As it happened, Merlin had just finished unpacking his things and was rifling through the books the Professor had given him for Christmas as he rested. He, Francis, and Ahiru had just gotten to Goldenrod not too long ago, and Merlin still hadn't gotten a chance to ask Mitsuru where Ken was.

When he heard Miles' voice accompanying the urgent pounding at his door, Merlin dropped the book onto the bed and hurried to open it. "Miles?? What's going o--" He cut off as soon as he got a good look at the state he was in: Soaked, and looking completely worse for wear. Merlin frowned, then had to stifle a gasp as he caught sight of the Arcanine and the familiar form draped over him. "Ken?"