My Little Pony: King Under The Mountain

by Lord Nopony

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Adventure, Crossover, Dark
Length: 6522

After almost destroying Lake Town and all who dwelled in it, Smaug was shot by the Black Arrow that lead to his heart and his inevitable downfall. Given a new chance to start anew in Equestria, what'll happen? Fire? Or friendship?

Everyone thought it was over. As soon as the arrow hit the spot where he was weakest, he fell, fell, fell into the lake of Lake Town. That however wasn't the end of Smaug's reign. Now mysteriously transported into Equestria, will he learn the true meaning of friendship? Or will all go up in flames?

Cover Art does not belong to me. It belongs to fictioncreatorartist who kindly let me use it for this story. A big [size=2em]thank you[/size] to him! Here's the link to his profile. Check it out. It's got some interesting stuff!
Check it out!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-28 17:27:36 UTC

Chapter 1

"My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail is a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!"

— Smaug

MY LITTLE PONY: KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN

After escaping from the molten gold-like river, Smaug flew closer and closer to Lake Town. After laying much waste and destruction to most of it, he was finally stopped by a man named Bard. He fired the accursed black arrow into Smaug's weak spot; the spot where there was a hole instead of a scale that led to his heart.

Falling into the lake, slowly dying and vision going black, Smaug thought to himself, 'Is this truly the end for me?'

Suddenly, a bright light appeared in his sight. It slowly hovered closer to him and was absorbed into his chest. It healed all his wounds, but that wasn't all it did, no, it also SPOKE to him!

"You've become quite arrogant O' Great Smaug. Truly this is the fate you deserve. However, there may yet be hope for you after all. As soon as you believed your end was nigh, I came to you and sensed great suffering. I'm willing to give you a new chance. One far away from here and in a new world full of Harmony and Friendship. Will you accept? Or die?" The voice spoke.

How dare this...this thing! It speaks to him as if he was just a little drake! This voice, whatever it was, could not possibly understand what true pain and death was like! Still, it may have a point. After all, if he didn't accept, he would die. Having no other choice, he replied to the voice, "Fine. I'll accept your offer Voice of the Light. But know this, you know nothing and will never know NOTHING about me! I AM KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN!"

"We shall see Smaug...we shall see." The voice said in amusement. After that, all went black.

MLP

All was well in a small town known as Ponyville. A peaceful place in the land of Equestria filled with Harmony and Friendship. It was also home to the fabled holders of The Elements Of Harmony. These holders were the ones who had recently defeated The Mare in the Moon a.k.a. Nightmare Moon.

Their names were Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy respectively.

Fluttershy is the bearer of the Element of Kindness. She was a Pegasus Pony with a vanilla covered coat and light pink mane that had many curls. She is an animal caretaker.

Pinkie Pie is the bearer of the Element of Laughter. She's an Earth Pony with a light pink coat and a deep pink colored mane that looked somewhat similar to cotton candy. She just loves to party and make everypony smile!

Rarity is known as the bearer of the Element of Generosity. A Unicorn Pony, she has a silver colored coat and a styled lavender colored mane. She's a well-known fashionista pony.

Next up was Rainbow Dash. A Pegasus Pony just like dear Fluttershy, she is cyan in color and has a rainbow colored mane. She is the bearer of the Element of Loyalty. Her motto is to never leave her friends hanging.

Applejack is a Earth Pony with a passion for bucking apples at her family orchard Sweet Apple Acres. She has an orange colored coat with a blonde mane tied in a ponytail and a Stetson hat on her head. She's the bearer of the Element of Honesty.

Finally, last, but certainly not least, there was Twilight Sparkle. An accomplished Unicorn Pony under the tutelage of Her Majesty Princess Celestia, she was sent to Ponyville to make some friends. And made some she has! She's a lavender colored mare, with a velvet colored mane that has a small pink strip running along it. She's also the bearer of the strongest, yet most mysterious element of all: the Element of Magic!

Together, these Mane 6 ponies have gone through thick and thin to help one another out and learn the true meaning of friendship. But now, a tough trial awaits them ahead...will they succeed? Or will they go up in flames (literally)?

MLP

One Night...

In the peaceful castle of Canterlot, Princess Celestia- Princess of the Sun, had just recently finished lowering the sun to allow way for her sister's moon. Sighing after a long day of hard diplomatic work (buck those nobles), she prepared to take a nice long nap. As she prepared to take off her armor and headdress, a sparkle of light appeared in the night sky with an odd magical pattern to it.

Celestia immediately becam concerned. This energy was not normal nor did it come from Equestria.

She then called out to her sister, "Luna! Please meet me at the Royal Balcony immediately."

She then readorned her armor and headdress, then proceeded to meet her sister: Princess of the Night- Luna. As she flew, she took notice that the strange energy source crashed into a lone mountain near the borders of Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. Her concern for her little ponies immediately grew at this.

"Sister? What is wrong?" A voice said from behind her.

Celestia looked towards the voice spotting Luna her sister. "I don't know Luna. Something big is going to happen. Of that I am sure. And I'm very afraid that our little ponies will need all the friendship they can get."

At the mountain...

As the strange light crashed into the mountain, a draconic creature slowly emerged from it. The creature slowly opened its eyes revealing a slitted eye with amber irises. He did not know where he was, but he was certain he was not in Middle-Earth anymore.

With a mighty flap of his great wings, he flew out of the mountain and took a look at his surroundings from the air. It appeared that he was near the boundaries of a forest and there was also a town of sorts nearby. A pathetic looking town at that. If he were to attack, they'd all burn. However, he was calm with the fact that as long as they dare not disturb him, he'll leave them alone. Whatever they were.

As he turned around to head back to find a proper resting place for the night, that was when he sensed it: gold. And lots of it!

Smaug immediately changed his course to fly towards another mountain and saw smoke slowly coming out of it. Some other being was hoarding gold?! That was rightfully his?! Smaug would not stand that. He immediately gathered in a big breath and roared. The force of the roar rocked all of Equestria to it's core. A dragon came out of the hole of the mountain to see what would dare wake it from it's nap when it saw the furious fire drake Smaug.

One thought echoed in the dragons mind: 'Uh-oh'.

Smaug immediately lunged at the dragon and swiped a huge slash mark on the dragon's skin. He began to bleed blood like a fountain.

The dragon knew immediately he was outmatched. He then attempted to fly away before Smaug ripped off a wing with his teeth, leaving the dragon flightless.

As the dragon looked into the eyes of Smaug, he begged, "Please stop! Don't kill me! What are you?!"

Smaug gave a huff of annoyance. This dragon wouldn't pose a challenge to him at all. And showing such weakness would get him killed. He was a disgrace in Smaug's eyes.

He finally answered, "I am Smaug little dragon. And know this, it'll be the last name you ever hear in this lifetime! For I am fire and death incarnate!"

Smaug then beheaded the dragon with little to no effort with a swipe of his claws. Tch. A typical death for such a weakling.

Smaug then turned his attention to all the gold and jewelry inside the cave. It was all his now. And it shall be forever! He had no need for friendship like that voice said he would. Instead, he'll conquer everything by force! Look out new world, Smaug has arrived!!!!

Chapter 2

MY LITTLE PONY: KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN

On A Bright Sunny Day...

It was early morning and in the wonderful and friendly town of Ponyville, many ponies here and there began their daily routines, such as running their respective shops, hanging out, or just socializing for the fun of it!

However, for someone like Fluttershy, today was the day to feed her precious animals at her cottage. There were various animal species such as chickens, bears, and even little rabbits. One in particular named Angel was giving dear Flutters a run for her money.

"Oh please won't you eat your carrot Angel?" Fluttershy cooed at the moody bunny.

"Please? Do it for mommy?" Fluttershy tried again. But to no avail.

Fluttershy turned around and gave a frustrating sigh, when she heard Angel trying to get her attention with a coughing sound.

"What is it Angel? Are you ready to eat?" She asked while Angel shook his head and coughed again.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

Giving up, Angel let out the biggest cough he could muster for his tiny size and pointed at the mountain where smoke was slowly billowing out!

Fluttershy finally noticed an let out an, "Oh dear..."

At Canterlot Castle...

The entire castle was calm and serene...truly it was a sight to behold. Inside, it was resided by their royal majesties and rulers of Sun and Moon respectively, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Ever since her banishment to the moon and the cleansing of her double Nightmare Moon, Luna has been doing her best to adjust to modern society. As for Celestia, she's just glad her sister is back.

Sadly, there was no time to dwell on the past. At the current moment, the castle's walls shook and trembled like they were nothing but mere decaying wood.

Although it was morning, being a Princess of the Night, had both it's ups and downs. Luna was jolted awake by the supposed "tremors" and immediately got prepared for the day since she couldn't possibly sleep till night with all the racket. She gave out a long and tired yawn and proceeded to go to her sister's throne room. Perhaps Celly could shed some light on things?

As she passed by the many guards under her service, they all bowed respectfully and kindly. She was glad that even though her return still frightened some, she was still deeply respected. She then finally found the entrance to her sister's throne room and with a polite knock with her hoof, the doors slowly opened to welcome her in.

There, upon her regal throne, was Celestia herself. At the moment, she was eating a donut with coffee and also reading the general news on the morning paper. She then glanced up at Luna with a kind smile and motioned her sister to sit beside her.

After a couple more minutes (finishing the tea and donut too), Celestia gave a concerned look toward Luna.

"My dear sister. What troubles you? Have you not slept well?" She asked.

"No Celly. It's just we were awoken to a loud tremor this morning. We weren't able to get anymore sleep, so we came to you to see if you had any insight towards any of this?" Luna responded back.

"I see... Well, from what I've learned so far, i am inclined to believe that a dragon is sleeping in that mountain while unknowingly snoring smoke close to Ponyville and within days, Canterlot. Now worry not Lulu. I've sent a note to my faithful student Twilight. She'll be able to get her and her friends to settle the issue with the beast. If not, I'll know and provide support." She explained calmly yet with a subtle nervousness to it.

"I'm not fully convinced Sister. What is truly troubling you?" Luna asked.

Celestia let out a sad sigh. Even after 1,000 years on the moon, Luna could still read her like a book!

"Alright sister. I believe I've been caught red-hoofed. The thing that is troubling me is that, not only is there a dragon in the mountain, but it's magical signature seems similar to that strange event from last night... Perhaps I was wrong to send Twilight?" She asked the last part with worry in her voice.

"If it truly does trouble you sister, we will gladly see to it that Twilight and the others will stay safe. We've nothing better to do anyway!" Luna finished with a bright smile on her face.

"Very well. Go then Lulu. And please keep them all safe." Celestia kindly requested.

"It shall be done!" Luna said with a salute.

Celestia merely shook her head in amusement at her sister's childishness.

At Ponyville...

Fluttershy quickly sped through town as fast as her little hooves could take her. She just had to find Twilight and tell her about the fire! At least, that's what she assumed it was. What else could it possibly be?

Many ponies scampered out of her way to avoid being run into. After at least 10 minutes of searching, Fluttershy could find hide nor hair of her dear egghead of a friend. Sighing, she began to head back to her animal cottage when she suddenly heard Twilight addressing a crowd.

"Attention everypony! I'm sure you've all noticed that there is smoke coming from near that mountain, that however, is no fire. It is a dragon!" Twilight explained.

At the word "dragon", Fluttershy felt her heart feel as if it was about to be crushed. She absolutely could not stand dragons! She was deathly afraid of them! Well, excluding Twilight's assistant Spike the baby dragon. Still, to her, there was a MAJOR difference between a baby dragon and an adult dragon. That was for certain.

Twilight continued to explain, "Due to this problem, Princess Celestia has assigned me and my friends to see if we can confront the dragon and convince it to leave. I'm sure that everything will turn out alright though. After all, we've got Fluttershy our animal expert on our side!"

Immediately, everypony's head turned towards Fluttershy, who immediately gave a frightened yelp and hid in the bushes to avoid the gazes of everypony.

Twilight then finished her little speech and let the other ponies speak with each other about this...development amongst themselves. She then saw a bush trembling? She went to investigate and found Fluttershy inside the bush trembling which was causing the bush to do the same. She sighed at this and immediately dragged her friend out.

"C'mon Fluttershy. We gotta let every other pony know and get ready to convince that dragon to leave." Twilight said and continued dragging a uncooperative Fluttershy with her to her friends.

First up was Applejack. After explaining the problem, Applejack immediately grabbed her lasso and straightened out her Stetson hat to show she was prepared!

"Whoowee! Let's go Twi! Ah'm ready ta tussle!" She said with her trademark Southern accent.

Next was Rarity who could not miss this chance. Who knows? There could be gems!

"Oh my stars! This is a perfect opportunity- I mean grave problem. Give me a moment Twilight dear." She politely requested.

Third was Rainbow Dash who was currently practicing her aerial acrobatics for the Wonderbolts. Twilight explained the issue, and Rainbow, ever the opportunist, immediately agreed.

"Sounds like a job for yours truly! The one and only Rainbow Dash!" She said in pride.

Finally, there was Pinkie Pie. At first, they couldn't find her, but she immediately jumped out of a nearby bush with...spy gear? Nonetheless, she told Twilight that she was super duper ready!

"Heya Twilight! My Pinkie Sense told me you were coming to talk to me about a meanie weanie dragon! I'm ready to go! Yippee!" She happily, yet randomly said.

After everypony was assembled, they all headed toward the mountain, not knowing what awaited them...

The Mountain...

"O' Smaug... Awaken thy eyes. Your first chance at redemption is ever so slowly on it's way. When you encounter 6 little ponies, abandon your arrogance and make friends. It's the only way for you to learn the true meaning of the power of friendship..."

Smaug awoke with an annoyed grunt. It was that accursed Voice again. Blast it all! He hated that thing with a passion. If it ever showed itself, he'd show it exactly who it's messing with! Besides, what other friends did he need beside his treasured gold? He saw no need for something as meager as friendship. It was a waste of time. He was a beast of unfathomable power! If that wasn't enough of his strength, he could easily crush all who opposed him!

"That may be Smaug...but do not underestimate this power. It shall shine through your arrogance. After all, arrogance led you to your downfall..."

Being reminded of that particular moment angered him greatly! He had had enough of that damned Voice in his head! The Voice may have a silver tongue, but he had power. It's words were nothing! He'd let it try to convince him all it wanted to, but in the end, it'll fail utterly. Looking around, he took a long look at his newly acquired treasure hoard. It was a sight to behold. Filled to the brim with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, he'd never part with anything like this. Never! Still, he felt...incomplete. Should he get more? It just didn't seem like enough to him.

Before he could dwell further on this matter, he heard voices outside of the cave entrance. They were whispers yes, but loud enough for his highly trained senses to hear nonetheless. It appeared that the voices were examining the corpse of the previous dragon that used to occupy this cave. He even thought he heard an audible faint!

Minutes Earlier...

Managing to brave most of the mountain with little to no effort, Twilight and the others were slowly getting closer and closer to the mouth of the cave where the dragon slept.

"Hey Twi? Where's Fluttershy hidin' again?" Applejack asked with a little bit of an annoyed tone.

Twilight turned around and couldn't spy Fluttershy anywhere. Pinkie then decided to add her two cents.

"Ooh ooh! Are we playing hide and go seek? I love that game!" She squealed quite loudly.

Rainbow Dash quickly put a hoof in Pinkie's mouth to prevent her from unintentionally waking up the dragon. "Put a cork in it Pinks! We're on a mission remember?"

"Of course I do silly! By the way, I believe the correct term is "put a sock in it". Hee hee!" Pinkie responded back.

At this, Rainbow facehoofed and gave a frustrated groan. She was about to make a retort when she suddenly spotted Fluttershy running quickly towards them!

Fluttershy then proceeded to tremble behind Twilight. Twilight took a close look at her friend. Her mane was a paler pink than usual and her body was shaking rapidly!

"Oh my! Dear Fluttershy! What ever did you see that could frighten you so?" Rarity asked in concern.

Fluttershy whimpered and quietly said, "D-d-d..."

"Wha' in tarnation ya talkin' 'bout? Speak up there Fluttershy. Didja mean 'dragon'?" Applejack calmly asked while putting a hoof around the trembling mare's shoulder.

Fluttershy nodded and pointed in the direction she found the "dragon".

"Come on girls! There's no time to waste. The dragon might be awake!" Twilight said seriously. She and the others then headed toward the mouth of the cave before they were hit by a nasty smell.

"Dear Faust! What is that horrid smell?!" Rarity shouted while covering her nose with a hoof.

"Ah don't know Rars, but it reminds me o' Granny Smith when she don't take a bath after a week!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Uh...girls? Open your eyes and you'll see just what poor Fluttershy was so scared of..." Twilight managed to say.

At this, all ponies opened their eyes and saw a terribly gruesome sight! Right in front of them was a ripped apart dragon! It's wings were shredded and half of it's body was slowly decaying. At the sight, all gasped while Applejack vomited in a nearby bush and Rarity proceeded to faint dramatically.

TO BE CONTINUED!

Chapter 3

MLP: King Under The Mountain

Chapter 3

Previously...

Our beloved little ponies a.k.a. The Mane 6 were sent on a mission to stop a dragon's smoke from it's snores to prevent Ponyville from being suffocated. However, upon reaching the mountain, they reached a gruesome sight! The very dragon that they were searching for...was dead. Ripped apart seemingly with no remorse or mercy, the ponies now face an even bigger threat than the dragon. They will now come face to face...with THE KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN!!!

It just wasn't possible. There was practically no scientific explanation to all of this! A mighty dragon with scales as thick as the sturdiest of steel, defeated and ripped to shreds like a piece of paper?! Unheard of!

Twilight, ran through many pieces of her brain to decipher just what could've caused a dragon such as this to be easily turned to shreds.

Giving a quick glance at Fluttershy, Twilight saw the absolute fear and sadness in her eyes. This was probably the first in a long time since she saw an animal dead. Even though Fluttershy didn't seem to show it, there was still a slight bit of anger deep inside. Of that, Twilight was certain.

Applejack had finally finished vomiting and had come back to join the group of ponies. She lowered her Stetson over her face to hide her tears. Even if Applejack wasn't much of a dragon fanatic, she was honest enough to know that no animal deserved such a fate.

"Ok Twi. I'm officially freaked out! What the hay are we gonna do?!" Rainbow Dash asked with a nervous tone in her voice.

Before Twilight could respond, footsteps were heard coming from the cave. And not just any footsteps, these were the footsteps of whatever creature killed the dragon!

Thinking fast, Twilight shouted, "Everypony hide!"

Rainbow Dash hid behind a boulder, Fluttershy went into a nearby bush, Applejack dragged Rarity with her inside a crevasse, Pinkie Pie randomly dug a hole in the ground with a...drill? And Twilight used an invisibility spell.

The footsteps became even louder and more frequent. Each step was like a small quake. Whatever was coming was big!

Finally, all was silent. Not even the sounds of a cricket were heard. All of a sudden, a huge claw attached to a wing was revealed as the beast came out of the cave.

There, in all his esteemed and powerful glory was the most biggest, intimidating, and scary looking dragon ever seen before in Twilight's life!

This dragon was similar to that of a wyvern. He had a long snake-like body with his folded wings attached to his arms and claws. He had multiple horns protruding from his head, sharp fangs, and above all, a tail that could most likely squash anypony that stood in his way!

The beast began to sniff around the area like a dog would while searching for it's target. In this case though, the target(s) were the ponies.

The beast then spoke, "There's no need to be shy...step into the light thieves! No matter where you hide, I can smell your fear...escaping me will be impossible!"

Unable to control her temper, Rainbow Dash flew straight out of her hiding place and was face to face with the mighty dragon/wyvern.

"Heh heh...there you are little one! I must say that I'm deeply impressed that you can hold that gaze at me for so long. Usually, all would cower from the mere mention of my name. What is yours horse?" The dragon asked with a tone that made out to believe that he was far superior to them.

"That's no way to speak to one of the protectors of Equestria! I'm the Element of Loyalty...Rainbow Dash! Are you the one who killed that defenseless dragon?!" She shouted.

"You speak to me as if we are equals little horse! Indeed it was I that killed that pathetic weakling of a dragon. He was coveting what was rightfully mine!" The dragon shouted motioning to the piles of gold and gems in the cave that sparkled in the light of the sun.

He then continued, "Listen little horse...do you not hear the very sound of your heartbeat? Despite your loyalty and courage, you're afraid. Afraid of me! The great dragon Smaug! To me, you are but an ant facing the might of the sun! As entertaining as you are, I grow bored of you already. Leave me in peace and I will not pursue. And take those miserable cowards with you. I know that they are there!" The dragon now known as Smaug demanded.

Now seeing that their cover was already jeopardized, each pony revealed themselves and came out of their respective hiding spot.

"I see...so you were here all along hmm? What did you hope to accomplish? Steal my treasure? Force me out of my cave? INSULT MY PRIDE?!" Smaug roared in anger.

As Smaug continued to speak to the ponies, he did not see a particular stylish one (who recently awoke) head toward the pile of jewels; too entranced by their beauty and sheen.

As soon as Rarity picked a decent type of jewel, Smaug somehow felt that something was amiss in his collection of treasures. Immediately, Smaug turned and snapped his jaws in warning at Rarity. She barely managed to dodge in time, however, her mane and coat became filthy with dust and dirt.

Unable to see her friend get treated that way, Rainbow Dash immediately aimed a drop kick at Smaug's face. As it connected, to him, it only felt like a tiny pebble against a brick wall. He then wrapped his tail around Rainbow, causing her to lose oxygen. He then unwrapped her and as she was recovering, Smaug flicked her with a claw sending her across the room unconscious.

Pinkie then began a series of random jumps, somersaults, and slides to confuse Smaug. Smaug merely pounded the ground with his tail and sent Pinkie flying into his outstretched claw. He then tossed her away as if she was nothing more than trash waiting to be thrown away. She luckily landed in a pile of gold coins.

Applejack and even Twilight tried standing up to the magnificent beast, but he brushed them aside with little to no effort. Fluttershy was the only one left. Trembling in fear and slight anger, Fluttershy could no longer hold it in and unleashed her powerful signature move: The Stare!

Both "combatants" looked each other in the eye, not moving an inch. Neither refused to yield. Finally, the silence was broken by deep booming laughter. The laughter came from none other than Smaug.

"What was that? Was that really supposed to do anything of importance?! No, I know very well what you just tried to do now. You tried to subjugate me with your little staring trick. I find it quite amusing, but I've lost my patience with you. Do you see now? This merely proves my point! You're nothing compared to me!!!" Smaug boasted appearing to be unaffected by The Stare with Fluttershy now trembling with surprise and utmost fear.

"Enough of this! I grow tired of these pointless games. I believe it is time for you all to...BURN!" Smaug finished with a roar while gathering his inner energy of a burst of fire from his mouth.

The ponies waited for the inevitable outcome, but before Smaug could unleash his breath of death, a voice rang out!

"YOU SHALL NOT HARM THEM!!"

A blast of pure energy was shot at Smaug's chest and he was sent careening backwards into the cave. Out of the skies then appeared Princess Luna in all her nightly glory.

Smaug meanwhile was contemplating the events that just transpired. First his sleep was disturbed, then he was annoyed by six pathetic little horses, and now he was actually injured?! UNACCEPTABLE!!

With a mighty roar, Smaug rushed back at the entrance of the cave to no doubt kill the one who dared to strike and embarrass him!

Back with Luna and the Mane 6...

Luna began to heal the wounds on the ones who purged her of Nightmare Moon: The Mane 6. Their injuries were very grave. As she was about to finish healing the last of them, she heard an angered roar coming from the cave. 'No doubt that dragon...' She thought.

As she finished her thought, she was unexpectedly hit by Smaug's tail! She flew through multiple rocks and looked to see Smaug grinning with glee.

"So. You were the one to injure me? You're quite fragile for a horse aren't you? Now, meet your demise little ant!!" He roared arrogantly.

Luna struggled to get up, but she finally managed. Her horn then began to glow with powerful magic.

Smaug then roared and threw rocks at her. She was able to dodge most of them, but one managed to hit her wing. She gasped in pain and then glanced back at Smaug. He spread his wings and flew high into the air unleashing a burst of flame! She threw up a protection shield, but the force of his dragon breath began to slowly crack her shield. She was able to teleport to safety before it cracked further, and almost landed in Smaug's jaws! He swatted her away into part of the mountain with a swipe of his claws. Luna had never felt pain like this in a long time. Not since she fought Discord alongside Celestia. Before she could continue fighting, Smaug pinned her to the wall with his claw, slowly squeezing the oxygen out of her body.

"Do you see?! I cannot be beaten by the likes of you! Your only option is to die or leave me be! What say you little horse?" Smaug questioned.

"I. Am. Not. A. Horse...I AM A PONY!" Luna shouted. She then unleashed a shockwave of power at the surprised Smaug injuring him even further.

Smaug roared in pain and anger. He would not be defeated! He then gathered his inner fire for one last attack. Luna did the same as both combatants were at their limit.

Smaug then unleashed his fire breath and Luna unleashed a powerful magic beam! A huge cloud of dust and dirt covered the entire area.

This caused the Mane 6 to finally awaken and finally see the victor...

TO BE CONTINUED!

Chapter 4

MLP: King Under The Mountain

Chapter 4

Previously...

The Mane 6 that consisted of the ponies Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight Sparkle were sent to investigate a strange ball of light that seemingly fell from the sky the night before. Finally arriving at the designated spot, what they found both shocked and horrified them. A dead dragon ripped to shreds lay in front of them causing them to react in fear and anger. The beast responsible then revealed itself to the little ponies. It called itself Smaug. A dragon of great height and strength, he was once feared upon all of Middle-Earth and now it looked like Equestria would as well! Rainbow Dash confronted Smaug when said dragon snapped his jaws at Rarity when she attempted to touch his precious horde of gems and jewels he took from the previous owner. Smaug was hardly impressed by Dash's bravery, but soon showed her her place. To him, they were nothing but flies. He then proceeded to burn them all with his breath of death, when Princess Luna managed to come to the rescue in time. Smaug fought against the young alicorn, and both suffered injuries. Smaug then unleashed his fire breath just as soon as Luna unleashed a beam of magical energy. And now we find the victor to be...

The smoke was heavy and Twilight could barely see what was in front of her. Moments ago, the dragon calling him Smaug, claimed that he killed the poor dead dragon that lay in front of them. All just for the gold and nothing else! Just why was this dragon so obsessed with gold anyway? Could he be perhaps greedy? It WAS natural for dragons to horde gold and other shiny things, but this took the cake. Another dragon killing another just for the gold they had? It was...barbaric!

Finally, the smoke seemed to start settling down. However, what Twilight saw, horrified her. There, laying on the ground with a misplaced wing, broken leg, and bleeding torso, was Luna!

And standing over her delicate form was none other than the dragon Smaug. He laughed in victory and glee. "Ha! Is that the best you can do little horse?! That was actually rather pathetic. Despite you injuring me, I am no longer amused. I think our little game ends here. So tell me, how do you choose to die?"

Luna tried moving her body, but found she couldn't. Smaug's claw slowly descended upon her form and she prayed that death will be swift.

Twilight, not able to stand any more, moved as fast as her hooves would carry her and shielded Luna. Smaug was surprised at this action.

"Hmm? What is this? Why do you shield your pathetic "friend"? Is it really so hard to admit that there is only power in life? You all annoy me!"

Smaug then did something completely unexpected. He moved his claw away from Luna's prone form and simply began to walk back to his cave.

"Wait!" Twilight shouted. "We're not finished! You have to leave! Your smoke will cause major health hazards for everypony!"

Smaug merely huffed. "Does it look like I care horse? All I care for is my precious treasure hoard. Nothing else. If you will not leave now, I'll kill you. You're lucky I changed my mind not to do so to your pathetic friend."

Twilight visibly flinched at his tone. Was this being nothing but a monster? A heartless one at that? Twilight then sighed and cast a healing spell on everypony. Luna however, could not be fully healed due to being an alicorn while Twilight was only a unicorn.

They then left the mountain with heavy hearts and broken prides.

As they left, Smaug watched from afar. What was it about those "ponies" that seemed to fascinate him? And just what power could they possibly possess? Smaug thought hard about these things, but could not come up with an answer.

He then proceeded to burn the corpse that lay in front of the cave. The smell was starting to bother him.

'You did not have to go so far Smaug.'

Smaug flinched at the Voice that bothered him and annoyed him so. Smaug tried to ignore the Voice, but the Voice of course persisted.

'Surely you DO realize that this is a new world full of endless possibilities Smaug? What ever did Middle-Earth have to ever offer you? I'll tell you. Nothing. Nothing, but gold to satisfy you. And did it? No. It did not. From what you've seen today, there is something more valuable than gold. And it has gained your interest, no matter how much you deny it. Those ponies.'

Smaug would never admit it out loud, but the Voice was right about those ponies. Loathe as he was to admit it. Shaking the rest of the thoughts away for the moment, he continued his trek deeper into the cave and buried himself under his treasure. He then fell asleep with the Voice saying one last thing.

'Think about what I said Smaug. Sleep well...'

At Ponyville...

The Mane 6 had finally arrived at Ponyville. Each began to go their separate ways. Fluttershy headed towards her cottage to recuperate and sleep off the nightmare that was the dead dragon. As for Rarity and Applejack? Both headed to their respective homes to continue their work. Rainbow Dash flew to Cloudsdale to rest her tired wings, while Pinkie decided to find someone and make them smile, despite her not being happy herself at the current moment. Finally, Twilight told Spike to take a note and write to Princess Celestia about Luna's condition and fight with Smaug.

The letter was sent and Celestia replied almost immediately by teleporting to Twilight's home. Looking at Luna with concern and a heavy heart, she asked, "Dear Twilight...what could've done this to my sister?"

Twilight gulped, fearing that Celestia wouldn't like the news that would soon be given to her. So, she began at the beginning. Their journey to the mountain, the encounter with the dead dragon and Smaug, all the way to the scuffle between him and Luna.

Celestia listened and do not interrupt her faithful student once. She payed attention to every single detail that needed to be taken into account. To say Celestia was troubled that a dragon such as this Smaug could match Luna's power, was terrifying. He even seemed to proclaim that with his power, he could easily burn Equestria to the ground. Most troubling indeed.

"Did you manage to convince Smaug to leave at least Twilight Sparkle?" She asked.

"I'm afraid not Princess. We failed...I failed. I'm sorry." She said sadly.

"Do not blame yourself Twilight. None of this is your fault. If anything, this was mine. If I hadn't taken into account that tremendous amount of magic energy from the meteor, I would've never sent you, my most prized student, into something that dangerous." Celestia said in a regretful tone.

"It's alright Princess. I guess everyone makes mistakes, even you." Twilight said with a small smile.

Celestia smiled back and both shared a small laugh. "If you'll excuse me now Twilight, I must take Luna home so that she may recuperate. Till we meet again my faithful student!" She said as she teleported back to Canterlot.

As Celestia teleported back, Twilight dropped her smile and looked back up to the mountain. 'What'll happen now?' She wondered.

Back At The Mountain...

Smaug was deep asleep. Buried under his treasure horde, he relished in it. Truly, this was all he needed in his life. Power and treasure. Nothing else. Not even what that Voice said. What was it? Oh yes, friendship. He would show all that this friendship that everyone spoke of, was nothing compared to his power. But then why...why did he feel so...empty at times? Sure he had his treasure, and that was all he needed in Middle-Earth. But now? Something seemed to have changed in him. Although, he, for the life of him, couldn't figure out what.

Opening an eye, he slowly awoke from his slumber. Stretching his limbs and licking his chops, he decided to take his mind off of things by going hunting. Yes. That was what he will do.

Little did he know, he'd soon run into a familiar pony later on...

TO BE CONTINUED!