CHAPTER 29- Back To Kimmy's

I sat, watching Dalphinnia for a few moments, as my mind raced. I had never really stopped to think on how I would do either of these things, I simply knew that I must. Finally, to break the silence, Amy spoke.

"Well, why don't we focus on helping your little friend first, and then come back for this dolphin? I mean it's not like she's gonna go anywhere."

"True…" Tobias said thoughtfully. "As long as she starts behaving so the aquarium won't have her destroyed, she should be fine. I can keep daily checks on her, and make sure she's alright."

"And meanwhile we'll help you find and help that little girl Ecco." Kimmy smiled at me. I turned my head to look at these three humans.

"You would all help me…?" I asked quietly.

"Of course Ecco! We'd love to, right guys?" Kimmy exclaimed.

"Sure, why not, this is just too insane to just drop. Besides, you'll need my help if you're going to do ANYTHING about this dolphin." Tobias gave a smug grin.

"Well, like yah okay…" Amy hesitated for a moment. "I guess someone's got to keep you out of trouble." She rolled her eyes, but I smiled.

"Thank you… very much, all of you." I answered quietly. I then looked at Dalphinnia my mind suddenly into full gear. "Now listen young fin, you must do as this human Tobias says to, we cannot run a risk of you becoming endangered. I and my new friends must leave here soon, to tend to other matters, but I vow to you, I SHALL set you free, but you must give me your cooperation, do you understand?"

>I guess I can listen to him for you, oh Great Ecco. She replied, flicking her tail. But you will come back for me right?>

"On my word of honor, I shall not forget you." I gave her a reassuring smile. She dove, and then did a flip above the waves, squealing in excitement.

"Good, now we all better get out of here, it's really getting late." Tobias said, standing up once more. I stood next to him and nodded.

"Agreed. Dalphinnia, I shall return soon with news, until then, take care of yourself."

>Alright Great Ecco! I shall wait for your return!> she squeaked in reply, and began to swim about with renewed vigor.

"Cool, let's head back to my place!" Kimmy smiled, and then slid her arm around mine. I paused and looked at this, but said nothing. She then led us all back out of the aquarium, to Tobias' vehicle. Once inside, we made our way back towards her home. I remained silent for sometime, until tilting my head curiously.

"What? What is it Ecco?" Kimmy asked, sitting next to me.

"I am just thinking about something that was said before." I replied quietly.

"Oh? And just what is that Ecco?" Amy asked, turning her head to look at me from the front seat.

"Does Tobias not now owe me fifty of your dollars?" I gave a little smirk, as everyone fell silent, before the women began to laugh.

"Heyheyhey!! I thought you were full of it!" Tobias yelped defensivly.

"Oh no way!" Kimmy laughed. "You LOST Tob'! You HAVE to pay up!"

"But it was a joke! I didn't think he culd REALLY talk to dolphins!" He cried.

"Now you know better. Am I to be paid or not?" I chuckled as Tobias snorted and growled, clutching the wheel he held tighter. Kimmy giggled and squeezed my arm, yet it did not hurt. Amy saw this, and then leaned over to whisper in Tobias' ear, however I did not catch what was said. I tilted my head slightly, but did not say anything. Perhaps this is a human ritual to welcome new humans to the group… it is strange though…I looked over at Kimmy again, who was now looking out the window. She kept clutched to my arm the rest of the journey back to her home. Finally, the vehicle came to a stop, and her and I exited the vehicle.

"Are you two not going to come out?" I asked Amy and Tobias.

"Nah, it's late, we better get going home. We'll meet up with you tomorrow okay?" he answered.

"Very well then, farewell until then." I replied calmly. Amy and Kimmy said goodbye to each other as well, and then Tobias took Amy and the vehicle away. I looked at Kimmy. "He is correct, it is indeed late, perhaps I should take my leave as well then."

"But… but where will you got Ecco?" Kimmy asked as she tightened her grip every so slightly on my arm.

"I… I am not sure." I answered honestly. "Perhaps I shall go to this 'hotel' I was told to go to by the policeman."

"But it's so late! Stay with me-I mean I have a be- er, couch! I have a large couch you could crash on for the night! Besides it's already so late do you really want to try to find some hotel in the middle of the night?"

"Well… I suppose you are correct… and I do not wish to ride another 'taxi' if I can help it." I stated finally. She smiled happily, and finally released my arm.

"Good! I'll go get you blankets and a pillow!" She rushed inside and disappeared from my sight. I walked in slowly after her and waited quietly, looking around. I rubbed my arm gently, as I could still slightly feel her grip upon it. It was a strange sensation, but oddly, I somewhat liked it. She came out soon after carrying a few objects, the like I had seen in Embers sleeping room. She lied them out upon the couch for me.

"Here you go, nice and cozy." She giggled then stood up and looked at me, before yawning. "Bathroom is over there, and the kitchen you've seen so you'll be okay for the night right?"

"Yes, I shall be fine, thank you." I replied, and she smiled again.

"Good, I'm gonna go crash for the night, but if you need anything, feel free to wake me up, k?"

"Sleep well Kimmy, I shall be alright, I assure you. Good dreams to you." I gave her a soft smile.

"Goodnight Ecco, sleep well!" She then came almost face to face with me. Before I could question her, she then pressed her face, her lips, against the side of my face, before turning and walking off, out of sight. I stood dumbfounded, looking off to where she had gone for several moments. I touched my face slowly.

What by the almighty was THAT???