"This way, come on!" yelled Natsu as he ran down the hallway with Happy in pursuit.
"Guys, we're supposed to be quiet!" whispered Lucy. "The thieves' could be right around the corner…"
"Let it go, Lucy," said Gray as he stripped subconsciously. "We were bound to find trouble sooner or later. Hey Erza," he said to the red-head beside him. "What does the job description say we are supposed to be doing?"
Erza lifted the paper to her face and read aloud" Wanted: Wizards needed to enter known thieves' hideout and retrieve important documents. Documents in blue bag. Reward is 500,000 jewel upon delivery." Erza finished just as a rumble shook the earthen walls and they saw a flash of lights around the corner.
Gray grinned. "Looks like he started the party without me."
Before they even got to the intersection they knew the fight was over. Natsu grinned and said," Took you long enough. I think I might know where-"Natsu suddenly stopped, nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air. His eyes widened in shock and excitement as he followed his nose down the hallway.
"Natsu?" Lucy asked nervously, but he didn't seem to hear her.
The other team members looked at each other in puzzlement and followed Natsu down the hall. Soon they came to a small oak door, almost invisible against the dark brown dirt. Slowly, as if in a dream, Natsu reached out his hand and pushed the door inward. As everyone stepped into the room everyone gasped.
Inside was a dragon.
The purple beast lay curled up in a ball, shivering with cold. It appeared to be asleep though its eyes moved rapidly behind the eyelids. It was about the size of a wagon, which was a lot smaller than Natsu was used to. Iron manacles were clamped around its muzzle, legs, and wings, restricting movement to almost none. Fresh wounds left crimson red streaks down its body to the stone floor, the creature lying in its own blood.
The nearby torch glistened off its horns at it slowly opened its eyes and gazed at them in shock. Nobody moved as the two parties gazed at each other. Slowly, Natsu slid closer to the dragon staring deeply into its eyes, Her eyes were a deep, chocolate brown, How he knew it was female, he wasn't sure, but it felt right. She shifted her weight slightly, drawing Natsu's gaze to the puddle of blood by her talons. His heart filled with anger. Whoever would do this to an innocent and kind creature deserved to die. He had seen fear, hope, and, deep down in the whirlpool of her eyes, kindness. Nothing deserved to be treated like this.
He walked closer, hand outstretched. She watched him wearily, and when he got within touching range she shrank back against the wall in obvious fear. Natsu stopped, his heart heavy and glanced over his shoulder at his stunned friends. Suddenly a warm breath enfolded his outstretched hand. Whipping his head around he gazed upon the dragon. Her snout was pressed to his hand, warm and leathery to the touch. Up close, Natsu could see that the chain around her muzzle was almost embedded into her skin, dried blood coating the surface. His anger was stoked anew.
The sound of voices filtered in from the hallway, breaking the trance. The team glanced at each other. They could not risk getting caught. The job, and their lives, depended on their silence. They needed a place to hide.
As if understanding their plight, the dragon tossed her head toward a pile of boxes abandoned in a dark corner. Quickly closing the door, the wizards jumped behind the boxes with a few seconds to spare. Four men came inside and quickly shut the door. At the sight of them the dragon crouched into the corner and snarled menacingly. One of the men walked forward, a long stick in his hand.
He smiled. "Hello beautiful." Then suddenly he took the stick and slapped it forcefully against the dragon's side.
Even with the muzzle on, Natsu could still hear her screech of pain.
This he would not tolerate.
He found himself standing, giving way to his anger as his fire burned the men to a crisp. He ignored the stunned expressions of his friends and raced for the cowering dragon, desperate to finally free her.
"Great job Natsu, now the whole job is busted," complained Gray, but only half-heartedly.
Natsu ignored him and focused on the chains. They were strong, strong enough to withstand Natsu's strength. But they lost the battle to Erza's sword, and soon the bloody chains clanked to the ground. The dragon blinked slowly at him, as if she couldn't believe that she was free. Her eyes filled with gratitude.
"Come on," he told the dragon. "We can get you out of here." He moved toward the door but the dragon's head shot up, nostrils flaring and eyes wide.
At the same time Lucy said "There are more coming," she said worriedly. Natsu listened and the pounding of feet echoed. There must be fifty of them on their way. The dragon could hear them to0, and she shrunk as far as she could into the wall, as if wishing it to absorb her.
Gray smiled, trying to calm her fear. "It's okay. We won't leave you to them."
The sound of feet grew even louder and the team summoned their magic. "Get ready," Erza said, her sword gleaming. There was silence outside, then suddenly the door blew off its hinges and men spilled in. The fight had begun.