Sometimes having a great purpose is not enough. Some things just don't turn out the way we want them to be. Instead, trying to protect them may actually lead to endangering their lives.

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. This fic is entirely fictional and Japan did not have a Project Messiah nor a Mission Messiah as far as I know. I did not write the haiku below. The makers of Weiss Kreuz own the song 'Other Side of the Moon'. I'm just borrowing it as the fic's title.

Other Side of the Moon

Marvels

Chapter 1

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"Look, O look, there go

Fireflies," I would like to say ---

But I am alone.

--Taigi

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Kaoru raided the refrigerator and the cupboard looking for something to eat. She finally found something she likes, a bag of potato chips and a can of orange juice. She opened the bag and pulled the tab then slouched on her new apartment's futon.

She grabbed the folder then started browsing the contents, "Let me see."

Name: Hirameshi Ryo

Birthdate: December 12, 1984

Age: 17

Sex: M

Tel. No: 572-8798

Address: 42 Sapphire Lane

Father: Hirameshi Toshiro

Occupation: Businessman

Mother: Hirameshi Mieko

Siblings: none

School: Erizawa High

Year: IV

Performance: Straight A student

Extra-curricular Activity: Archery Team

Likes Color: Maroon

Dish: Pizza

Music Alternative

Movie: Star Wars

Books: Suspense thrillers

Subject: Humanities

Sports: Archery

Attitude: Polite and quiet

Special notes: Mother passed away when he was seven.

As usual, I will act as your father when needed. Your teacher in archery will arrive tomorrow. Inform me if you need assistance academically. You will start school in three days. Take extra care and good luck. By the way, do something about your hair. --Saito

'And I thought my last identity was the worst! Are they running out of ideas to the point that I have to pretend to be a guy?! This will be so hard for me. And my hair? I tried so hard to grow this just to fit my previous identity.'

This has been Kaoru's seventh identity for five years. Every time a report or even a little rumor was heard that the enemies are getting about her true identity, she is forced to move to another location and adapt a new identity. Her last one was a bubbly cheerleader who is obsessed with the color purple.

A number of papers were filed underneath the paper she was reading. She scanned through it and found out it was additional materials to support her data, like specific books she should read, what business her family has, and so on.

'I guess those intelligence people really has a lot of time in their hands. Imagine they even had time to think what my new talent will be, my favorite color, food, books I have read "supposedly" etc. etc. Jeez. As if it would make a ton of a difference, it's not like I've undergone plastic surgery. I still have the same face! I'm not like superman, who removes his glasses, puts gel on his hair then, Tada! Nobody notices that Clark Kent is superman minus the eyeglasses. Golly.'

Each identity Kaoru has adapted was very different from the last one to make it harder for the people after her. She had to portray whomever she's supposed to be flawlessly, which means attending years of drama class, and training for whatever talent she's supposed to possess, forcing herself to like food she actually hates and so on. If her identity's data says that she is an opera singer then she will be in a week whether she likes it or not. However, lately, extreme differences in personalities weren't enough to keep the bad guys away from her. They are getting good at this game, and the police are starting to get worried.

'Last month, cheer dancing, and now archery? It doesn't matter. I think I like the sound of archery better than dancing. Sounds pretty cool. *Sigh* I am getting tired of this game,' Kaoru decided to brush off the feeling, knowing she couldn't do anything about it. "Ok, let's go memory," she finished her snack then decided to start memorizing her new identity by heart.

Her training began the next two days, just like the letter has said. It was intense training, from dawn until dusk. It would have been almost impossible for anyone to learn and excel in archery in just two days of training. Almost, but not quite. During the five years of constant changes in talent, Kaoru has perfectly developed the basic skills needed for any sport or talent: focus, the right motivation, perseverance, and confidence. She also has the strength needed because she has mastered kenjutsu a year ago. Sure, she still wasn't the best archer in town, but she will pass as a member of an archery team now.

It was the third day. Tae, the officer assigned with Kaoru's disguise, a.k.a. Kaoru's wardrobe consultant and hairstylist, visited her that day.

"Here comes the hard part. How to look and act like a guy. Any idea on where to start?"

"Ok, why don't you try the school uniform first. I believe this is the right size for you so I brought five sets of these. And try wearing these underneath."

Kaoru looked at a set of black uniform, a white undershirt, and a 3" thick roll of thin, strong cloth with two pins to secure it. "I guess I know what these are supposed to be. I guess it would take me a while to finish dressing up."

"I can wait, don't worry," Tae said then smiled.

After twenty minutes, Kaoru finally came out of the dressing room. "So, how do I look?"

"From neck 'til the floor, you look absolutely like a man. Great job with the bandage."

"Gee, thanks, I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult. I know I don't have the greatest chest in the world, but you don't have to say it to my face," Kaoru said sarcastically.

"Ey, I'm not implying anything, alright? Anyway, Let's do something about your hair."

"Wait a second, can't I just wear a cap?"

"Caps aren't allowed inside the classroom. Any other suggestions before I give mine?"

"Can't think of anything right now, but please, please, I beg you Tae-san, not some super short cut ok?"

Tae gave a soft laugh the said, "Of course not Kaoru-chan. I love your hair, and I would really get upset if all your hair would become some person's wig. Why don't you take a look at these, " Tae handed a couple of pictures to Kaoru then continued, "I've never used this before, because all of your previous identities were female so, I could easily fix your hair, but this time, I really had a hard time so I used the computer."

Kaoru looked at the pictures Tae gave. One was her present image, and the other was she again but this time with a different haircut.

"I believe that the inward curl of your bangs make you look a lot feminine, that's why I recommend a sharper cut for your bangs to make it a bit masculine. Then, the remainder of your hair will be tied in a low ponytail. I think having long hair is pretty popular with teenage guys nowadays, I think it makes them look cuter, more of a bishounen, and that is what attract schoolgirls most. What do you think Kaoru?" Tae inquired.

"Its all right I guess. I look kind of good with that hair cut. I mean, it makes me look a lot boyish, and most important of all, I don't have to cut my hair, well, sort of, except for my bangs. You know what I mean," she paused for a while then continued, "Now about my voice. I've practicing for days now, tell me how this sounds." Kaoru cleared her throat and started speaking in a low serious voice. "Good morning, my name is Hirameshi Ryo. How do you do?"

Tae couldn't stop laughing. "Oh Kaoru-chan, poor you. I'm sorry I just can't stop laughing."

"Tae-san! You are not helping me at all!" Kaoru shrieked. "I am so, trying my best here, its not like I've ever tried to be a guy before. I haven't got the slightest clue. Fine, it was a plus when the data sheet indicated that Ryo, meaning me, is supposed to be quiet. Meaning, I don't have to use that weird voice often, but that doesn't mean never. So, I have to learn how," Kaoru finished with much frustration.

After a minute or so of laughing, Tae managed to gain composure and answered, "I know. I know. I apologize for being insensitive. Don't worry. With practice, It'll be nothing. You didn't attend those drama workshops for nothing right? You can pull this through. Besides, if I were you I'd worry about something else, and not just some minor thing like your voice."

"And what may that be?" Kaoru asked mockingly.

"Have you ever thought of which comfort room to use when you feel the need to find comfort? Well, you know what I mean. Reminder: schools do not have unisex bathrooms, either you go to the men's room or the ladies' room."

Kaoru turned pale. She hasn't thought of that. How could she have missed that problem? Oh no. What to do? What to do? She doesn't even know how the men's room looks like. She can't just use the ladies room, she is supposed to be a guy.

And as if that problem isn't enough Tae added, "Plus you have to keep in mind that high schools have PE not to mention you have training as one of the school's archer. Meaning, you have to change and take showers, right? Are these things registering in your mind? Showers, lockers, you're "supposed" to be a guy, MEN'S LOCKER ROOM?"

Kaoru remained silent. 'I hate being Ryo. Who the heck came up with this BRILLIANT idea? What the heck am I supposed to do? I hate this. I hate this. I hate this. I hate this. I hate…'

Kaoru's thoughts were interrupted when Tae nudged her a bit. "Kaoru, are you all right? I didn't mean to scare you, I was just laying out the facts. It's part of my job you know. I am surprised you haven't thought about it," Tae spoke with concern.

"What now? Have you thought of any solution?" Kaoru asked hopefully.

Tae gave a small smile, "Officer Megumi has been arranged to be your school nurse. You may use the comfort room inside the clinic whenever you please."

"Wait a second. Won't the other students find that weird? I mean, I use a special comfort room and not just the regular school ones?"

"Well, then it's all up to you. Use the room when there aren't a lot of people around. Just be as discreet as you can be, and pretend that everything is perfectly ordinary."

"How about the PE and archery?"

"You have been exempted from your regular PE class since you are one of the school's varsity members. The school administration thinks the training is enough work out for you people. Training is held from Monday until Thursday. About archery, you can always go home right after practice. Pretend as if you've been doing that for ages. Taking a shower in school isn't necessary because you don't have any class afterwards. Besides, you're supposed to be quiet and collected, right? Its all part of being a mystery, avoid people as much as possible."

'Great!' Kaoru managed to let a small smile crawl upon her lips, "Thanks Tae, for arranging all of these for me. I can't believe I forgot about those things."

"No problem, I know you just sort of panicked. Saito-sama only gave you three days to prepare. No one could have done it but you. Besides I think training drained you out. You will need a lot of energy tomorrow. Better make sure to keep your brain working, you're supposed to be a wiz," Tae teased. "Oh by the way, I guess the earrings won't work this time? So here's a watch, you know how to operate this already."

The earrings and the watch both have a microchip that serves as a tracking devise and can send a distress signal as well.

"Thanks, for all your help Tae."

"You're very welcome Kaoru-chan. I better leave now so you can rest. Good luck tomorrow. Take care and don't forget to wear your watch."

"I won't. Bye, see you later."

A/n: Hey! Oh yes, I'm guilty for not finishing up my other fics before stating a new one. I'm sorry, but I totally don't know where to go after the chapters I've posted for the other fics. Those were created from the top of my head, but this fic's different. I've been working on this since February. I swear, I'll update this fic AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. Oki? Hope you don't find Kaoru pretending to be a guy too weird. Don't forget to leave a review! I feel overwhelmingly happy whenever I receive some! Thanks!