Disclaimer- I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. Though the character "Max" and the cashier at McDonalds, I do claim and would a ppreciate it if you wouldn't copy.

Warnings- Sometime in this chapter, I will be using the symbols (:). To me, I just put them there to represent cool looking 'into a dream signs'. So don't get all confused and stuff when that happens. I was just thinkin of something different.

Oh, and the reason why I am sooooooooooooo late is because something was wrong with my computer and then when it worked, somethingwas wrong with my 'Documents' thingy...so I was alittle outnumbered there. Forgive me. But everything is fine now.

Enjoy!

From Opposite Ends Of The Earth

Chapter 11: Could It Be?

He looked towards his body gaurds. Both were staring in opposite directions. Then Kiro started to yawn. He put his hands behind his head and layed back. "So...what'ya guys wanna do 'til we get to the pork?" Haku and Kenshin stared at him. "Pork?...you mean port?"

"Yeah, yeah. That's my name for it. But they never have anything good there." Haku shook his head and focused back on the surroundings. Kiro brushed off his jacket and closed his eyes. "You two are so boring..." Kenshin popped up. "I'm boring? You two don't even talk. You just...look." Kiro smirked. "Well that's our job...to look around you. Frankly, I don't see why we have to. I mean...yeah we're the strongest of our shrine but--"

"Shrine?", he interupted.

"Yeah, we were trained in a shrine-like place. But you shouldn't need our help. Your old enough to survive on your own and if not...well that would be impossible considering you live with Seijuro Hiko."

Kenshin glared at him. "I didn't ask him for bodygaurds! I can do just fine without you two." Haku coughed. Kiro busted into a laughing fit. "Yeah, right! Now we know why he paid us." Kenshin glared again and turned away. "Yeah, well...I'm not in the mood to talk about bad things and strength. I have one priority...and that's to get to Japan."

Kiro smirked. "yeah right...to get in that Kamiya girl's pants!"

Haku choked on his breath and Kenshin gasped, covering his mouth. "WHAT! How dare you! You don't even know her...!", he shook. The other boy shrugged. "So...if I were sleep with her you wouldn't care?" Kenshin froze. "Wh-...!" That made his blood boil.

"You lay one body part on her, and I'll-I'll---!" Kiro started to laughed. "Don't worry your carrot-looking head. I won't touch her unless she's hott. And if she looks anything like some of the girls at your school...I won't even breathe around her." Kenshin sat back, taking in heaps of air. Trying to calm down. Boy was he not looking forward to this bonding time with Kiro. How on earth would he survive?

------

They had arrived at the airport quite quickly. Though it seemed so long with Kiro at his side. How he dreaded it. But it wasn't just Kiro that was making him nervous. It was the feeling of the airport. He'd been there so many times. But...he was constantly getting flashbacks of his experience with Kaoru. He couldn't stop her from leaving...but he now will follow her until her mind was set.

He and his gaurds traveled down the crowded lanes until they reached a waiting area. Well of course it was crowded with people who were also attending the airplane. Two adults dressed in black handed Kenshin and his teenage gaurds their luggage. They had stayed behind to get the suitcases checked after they were scanned. They thanked them and stood over by the window. Kenshin rested his head against the cold glass.

It was already getting dark and he could feel the wind blowing against him as if he were outside. His bangs were flowing away from his eyes which caused him to blink. Kaoru..., he thought. His eyes closed themselves.

His sweat trailed his shirt and face. He'd been running for so long. But she just kept going...as if to run away from him. So many people...so different...he couldn't seem to find her anywhere. She'd disapeared into the crowd. How a girl with so much luggage and weak arms run so fast, he didn't understand. But he continued to run none the less.

He ran and ran but she wouldn't slow down. She began to trail farther and farther now. Then he stopped. He fell to his knees and everything around him turned dark. The people were transparent and the objects were gone. The boy raised out his hand...but nothing happened. He layed down and decided to close his eyes.

Kenshin shot open his eyes. The light was blinding him and he looked up to find that an air vent had been right above him. He turned around to the annoyance of someone shaking him. "Kiro?" The boy looked at the younger boy awkwardly.

"...Wh...their boarding now."

"Oh..." The two walked towards the "collector"(as I call them). Kenshin handed her the tickets and followed Haku to the plane. It was a little crowded, but not enough that people had to be forced to sit away from their loved ones. It's not like many people can afford first class anyway. Haku led them to an empty three-seater. And as most protectively of them, Kenshin got the middle, gaurded by someone on either side.

The seats were a dull blue with differen't colors of dots on them. It was slightly uncomfortable when they sat...but you wouldn't exactly call it perfect. A flight attendant stood at Kiro's side. He gazed at her trim legs. Haku noticed and gave Kenshin a push, which made him push Kiro right into the lady's skirt. She jumped back and glared down at him. He quickly turned towards Kenshin, who pointed at Haku. He was trying to hide his snickering.

He turned back. "I'm uh...sorry..about that, ma'am." She seemed to soften up a bit, but quickly regained her stiffness. "I hope so for your sake, Mr." He gave her an awkward smile and watched as she stomped away.

He turned around to Haku. "You just wait 'til we get to Japan...I'm gonna...!" Haku chuckled. "Yeah, right." Kiro folded his arms and started to pout. "Hmph." Kenshin let out a slight smirk too. Haku seemed to have a wild side after all. Well towards Kiro anyway.

Suddenly the plane got quiet and started to move. Everyone fell silent because they wanted to feel the excitment or didn't want to feel the terror of being lifted in the air. In no time at all they were flying. Cars and towns began to become smaller. Soon city lights were dim and eventually disapeared. Flight attendants walked around serving people their orders and helping them with whatever was needed.

Kiro quickly fell asleep and Kenshin and Haku were left alone. Haku's long black ponytail swished back and forth as he kept turning to do Kiro's duty. Since he had been asleep, Haku had to watch both sides. Well it's not like someone could attack Kenshin from outside the plane but...what the heck, he looked anyway.

0-0-0-0

Kaoru stepped through the creeky doors, slowly shutting them behind her. Machine's were everywhere. It sounded like a robot battle the entire day. The mobile platforms ran through each room, leading to something big. Something that would either make it into an ornament shape or box.

She walked over to a coat rack and hung her jacket, grabbing a brownish purple vest which was used for the uniforms. She grabbed some gloves and ran over to her friend. She had long black hair that could've reached her butt. Her eyes were narrow like a fox's and she wore the same uniform as Kaoru. The girl turned to her.

"Hey, there. You're late." Kaoru scratched her head. "Yeah...I know. I just got too relaxed at the fact that I didn't have to go to work." The girl smiled. "So how was your trip? Meet any new people?"

"Yeah...well for one, I met Seijuro Hiko himself." She screamed. "Oh, is he cute!" Kaoru giggled. "No way, but his apprenti--...I mean..." She could feel her cheeks heat. "Oh, nevermind, Megumi-chan!" Megumi smirked at her sudden change. "Apprentice? Seijuro has an apprentice?" Kaoru nodded.

"His name is Himura Kenshin. He's quite the stubborn one."

Megumi stared at her friend as she continued to go on an on about this Kenshin character. After a few minutes, a horn was blown and most of the workers filled out of the room after turning off the machines. One man, about 21 walked up to them. He was tall enough and had light brown hair with dazaling green eyes. Kinda looked autralian.

Actually...he was australian. He just spoke with a country acsent. "Well Konnichi wa, lovely ladies. Aren't you supposed to be on lunch break?...or did yaw sneak in here to see me, ae?" Megumi giggled. "Yeah, right. We just came here to get our uniforms. I waited for Kamiya-chan."

He turned to Kaoru. "Oh, I see. Well how was your trip little lady?"

"It was...interesting."

"Hmm...not much to expect from the U.S outt'a that sentence." She giggled. "Oh, sorry Max. It was exciting and yet confusing at the same time. It's very complicated to explain." Max laughed. "Oh? Well did ya have fun?"

She blushed. "Yes. It was okay."

"Can I ask you something, Kamiya?" She nodded. "What did the message say?" Kaoru blinked at him. Megumi fell silent, anxious to know as well. "Well um...I do know, actually." They both gave her disapointed looks. "But how could you not? You had it the entire time you were there, no?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't my job to read it. My only obligation was to deliver it." Megumi laughed and poked her friend. "No wonder they trust you so much. But what I don't understand is why trust one of the workers and not trust one of Konriyu's men? What makes you so special?" Kaoru thought to herself. Megumi had a point there. Why did Konriyu choose her to take on something so important? Even though she posed as an agent...why couldn't one of his real agents go? Why did it matter so much that he had to trust one of his workers?

Almost instantly, someone frightened Kaoru with a shoulder touch. She jumped in surprise to find Konriyu smiling at her.

"Oh! Mr. Takaida!" She bowed. He stood tall in a brown ironed suit, as if just returning from an important meeting. "Ah, yes. Ms. Kamiya. How was your trip?" She kept her head bowed. "It was very good, sir." He motioned her to arise. "So I presume everything went as planned?" She nodded. "Yes, sir. Takaida." He gave her one of those weary smiles and started to walk.

"Foolow me, Ms. Kamiya."

0-0-0-0

Kiro shot opened his eyes at the annoyance of Haku shaking him. He rubbed them. "What do you want! Can't you see a man's tryin' to get some sleep?" Haku glared. "For one thing, you're not a man, you 17. And second, you've been asleep for four hours straight! We're here!"

Kiro blinked sleepishly. "Are you serious?" He looked around to find that the light was on and passengers were exiting the plane. Kenshin was standing beside him, getting the luggage from the top storage counter thingy. Once they had the rest of their cases, the three boys stepped into the bitterness of cold. Kenshin began to shiver.

The place was crowded so badly, Haku and Kiro were losing track of each other. People ran in so many directions, all hurrying to catch their flight. He tensely looked around for a waiting limo. Surprisingly, it was still day time.

Well no doubt because of the 'on the other side of the world' thing. He spotted one near the entrance to the airport. He looked to Kiro, who nodded after just calling the driver. They ran over to it and he helped them unload.

From inside the car, Kenshin couldn't seem to keep his face from the window. So many lights and cars...almost like New York City...just a little less hectic. Pictures of female artists were practically everywhere. And invites to concerts and stuff. The entire drive, he explored the country around him.

-----------

They arrived at this quite large hotel. It was tan in color and was very...very tall. But neat, none the less. It was quiet around that area of Japan. After all..they drove from Tokyo to Kyoto. Once inside, the boys began to unpack. Kiro jumped on his bed as soon as he entered his room (It was a three-bedroom sweet). There was a large window right beside Kenshin's bed.

Haku shook his head. "There's no time for foolishness now that we are here, Kiro. Our job is to protect Himura." Kenshin widened his eyes. He'd seemed to be getting reminders suddenly that he was really there. He was in Japan. In the same country as Kaoru...so close and yet so far, he thought. He would be determined to find Kaoru.

Since it was still day time, Kenshin decided to get straight to business. Even though Kiro and Haku knew his only obligation was to find Kaoru, they agreed and helped him.

Kiro grabbed a nearby phonebook. Maybe it would list the Company's location. And so it did. It wasn't that hard to find, considering feild trips were taken there almost every month. It was really popular. Kenshin instantly tore the page from the book and stood to his feet, already having his jacket on, which he'd never had time to even take off, and ran out the door with the torn paper. Haku and Kiro followed him.

"Hey! Can't we eat first? I can't fight on an empty stomach, ya know!" Haku nodded. "As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. We need energy for this."

Kenshin slowed down, not wanting to stop. He wanted to see Kaoru. He wanted to make sure she was okay. He had personal issues to settle with her. But his gaurds had a point. They did need energy. Catching sight of them runnig towards a McDonalds, he sighed and followed them.

Kiro stopped running behind Haku. He went up to the worker. She had afigure of a model. Tall and slim. Her long black hair flowed in the air giving off a shein of red as she spun around to face him. Kiro's jaw dropped. Her dark eyes stared at him with confusion. "Uh...how may I help you, sir?" It took a while for him to come back at her but he managed to speak a few words.

"I wanna mak..." Haku suddenly grabbed hold of Kiro's mouth, now getting what he was about to say. He threw him near Kenshin.

"What's wrong with you! We're here to eat, not flirt!" Kiro shook his head. "What...?" Kenshin chuckled. "Nice."

Kiro blushed a light red. "Shut up." Kenshin began to laugh again, paying no attention to his reaction. A few moments later, Haku came back with a tray of food in his hands. Three cheesburgers and small diet cokes. Kiro glared at him. "Hey, what's the deal with the diets?" Haku chuckled. "As much weight as you put on, I should've gotten you water."

Kenshin choked on his laughter. Kiro glared at them both, crossing his arms. The boys began to eat their meals. Kiro looked up at Kenshin after taking a few bites of the burger. "Why are you so anxious to see this Kamiya girl anyway?" Kenshin froze.

"I..." He actually wasn't sure why he needed to see her so badly. He just did. There was no explaination that could make them understand his feelings. "I mean...why the rush? We're here..."

"I know that. But I need to talk to her. I'm not sure why. I just need to see her again."

Kiro and Haku looked at each other. "But you do know that your starting a big war by stepping foot in that company so soon. Maybe we should wait alittle. Sneak our way into it. Haku and I will get the girl. You are to stay away from Konriyu for now. Once he finds out your identity...your done for. Especially since we haven't found the other guards yet."

Haku nodded. "True. I will acompany you back to the hotel." Kenshin wanted to protest, but couldn't. Kiro was right for a change. It would be foolish to blow his and his sensei's cover so soon. It would ruin everything. It would be better for someone that doesn't resemble any of the people in pictures with his sensei. Kenshin nodded. "Alright. I'll go back to the hotel. He glanced at Kiro. "But bring her to me...please." Kiro nodded, finishing his burger and crumbling the wrapper. He sipped his diet coke which he made a funny face at and rushed out the door with the peice of paper.

Haku sat silently, waiting for Kenshin to finish his meal. He'd already eaten his and wasn't that thursty. But he had nothing better to do, so he drank. It was just before Haku had finished his drink that Kenshin stood. Haku gave a sigh and stood along side him. Kenshin grabbed the trays, dumping them in the trash and reserving the empty trays on top. Haku followed him outside.

0-0-0-0

This part of the company was where the real royal stuff was. The hallways covered in clean furry carpet that was red in color, smooth wooden handles and beautiful art work.

She followed him up stairs and around and in so many doors, she began to think that Konriyu himself was lost. But she didn't say anything. He stopped almost instantly, causing Kaoru to almost run into him. One of his men, dressed in white and yellow suits, unlocked and held the door open for them to enter. Once inside, Kaoru saw more men tail out from behind the wall and Konriyu's desk.

It was centered right infront of a huge window that looked as if it wasn't there. The sun was bright and shone down into the office, casting light on all who enter. Konriyu walked over to his desk and sat down, not once taking his eyes off of Kaoru.

There was paper work everywhere. Piles and piles...all crowding his desk. It's a surprise he had enough room to cross his arms. "Ms. Kamiya...I need to know the details of your mission. What was his company like?"

Kaoru froze. She never even thought to check out Hiko's company. She didn't even know the name of it. She was too wrapped up in Kenshin's life you concentrate. She could hear herself breathe. All eyes were on her. Staring. Waiting for a reply.

"Ms. Kamiya? Is there something wrong?", he said in a angry tone. She lowered her head. "No, sir Takaida."

"Well then lets hear it. What was his company like?"

"I am sorry, sir Takaida. But I didn't find anything out about Seijuro Hiko's company. He had gaurds at his bedroom door every minute.", she lied. Konriyu thought and sighed. "I should've known. My foolish step brother is no ordinary fool. Did you show any signs of spying around him?" She shook her head. "No, sir." Was her mission to spy on Hiko's company? To get information to give back to her own? But why would Konriyu need any info on his step brother's company. The Tokugawa company of Japan is running quite smoothly. Actually, it's one of the most popular and most selling companies in Japan. Or was there more...

There was some short silences before Konriyu spoke. He ran his fingers through his short brown hair and stood up. "Alright. Did you open the box?" She shook her head again. "No, sir." He stared at his worker for a moment and then chuckled. "How is it that I can rely so much on you?" Kaoru looked up to find him smiling wearily at her again. "Uh...I'm not sure."

Konriyu smiled again. "Thank you Ms. Kamiya. I will be asking more about this tomorrow. But for now, why don't you take the rest of the day off? And expect a raise soon enough." Kaoru blinked at him in shock. "But, sir. Takaida, I just arrived."

"No matter! Go home, get some rest, you've been through enough already." Kaoru gulped in all in. "Thank you, sir. Takaida.", she said as she walked out the door, softly closing it behind her. He turned to a group of gaurds to his left. All were quiet. All silenced in black and shades. "Hmm...I have a feeling Ms. Kamiya is hiding something..." One gaurds jumped out infront of Konriyu. He glanced at him awkwardly. "I haven't seen you around here before...what's your name?"

"Kir-...Kiyoha." Konriyu stared at the teenager widly. "I don't remember hiring a teenage body gaurd..." The boy spoke out. "It was a long time ago. I was the last to be hired of my age, sir." Konriyu stare fell on his spiky black-ish brown hair and then on his wolf-like eyes. He shook alittle. "Alrighty then...d-did you need something, gaurd?"

The boy was surprised to see how much of a wuss Konriyu was once he saw his eyes. "I would like to watch over her...just in case something is wrong, sir." Konriyu shook again at the boy's cold stare and nodded. "D-do as you w-wish!" He walked over to his desk and sat down, trying to forget the boy's eyes. He (the boy) ran down the stairs and around a lot of doors until he caught up with Kaoru outside.

She had just said goodbye to her friends and was calling someone on her cell phone. The boy ran up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped alittle before turning around. He was kneeled over with his hands on his knees to catch a breath. Konriyu's office was farther from the entrance than he'd thought. Kaoru looked at him.

"Uh...is everything alright, sir?" He stood up.

"My name is Kiro. And Himura-san wishes to speak with you."

To Be Continued...

A/N: Hiyas again! Sry for takin' so long again. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I like to leave my stories at cliffhangers. But it wasn't so bad this time.I can't help it! It makes it so much more exciting. So tell me how I did...

please reveiw!

P.S: And don't ask me how Kiro got there (to the company mansion) so fast...'cuz I dunno. Lol.