Kiache let her head rest on Ripley's shoulder, closing her eyes as the other Mer spoke. When Ripley was done, Kiache didn't move, and her mental voice was small, "Thank you, Ripley, for all that you do. My fear for you is that while the injury may be small this time, there may be a time in the future where it is very serious. This war... and my people... I forgot how they were. Perhaps I should make more of an effort to reach out and let them know what is going on..." As far back as Kiache remembered in Mer history, the Royal family always kept most of the information and problems under wraps, or let very little be known to the public.

"And as long as it is not too much of a burden... I would love your help. It would be very much appreciated." Kiache finally sat up, and put her hand on Ripley's, a light finally back in her eyes, "Thank you again, Ripley. I am very luck to have a friend like you."

Ripley smirked, noticing the fact that Kiache has not denied the whole mate part of what Ripley has said. There was no way they would ever let Kiache forget that.

"Kiache you know I have always cared for you, you were my only friend. There was no way I could just let you remain so sad. I am happy to have helped." Ripley stooped to release a soft chuckle, their scales drifting again with the sudden change from seriousness to mischief.

"So," they dragged out the word, "I noticed you didn't deny that Jack is your mate? Is there something I should know? Are you two bonded yet? Will there be little baby Kiache's running around soon? Can I be their cool... what is that human word? Hm... ah! May I be their cool aunt?" Ripley's eyes flashed with a playful light, something that very few could ever hope to see.

Kiache gaped as she watched Ripley's expression change, "What? When in the seven seas did I say anything about Jack and I being mates?! And no there will not be anything swimming around to be the 'Cool Aunt' of!" Kiache's face was bright red, and she was hiding it away in her palms. No way would she ever be mates with Jack. He wasn't interested in her like that, and Kiache was still unsure of her feelings.

Ripley giggled, their black hair drifting with the currents. "I am not sure I believe you. You two obviously have something for each other. Even if all Jack does all day is sleep and be lazy. He sits there like a stranded starfish all day. He is quite useless if you ask me, though I suppose others may seem him differently. Plus.. Jack is very cold, and I do not mean that emotionally. Being around him generally makes me uncomfortable, I cannot stand to be around him for too long. He is weird." Ripley was not being entirely honest, but they wanted to see if Kiache would have any reaction to the insults they were throwing at Jack.

As Ripley accused Kiache of falling for Jack, the Mer was fixing to retort back. As they went on, though, Kiache stayed quiet, listening to Ripley. Once they were done, she slowly gathered her thoughts, "I understand your emotions towards Jack. Right now, he does seem quite out of place. Things were... different... in the human world. That Jack and the Jack here were different people. He is... completely out of his element, and it is odd for him." Kiache was pressing her lips tightly together while her tail fins flaired, "And there is a reason for that aura, but it is not my tale to tell. It is Jack's place to tell his story or not. All I can ask it that you give him a chance to get used to this life."

Ripley nodded, their hair drifting with the current. "Hey Kiache, I was only poking you to see if you'd defend him or something. Truthfully, I do think he it... odd but he is kind and I can tell he cares for you and Quinn. Well you especially but that's a different matter. I don't care who they are truthfully, I am ajust happy you are back and safe." Ripley smiled at Kiache, their pointy teeth sharp but not deadly, at the moment at least.

"Just know that if you do happen to like him, or anyone else for that matter, I will happily support the relationship." Ripley giggled softly, eyes bright with humor.

"Ha ha. Very funny," Kiache's internal voice was emotionless, but her face expressed the scarcasm that would have been heard had she been speaking out loud. She unfolded herself from the seafloor, and stretched, her back popping comfortably, "Oookay.... I suppose we should get back?" Kiache didn't want to head back yet, but it was getting to the point where night-time predators would emerge.

Ripley stretched their own muscles before circling Kiache, waiting for her to get ready. "I guess we should, it's getting the late and it doesn't help that I'm bleeding." Ripey flared their gills in annoyance before continuing, a softer look appearing on their face. "Hey, if you need anything at all. Remember I'm here okay? And I'll help you with your weirdo friends." Ripley grinned softly, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

Kiache got up, and playfully bumped her hip against Ripley's, "Got it, weirdo friend. Now... Lets head home."

ts?

To training the toddlers? (Kiache and Quinn)