The Explorer and the Doctor - John and Lily Dolittle

Chapter Ten - Speaking Dragon

"DRAGON!"

"Impossible!"

"Look out!"

"Everyone get back!"

At first, No one could be quite certain that what they were seeing was really true - a large reptile-like creature. But then the beast extended its wings and blew a mouthful of fire at them, and it became very clear very quickly that they were indeed out of their element here. 

Chaos erupted from all sides. Many soldiers tried to flee, but many others were not so lucky and met their end by the dragon's breath. 

"She guards the tree!" Lily shouted over the noise.  "She sees us as a threat!"

Suddenly, there was a hiss and clicking sound - even the dragon stopped. It was John.

"Is he speaking - dragon?" asked Stubbins.

"You may be able to speak my language, but that does not make you worthy of the fruit," the dragon snarled back.

"I know. And I know that protecting the tree is your duty, but you won't be able to continue much longer considering the damage you've taken and the pain you're in."

"You know nothing of my pain!" she roared.

John became aware of the skeleton not far from them - another dragon. Clearly this creature had lost someone very dear to them - he knew what that was like. He knew exactly what that felt like.    "But I do. Or I did. I've felt it as well. I thought I lost her for good, my wife, my love.  And I blamed myself, and it is the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. It is not the kind brought on by a bullet or blade, no. This kind of pain cuts much deeper. And now in every moment, and in every movement, you feel that pain again and again. It's hard to carry on when you've lost the one you love." The dragon grabbed him and tossed him aside, then took a deep breath, intending to blow a mouthful of fire at him.

"John - NO!" Lily dove at him, grabbing onto him and holding him with all her might.  They would not be separated again, would not. She would not allow it. And certainly not when they had just been reunited after so long. 

But the blast of flame never came to engulf the embraced couple. Instead, the dragon let out a pained wail and collapsed to the ground.

"She's hurt," John said, concern filling his voice as he watched the creature lay in clear and obvious pain before them. 

"John, let's just try and get out of here while we still can," said Poly.

"No. I think we're meant to help her."  The doctor was here, ready to try and help any creature the best he could. John turned back to the dragon and dropped his sword. Then he slowly and cautiously approached her, arms raised in surrender.  "I am unarmed - I pose no threat to you. I am a doctor, I think I can help." He knelt at the dragon's side. "Now, I imagine it's quite tender here-" He pressed his fingertips gently to her belly and she roared in pain. "Yes, just as I thought, I'm afraid.  It is the emotional stress over the years, as well as your less-than-ideal diet, they have caused damage to your stomach. One or the other would have done a nasty job, but together, well, it's not good."

"Just leave!" she wailed. 

"Tell you what, give us five minutes, and if you don't feel better, then you can fry us all."

"NO!" cried everyone else in protest. 

"Ugh, fine. Stop talking and just get on with it."

"We need to get her on her side..." The group gathered around to help while the doctor gave instructions.  Soon, they had the dragon in less discomfort and instead of angry as before, she was most thankful towards them.

"To put it simply, more leafy greens and less armour in your diet," John told her. "And some extra exercise certainly wouldn't hurt as well."

"Thank you."

"Our pleasure. That is our job, to help creatures like you."

"I've seen armies of every kind, but nothing like you."

"Well, we may not look it, but, somehow, we just belong together," John told her, glancing warmly at the group gathered around them.

"You most certainly do. Now,  follow me." The dragon - their new friend - led them deeper into the cave until they met a dead-end where a waterfall was.  "To thank you, now let me help you-"

(Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! :) We're nearing the end now, just a couple more chapters!)