The next day just as promised I visited Leon and Camellia, they looked so happy to see me. It was quite surprising how attached they could get. I spent the whole morning with them but all the time I kept on thinking about the proposition Arlene gave me. 'Me her guard'? It sounded more than ridiculous but it wouldn't be a hard job for sure, and I could learn a few more things about her and that little plan of hers.

After spending the morning with the duo I decided to tell Arlene that I will agree to her job offer. So I headed towards her house. Belle wasn't around so I had to wander corridors to find her. It took some time but I learned some of the layouts of her place if I ever will need to escape I will know how.

As I entered the water room I saw her sitting in front of it. She looked peaceful. It felt a bit wrong to disturb her meditation so I stood on the side and observed her while waiting. After a moment I noticed something bizarre in the water, little ripples forming out of nowhere. There was nothing in that water as Belle claimed and nothing fell into it. Soon however the ripples started to get bigger and bigger until they became waves. The moved in all directions creating an illusion of a sea during a storm. I stared in awe. Was it Arlene's doing? Although whenever I was fighting with a water dragon they had to move their paws or at least chant something while she just sat there motionless, in complete silence. As if asleep. Then suddenly everything stopped at once. Before I realised why that was Arlene said: “Is there any reason for you to disturb me?”

I looked back at her and saw those gleaming eyes “Well I came to tell you what I decided.”

She stood up saying “Well?”

“I can go with you. As long as it won't be somewhere where people know me.”

She tilted her head “Why?”

“I can help you because I believe that stopping wars, even those small ones, is always good, no matter your reasons. But I don't want people to know I'm alive. One already thought I was a ghost…” I tailed off not wanting to finish. Natalie was supposed to be history, but I still had a bitter taste in my mouth whenever I thought of her.

Arlene nodded “Very well. We will head out first thing tomorrow morning. I have a place in mind already.”

I nodded and turned to leave but before I did I looked back at her saying, “Also… I forgot to tell you something yesterday.” She watched me carefully as I mumbled “Thank you. Without your interference, I might have made a big mistake. So despite the fact, you technically ruined my life you helped me avoid more painful memories. And for that I am grateful. So thank you, Arlene.” I felt like being honest with her was the best course of action. It has been weeks after I found out the truth, so by accepting who Natalie really was I also had to accept the fact that Arlene helped me.

Her eyes widened. She probably thought I couldn't swallow my pride and thank her. No wonder... I wasn't on very good terms with her from the beginning.

“You called me by my name? Not a dragon?” That's what she was surprised about? I will never understand women... Especially dragon women, they are even worse.

I rolled my eyes “Is that so bad?”

She shook her head “No, I just never thought you'll see me as a living being other than a dragon.” Not like I did. She was a dragon, a monstrous beast build by nature to kill. However, spending time with her also showed me she can be very 'human’.

“Well, I can always go back to calling you a dragon.”

Her surprise disappeared and a small frown took its place “And blow my cover when we are out. Such a typical human thing to do - ruin things due to your sins. And here I was... Not sensing much pride from you.”

She shook her head and I couldn't help but laugh at the small pout. I could be proud but not to the point of being hateful when I should be thankful.

“All right, all right, I'll stick with Arlene then.” I kept on chuckling as I left.

As the day turned to night I couldn't help but feel a slight bit of worry thinking about the next day.

“I agreed to guard a dragon. You're probably turning in your grave from anger, huh, brother?”

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