Kiache, who had been sitting a silent vigil next to Ripley's bedside for the past few hours, had swam out a few moments before the other woke. She had to speak with the general about the battle, and assess the extent of the casualities and injuries, as well as the next step. Alther her pater was the King, military strategy had always been Kiache's strong suit. There was also the fact that Kiache would never be the Mer who was uninformed about their own kingdom.

When Kiache came back in, tired, but relieved, eyes looked at Ripley, "Gods... I am glad you are awake. You gave us all a scare." Kiache settled beside her friend's bedside, scanning Ripley with an assessive gaze, "How are you feeling?"

Truthfully, Ripley hadn't been expecting anyone to be there when they woke up at all, as it had been that way for so many years and Kiache had only just arrived. Besides, the child of the King certainly had more important things to do than watch Ripley sleep. Apparently not though, as Kiache's voice slid into Ripley's head with a comfortable familiarity.

"Pft, worried? About me? That's nonsense Kiache, I'm here like twice a week, plus, I am practically invincible obviously." Ripley winked, a trickle of humor in their mental voice. Slowly, the smile on their face drifted away though, and was replaced by a rather serious expression. "To be entirely honest, I'm not sure how I even got here, that idiot," they gestured towards Kay's sleeping figure, "sure as hell didn't drag me here. I dunno, they shouldn't have been out in the battle anyways, it's too dangerous for someone of their size and skill." Ripley sighed, their red scales drifting about lazily on their body. "But I'm feeling okay, by the end of the day I'll be as good as new."

Kiache raised an eyebrow doubtfully, "...As long as you get doctor's approval. If not? I will sit on you. And yes, you idiot," Kiache flicked Ripley's arm lightly, " 'Course I'm gonna worry about you. You're like, my best friend. Ever."

Kiache looked around the hospital, even if their channel was private, she didn't want anyone to be around, "And... I don't know how you got back here either. When I got word you were back, it was still a long while later before the army came back - with all of the others who were wounded or dead. So, I'm not sure... what exactly happened. I haven't had time to ask the nurses yet, though, so they might have the answer."

Ripley released a huff at the thought of Kiache sitting on them, as if she even could hold them down. Not that Kiache was scrawny or anything, but Ripley was a literal soldier, and maybe Kiache had been able to beat them a long time ago, but Kiache was still recovering from being taken. "Well I'm happy to know that you're worried about me, but you shouldn't be, I'll be fine, and I was under the impression that Jack was your best friend." Ripley winked at Kiache, their chuckle muffled by the water that was a comfortable pressure on their chest.

Suddenly, Ripley grew serious as well, their eyebrows furrowing. "The last thing I remember was killing this Octo Mer who was trying to attack Kay. After that, I passed out, mostly because the Mer threw me into some rocks and I bonked my head really hard, but also because I strangled him with my blood so um." Ripley shrugged, but from their tense posture, it was obvious that they were at least a little shaken by the news that even Kiache didn't know who'd brought them here.

Kiache nodded slowly, and she stared off into the distance for some time. Her eyes suddenly snapped back to Ripley, as though she had come to a decision for the debate in her mind, "Well, I would not worry about it for now. Whoever it was certain did not wish you harm, as both you and Kay are safe."

The Princess's sharp and assessing gaze scanned over her friend once more, and she got up from her seat beside Ripley's bed, "Quinn had asked me if I had time to see her once you woke up. She seemed... almost shaken... at least for her. It was still odd, as I have never seen Quinn express that much..." Kiache trailed off, her eyes focusing on some point in the distance again for a few heartbeats before coming back, "Sorry. A lot on my mind. And in my mind, such as five other people who I am having conversations with at once. If you are alright with me leaving?..."

It was quite obvious from Kiache's distracted expression that she wasn't all there with Ripley. They supposed that they should be used to Kiache not ever really being with them, as being royalty Kiache had lots more on her mind than Ripley ever did, even before getting taken. Still, seeing Kiache so distant was saddening, and worrying as well. She seemed as if she was stretched thin, and Ripley worried for their friend's health, mental and physical.

"Hey don't even worry about me, you go off and do your royal stuff don't even worry about it." Ripley paused, debating for a moment before continuing. "Just, please take care of yourself too okay?" Ripley sighed, bubbles escaping their mouth.

Kiache smiled at Ripley - a sincere smile, albeit a bit sad - "I am okay, Ripley. And I am - I have friends helping me out, as well as my siblings, plus Pater is leading most of what is going on."

The princess smoothed Ripley's hair away from the other Mer's face, letting her hand rest for a moment longer than necessary, trying to convey her love and worry for her dearest friend, "I shall see you soon, Ripley. I wish you a quick and good recovery."

Kiache ducked out of the medical building, and soothed the other conversations she was having, ending them firmly as she knocked on the door to Quinn's room.

Quick question, cuz I'm unsure of what to do, is Jack still rooming with Quinn?

yeehaw

Okey))

~~~~
Somehow, in the time that they'd been there, Quinn had yet to murder Jack for bothering her. He hoped it meant that she actually liked him but he was pretty sure she just tolerated him. It wasn't his fault he was so talkative as of late, he felt odd trying to make friends. First off, they were all mermaids who believed that he'd been kidnapped and all pitied him, and secondly, he was socially awkward and had no idea how to properly hold a conversation with anyone other than Quinn and Kiache. That was the other thing, Kiache was busy, she had much to do being royalty and all, and Jack didn't want to get in her way.

Even if he really missed her sometimes.

Instead of going out, Jack had found solace in befriending the deep sea creatures, working with his unruly ice powers, and learning how to make music under the waves. He'd taken quite a liking to figuring out how certain sounds sounded underwater, and was often busy trying to figure out how to make a specific note sound proper down there.

This was what he was doing when Kiache knocked on the door, the final note ringing through the air as he stopped, looking up at Quinn, wondering if she knew who was at the door.