"That's...different," Rania said.

"Yeah, but I don't want the vampire having a minion or anything," Garnet said.

"Well, you could try reaching out to her," said John.  "Maybe if we do it together?"

Yasmin shrugged.

"I've heard of things like that before," she said.  "Not where I'm from, but in some parts of the world, there are animals that turn into humans.  I think that's what she is."

"Interesting. Kind of surprised about a dog though," Rania said.

"That's a great idea! I could kiss you," Garnet said.

John looked around.

"...not in front of everyone?" he pleaded.  "I'm shy.  Uh, do you want to try talking to her?"

Yasmin shrugged.

"I've heard there are umbrella monsters out there," she said.  "It's a crazy world."

"Heh. True enough," Rania said.

"I should. Yes," Garnet said. "And good to know..."

What was Garnet's next move?

"So it looks like there's some drama happening there," said Yasmin.  "I wonder what's going to happen?"

"I don't know. Have you talked with any of them before?" Rania asked.

Garnet smiled and waved at the dog-girl.

"No," said Yasmin.  "Dragons make me nervous, and it can be tricky for us to be around canines.  Sometimes, it's fine, but sometimes, they don't like the way we smell."

Banji looked uncertain, but approached Garnet, warily.  She kept glancing at John, who gave her an encouraging smile.

"...what do you want?" she asked.

"Have you met a dragon before? I'm surprised," Rania said.

"I want to apologize to you. I didn't realize you were a wild dog and not one that had been a pet. So, I'm sorry," Garnet said.

"I mean, not personally, but Garnet's a dragon," said Yasmin.  "That makes me nervous!  They breath fire and stuff!"

Banji digested this.

"...all right," she said.  "Why are you with John?"

"Sure, but she said she's only a half-one," Rania said.

"Because we're sating," Garnet said.

Banji frowned.

"Is that really an answer?" she asked.  "Human thoughts are hard, but that sounded like you're with John because you're with John.  But why are you with John?"

"I guess," said Yasmin.  "Still kind of nervous.  Fire... uh, Fire is of the Other Side.  I mean, in our religion.  Some people call them Fire-Worshippers, even though they aren't.  They actually worship Light... but Fire is still a big thing for them, and it's a thing that, you know, we aren't super-comfortable with unless we have it firmly under control."

"Ah. Okay, that makes sense," Rania said. "But in the Christian religion Dragons were associated with evil, including the big bad devil."