You might want to read or skim through the precious chapter(s) to remember the plot. I'm really sorry for the late update!!!!!  

A row of (*) means a change of scene/characters involved. There'll be a lot of those in this chapter, since there's so many people involved at the same time but at different places.

Enjoy!!

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How long have I been here? A couple of days? Maybe a week? I don't know. I've been stuck in this room with no way to tell time. There are no clocks in this room, and the window is all blocked. I wonder if it's actually morning, or is it really time for me to go to sleep.

*Sigh* It's not that I'm dying of boredom. Marguerite is actually fun to have around. A Few more days here and I'll be a Final Fantasy master. I wasn't even interested in that game before I arrived here. Marguerite and I have spent tons of hours playing that game; I guess she likes it a lot. Not only have we played, but we've talked too. She's really a nice girl. Sweet, cheerful and definitely not a person you would expect to be a trained killer. Marguerite's brother, Johann, even joined us in playing in some occasions, another person who you wouldn't expect to be in that kind of work. He's a lot less hyper than Marguerite but he's still a brother, so it's funny to watch those two's antics.

Oh and let's not forget Vincent. When I first met him, I thought he would never speak with me. He's pretty intimidating. I think the word intense suits him just fine. He doesn't look like the friendly, talkative one, but lately he just appears at the door and talks to me for a while. At first, I was pretty scared whenever he appears because it feels like he would be calling me to meet Kanryu or discuss the Project Messiah. But he has never brought any of those topics up. It seems like he just wanted to speak with me…ah…correction: more of piss me off. I don't know how he comes up with his little comments, but it certainly looks like he is having the time of his life whenever he teases me.

And yeah, there's Karl too. He's the latest acquaintance of mine, during my lovely stay here. Let's not forget to take note of the sarcasm here. He reminds me of Sou-chan actually, because he looks smart, nice, and friendly, but I am pretty sure that he's one of the deadliest in their team. Can't trust the quiet ones, can't we?

Kanryu has never talked to me ever since the first day I was here. Not that I want to talk to him or anything but, does that mean he's planning something? How about my friends? Aoshi? I hope he's doing fine. Hmm…Kenshin, wonder what he's doing right now. He's probably freaking worried about me, not just him but also everyone.

I hate this. I don't want people around me to feel like that. Was it wrong to involve them in this mess? Maybe if they haven't known then it would be 3 less people worrying and risking their necks, all for one person. Oh and if you include Hiko-san, better make that four.  Maybe I could hit my head and just forget about the password and things may turn out a little better.

I need some fresh air.

"Mou!!!!! Talking to the pillow is not healthy Kaoru!!!!" I exclaimed with great frustration while I smothered myself with the said pillow.

"It certainly isn't," I heard someone say.

Other Side of the Moon

Disclosure Chapter 15

Part A

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"Then again, maybe the only real love is between a boy and his dog."

--Charlie Brown

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"Ehh????????? VINCENT!!!! How long have you been standing there?" Kaoru asked in shock, her face turning into a few shades of red with the thought that he might have heard everything she said.

"Not too long ago," Vincent replied.

"Well, you should have said something! Besides, even if this isn't my house, you should at least knock before coming in!" Kaoru said in a fluster.

"I did knock—twice even—but I think the little tomboy was too busy daydreaming," he replied playfully.

Steam was starting to come out of Kaoru's ears the moment he mentioned the later part of the sentence. Forcefully, she cracked a smile and asked sarcastically, "Excuse me, but did you just call me a tomboy?"

"Eh? Did I say that? Don't think so," he said innocently, while pretending to be thoroughly involved with a piece of lint on his sleeve. Not affected by Kaoru's rising temperature at all, he continued and flashed a smile, "I would never call a sweet, cute girl a tomboy."

'Eh? What is this guy trying to say? Didn't he call me a tomboy, so that means I'm not sweet nor cute! "Mou!" 'This guy is obnoxious!' "Forget about it. What are you doing here anyway?" she snapped.

His attitude went back to its usually serious state before he replied, "I think it's time for you to come out of this room."

Kaoru tilted her head in confusion. Seeing this, Vincent went on.

"Takeda would like to talk to you. I think the preparations are ready," he finished.

"Is that so?" she managed to release calmly although her heart was beginning to race like a rabbit's. Her eyes slowly drifted downwards worry, fear and anxiety consuming her mind all at once.

"Don't worry too much about it. You have good friends, don't you? I'm sure they'll try and help you," he said.

She gave a small nod, "I'm not that worried about myself. I'm worried about the possible consequences of Kanryu's actions. Ey Vincent, if my friends do come, you guys would have to fight them, ne?"

"Aa...that's what we're here for," he confirmed.

"I see. Some things can't be helped," she said as she motioned to stand up from the bed and walk towards the door.

"Just don't die ok?" she said before completely stepping out of the room.

His eyes failed to conceal his surprise brought about by her previous words. 'Baka' he thought involuntarily. He turned his back on her and spoke distantly, "Why are you telling me that? If the orders were to kill them, I would not have any second thoughts." 

She shook her head slowly, besides the fact that he wouldn't see her action anyway. She spoke softly, "I just don't want any of my friends to die. If I was with them, I would have said the same thing."

"Friend?" he was again taken by surprise, and froze on his spot. He turned his head towards her direction lightly then asked in almost a whisper, "Am I your friend, then, Kaoru?"

"Baka. Of course," she said just as softly before proceeding towards the hallway.

"Sou desu ka," he replied as he led her to Kanryu's office.

*****

Kaoru's location was confirmed to be one of Kanryu's huge manors. This one was located in the heart of the industrial park. It really didn't look like a house on the outside, more like a business office. Kaoru is supposedly on one of the upper floors. The exact location has not been pin pointed yet, that's why creating a blue print of the manor is part of the mission today. It might sound a little crazy, careless and risky to sneak in the manor to draw the blueprint and rescue the girl simultaneously, but there isn't much time left. If everything would go on as planned, it would be fairly easy.

"One last recap. You will break up into two groups. One group will consist of Megumi and Misao, while the other one would be comprised of Aoshi, Sano, Kenshin and Soujiro. The women are assigned to secure control over all the exits in the building and to send the blueprint of the manor to the command center. Having the blueprint in hand would be of great advantage later. The four men are then assigned to take care of Kanryu and the hired group, and of course, take Kaoru home," the captain repeated for the nth time.

"Is everything clear?" he asked.

"Hai," answered everyone.

"Well, it better be. In case memory fails you or klutziness acts up, just contact us through Tae."

"Hai. Don't worry! We've got it covered," Sano said confidently.

"Hmm…don't get too cocky, ahou. Never underestimate your opponent. Well then, what are you waiting for? Go on," Saito said.

"Hai. See you later captain," Aoshi said as he led the group to the location.

***

Misao threw another of her kunai at a surveillance camera and right on cue, Megumi swung her naginata towards the guard standing adjacent to her.

"Great job Megumi! Things are going pretty well for us," Misao said cheerfully as she looked around the area.

"Mmm…these guards aren't very tough at all," she said half-heartedly as she busily typed away on her laptop.

"Wonder how the others are doing?" Misao asked.

"I'm sure they're doing just fine. In the meantime let's do our best," she answered as she clicked her laptop shut. "Our job's done in this area. I've finished drawing the layout and I've already sent it to Tae. Let's go to the next one," Megumi said.

"Hai. Let's go," Misao complied.

***

"Ah, nice to see you again Kamiya-san." he greeted. "I hope you are comfortable during your stay here."

Kaoru remained quiet and chose to stare directly at Kanryu's eyes instead.

Kanryu walked around the room, grabbed a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and slowly lighted it. "My, my, isn't the air in this room a little heavy?"

"I did not expect that you would devote a whole day for me," Kaoru commented disdainfully. 

"Why not? Such a special girl like you is worth my time, especially since you're the key to my bright future," he answered smoothly while leisurely breathing out smoke towards her direction.

Kaoru indiscreetly showed her disgust for smoking and said, "I did not come out of your little prison to inhale second hand smoke."

"Ooh...in such a hurry, little girl. It's not like you can go anywhere afterwards. But don't worry; your highness's evening won't be exclusively spent on throwing sarcastic remarks. In fact I'm going to tell you the reason for your long wait."

**

"I'm going to check around," Vincent said quietly to his teammate, careful not to disturb his client's conversation with Kaoru.

"Aa, my instincts are screaming at me too. I'll come with you," Johann replied as he followed the blond boy towards the exit.

"Where are you guys going?" Marguerite inquired.

"Just going to walk around," Vincent said then continued before she could reply, "You stay here with Karl."

"Vin—" Marguerite's whining was seized by Karl's hand.

"They'll be back soon. If they don't, then that's when we follow, alright?" Karl said with an almost too bright smile on his face.

"Hmm…ok," Marguerite replied submissively.

*****

"I've already talked to the government and have ensured them that this wasn't a lunatic's joke, or a well-devised prank. I've also gained partnerships with people who have equally ingenious minds and wealth like mine. They've agreed to back me up in my endeavor."

"You mean rich, corrupted people like yourself have agreed to work with you to satisfy their lust for wealth and power," Kaoru spat.

"Ah, you can put it that way if you want," he said unaffected by the girl's straightforward comment. "And also, you should know that the media has already been informed of the issue at hand. All that's left to do is to actually show them that I physically posses the password, ne?"

Kaoru remained quiet with hard, intense eyes focused on the talking man.

"Your father actually gave my researchers a hard time, you know? A password that is not a number nor a word, not a key nor a microchip," he continued blabbering. "Then what else could it be? A voice activated mechanism? Nee, Kaoru-chan, what could it be?" he asked almost melodiously.

"I am and will never be Kaoru-chan to you," she said piercingly. "I'm sure you have brilliant researchers to figure the password out for you. You won't need my help then."

"Ah, my researchers are brilliant indeed," the man answered menacingly. He then tilted his head to one side, and paused before continuing, "Oh, did I misled you to believe that the password is still unknown?" his question dripping with malice.

'No,' she thought. "You're bluffing."

"Hmm? I'm sure you are hoping I am bluffing, but what if I'm not? What would you do then Ka-o-ru-cha-n?" he said, pronouncing every syllable of her name ever so slowly.

She tried to regain her composure and tried to reply smartly, "If you already know the password, then what am I here for then?"

"We both know the answer to that question. Now, now, let's go play chess, ne?" Kanryu invited cynically.

****

Marguerite was getting impatient. It's been almost 20 minutes since his brother and team leader stepped out.

"Nee, Karl, can we go out now? They're not back yet," Marguerite nagged.

"It hasn't been that long," he replied patiently his attention never leaving Kaoru and Kanryu.

"But…" she insisted and incessantly tugged at the older boy's sleeve.

He sighed. "Alright, let's go, but we'll just look for them then come back right away, understand?" Karl said sternly.

"Yes, I promise," she said happily while she tugged Karl's arm behind her.

***

"You must be Kaoru-san's rescuers," Johann assumed unceremoniously.

"Where is she?" Kenshin demanded, his eyes flickering an amber color.

'Hmm…a little too upset for a bodyguard. Kaoru's boyfriend?' "She's currently busy right now," Vincent replied.

"We're sorry to interrupt, but I think it is time we took Kaoru home," Soujiro said.

"We can't allow that. That will mean Marguerite will bother us all day," Johann replied.

"I heard that," they heard a girl say.

Two figures were seen slowly approaching the group.

"Well, it's the truth, isn't it? It's better for all of us if you bother Kaoru all day instead," Johann said to Marguerite.

"Don't speak of her too familiarly," Aoshi noted.

"Ah, please excuse them. I do not believe that we've been properly introduced yet. My name's Karl Remnick."

"Che… We are not here to attend a freaking soiree. Cut the crap and get out of the way. We came here for Kaoru, not to meet somebody's acquaintance," Sano outburst and motioned to walk past them.

"I wouldn't dare make another step if I were you," Johann said.

"As if I care," Sano ignored him and deliberately made a huge step forward.

"Sano!" Kenshin exclaimed.

Instantly, Sano was leaning against the wall, his left side bleeding badly. The second after Sano made the intentional stride; Johann unexpectedly charged at him at astonishing speed and thrust a sword through Sano's left shoulder.

'Damn. These people swing their sword like it was just writing. No holding back at all,' Sano thought.

"Maybe you should try to consider our warning before you act," Johann said a little too friendly while re-sheathing his sword.

"Shut up!" Sano shouted as he charged towards Johann.

"Sano, wait!" tried Kenshin, but his attempt was interrupted by Vincent's incoming attack.

"Better worry about your own well-being first," Vincent said coolly as Kenshin blocked his attack.

"Hello there! Do you remember me? How are you feeling? Does your leg still hurt?" Marguerite asked Aoshi.

"I'm doing better now," he replied coldly.

"That's good to hear! That means I don't have to hold back," she said as she moved to form an offensive stance, and then beamed, "Don't want to be called a bully for fighting an injured man, ne?"

"I guess that leaves us then. I think I would enjoy this," Karl said.

"Good luck Remnick-san, but I guarantee, I won't lose," Soujiro replied, noticeably changing tones with his last words.

"Ah, of course, let's go!" 

***

"Chess? I have no idea what you're talking about," Kaoru lied rather poorly.

"Eh? Too bad, you would still have to play. Maybe once you see the screen, memory will work again for you, right?" Kanryu asked the question almost rhetorically. He huffed then commanded one of his men, "Let's begin the game."

"Yes sir!" replied the man amenably.

**

"You're stiff. It's not like you to worry like this and actually have a hard time covering it up," he said to the man standing on his right.

The tall, lean man on the right, reached for a pack of cigarettes in his pocket, grabbed a stick and lighted it before answering, "Am I giving away that much? I must be getting old."

"Hn, I think it's because of the girl," the brawny man answered confidently with a smug smirk on his face.

"Maybe," he answered vaguely, his lips slightly curling up to form a small smile.

"Are you thinking the boys and girls won't make it in time?"

"They'll make it on time. Even if they don't I'm sure those kids will cook something up to save the day. For some reason I think they were born to be superheroes," he joked half-heartedly while puffing out smoke.

"Ah, how about the girl? Do you think she can wait for her knights and ladies?"

"I'm sure she'll make the best decision there is."

"The password," Hiko started, earning not an angle of movement from the captain's gaze, "What is it?"

"Hn, the agent's curious, huh?" he asked mockingly.

"Why'd they have to kidnap the girl?" Hiko continued to ask, choosing to ignore the other man's remark.

"Because the password is pure memory, something not tangible," Saito explained casually.

The agent's eyebrows raised high, proving his huge interest on the topic. The open confession of the captain also earned his subordinate's attention. Tae, who was at her stations, waiting for the girls' files turned slightly towards the men's direction to listen better.

Saito continued, "The password is a game, a chess game."

"Chess game?" repeated Tae, not being able to restrain herself.

"A chess game, where in if you should win, Messiah will be activated."

"That's too easy. Besides, you still wouldn't need the girl for that, any chess master would do. What's the catch?" Hiko asked.

"The player should win using the correct moves for all the chess pieces," Saito answered.

"A recreated game," Tae spoke.

"Yes, a recreated game, and the only person who's seen the game is Kaoru."

Author' Notes:

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what the password actually is. I wanted it to be something different so there would actually be enough reason to have Kaoru kidnapped. I've debated whether it'll be science-fiction-like such as Kaoru being the password herself, but then that would just be too complicated to write. Then I came up with using her DNA, but then that would even be easier to get coz with today's technology, DNA's pretty easy to get, just a strand of hair would be enough. Also, DNA only has 4 different letters to choose from, and I'm pretty sure the password won't be as long as an actual DNA, so the probability of cracking the code would be pretty high. That would certainly not justify that kidnapping business. And so…I came up with the "chess thing." What do you think about this idea? Is it too weird?

Ah this was supposedly longer. Actually this chapter posted here, has been in my hard drive since October, but it was only 7 pages then, so I wanted to make it longer. Unfortunately, I haven't done that till now!! The outlines are done, but it's hard to actually write it. So I just added a page and decided to post it as part A. Hmm..hopefully the later part would come out faster than this one.

Special thanks to Tan Kimiko for proofreading this chapter.

I'll take this opportunity to thank the people who reviewed last chapter, just because it's been so long since I've updated and, I think all of you deserve the credit!

Ayce Shade: I'll ask for your help with the fighting scenes, if you're still available. Please leave me a note.

Thank you so much to: Madam Spooky, Hanna-chan, Luli451, friends4eva08, princezz kaoru, Gypsy-chan, cherrybubbles, omochi, Willow, me me me and only me, C-chan, Chibigreen Tanuki, Lady Belegwen Lightningblade, Vesca, Joey, Susan, Hana Himura, kawaii sakura-chan, tenshineko, and Crystal.

Ah, and most important of all, this chapter is dedicated to Gypsy-chan! She's the one responsible for actually making me post part A of this chapter. Why? 'Coz she nominated this fic for The Nikki Diary Awards. Waaa!! I was so surprised when I opened my inbox and found a nomination notification. Wee…Thank you so much Gypsy-chan!!!!