A regiment returned from a mission for their final home assignments early in the morning, Mirabelle was of course supposed to go greet them and inform them of their new lodging situation. Military dragons in armor were lined up in an audience hall, professional in all aspects. It was no wonder they were able to dominate the human armies so quickly. Ghost stood behind a pillar to observe the event. “Welcome home, soldiers. Protheus is to be your permanent home from this day forward. You will be allowed to live a normal life, free of fighting and combat if you wish. For a year, you will receive the same salary. Free housing will be given and will remain free because of your valuable service. Normally I would make a long speech, but I think you know what I want to say. Please wait for a scribe to give you the relevant information than enjoy all of the amenities that Protheus has to offer.” Mirabelle bowed as the soldiers saluted. Just as they were lined up in order, they turned in unison to their sides as various dragons in robes handed out forms and tablets of information to the soldiers. “So, how was it?” Mirabelle asked Ghost, “I didn't feel like being too formal.” No doubt Ghost was having an influence, “It was fine. Soldiers don't need more formality in their lives.” He checked his pocket watch, “Still morning. Bet they didn't expect to be done so early.” “Pardon me.” A male soldier, handsome by dragon standards and about Ghost's height, approached the two, “I am Detyri, Grand Inquisitor Mirabelle, it is a pleasure to meet you. I appreciated the abridged debriefing as well.” “I've had some good influences, and as much as we need to remain on guard and vigilant, long-term tension should not be a part of the peaceful life.” “Well put!” He tucked his information under his arm, “It's refreshing to hear that for once. And you must be Ghost, Mirabelle's assistant. You've made waves.” Ghost nodded, “Uh huh. That's what I hear.” He was spending time with Mirabelle mainly because of his job obligations, but in truth he didn't mind being around her as much as he used to. Miel was getting a day off, so he was going to hang out with her for a bit, “Mirabelle, I have to go do some stuff. You have fun with your new friend.” “Oh... okay. I'll see you later.” A hint of sadness entered her voice, a contrast to the cheerful banter between her and Detyri. “I'm not interrupting, am I?” Detyri asked. “No. I just have plans outside of this little gathering.” With that he walked away. After all, he was just an assistant. No real reason to stick around and watch paperwork get exchanged, “Still really early. I doubt Miel's out of bed yet. Guess I should wake her up.” An elevator ride later and a short stroll down the hall was all it took to arrive at her apartment. Ghost started knocking, softly at first but progressively harder, “Coming! Coming!” Miel opened the door wearing nothing but panties and an old shirt, “Damn, I thought you would come later. Pop on in, I'll... uh... brew something.” Her apartment was messy, Miel was a slob in her personal life. Magazines and books were stacked on a bookshelf in no particular order, dishes and clothes alike were tossed about. The only clean area was a path from the bedroom to the kitchen and bathroom. Miel wandered to the small kitchen and put a kettle onto her stovetop. Ghost sat on her old couch, one of the few surfaces not covered in miscellaneous garbage, “That regiment that returned, Mirabelle kept the address short. Some guy named Detyri was talking to her, she seemed to like that.” “A bit of,” She yawned, “jealousy I hear?” “No, dragons should be with dragons. Makes sense. They're also both military.” Miel opened a bag and dumped some of the contents into a pot, “Yeah? So what? Military doesn't mean much. Plus you two get along well. I wouldn't give up yet.” “Whatever you say.” Ghost looked over some of the magazines spread out over her coffee table, “Trying to find a hobby?” Miel yawned some more, “Mhm. Can't paint. Can't draw. Thought some crafts would keep me occupied, make me more interesting.” Ghost thought about it for a moment before coming to the conclusion that Miel didn't do much outside of work except look at pornography and sleep. She didn't clean, and probably didn't cook either. Attracting a mate would be difficult for her at this point in her life, “Narrowed your choices down yet?” “I'm thinking baskets, dolls, or just collecting something.” She poured boiling water into the pot of mystery contents, “Dolls might be nice. I just need to learn how to sew.” Miel set the pot onto the coffee table and then placed two mismatched cups next to it. She cleared off her lounge chair and sat down, “You wouldn't happen to know how, would you?” Ghost shook his head, “I can stitch clothes back together. That's about it.” “Oh well. Guess I gots more stuff to read. Can't just sit around all day.” She poured some of the brown liquid into the two cups, “What about you? Find a hobby yet?” “Nope.” Ghost hadn't thought about it much. He wasn't homeless and hadn't been for a little while, but there wasn't much desire to relax. A human amongst dragons, not a great feeling. Mirabelle and the others have welcomed him like he was a dragon already, but to Ghost he would always be an outsider, “I don't do anything anyway. Don't have the patience to enjoy my time.” Miel waved her hand in dismissal and took a sip, “Nonsense! Enjoyment is great! I do it every time I get a day off. So I'll just have to find you a model kit or something. Don't want you bored and brooding. Not that sexy.” She winked. Ghost took a sip. Bitter with a hint of cinnamon, “Fine, whatever. I'll build a robot kit. Used to like mechs when I was younger.” “Mm.” Miel set her cup down, “I got a few ideas. Know a shop we can go to. But I need to get dressed. Don't look at my ass too much. I forgot... where I...” She looked around, “You didn't see a pile of folded clothes, did you?” Ghost took a quick look around, “Not in here.” “Damn. Must be in my room. I hope. Be right back.” She hopped off her seat and stumbled into her room. It took her a minute before she stumbled back out, “I really need to clean up. Got too lazy again.” She blended in with the working class easy. The two made their way to the mall and walked around aimlessly for a while. Miel took a look in a few storefronts, hoping to get inspired, but nothing major popped up. Then they stopped into an arts and crafts store, and Miel was completely overwhelmed, “Cloth would help, so would stuffing and colored thread. Needles too. I thought you knew that.” “Right, right... so...” Ghost sighed, “If you want a shape, mesh would be good too.” He escorted Miel around the shop, pointing out materials as one would to a child. Miel filled a basket to the brim before checking out, “That should be enough to get you started.” “You have no idea how much I appreciate you helping me out. I don't think I would have known what to buy myself.” She was scatterbrained and lacked motivation, there wasn't a doubt in Ghost's mind that she was being honest, “So, I know where to go next. I think. Been a little while, not that nerdy myself.” Up an escalator. Down two. Up two. A long walk around a balcony area. A brief pause to gather her senses, then down two and into a corner. Miel had no sense of direction, or even a clue about the large maps posted in various helpful locations, “I'm guessing this is the place.” Miel adjusted her bags, “Yep, nerdy stuff like robots. I'm pretty sure you'll find something you can like.” Dragon entertainment and human entertainment wasn't all that different for the most part. Sub-cultures and the like were almost identical, down to the tropes and familiar tales. A bunch of frail or chunky dragons, mainly male, were lurking around looking at the cards and posters. Upon seeing Miel a few panicked and tried to walk into another aisle of the large shop just to avoid the awkwardness. Miel was cute to be sure, but no man had a chance with her. “Hey! Where can we find the robot stuff?” She shouted to the shocked shopkeeper. This was no doubt the first time he had heard anyone shout about something that wasn't related to an argument. With a shaky hand, he pointed to a far corner. Ghost casually strolled over with Miel in tow and found various posters relating to popular series, figures, and a few model kits, “Got a recommendation?” “I like bright colors, but for you... that gray and gold one. Oh, maybe the blue one. Definitely the red and white.” Ghost sighed internally and picked up several model kits, making sure they were pre-painted and easy to put together, then checked out, “This will pass a few hours I hope.” “If you say so. That would take me a few weeks.” Miel shrugged, “I'm not that mechanical in nature.” “There seems to be more than a mall in this tower, but the mall is the most interesting and popular section.” Miel nodded, “You got it. Some artificial environments are on upper floors, like oceanfront beaches and forests, but you have to book those in advance. Always crowded, too. The mall always has cool stuff though, and the crowds aren't a major issue.” “Never liked crowds of any kind. That's when you get trapped.” “Maybe, but not here. Unless you talk back to your boss.” The two went to Ghost's home, a much cleaner spot, “So, let's make some stuff!” Miel dumped out her materials onto the floor while Ghost sat on a chair and opened a model kit on a table. The dragon was immediately confused and had no idea where to start, “Try a simple doll, a head and cloak maybe. Use the wire mesh to form a head and work from there.” Common sense was just as rare among dragons. The two worked on their little projects, Ghost finishing the white and black mech model while Miel finally pieced together a simple doll. It was rough and almost looked as though a child made it, but everyone had to start somewhere. Judging by her expression, she could not have been happier, “Oh my... I did it! I will love this forever!” “Well good job. I think I'm going to head out for a bit and clear my head.” “Oh. Cool. I guess I'll head back to my place, order some takeout, work on some more dolls. We need to do this more often.” The blunt ending to the day lowered Miel's mood, but Ghost really didn't feel like socializing. Leaving Protheus was always a hassle, but the outside was honest. If someone wanted you dead, they would try to kill you. If they wanted to rob you, they would try. Dragons were too subtle for their own good. The guards gave him a friendly nod as he left the safety of the fencing and walls to go hide behind a brick building. Not quite an alley, but nobody would call this a main road. He leaned against the wall and felt the cool breeze on his face. Mirabelle would finally stop forcing herself to be attracted to him and could be genuinely happy. Ghost could focus on work and making a living. Everything was about to get better for everyone, “Dragons should be with dragons.” Ghost took a moment to take in his surroundings, losing track of time. A flock of birds flew high overhead, chirping along the way. Several gentle clouds lazily drifted high in the sky, occasionally shielding people from the sun. Some food from a nearby restaurant let loose a pleasant scent. Gravel churned, being disturbed by a cautious footstep. A faint click, almost like a safety, echoed. The gravel was shifting around more. A slap against a hard head. “Hesitation is a sign of weakness.” Ghost waited for the inevitable pop. And waited. The pop echoed, scaring off nesting birds and various forms of wildlife. But Ghost was still standing. He turned his head in the direction of the sound and saw Detyri knocking a large man to the ground while bashing a skinny man over the head with a trash can. A curious sight. The soldier dragged two unconscious men over to Ghost, “Are you alright? Do you know these men?” “No. But they probably have a reason to kill me. Poor assassins though.” “Assassins?” “One pistol at a distance. Probably someone that wanted me dead. No idea who.” Detyri sighed in relief, “Well I for one am glad you are alright. Mirabelle will be as well.” “I think she would be upset that you risked your life. I'm just her assistant after all.” Ghost wasn't phased by the incident, “You should hand those two over to the guards and keep her company.” He smiled, “Why would I do a thing like that?” “You two seemed to get along.” “I don't have an interest in her.” Detyri rotated his shoulders, effortlessly knocking the two thugs around, “I am interested in you.” Ghost raised an eyebrow, “What?”