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: Here's the continuation. Hope you enjoy it and I could only say, it's hard to find a valentine...heheh. Here's chapter 14

XIV. Last Leaf, First Snowflake (The Second Phase)

The sky began to show its gray veils, casting the light away in a gradual pace. The light in that afternoon began to dim; the frosty wind carried its herald of the upcoming winter. The hall continued with their festivities as the time passed with its frigid overtone. Gazing at the horizon, Kamui clasped the scarf that dangled upon his neck as he loosens its wrapping. Dressed in a blue overcoat, covering his black sweater and his dark denims, he rearranged the scarf and placed the blue scarf neatly. He felt the cold caress of the air as he sauntered towards the balcony.

He turned towards the glass door, gazing through its transparent division. Watching the joyous occasion, his mind wandered recalling things that have taken place. Images of those moments that came as he arrived and lived in this very city gave their resemblance to his mind. The steps he took so far gave its mark as the battles fought seemed endless and progressing. Through the glass door, he saw the image of Alia with the rest. He glanced at another angle, seeing his sister Mana holding her guitar as she sang with Klaha and Criel. Kamui could only smile as he watched the carefree expressions that they wore.

Well, they're really enjoying themselves after all the trouble that we faced. Kamui thought as he turned to the garden with a sigh leaving his lips. "I guess I should loosen up for a while."

Kamui sauntered away from the balcony and began his stroll around the halls, finding his way through the corridors. At every part of the window leading to the hall is but a celebration of the season. Seeing a group together in happiness or a couple in their moments, he couldn't help but feel a void and the nostalgia that it brought him. Kamui closed his eyes for a moment, halting his pace for that duration as the image of someone dear came to mind.

"Father, Mother." Kamui whispered, opening his eyes soon after as he sauntered away.

Kasumi sat down the bench as she looked through the trees. Clasping the edges of her jacket, she listened to the rustling of the leaves as it brought the wind to pass by her. Placing her gloved palms together, she sighed, seated in the quiet environs, taking time to feel the stillness outside the hall. Wistfully gazing at the horizon, she hummed a song that she recalled, something that best described that feeling.

I can feel the changing hands of time. I felt it rage in motion within me. If only I could see that warm smile of yours. Kasumi thought, the exact lines that came from an entry in her diary recited the exact thoughts in her. She sighed as the sun began to lean upon the west, seemingly unseen thanks to the clouds.

Footsteps echoed behind her. Feeling the pair of eyes that watched her from behind, she turned and caught a glimpse of the blue scarf and the overcoat that kept the stranger warm. Raising her eyes in a slow manner, she caught sight of a familiar face, smiling upon recognition.

"Kamui…" she whispered, her tone noting a tone of joy.

Kamui approached her; a smile broke out on his face. He raised his hand as a gesture of greeting. Kasumi couldn't find any manner to respond at the moment, startled still for his appearance. Nevertheless, she remained composed.

"Kasumi, what are you doing here? I thought you joined inside." Kamui said, taking a seat beside her on the bench.

"I just want to break away from the crowd for a while." Kasumi answered nonchalantly, "I want to get some fresh air at least. It feels constrained in there."

Kamui found the answer similar to his terms. Clasping his hands together, his fist engulfed by the palm of the other hand, he glanced at the ground then shifted his gaze upon the horizon affront. A question arose from the back of his mind, a doubt that he wished cleared.

"Kasumi, I would like to ask you something." Kamui stated with his voice serious in tone.

"What is it, Kamui?" Kasumi roused herself to listen.

He clasped his hand tightly, the glove pressing upon his fist as it rubbed surface. Sorting his thoughts in a single line, he closed his eyes. Calming his breath while the cold wind caressed his face, he took time to recall. Tightening his fist, he was ready to speak.

"Kasumi, if I have caused you trouble, I would like to apologize." Kamui said to her, skipping the matter that he was about to impart.

"There's no need for that. But what is it that you would like to ask?"

"Kasumi, do you remember when we went out together?" Kamui asked.

Kasumi remembered the event clearly, nostalgia giving its working to her. "Yes, I still remember."

"Do you find it odd that those things came after us? That they were also after you?"

Kasumi tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"

"You saw them." Kamui pressed his point onward. "Those black things. They're after you as well."

"What are you trying to tell me Kamui?" Kasumi whispered, a shock crossing her mind.

Kamui calmed himself down as he noticed his voice rose unnecessarily. He closed his eyes, his face engulfed by his gloved hand. He shook his head, making her ignore his statement.

"I just feel stressed, don't mind it." Kamui calmly answered.

Kasumi tried to make sense at the fragment of a thought that he tried to imply. She was able to trace the expression of his face, a tear trailed from his eye. Raising her hand, she touched his cheek. Her finger felt the smooth skin of his face as she wiped away the tear. Kamui felt the heat of her touch, surprised from her sudden motion. He turned to face her, puzzled. His heart raced as he gazed at her eyes, gentle as they are. The blood rushing towards his face came to bring its flame upon his cheeks. Halted by seeing her visage in an up-close view, he felt his pulse come to lure him into an emotion that he rarely felt. It has given its familiar marking prior to that day.

What is this? Kamui pondered. He knew little of what was going on the other end, only a haze of uncertainty.

Kasumi brought her form closer, her heart lured upon the unseen thread that brought her emotions to find its dormant wave. She hid it in a smile as she made a sublime word to impart the affection that she brought, trying to restrain her emotions.

"I know it's alright for me that you cry. But, you don't have to worry about me. I know you'll be there for me." Kasumi said to him, her face coming at an intimate distance.

Startled, Kamui felt his body froze to motion. Unable to take himself to turn away or react, in a quiet manner he watched her. Kasumi began to gaze through the orbs of hazel, noting the tint of obsidian and sapphire mingling. Her pulse raced quicker as she began to bring her thoughts to her lips. A gentle whisper filled his ears.

"I know you'll protect me, whatever happens." Kasumi whispered. "You did so. I want to give you a gift for this time."

"What is it?" Kamui asked, a soft tone lining the words as he seemed petrified.

"My…heart…" Kasumi gave her reply, closing her eyes as she felt her face draw near. A spark ignited within her as she felt the lips of Kamui.

He stood in a cocktail of emotions and the sensation mingled upon her kiss. Seemingly reluctant, he gradually closed his eyes as he gave in to this bidding. He could only raise his hand to her face, caressing the soft skin upon her cheeks. Overwhelmed, he could only remain in a dream that was real at its instance.

The corridor echoed with footsteps upon the marble floor. Alia strolled upon the corridors as she mused upon the recollection that took place upon an earlier moment. Seeing the clouds gather at its overcast motion, she recalled an old moment that seemed too fresh to find, even if it was by a year of distance.

(Flashback)

"So you're really going, Mikagami?" Alia asked with her voice low in tone.

She stared upon a friend that she knew well from long ago. His black hair combed downward in a neat fashion, keeping the white streaked strands of his hair upon the front of his head. Donning the pair of dark-tinted glasses, he looked at her and gave a wistful smile.

"I have to. I'm sure to miss you, Alia." Mikagami sighed. "And besides, if you're in a ditch or something, I'll be there for you. We'll be at good ends, right?"

Alia nodded to agree. She watched him turn his back, raising his hand in a wave as he left. Impressed in her mind, she was never to hear from him again.

(End Flashback)

"I could use some company right now." Alia sighed as she caught sight of the garden as she wandered upon the halls.

Her eyes in a curious rouse peered through the bushes. Gazing at every gap that she could find, she tried to search for those that she knew. But it was to no avail, finding no one within the garden. In a quiet manner she sauntered as on that moment, her eyes were caught by a sight of what has caught her attention.

Well, a pair of lovers I presume. Alia thought, gazing at the couple that has locked lips. As they broke away from the kiss, it caught her attention as to who they were. A gasp left her stunned as she recognized the two. A surge of agony rushed upon within, pressing her chest with its depressing hold. She could have cursed within herself that this has taken her pain.

"It can't be them…" she whispered, turning from the pair and ran. The thoughts ran within her head as she closed her eyes, halting the tears that are about to trail out. Only a question unsaid ran in her thoughts. Why, Kamui…?

"This place hasn't changed since I left here." A young man remarked to himself upon stepping within the grounds of the hall. "I wonder if she's here."

The stranger took a walk around the hall, stopping by the balcony. Gazing at the view overlooking the city, he sighed as he felt the nostalgia play its part.

"It never changed….this city is as I remember." He sighed as he saw the lights that marked the view, glittering with its lively sparkle. Gazing at the sky, he flicked the white strands of his hair to the side to clear his sight, noting the incoming season. "It'll snow soon, it's no surprise."

Placing his hands within the white coat that covered his clothing of dark purple and black, he turned aside to watch the clear corridor. Yet his eyes caught glimpse of a person ambling to where he stood, the head bowed with its forlorn weight. He was able to recognize the blond hair that was partly covering the sad expression. Raising her head, he knew who it was. Their eyes met within that moment as she gazed affront.

"Alia," he said to her. He had missed her for a time that spanned long.

"Is that you…Mikagami?" she said, unable to believe what she sees. The pain, the longing, the sorrow and the joy of seeing him, it was too much for her. She ran without regard and welcomed him.

Mikagami could not fathom what happened next. He saw the sad expression, the tears that fell from her eyes as she ran to him. Breaking her rush, he felt her collide to him as she broke down and wept. He had no clue what was going on but it has been long since he has stood there as a friend.

"What's wrong, Alia?" Mikagami asked.

"Mikagami…I…" she stuttered with her sobs mingling.

He could feel his shirt being drenched by her tears. Finding the sorrow within her tears, he clasped her head and let her continue.

"Now, now…" Mikagami said in a soft voice. He watched her friend weep, knowing that the sorrow was dominant than her joy.

The air has begun to impart its frigid grace, initiating its colder touch upon the surroundings. The sky has fallen overcast with the blanket of clouds above. Kojiro stood before Ciel, speechless as he felt his body shiver. Not knowing if it was from the outside air or from within him, he ignored the sensation and the startled state as he kept his composure.

"Ciel, it's been long." He said in a calm tune.

"Kojiro, it's been days since I've seen you at school." Ciel smiled at him as she approached him. "I thought you'd never come back."

"I'm sorry if I worried you much." He admitted in a sheepish manner. "Well, I thought I was dragged here without any sense. That Rouge…"

Ciel giggled as she noticed the pouting expression on Kojiro. "I guess we're the same with that one."

Kojiro calmed himself as he gazed at the beret that she wore. It has triggered a memory that he could not impart where he has seen it. Yet an image instilled in his mind, a young lady wearing a red beret with a short checkered skirt and a blue shirt. The face was still a blur but he ignored the though.

"So, what happened when I was gone?" Kojiro asked.

"Nothing unusual," Ciel answered nonchalantly. "It's just that Kamui has been doing so much for how long. Akira and Kaze are doing well with dad's training. Pai and Mayu have been helping us out at the meantime. But Alia's busy with her own agendas, just like Kamui."

"Brother went here much earlier than I." he replied as he turned to the sky. Reaching for his pocket, he felt anxious.

Ciel perused at his profile. Noticing the changes from the last time she saw him, she felt that something has sparked inside him. The calm look on his face and the gleam that is seen upon his eyes has caught her to a dream that she has not understood completely. She could feel any better than this.

"Ciel, I have a present for you." Kojiro smiled as he revealed from his pocket a box wrapped with a crafted design.

Accepting the gift, she took the box and opened it. What she found inside was a heart-shaped pendant. Delighted, she smiled with gratitude as it touched her much. Kojiro simply acknowledged the quiet thanks.

"Would you like me to help you wear that?" Kojiro offered as he held the pendant.

Ciel nodded as she watched him bring the pendant to her neck. She felt his dexterous hands upon her neck as he placed the jewelry with care as he secured the lock. Setting it in place, he backed away on a single step and gazed at the item to see how much it fitted her. Ciel marveled upon the gift as Kojiro watched her radiant face. Kojiro felt his heart skip a beat as he watched her smile. Not knowing what to do next, he struggled inside.

Should I say it to her? Kojiro pondered with the question, whether or not he would say the words that have been running in his mind and in his heart. He took a deep breath as he settled to speak out. Here goes…

"Ciel, I…."

Ciel looked at him, wondering what he is about to say. Expecting what is about to happen, she discerned what is about to be done.

"…I love you…"

It startled her. The words that were uttered by Kojiro echoed within her ears as it sank within her in gradual manner. She felt the warmth rushing within her blood, her heart racing along with the overwhelming pathos. A crimson flush came to her face as her mind raced with thoughts of question.

He said it. What should I do? For what Ciel pondered, a number of questions came to flow. It was something that she cannot fathom herself. Moved by the sweetness of the words and the voice that carried it, she threw herself in his arms and whispered her own response.

"…I love you, too." She whispered as she laid her head upon her shoulder. "Since when…?"

Kojiro closed his eyes as he answered. "Moments passed that it came as it is. You're much precious than I ever thought."

Ciel raised her head, their eyes meeting on that moment. Kojiro felt his face gravitate near hers, his eyes captivated by the passion of his emotions. Ciel closed her eyes, hearing her heartbeat amidst the silence. As the sky gave way to its weight, it unleashed its burden into its frozen pieces in gentle descent. Their lips touched, caressed with its sweetness as it permeates leaving its trace. Letting go on that moment, the first snowflake came to descend in between them and landing on Ciel's open palm. The two gazed at her hand and watched the snowflake melt. Kojiro looked up and watched the snow fall upon them in its gentle drop.

"Well, it started snowing." Kojiro smiled as he held her hand.

"It's beautiful." Ciel marveled at the moment taking its work. Watching the gentle snowfall, she felt happiness upon that very hour as she cherished the winter's beginning with a new light.

Gazing at the balcony, Criel stood with his black coat covering him from the cold. Watching the snow trail down from the sky, he felt the nostalgia unveil behind his mind. Clasping the silver bracelet that he treasured most, given by his wife, he whispered the name of her beloved to the wind.

"Beatrice, I know you're out there." Criel whispered his words in whole-hearted intent. "I could only hope you're looking at the same sky as I am. I can feel you're alive and well, you're around here in this city I know it."

Raising his hand with the silver bracelet, he made the ornament within its silver chain dangle about, swinging to and fro upon its suspension. His arm began to be engulfed by a mist of frost and shadow, mingling upon the silver chains and on the ornament shaped like an arrowhead. The cloud that has turned in its gray shade began to take guise as it sprung out on both ends of his palm, forming the shaft in the middle on where he clasped the bracelet. The other end formed the pommel, adorned with its pointed tip with its decorated shape of a spearhead. The end on its opposite side began to take a stranger shape as it settled on its large curved blade held close by the shaft's stable and tight hinge. The mist vanished and the form of a black scythe with its curved blade likened to the crescent moon's glimmer rested upon Criel's hands. Beholding the weapon, he sent his thought to its dominant pulse.

"I'll find you and eventually, all ends will be turned and settled. For the sake of our children that you and I cared for." Criel said to the wind as he whispered another thought. "Please keep them safe. Time will occur to bring us together again."

The people inside the hall watched the snow in its descent. Winter has begun for them. As the others gazed at their windows and marveled at the sight, Klaha smiled as he played his guitar along with Mana. She looked at him, whispered a thought that he can only hear.

"Are we ready for the next wave?" Mana winced as she clasped her guitar.

"Yeah, I'm ready for anything." Klaha answered. He knew the meanings behind the phrase. "Either way, it's what we do, right?"

Mana simply nodded as she began to play a tune with the strings, plucking each note for a song that begins to play. Klaha noticed the riff being shown, grinning at the blues-like sound that it gave and rode the flow of the song.

Outside, Mikagami sat quietly upon the steps of the stairs, shaded by the canopy above him. Upon his lap rested Alia's head, asleep after crying out her anxiety, unable to shed another tear. He placed his hand upon her head, brushing her golden hair with its smoothness. In his mind raced a number of questions that engulfed the reasons that he carried along with him.

"Alia, my friend, I hope you can hear me." Mikagami spoke as he gazed at her. "The snow has begun to fall. If you could only see its beauty right now, I hope it would be able to dispel the pain within you."

Closing his eyes, he cherished the moment. Feeling the warmth of his friend and the cold wind and the ice, he could only think of one thing. The thought of aiding her in ways possible, even resorting to unlikely means, was the only concern in mind. Lifting his glasses into proper alignment with the push of a finger, the lenses gleamed slightly as he smirked.

The Blanche veil upon the trees and bushes, its carpeting on the earth below, it was what welcomed Kamui and Kasumi. Under the sky of gray with its frozen tears, he gazed at her in a startled silence, unable to fathom what she did. Kasumi stared at his eyes, wondering if what she did came as a mistake.

"Is there something wrong?" Kasumi asked.

"Why…" Kamui replied with a question of his own.

"I love you. Ever since I saw you, I thought I can never reach you any longer without hope." She replied. She never stuttered with her words, nor did she hesitate with this statement.

Kamui bowed his head, hiding the expression upon his face. He closed his eyes as he tried to shut away the sight that welcomed him. He could feel deep inside his heart running wild. His mind held no rationality of thought, unable to make sense of things. The image of Kasumi ran in his mind, recalling what has been hidden inside him.

I never noticed you. I watched you when you left without a word, leaving me behind while my feelings vanished. It was you, was it? A question still runs in me that I cannot understand. I had no one. I could only impart the thought that I have not known you exist, but I was wrong. I never lost you; I lost myself since I shut my heart away to hide my pain. A monologue of thoughts echoed in his mind. He remembered the past very well. I met you back then, unable to say what I felt. I lost track of everything. But I could have known you're here. You also feel the same after all this time of distance?

Kasumi gazed at him. Trying to read what was in his mind, what he felt at that time. Unable to give remorse to her actions, she watched.

"Is something wrong, Kamui?" Kasumi asked.

"…I thought you…would never come back…" Kamui whispered. "…but now…"

Kamui raised his hands and took grasp of her shoulders. Taken by surprise, Kasumi gasped as she watched him raise his head. She felt her body gently pulled towards his, his hands embraced her in its warmth. And by then a whisper came to her ears.

"I felt the same with you. I thought you would never come back to know what I felt back then. Now, I found you." Kamui whispered to her ear. He could feel his heart race.

It came to be a surprising moment. Kasumi realized what he said, recalling a past image of Kamui. Yet unable to reckon that this would be him, she smiled.

Kamui was her childhood friend. Yet it was almost forgotten by time.

Kasumi felt her heart give way. Hearing his heartbeat, she raised her hands and set them upon his back. She realized he harbored the same beat.

"Kasumi, I love you." Kamui whispered to her as he slightly pushed her form for distance. Gazing at her purple eyes, he felt a gradual force as his face gravitated towards her. Closing his eyes, his lips touched hers with its permeating passion. Kasumi closed her eyes as she relished the moment, keeping him close to her. It took longer as it intensified; her tongue crept its way to his mouth. Mesmerized, he felt the illusion set to reality. He stopped soon after, opening his eyes as they broke away.

I…will not be alone anymore…

The fountain was covered with ice. The park upon where it stood was empty, veiled by the white blanket of frost. Yet, it never seemed that way as a woman stood, clad in black clothing, the fur coat covering the slick black suit. Her long golden hair rested upon her shoulders, her face resembling Ciel. Gazing at the glimmer upon the horizon, its silver gleam ever dominant, she winced at the building where it came from.

"I will hold my end, Criel, my love." She whispered with the thought dominant in her mind as she imparted its response.

Whisking her gloved hand, the mist of white gathered upon her palm. Taking its form, the mist brought its elongated shape, setting into detail in a finer line. The end upon where the palm is set its shape as the grip and the hilt became tangible. The emerald gleam upon the hilt reflected the jewel embedded. The grip displayed its black coat while the sword guard took its wing-like herald of verdant shade. The blade brought its fine detail, its slender edge and form carried its silver luster. The woman grasped the grip of the sword; the mist vanished as she tilted it with a flick of her hand.

"I'll see you soon Criel. I can assure you." She spoke with the same thought transmission.

Raising the rapier, she pointed its tip upon the same direction where the flickering light came from. Her eyes set upon the frontier beyond, she could only hope that her message reach its recipient

Criel winced as he saw the flicker upon the woods upon the city, where the park is situated. He knows that it will soon come to pass.

(End of Chapter 14)

Author's tête-à-tête

Winter welcomed the end. What shall the rebirth impart? A new dawn awaits them as the battle shall begin…soon.

Whew, that's it. Another thing comes. Who could ever think that writing romantic things would be this hard and draining in the head. Did I surprise you with that? Since this chapter had a hard time finishing with exams running in the middle, I can't wait to make another when all that's done.

Here are the characters. If you want to guess who they are, go ahead. Send their identities in the review. But here's the catch, if you still can't guess them, I'll give you a chance to know who they are in the next chapter. I'll tell you who they are now…so that you'll be sure that you're answers might match.

The characters in this chapter are the following.

Mikagami – (hint: connected to Alia and might be a potential pairing-triangle problem to some of our characters.)

Kasumi – (hint: was a guy in the game…but try to figure out if that's it.)

Jaune – (hint: Rouge's partner)

(Don't worry, I'll tell you who they all are on the next chapter.)

And here's another question. Who's the mystery woman in the end of this chapter? (The one raising the rapier) Clue is that her name is mentioned at chapter 11. Connected to Criel and she looks like Ciel. (Man, that's crazy if you haven't figured it out.)

Well, if you can't figure it out, I'll tell you in the next update. I promise that, no excuses. Please review. Your suggestions, comments, and reviews are appreciated. They're like energy crystals. See you in the next chapter.

Sydney Grise