I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Note: I tried writing this story a bit differently.I hope its easier to read this way Serenity's MoonWings.

Chapter 2: Kenshin and Yahiko's Discovery

Scratching his head Yahiko walked back toward the dojo. I can't believe no one saw any body that was acting suspicious leaving the dojo. Annoyed at the fact he couldn't find any trace of Kaoru or the person who left the note, he wandered into the entrance of the dojo. "Kenshin?" Yahiko asked walking about the front yard. Hmmm, maybe he's not back yet.

At that moment Kenshin walked into the entrance with that passive look on his face. "Yahiko, did you find anything?"

Yahiko shook his head. "No, I couldn't find any sign of her, or the person who left the letter. And nobody saw anyone acting strange. No one has seen Kaoru either,"

Walking over and taking a seat under the awning of the dojo, Kenshin set his sword down beside him. "I did not find anything either Yahiko, that I did not."

"We have to find her Kenshin!"

The man nodded. "I know, that I do. However, running off without thinking will get us nowhere. We must think about this Yahiko, that we most certainly must."

Yahiko was getting tired of sitting around. "Kenshin, we can't just sit here! We need to do something!"

Kenshin just stared into emptiness. Not moving, his eyes narrowed and focused. Yahiko noticed the man's glare and slowly walked up and sat beside him. Yahiko knew how much Kenshin cared about him, and especially how much he cared for Kaoru. Knowing that calmed him, however the urge to rescue Kaoru was almost too much to bear. He needed to remember Kenshin wanted to rescue her as much as he did, if not more.

"Kenshin, maybe there was some clue left in the dojo." Yahiko declared looking up. "We should go look."

Kenshin blinked and looked at his young friend. "True. We should go check, that we should."

After saying that, he climbed to his feet and walked into the dojo, Yahiko following close behind.

Kenshin had already searched the room once but Yahiko didn't notice. Nonetheless he wanted to make Yahiko feel like he had something. He also wanted to double check, to make sure he hadn't missed something earlier.

Walking into the dojo Kenshin looked around the room, hoping to find some clue that he had missed last time. Nothing was left out of the ordinary. I wonder who would want something from Miss Kaoru. Kenshin thought to himself. And what would they need her for? It would have to be something that she wouldn't do if they just asked.

"Hey Kenshin, over here!" Yahiko shouted from the other door leading outside, on the other side of the dojo. "I found a footprint! And I don't think it is one of ours!"

Kenshin hurried over to Yahiko's side. And looking down he saw a footprint made by a young person dragging a body. This was made by the kidnapper. Kenshin thought.

Kenshin quickly followed the tracks around the house and out the front gate. He followed the tracks a few more feet to a place where they stopped. Looking about he found hoof prints leading north down the road.

He turned to Yahiko. "Are you ready to go?"

Yahiko nodded with a big grin. "Let's go save Kaoru!"

Kenshin nodded in agreement and immediately began following the tracks.

Soon they came to the gate leading out of town. Kenshin proceeded to leave town following the tracks left by the kidnapper's horse. Yahiko felt like he could fly. My idea worked! He usually felt like he was in the way, hindering instead of helping.

"Yahiko." Kenshin spoke, still walking. "If this kidnapper could subdue Miss Kaoru, you should be careful, that you should. Remember your lessons and training. And also, stay close to me."

Yahiko hated being treated like a kid. But he knew Kenshin was right. If someone could take Kaoru without causing a big mess, and without someone hearing them. They must be good. Yahiko had to admit, Kaoru was a great fighter.

They continued walking, in silence.

--- About an hour later ---

Kenshin held out his hand. "Yahiko, I believe its beginning to rain, that I do. We should find shelter, that we should."

Yahiko held out his hand and nodded. "I think you are right."

Kenshin and Yahiko walked over to a tree. "This should suffice, that it should." Kenshin stated, looking about.

Yahiko sat cross legged under the tree. And Kenshin sat next to him.

Kenshin looked at Yahiko. "Do you have something you wish to say Yahiko?"

The boy stared into his lap.

Kenshin could tell Yahiko was disconcerted. He wasn't smiling, or talking. And he had a strange look on his face. Yahiko was always the happy go lucky type.

"Yahiko, if something is bothering you, you should tell me, that you should."

Yahiko looked up from his lap and into the street, whish was now soggy from the torrential rain fall. "I'm just really worried about Kaoru."

Kenshin looked back toward the street. "I am worried too Yahiko, that I am. We will find her."

Yahiko played with the strap on one of his sandals. "I hope so Kenshin. I never realized how much I like having her around, till now."

Leaning back against the tree, Kenshin nodded. "I hope this rain stops soon. It's depressing, that it is."

Yahiko's stomach growled loudly. With a startled look on his face he looked up grabbing his stomach. "I'm hungry Kenshin."

Kenshin nodded wide eyed, then looked around for something to eat. "There must be some Shiitake mushrooms around here somewhere."

Yahiko smiled at the thought of Shiitake mushrooms. "Mmmmm, that sounds yummy. If not, I'm sure we could find some lizards and snakes or something. I haven't had anything to eat since that Miso soup."

Suddenly Kenshin remembered that he hadn't either. "Come on Yahiko, we should find some food, that we should."

Yahiko hopped to his feet. "Alright, now were talking!"

Yahiko and Kenshin walked off into the forest along the road to find something to eat.

Well, there's chapter 2. I'll try to get chapter 3 up soon. Later!