Here it is, guys. A continuation of my first one shot- Save Me, Dragon. I'm not sure if I'll have more after this one. I have mixed feelings- this would be a good stopping point, but I could also make it a trilogy without overdoing it. We'll see in the future.

But for now, enjoy!

As always, thanks for all the love and happy reading!

"We'll stop at least a mile out. I don't wanna risk him hearing us." Loke paused as they crossed a rough patch of roots. "They have strong noses, too, so we'll wanna try to be downwind. Once we can get close, we'll do what we can to figure out the lay of the land. We'll wanna figure out where the dragon is, and Lucy. Depending on where the dragon is, we might be able to sneak in and get Lucy before it-"

"For the last time, Loke, this isn't necessary," Gray groaned. "And you can't sneak up on a dragon, anyway, you know that."

"No, Gray, I don't know that." Loke jerked his horse to a stop and turned around. "Why are you taking this so lightly?! You've been beaten by that overgrown lizard multiple times now-"

"He has not beat me-"

"Then what do you call it?!" Loke kicked his horse forward once more, scaring it as he forced it to move. "You haven't rescued her yet, and I don't understand why you're not more upset about it."

"I told you it's not like that," Gray sighed as he followed. Perhaps Loke wasn't the best person to choose for this mission. He thought it would be a good idea since he was friends with Lucy. Being her personal guard, he'd been Gray's first choice when he'd been sent by Lucy's father to try and rescue her again.

Gray's body sagged. He was getting tired of this. This was his... what, seventh trip out here? Eighth? This was a waste of time.

"So if we're going to-"

A roar ripped across the sky, spooking the horses and making Loke jump. Gray didn't even flinch as he soothed his mount and continued. "I'll lead from here. He knows we're here."

"What?! Gray, are you nuts?! We can't just-"

"Trust me."

"No! You've been doing this long enough, maybe you should let me-"

"Just trust me already!" Gray found his usual path and followed it. "Just stay with me and you won't die."

"That's not very reassuring!"

Gray didn't respond, just ignored him out as he moved forward. Eventually he reached the low stone wall marking the edge of the property. He hopped off and led his mount to the shelter he'd fixed up on his last visit and quickly pulled off the saddle and bridle before brushing it down and giving it feed. He had another stall cleaned out by the time Loke finally joined him. "Just what are you doing?"

"You won't need your horse. Get down so we can get it put away. It's late and we won't be leaving until tomorrow." He quickly unbridled the horse while Loke gawked at him. "There's a pasture they can graze in tomorrow. For now, this building will suffice."

"Gray."

"No more, Loke," Gray begged. "Please. I'm tired. Just help me finish this so we can go sit down on something softer than a saddle."

Loke continued to grumble quietly but hopped down and helped him. A few minutes later, they left, Loke following in Gray's wake. They weaved their way through overgrown fields and gardens, around two dry fountains and through a rather dilapidated building surrounded by dense trees and foliage.

Once they were through, they found themselves in a much different scene. The grounds were well kept and there were a couple small beds of flowers that looked freshly weeded and planted. There was a small pond in the middle and at the far end of the space was a small house, two stories tall and made from brick. Gray groaned as another roar ripped through the air. "God, I hope he doesn't-"

Something large and heavy landed behind them. The ground shook and Loke was suddenly yanked to the ground just as something flew through the air right where he'd been standing. Gray sat up after it passed and yelled, "Can't you just say hello, you overgrown lizard?!"

"Where's the fun in that?!" A large red tail slammed into the ground to Loke's left, knocking both him and Gray over.

Loke rolled and pulled out his sword, but Gray grabbed his arm and lowered it as he shouted again. "For the last time, knock it off or I'll fight you for real and take you down!"

"AHAHAHAHAHAA!" Rumbling laughter shook the ground as Loke finally got a look at the dragon. It was enormous, covered in red scales that rivaled the sky behind it. It's eyes were mere slits of gold as he laughed, revealing sharp teeth and a large tongue. "You really think you could win?! I'd like to see you try!"

Gray's hand barely made it to his sword before a familiar voice rang out across the courtyard. "That is enough you two! Natsu, leave them both be this instant! Get over here!"

The dragon perked up and instantly obeyed, quickly arriving at the house, where he curled up, his nose settled right in front of the building. Lucy huffed as she finished descending the stairs and pet the dragon's nose. Smoke puffed out of the creature's nostrils as he began to purr, the sound sending vibrations across the ground.

In shock, Loke barely registered Gray helping him to his feet and pulled him along. Lucy was talking to the dragon as she pet his nose, not looking at all worried about him being near her. They stopped a few feet away and Gray moved to give Lucy a hug and then suddenly her arms were around him. Even then, it still took several moments for Loke to be able to focus on what anyone was saying.

"-said I needed help, and I was pretty sure Loke was the only one I could trust to bring out here so here he is." Gray grinned his way. "Told you it would be okay."

"I really don't understand what's going on," Loke said.

"Well, it's kind of a long story," Lucy answered, "but the short version is I asked Natsu to kidnap me and I live here now!" Lucy gave him a big grin, followed shortly by the dragon smiling as well.

"Lucy, you can't just stay here," Loke argued. "Your father is expecting you to be returned home-"

"So that I can marry," Lucy finished for him. "I am aware. That is why I ran away. I am not going back, Loke. I refuse." She turned sideways, revealing a frowning profile. "I don't want to marry just to preserve the kingdom. To mix our bloodlines and create a stronger country and give birth to children who will also be forced to live their lives for the country."

"Lucy-"

"I'm pretty hungry," Gray cut in, "and we're pretty tired. How about we go inside for a snack and then go to bed? Loke and I can use the spare room on the first floor. After we rest tonight, we can revisit this conversation tomorrow, how does that sound?" He caught Lucy's eye as reached for Loke and gave her an apologetic smile.

Lucy nodded, but her body was stiff. Natsu glared at Loke, but made no move to stop him as he was dragged into the house by Gray. When the door finally closed behind the pair, Natsu moved. He wrapped an arm carefully around Lucy, surrounding her with his body. "Don't worry, Luce. I won't let him take you anywhere."

"I know," Lucy sighed. "I just... I don't want this. Knights and guards constantly being sent here to get me."

"On the bright side, Gray has never actually tried to take you."

"That's because he's always understood." Lucy lifted her face so she could meet Natsu's eye. "Same as you. You've always gone along with my plan, even though it's inconvenient for you."

"Are you kidding? This is awesome for me!" Natsu's chuckle washed her in hot breath. "I never had anyone to fight with until you showed up. Now there are people here all the time! I mean, they're all pretty weak, so it's not a challenge, but it's better than nothing."

"Still, it can't continue forever." Lucy looked around at her darkening surroundings. "I think we're going to have to leave here soon. Eventually they'll send an army after you, and I don't want you to have to kill anyone."

He frowned at her. "You know I wouldn't do that, Luce."

Lucy pressed her forehead against Natsu's nose. "I know, but I'd rather not risk you getting hurt. We could always come back after a while, but I think we should leave."

Natsu turned his head so he could study her fully with one eye. After a bit, he asked, "Tonight?"

Lucy nodded. "Loke won't rat me out to my father, but I can't guarantee he won't try to kill you, or try to bring enough men out here to do the job. Gray will make sure he gets home safe and that he stays quiet about us, but it'll be better if we're not here in the morning."

Natsu could see how sad she was, could smell her tears as she tried hard not to let them fall. "Go put your bag together," he said, nudging her softly. "Don't worry about food. I'm going to set up some runes and once you're ready we'll leave."

Lucy worried her lip with her teeth. "What are the runes going to do?"

"They'll just let me know when someone enters the area. I'll keep tabs on the traffic and some day we can come back when they stop looking for you here."

Lucy gave him a sad smile and then gave him a peck on his nose. "Thank you, Natsu. I'll be out soon." As Natsu took to the sky, Lucy entered the front door and quietly snuck up to her room to pack her bag.

"So you're telling me you haven't actually tried to bring her home?"

"Yep."

"But why?! She's being kept by a dragon!"

Gray chuckled. "You're kidding, right? Did you see the way that lizard acted with her? He's a damn dog when it comes to her. She's calling the shots, trust me." Gray took a drink before getting to his feet to walk around a bit. "Listen Loke, she doesn't want to marry Laxus. She doesn't want to be queen and she doesn't want her father to keep using her as he always has. You've been her guard and friend for a long time, but I've known her longer. She's resented that life since her mother died, but she's tried to make it work.

"So far, it hasn't, and it's been years. If what she wants is to get out and live her life the way she wants, I'm not going to get in the way."

"But that's your job," Loke argued. "You were sent by the king to find and retrieve the princess. So do it!"

"No." Gray crossed his arms and stood defiantly. "I refuse to take her back, Loke, and I'm trusting you to respect her wishes as well."

Loke shook his head. "I can't do that." He pushed out his chair and got up. "That monster has bewitched her somehow and I am going to put an end to it, like you should have months ago. I'll try talking with her first, but if that doesn't work, the dragon dies. With or without your help" With that, he grabbed his sword and left the room.

Gray just watched him go with a sigh. He blew out the candle on the table and moved towards the window. In the dark, he watched Lucy, as he had been during his conversation with Loke. She tugged a few times on the rope wrapped around Natsu's neck, making sure her bags were secure. Then she climbed up and settled between two large spines on Natsu's back, right between his wings. Natsu got to his feet and wiggled his torso a bit while he turned and primed his wings for take off. He glanced back at Lucy, waiting for her signal.

Lucy turned around to look back at the house. Gray leaned forward so that he was in the moonlight and waved at her. He couldn't see her expression, but he knew she would be smiling sadly as him as she lifted an arm and waved back. Then she turned forward and they swiftly took to the air, becoming a dot in the night as they flew off to find a new place to stay.

In the silence of their departure, Gray continued to stare off into the sky, ignoring the way his heart clenched as they grew smaller and smaller. When they eventually disappeared, he wiped the tears in his eyes and pushed himself away from the window.

It had been an honor to serve her, both as a knight and as a friend. He sincerely hoped that she could find what she was looking for out there somewhere.

And hoped even more fervently that he would see her again. Soon.