to her work at that moment, the bells rang in motion as the door of the shop opened with a visitor entering the room. Kasumi raised her head to see who entered the shop after finishing the last dish cleanup. To her surprise, it was someone that made her pause for the moment. Recognizing the scarf of red and blue worn on his neck as it streaked upon his long-sleeved shirt of dark blue, she watched him saunter towards the stool on the bar as he takes his seat on that spot. She stared at him as she hesitated on that moment, recognizing who it was that entered the café.

That's him. Kasumi thought to herself. She felt her body unable to move in accordance to what she wanted. Keeping her composure, she approached him. With a breath, she spoke. "What can I get you, sir?"

Kamui looked up, being welcomed by a smile that Kasumi gave. He smiled in return as he gave his response. "Well, Kasumi, looks like you could do things gracefully."

Surprised with his statement, Kasumi stood with a question in her head. Now what was that?

"Well, don't mind me. I'll have a cup of hot chocolate with a mix of hazel." Kamui said with an order of a drink.

"Sure, right away." Kasumi replied as she went to fetch a cup and readied the drink. Her mind wandered as she worked. What should I do?

A few moments came with this question in mind. She carried the cup and laid it upon the surface affront Kamui. At the moment he received the cup, she gazed at his face as she quietly watched him raise the cup to his lips at took a sip. The calm look upon Kamui's face made her peruse at him, unable to take her eyes to turn. She concealed this matter as she held a piece of cloth. Kamui gazed at the cup and watched the surface of his beverage bring ripples. Out of the blue, he raised a question.

"Kasumi, are you free today?" Kamui asked in a calm manner.

Taken by surprise, Kasumi looked at Kamui. It came in an unexpected moment that it took her time to answer. But she knew that he was waiting for an answer. "I'm free for the whole afternoon. Why'd you ask?"

"If it's alright, would you like to come with me?" Kamui imparted an offer.

Kasumi didn't expect this. Her mind was filled once more with questions upon that quiet moment. I can't believe this. Is he asking me out? What should I do? Should I say yes?

Kamui finished the last of his drink, laying the cup upon the bar. As he was about to rise from his seat, he was halted by Kasumi.

"Wait, I'd love to come with you." Kasumi said with a smile on her face, hiding the anxious feel within her.

"Alright then," Kamui answered. "I'll be back once you're done with your work. I'll just go somewhere to pick up something."

Kamui walked on towards the door. As he left the shop, Kasumi gave a sigh. Giving thought to what has happened, she smiled inwardly.

"Don't tell me this is a date." A voice called from behind.

Kasumi turned and saw Alia dressed in the same clothing as Kasumi. She only smiled at her as she joined her in the bar. "So Kamui did come here."

"You were here all along listening?" Kasumi asked in a shocked tone. Filled with embarrassment, she hid her red face as she bowed her head.

With a mischievous grin, Alia nodded. "And I heard every thing and saw every moment. Believe me; I would like to see what's gonna happen next."

Kasumi didn't say a word. Alia approached her and placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, Kasumi. I'll take over for the afternoon. Don't miss this chance." She said with a wink.

Moments have passed. The time was drawing close. Kasumi sat on one of the tables at the outer area of the café as she waited. Dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt topped with a black vest and a short blue skirt, she gazed at the people passing by the street. Quiet as she was, she waited as time passed by her. A shadow cast upon the table brought her to look at the person who came just as she was about to say a word.

"Sorry, did I made you wait that long?" the voice that welcomed her caught her attention.

Kasumi gazed at him and smiled. "No, Kamui. You're just in time."

Without any hesitation, Kamui reached his hand to her. And without any refusal, she took grasp of it as she stood.

"I never knew you would be working in the same place as Alia." Kamui started as they walked leisurely through the cobblestone path. "I thought you'd be somewhere else."

Kasumi smiled at him, noticing the surprised reaction. "It's just something that I just want to do something on my own at least. Well…you never struck me as the type who goes on a café."

"Point made." Kamui sighed as they continued walking, the trees casting the scattered sunlight around them.

"I thought you'd be going to the theater or something."

"Just finished that rehearsal," Kamui smirked at remembering Criel's pieces. "Who could ever think of making such unlikely creations?"

"Well, I guess he wants them to be played in a production at least." Kasumi answered.

"He really has guts." Kamui laughed upon setting the thought to mind.

They continued with their stroll. Reaching the fountain where the veranda displayed a view of the city, they stopped there for a while. Kamui leaned on his back and elbows upon the railings. Kasumi leaned forward upon the railings as she gazed at the sunset. The wind passed by them, setting its freezing touch once more.

Well, this isn't as bad as I thought Alia would describe. Kamui thought to himself. He turned to his side, gazing at Kasumi's profile. The cold breeze brushed her brown-shaded hair while the sun reflected the radiant face sporting its smile.

Kasumi turned her head to look at him at a glance. Upon that moment catching its breath, their eyes met once again. Similar to that fated moment on the day that passed, it seemed peculiar. Something was causing a stir. Not knowing what it was, Kamui didn't mind it, deeming it a trivial matter. For Kasumi, it was close to a dream.

Wait, I'm stuck gazing at his eyes. Is this even happening? Kasumi thought to herself. Finding the thought embarrassing, she bowed her head slightly as she hid the flush of crimson on her face.

"I just realized something." Kamui said in a soft tone.

"What is it?" Kasumi gazed at him, listening to what he's about to say.

"Well, it strikes me odd." Kamui gazed at the sun. "It's something that I want to do. I feel free but back then. Back then, I feel chained, captive, unable to move my own way."

Kasumi watched Kamui's profile, his face shifting its smile to a hint of melancholy. Wondering what it was, she just kept quiet.

"And not only that, I don't know what's really going on anymore."

"Is this a part of who you are? A soul trying to break free from what binds him and what holds him back. He's almost like me…"

He's like me after all. I thought he's the perfect type of person. I think I was wrong about that. Kasumi thought to herself. But I guess that won't change things.

"Well, you could start with a smile." Kasumi said to him.

Kamui looked at her, wondering what she meant by this.

"After all, you could start fixing things by smiling at least. Lighten up a bit."

Kamui found some sensible reasoning behind Kasumi's thought. "I guess you're right."

A chill in the air brought Kamui's senses to stir, finding something amiss. Without warning, his head slightly cringed in pain. A voice echoed in his head soon after.

"Kamui, you're in danger. Get Kasumi out of there. They're coming to kill you." The voice in its stillness gave its warning.

Kamui turned quickly, facing what is behind him. A rift opened and a squad of thirteen humanoid beings appeared, clad in black armor. Carrying a blade upon their hands, these Necro Legionnaires raised their weapons as they sauntered, prepared to pounce at them. Kamui smirked as he held Kasumi's hand, knowing this situation meant no choice being cornered upon.

"What's going on?" Kasumi asked. As she turned, she came close to him. "What are those things?"

"Kasumi, do you trust me?" Kamui asked suddenly.

"Right now, yes…" a bewildered Kasumi replied.

Kamui took grasp of her legs as he hoisted her upon his arms. Summoning his strength to his legs, he pushed his body into the air as he leaped passed the adversaries that cornered them. He landed a few steps behind them and without any hesitation; Kamui carried her as he started running. Kasumi could only look at Kamui as she is being carried away from the blade wielding beings.

"Where are we going, Kamui?"

"To a place for us to be clear from those things," Kamui scowled as he found himself in the tree-filled area. Halting his pace at that moment, he laid her under the tree as he catches his breath for that interval.

Kasumi gazed at him and wondered what he was thinking. Yet she could not shake the thought of being in a fairy tale where a chivalrous lad carried a princess upon his arms. At this case, it was almost similar.

Kamui brought his guard up as he stood alert. He stretched his hand without thinking of the repercussions on that moment, need rising to a higher priority. His palm was opened, channeling energy without regards of what and where it will come. The ring upon his hand, circling on his wrist began to initiate as parts of the array appear. The protruding array bars formed its triangular form, appearing for a moment. And there, Kamui waited for the moment.

"You're here, I know it. Come closer…come closer…" Kamui whispered.

Kasumi was speechless, wondering what Kamui's actions are. Yet she was shocked as the aura covering him was made manifest. She felt her eyes deceived her but unable to say a word, she could only watch him.

His eyes shot open, gazing at the direction of where his hand was pointing. The barrier of energy circled his body as it surged towards his hand. Letting out a short breath, three energy beams projected its way in velocity, its helix path twisted continually as it rushed on. Upon where it collided on that twilight, it has shown four flashes of light followed by its columns of smoke.

"Four down." Kamui remarked to himself. "Right now, I have to keep her safe."

"Kamui, on your right, three o'clock." The still voice went on again.

Following the hint, he turned to his right and channeled his energy once more. Charging up, he smirked as the sphere of light amassed on his palm was let loose; and on that same moment, the blade wielding being pounced with its ambush. Before he could land, the sphere collided upon his body, scorching it into dust. Then one after the other they came. One of these beings charged from behind. Knowing this tactic could ensue with its damage, he sidestepped as he avoided the blade. Seeing the limb that held it, he grabbed it quickly as he hurled him towards the other that appeared from the other direction. Colliding with the blade impaling its body, Kamui let out a number of shots at the two as it pierced through the enemy until it fell down to its demise. But his guard was not that enough as he was pinned by a squad of three behind him. As more of them came and lunged at him, he was down to the ground.

Unable to move in the height of panic was Kasumi. Her hands were reaching for her neck as the adversary clasped it with malice upon its grasp. Gasping for air, she shook her body to break free from the hold. But this action was causing much strain to her, taking her energy to be drained away. Death was drawing close to her and so would it fall for Kamui.

"Let go of her!" Kamui yelled as he struggled but to no avail. Watching her facing the brink of life and death, he can't afford his conscience to carry this nightmare. Yet something else was sparking its work inside him. It was another reason hidden dormant.

Don't tell me this is all I can do. Kamui reflected. Don't tell me I lost to my brother for nothing. I can't let this happen.

(Flashback)

"To initiate this attack, you have to channel your energy to your body. Once done, trigger this to unleash its pulse. This can take down a number of enemies that will surround you in a great radius. But use this when needed." Takenori instructed, telling the method of a certain technique.

Kamui wondered where this would be used. Gazing at his brother, he thought of what effect this could carry. "So this can be used in a tight situation. And to include a powerful output to target anything around the radius…how many times could this be used?"

"Only once," Takenori replied. "Beyond that is fatal. Using it beyond once will drain you from your capability to fight. And if worse, it'll be certain death. Use it as a last resort."

(End Flashback)

I have no choice. I have to protect her. Kamui had one conclusion.

Kasumi gazed at Kamui. Feeling her end is drawing near, she had only one hope to lean on. Her heart pulsed in quick interval. Her mind was about to go blank. And the image that settled in her mind was his.

Kamui, save me…

Kamui clenched his fist; a spark made its ignition to what laid dormant within him. A rush of thoughts ran in his mind. Akira and Kaze fighting their way out of the crowd of Blood Flaws, Kojiro fighting with his saber while protecting Ciel, Mana gazing at the same horizon while clasping the bracelet of their father, and Takenori watching from afar as a spectator to his demise with dismay; each of these images made its reminder. And there was much more to recall, only to find both he and Kasumi facing their graves.

"I will not let you." Kamui whispered, then an outcry.

Upon that sudden cry, a potent pulse left his body. This sudden flash of energy engulfed everything around them in an explosion. The white light made its luminescent work, destroying the squad that ambushed them as they disintegrated. Settling in gradual manner, what were left were he and Kasumi lying on the ground.

He came to, the blinding flash was gone. He hoisted himself from the ground, putting his body in erect posture as he tapped away the dust on his clothes. He gazed at her prostrate form, rushing at her side soon after.

"Kasumi, wake up." Kamui called out to her, shaking her to wake her up. Finding no answer, he carried her body with his arms and sauntered away from the scene.

What happened? Did I die?

With a moan, Kasumi gained consciousness. The star-filled sky welcomed her and at the same time, the first thing she saw was Kamui. She then noticed her body wasn't on the ground but suspended by a pair of arms, holding her. Kamui then looked at her and smiled, relief taken over.

"Thank God, you're alright." Kamui said to her, his tone of worry and relief mingled on that moment. "I thought I'd lose you or something."

"What happened there? I thought I was going to die." Kasumi weakly stated.

Kamui continued walking with Kasumi still remained in his arms. As he reached the bench near the shed, he winced as he saw two familiar figures waiting for them. Kasumi could not shake the thought of being saved however. It remained imprinted on her mind.

"Kamui, there's something I'd like to tell you." Kasumi said.

"What is it?"

"I…I…uh…" she began to stutter, holding back what she's trying to say. "I'd like to thank you."

"For what?" Kamui asked her, wondering what it was that he did.

"For saving me..."

Kamui smiled at her. "Don't worry about it. We'll be alright."

"Would it be alright if I close my eyes?"

"Go ahead, Kasumi. It's ok."

He reached the shed with Criel and Alia waiting for the pair. He then turned to Kasumi and noticed she's fast asleep, tired for the whole day.

"I guess I won't have to worry about that. I have to worry about those two." Kamui winced at himself. Nothing else would make its action to trouble him anymore. At least, the night would be quiet…

(End of Chapter 12)

Author's tête-à-tête

What hides inside the face of the innocent? Still, it remains to hide in the other. What will cross the minds of those who suffer?

Well this chapter took me a while but this doesn't stop me anyway. Man, house fixed. Oh, Forgive the case of romantic somethings. It's meant for the chapter...heheh

Here's something that I noticed. I skipped a pair of characters from the previous chapters for the guessing thing. But now I'll include them. Try to find out who they are.

Chapter 11

Alecsi

Beatrice Revant

Chapter 12

Kasumi

Well, let's fire up those heads and start thinking. Oh, please review this as well. Your reviews, suggestions and comments are highly appreciated. We'll never know; this might speed me up again. Enjoy…

Sydney Grise