[004] action -- getting his hands (and quite a bit more) dirty

[empireofmymind]

[Ken and Wormmon have decided to retrieve the fallen wedding ring from the sewer! Wormmon climbed down on in and successfully located the missing item, swept a bit down the pipe.

Except now Ken is kneeling, as if prepared to climb in himself. From a ways away comes a plaintive cry:]

Ken-chaaaaan!

Comments

[washurhair]

[She warily watches the two of them as she moves back up. Seeing as how it didn't do anything to her when she her back was exposed, perhaps it wasn't that dangerous. Or at least not suited for combat.

Her body relaxes as she comes to full height, the broom held loosely over her shoulder.]

So... it your talking pet? Seem bit weird. Do other kids own big insects like yours and not normal cats and dogs?

[She couldn't imagine having something like it around but then again, a different world from hers.]

[empireofmymind]

I'm not a pet!

[Ken lays a hand on Wormmon's head to calm him. Both of them smell from being in the sewers (Wormmon especially), but Ken shows no indication of noticing.]

I don't know. I only remembered him. But there must be something special about our bond for him to appear here, as well.

[washurhair]

You creature on... many legs. What else would Shampoo call you?

[She sticks her tongue out at Wormmon. It's childish but it's better than smacking it. It would be rude to kill some kid's pet.]

I never knew other things could follow us to this here town. Wonder if something like him would follow Shampoo.

[She leans closer to look at the two before backing away and holding her nose.]

[empireofmymind]

His name is Wormmon.

[Ken glances expectantly at his partner. Wormmon, however, is having none of that, and retreats to sulk within Ken's arms.

Ken represses the impulse to sigh.]

It's impossible to rule anything out, but no one else I've met has remembered a partner. Though he does prove things from our worlds can arrive.

[Brought, perhaps, by whatever stole their memories? Ken steps away slightly as he thinks, self-conscious about the smell now that she's backed away.]

[washurhair]

Lucky, Shampoo seems like only one from home. It quite lonely.

[She sighs and places her hand on her cheek before remembering the slight pungent smell that hung in the air.]

Maybe boy and... Wormmon should go home too. It smells almost as bad as the fat panda back in China.

[She's not one to sugarcoat the situation.]

[empireofmymind]

Ah...

[How thoughtless of him to stand around like this, yes. Ken flushes slightly and nods his head.]

You're right. I'll go. Thanks for your help.

[He takes a few steps, then pauses.]

...and....

Wormmon didn't come right away. Your friends from home might be the same.

[washurhair]

[She watches him walk off a few more steps before sighing, rolling her bike towards them.]

If kid walk in weather like that, you get sick. Best to go home fast. Take bike, Shampoo can walk to work.

[She turns to prepare for roof-hopping but looks back for one second.]

And it alright. I only remember enemies back at home. Maybe it better off that way. Well... zài jiàn!

[With that said, she waves them good bye and jumps onto trash cans and other objects to gain higher elevation until she reaches the rooftops of the near by buildings.]

[empireofmymind]

No, you don't - have....

[Ken and Wormmon are left staring in her wake, not expecting this particular form of transportation.

At last, Ken climbs onto the bike with Wormmon still clinging to his front. Everyone he's met has lived in the same building, so he trusts she'll be able to find her bike again.

"Shampoo", she'd said...He resolves to find a way to thank her as he pedals off.]