I Am Fire, I Am... Death

Chapters

Smaug
Discord's Joke
Unfriendly Dispute
Insidious Drake
Laying in Wait
Waiting over
Captives
Shaky Decision

Smaug

"Gentlecolts and mares alike, come on in. Welcome to the world's oldest cave! Here there are many wonders still to be unlocked, secrets to be found, and we might find our kind's first steps into a world power." Sandstone smiled to the very large group of investors, each donating well over forty-thousand bits to fund the dig.

"Well I believe I speak for many of us Sandstone when I say, we are proud to help with this operation and to progress our understanding of the world." The most generous of the investors, Fancy Pants spoke with a dignified smile.

"Here here!" A chorus rang out from the scientific supporters.

"Yes thank you, thank all of you. Everypony, please I cannot take all the credit. My team and I are currently trying to decipher the last of the runes on the doors to the rest of the cavern. So far this has proven to be... how can I put this? A pain in the flank." Sandstone reported the progress of her team's efforts. "We do have the cameras mounted on each helmet so if you would be so kind to turn your attention to the wall on your right, you'll see what is happening. Now if everypony will excuse me, my team and I shall get started."

With that Sandstone took her leave.

Down the hallways the sounds of the rest of the team could be heard suiting up for the exploration of the cave, they gave off excited conversations to one another.

Sandstone stood in the doorway listening in to what they were so giddy about.

"Alright Code Breaker, calm down, you can tell Sandstone herself about the runes. Among other things."

"Oh I can't wait to see her face once she hears about this!" Code Breaker sounded like he just celebrated ten birthdays.

"Hear about what?" Sandstone asked finally coming into the room.

"Oh uh hi, oh right. Uh well I deciphered the runes on the doors and I have too say wow." Code Breaker began. "Somepony obliviously never wanted that door open."

"Well what does it say?"

"Oh right right. Well this symbol says go, while this one here says heaven. I have a feeling this one might be for. They don't mean much how they are, but when rearranged it says 'forgo heaven'. Weird right?" Code Breaker pointed to each rune as he described them. "The others speak of something locked behind the doors, we don't have any idea what it could be."

"Well that's great news, but our financial investors are here to see results." Sandstone pointed to the camera on top of each helmet. "They want to see what our work has to show worth, sooooo let's get started shall we?"

"Yes ma'am!" The rest of the team echoed.

The mares and stallions shuffled their equipment out of the room and towards the door deep inside the dig site. Each one preparing for what might be on the other side of the massive structure, so many possibilities raced through their minds.

Down the path carved from stone they lugged their equipment.

Through the helmet cams the investors watched with excitement as the secrets would soon be revealed. Each awaited what could be gained for ponykind, new technology or proof of a great civilization that existed before.

Through the cameras the team could be heard.

"Alright the door is just down this hall, yes to the left! First things first, set the barrier around twenty-five feet." Sandstone could be heard giving instructions to her group.

The middle of the screen show cased the doors in all of their majesty. The voices returned with several static sounds.

"Today is the day."

"Can't wait to tell my kids about this (static) ~ey'll be excited to see me again."

"Hey we need about ten feet of power cords over here."

"Sure thing (static) ~aker."

All eyes stayed glued to the screen, awaiting the big moment that was just minutes away.

A deep low rumble started as the set of doors opened, through the cameras everypony was flabberghasted at the sight.

Mountains of gold filled the area behind the doorway, mostly it was massed towards the central pillars. Everypony's mouth hit dropped onto the floor as the vast wealth was seen. What they didn't see were the small coins slowly sliding down the mound.

"Dear sweet Celestia... this... this... is incredible!" Sandstone exclaimed as she examined a coin. "We literally just found possibly one of the, if not the greatest find in Equestrian history."

"Uh ma'am this may not be the best time but... Why is there gold from whoever it belonged to... but no bodies?" Code Breaker asked bluntly. "Not one skeleton, skull, or anything other than the strange code."

"You may have a point..."

The rest of the group frolicked in the golden sea with not one single care in the world. Others jammed as much as they could into their pockets. One could be seen trying to drag a chest full of what looked like valuable gems, crowns, and necklaces. As most of the team began to leave with lined pockets a low rumble was heard.

At first each one glanced upwards to see if the ceiling was the source of the noise, the rumble came again. While those greed filled ponies wore worry in their expressions the rest began their way towards the open doors.

What caught everypony's attention was the gold shifting about. Each head was stuck as a great eye was exposed, the reptilian slit focused on those unfortunate enough to be pulling heavy items.

"Everypony put what you have back, we don't want to anger a dragon." Sandstone said evenly.

"Too late for that small creature." The voice was so imposing to each pony. "I've never smelled your kind, what are you?"

Sandstone swallowed the anxiety down as she approached the great beast.

"We are pony, and we are a research team looking for-"

"It seems you have found more than you bargined for. Where do your 'team' hope to run with my gold?" The great beast's eye shot towards the greed filled ponies who tried to run for their lives.

"I said to put those back! I am so sorry mister... Uh what is your name for conversation sake?" Sandstone asked as the slit focused upon her.

"I am Smaug." The voice rumbled deeply with pride. "Smaug the chiefest and greatest of calamities!"

"Well Smaug that certainly is one of a kind title you have there but we'll be on our way out-"

"Oh I don't believe you will be leaving so soon pony." Sandstone could feel the venom in the way Smaug spoke. "You truly didn't think that if you returned what your team tried to steal from me I'd allow you to leave?"

"Um what would you say if I said yes?" Sandstone gave a sheepish smile to the eye.

Code Breaker inched closer towards the door until something latched on to his hind leg. To his horror the tail of the dragon held him tightly.

"Going so soon?" Smaug lifted the poor helpless pony over to his eye. What each pony thought was the dragon under the gold was only the tip of the iceberg, coins and crowns fell off the dragon as it stood to it's full height.

"No put him down!" Sandstone yelled at the colossal dragon.

Smaug turned his head down towards the mare, a wicked smile began to form on the dragon's maw. "You care about him do you? Good you can watch him die!"

Smaug threw his head back with his jaws wide open, the poor stallion screamed as he realized what was happening. Before Sandstone could do anything Smaug's jaws snapped closed with the pony devoured.

"Run everypony get out of here!" Sandstone ordered as the rest of the team began to panic.

Smaug turned on a heel to see the others trying to escape from his wrath. A massive wall of flames engulfed those who tried to escape, leaving only charred husks behind.

"This isn't the end, pony. Not until each one of your team suffers for their transgressions!" Smaug roared as he blocked the door with his bulk.

Those whom survived the wall of death that roasted their friends hid behind pillars and other large objects. All except Sandstone.

Paralysis had overcome her senses as the scene unfolded. She watched helplessly as flames still licked on the remains of most of her team, heat still radiating from the corpses.

"So pony, I believe you've had experience with dragons? Pray tell, were they like me?" Smaug spat.

"N-no th-they allowed us to leave once we set their treasure back."

"Interesting, where would I be located?"

"E-Eques-Equestria... Why do you ask?"

"It seems I have a new world to teach the meaning of terror towards dragons. But I think this little game is over, so tell me pony... How do you choose to die?" As the sentence was finished flames shot from Smaug's maw, entrapping each of the ponies to the fires of the great dragon.

As this tragedy unfolded the investors sat in utter shock of this malicious dragon's wrath, some thought that the situation would be resolved peacefully but they were wrong. Through the monitor they watched as the colossal beast launched it's great breath enforce, aiming to kill or maim. It wasn't until the monster reptile asked where it was did the investors really begin to worry.

Fancy Pants knew things would get worse should the dragon be allowed to roam beyond this cavern. With a purpose he gathered the rest of the wealthy ponies.

"Well everypony I know what we had witnessed wasn't what we expected, but if that dragon were able to leave it would be a disaster... I suggest we close every entrance to this cave system..." Fancy Pants said taking hold of the situation. "I cannot promise each of us safety during this endevor but that matters little compared to this beast being allowed to wreak havoc."

"Fancy! We saw what it did to those ponies! There is no telling what it would do to us!" A noble cried as they huddled to the furthest wall.

"And if it gets out? What then? We wait for it to burn down our homes before we take action?" Fancy raged at his fellow nobles. "You know what hide in here, I'll take care of this myself."

The stallion bolted away with his goal in mind, though he would have to be careful with that monster nearby. The equipment room was just a few doors away, already the smell of cooked flesh permeated the air. Fancy slowed so he would not be heard by Smaug and become the latest victim of the crazed dragon. The explosives were not hard to find as they sat upon a crate with bold words saying caution on it's side, quickly Fancy gathered as much as he could carry.

His steps were halted by the sound of something very large snarling behind him. He knew the dragon wouldn't have been stupid enough to sit in the chamber for this long.

"And you are?" Smaug growled as he glared death down at the small stallion.

After overcoming the initial shock Fancy Pants took the time to truly witness the magnitude of the dragon's bulk. The wings even folded nearly reached to half of the massive room that stood over three hundred feet. Large fangs dotted Smaug's mouth, each one had to be three or four feet long. The dragon's claws dug deep gouges into stone.

The most terrifying aspect of the great reptile was it's eyes, they commanded all attention.

"Well pony? Who are you?"

"I am Fancy Pants."

"Such strange names, tell me pony did you hire those whom are nothing more than a testament of what I can do?" The massive head leaned closer, foul breath wafting from the jaws of death. "Your answer dictates your fate, little pony."

"We had no idea that we would stumble across your horde, and I personally had never thought that many of the team would try to steal from you." Beads of sweat rolled down Fancy's face. "You may not believe me but we really were here to find anything of archaeological significance towards our race."

The great eye lessened it's glare at Fancy Pants, steam jettisoned from the dragon's nostrils. Smaug chuckled deeply as the little pony went rigid.

"Are there any other ponies within this cave?" The dragon's again glared down at Fancy Pants. The pony in question only nodded dumbly. "Bring them to me pony and I may allow you to keep breathing."

"Of course master." Again the massive reptile chuckled as the spell worked it's way to smother the pony's will. Something all dragons of Middle-Earth could do. Smaug climbed the walls with stones falling as he dug his spear like claws into the rocky surface.

Fancy Pants, now a slave to Smaug's will, trotted down the halls towards the video room. The further he moved away the less he felt the reptile's will on his own, dizziness overcame the noble stallion and blackness took his vision.

Author's Note

Smaug is the greatest dragon.

Discord's Joke

Author's Note

Holy cow! 29? On the frist day?! Wow... thank you guys for those favorites and those likes.... But yeah I'll keep this baby going until my fingers bleed.

Discord's Joke

All four princesses sat before an extremely nervous chimera, who sipped at his cup of tea. Silence was the most pronounced sound inside the halls of the Ponyvile palace, it grew only more awkward as seconds ticked on. The alicorns on the other hoof gazed sternly at the mismatched God.

"Ummm so how is everypony?" Discord spoke up, finally breaking the silence.

"Discord, we all saw you open a portal." Luna began.

"To where and for why we do not know." Cadence added.

"So we would like to know exactly why you opened a portal to Faust knows where, we would also like to know did you pull anything back?" Celestia said before taking another sip of her cup. "After Tirek we've all been keeping an eye on you to make sure you don't do anything foalish, like allow Tirek or Sombra back into Equestrian lands."

"Whoa, I'll admit that siding with that jerk was a huge mistake I wish I could fix, why would I do something like that again?" Discord held his paw and claw up defensively. "It's just that with about six months of nothing exciting happening I grew so bored! So I, as the reformed spirit of chaos that I am, took it upon myself to bring some entertainment to this world... that's all."

"Entertainment? So all that was just entertainment for you? Hurting your friends, making Fluttershy cry, that was fun?" Twilight's left eye twitched.

"When you put it like that I am the jerk, but I never meant for that to happen alright?" Again Discord popped into a submissive position. "But what I did was randomly reach into a random universe and randomly pull something out... with my eyes closed."

Celestia, Luna, and Cadence fell out of their seats while Twilight spat her tea across the small table.

"YOU WHAT?!" All four princesses screamed at once, their scream echoed into Ponyvile.

"Ugh here is everything we just said on paper, read and reread until what I said sinks in. I have to attend a animal birthday with dear Fluttershy right now." With a snap of his eagle talon Discord disappeared from the room, but a document that had the entire conversation written down was in his place. Word for word the previous conversation was there even with the snap of Discord's fingers.

"That's oddly convenient..." Twilight muttered as she read the scroll, with attention to detail she read. The other alicorns sat up with their cups of tea refilled.

"Soooooo... Discord does weird things, I'd wager my crown that he's just trying to trick us." The Princess of Love stated simply with an unsure smile. Luna only shook her head, Celestia and herself knew Discord's power to allow the strangest of things to present themselves.

"Twilight keep an eye on him, make sure he isn't up to something." Celestia began as she stood up, motioning for Luna to follow. "We must return to Canterlot, I trust you to safeguard Ponyvile."

"Yes farewell to thee, Twilight." Luna added as she stepped outside the sitting room. Celestia waited a few seconds before continuing.

"Whatever or whoever Discord allowed passage here will no doubt show them self sooner or later, so just watch for anything or anypony strange?"

"You can count on me Princess Celestia! Oh I mean Celestia he he." Former mentor and student shared a warm embrace before the solar diarch broke away. The sound of teleportation signaled both celestial princesses' leave.

"Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure everything will turn out just fine." Cadence smiled as she wrapped a fore leg around the young alicorn's shoulders.

Smaug felt his connection to the one called 'Fancy Pants' disappear, if so then he could warn others. This was something the last great fire drake of Middle-earth would not allow, down towards the floor he fell. His feet and winged hands caught his bulk on the solid stone.

A massive intake of air gave the dragon a rough estimation where the exit would be. If the pony were alive then no doubt it would feel Smaug's foot falls, his eyes scanned each inch in search of his prey. Fancy's scent grew stronger towards the entrance of the grand cavern, soon Smaug would make sure he was nothing more than ash.

As Smaug drew closer he could hear faintly the sounds of many hushed whispers. Each were in a panic, good let them fear him.

Smaug slowed to a stop so he would be able to listen in on their distraught about their plight.

"We need to get him to a hospital now!"

"But what of the dragon?"

"Maybe it went back to sleep?"

"I doubt that, but we can't leave Fancy like this! He is our friend and as such we need to get him out of here as soon as possible!"

"We could make a run for the entrance."

A wicked smile grew on Smaug's maw as he could practically feel their fear. Since they didn't leave made this entire situation all the more sweeter as he would kill them here and not worry if they spoke a word about him. With a new idea in his twisted mind Smaug roared to shut the ponies inside their "safe room" to all snap quiet.

He leaned down so he could glare death at each one trying to hide away. "Hello there my delicious morsels, did you actually believe you would able to escape me?"

One of the noble ponies stepped forward with a very noticeable shake in their step.

"Please sir, let us go. We didn't mean to offend you in anyway. We promise to never return here. Also we will give you every bit we have." The noble's voice trembled before the massive reptile that stood to it's full height. The noble couldn't help but notice the smile etched across the dragon's jaws.

"I will allow you to live, but I will leave this cavern before any of you. Should you not comply I will make ash piles, am I understood?" Smaug's smile never faltered as he spoke so calmly. The pony's reply came as vigorous nodding. Satisfied with that answer Smaug followed the scent of fresh air.

Sunlight, grass, and skies. Smaug smashed through stone to escape the dank cave into the world. Once outside Smaug enacted his cruel scheme turning to the entrance, his eyes and chest glowed an unholy shade of orange. Within seconds naplam like fire scorched the boulders until they fell upon the opening, trapping those rich snobs inside to starve to death.

Smaug let lose another wall of flames to melt the stones, none would find this tomb unless those ponies could dig through. His wicked laugh was the only sound for miles.

"Stay awhile little ponies, I promised to allow you to live. But I never said you would be able to leave." His great wings lifted his body higher, this world would know Smaug's wrath.

As he reached high enough his wings propelled him forward faster than wind currents could pick up speed. Down below Smaug his shadow cloaked the land, the eyes of the dragon could see other ponies try to hide in homes and other structures. Using his senses to their full uses Smaug could hear screams and cries of fear while he soared over the lands. His massive wings pushed his form further away from the cave where he awoke, as he flew Smaug began to search for a new home.

Off in the vast distance a mountain could be seen surrounded by a vast forest, ideal new home. Smaug noticed a small town at the forest's edge. His eyes honed in on an palace like structure towards the end of the small village, but paid no mind to it. Smaug wondered if these ponies were like the race of men who flocked to cities for safety. It mattered little to the fire drake as he drew closer to the mountain.

Pinkie Pie sat with her pet outside on a park bench just enjoying the day, Gummy currently wore a cup cake as a hat since his owner placed the pastry there. The sun's rays warmed the party pony as she hummed a sweet little tune to her pet and herself. Suddenly darkness fell upon her, her eyes drifted upwards to see a extremely large dragon fly towards the Everfree Forest. With the grace of a brain surgeon Pinkie picked her toothless alligator off the bench and trotted to Twilight's palace.

The doors came into view for the pink party pony who now bounced happily with ideas of a new dragon neighbor. Her lips drew back into a face splitting smile as that idea popped in her innocent mind, a new friend for Spike perhaps?

The doors opened to allow one of Princess Twilight's friends to enter without hassle.
"Twilight!" Pinkie called to have her voice echo off the walls. "You'll never guess what I saw!"

"Pinkie I'm right here." Twilight said coming from the room to Pinkie's right. "What did you see Pinkie?"

"Oh I saw this really really really really big dragon, bigger than Spike when he grew!I also thought maybe Spike and that dragon could be friends."

"How big did this dragon look?" The lavender scientist asked, curiosity taken hold.

"It had a shadow that covered half of Ponyvile."

"Did it look far away?"

"Maybe the distance between Dashie's house and the grass twice, wait. Why are you asking me these questions?"

"Well without scientific equipment to measure it, I'm trying to get a rough estimation on it's size." Twilight stated with her gaze on the floor. "The distance between Rainbow's home and the soil would be about sixty meters so that doubled... one hundred twenty meters!"

"Wow that is a big dragon..." Came the voice of Spike coupled with the sound of flushing.

"Yeah that is a large dragon... Pinkie, you didn't happen to see which way it was going, did you?"

"Oh yeah it went to Everfree. Well at least I think it is... I wonder what kind of dessert it likes?" Pinkie lost herself within her own thoughts, Twilight however wondered if that dragon could be what Discord pulled from his portal.

Unfriendly Dispute

The rain started to pour in force closer to the lonely mountain of the forest, most of it's wildlife fled to shelter from the weather. Most wildlife.

At the only cave's entrance stood Smaug, his keen eyes searching for any signs of an animal unfortunate enough to still be out. Small rodents would scurry about in clearings, they wouldn't sate the drake's hunger. Something larger than a rabbit would be just lovely.

Movement at the corner of sight signaled a creature that would hold over Smaug's appetite for a day or two, trivial matters considering he could sleep for a century without worry. Though he wouldn't pass a meal when he could get one.

Smaug climbed down towards the rustling, his predatory nature becoming vastly evident. The scent wasn't something familiar like dwarf or pony, no this smell was that of a reptilian origin. Smaug stopped to allow whatever was hidden to head into the clearing, a strange animal made it's into sight.

A feathered head atop an pudgy body, Smaug was growing tired of this world's oddities that kept popping up. Seeing the animal was in no way able to overcome his strength Smaug snaked his tail behind the creature to distract it. Once the animal moved to inspect the new sounds the drake lept forward, the massive teeth sliced clean trough flesh and bone. The pudgy animal slid down his throat sure it was enough to hold him over, but it wasn't certainly a feast fit for his size.

A new sound rang in Smaug's ears, a voice. The drake followed the voice as silently as his form would allow, he slithered forward with full intent to feed.

Smaug cursed to himself as a striped pony plucked a strange blue flower, having enough to fuel his anger he stepped without care of this new pony hearing him.

"Oh my, a mighty dragon stands before my eyes. I had not heard you creep near, your size is something to fear." The striped pony ryhmed, unaware of the dragon's fury that was slowly rising. "May I ask your name? Surly a dragon your size has fame."

"Striped one, I am Smaug." The last fire drake spat. "I'm sure you understand that a dragon of my calibur requires a great quantity of food."

"A dragon this large needs many gems, as foals need vitamins. As for my name I am Zecora,as you've seen I'm in search of a certain flora." Zecora smiled.

"Adorable, but I don't eat jewels. No I eat flesh!" Smaug rushed forward with amazing speed. Zecora dashed away in time as the jaws snapped a tree in two, Smaug spit the timber from his mouth in annoyance. His eyes picked out the panic stricken zebra with little effort, his roar echoed signaling his chase. "To think running will save you, it did the dwarves no good!"

Zecora's mind pushed her body harder than ever before, the dragon's snarling convinced her to keep moving. Ducking around trees and diving under shrubs, yet Smaug still came. Sounds of his bulk crashing through the forest caused an uproar with the natural wildlife. If she were in an open field Smaug would've used his flight to overcome her, if Smaug were to take flight he would lose his meal. Simple things like this Smaug understood quite well, until a roar greeted his ears.

Zecora knew she had led this colossal beast into another dragon's territory, better to trust the devil you know than the one you don't. The green drake crashed behind the frightened zebra as she held her gaze at Smaug.

"These are my hunting grounds!" The green dragon charged towards Smaug with all it's might. Smaug being larger than it made the task of toppling the fire drake all the more taxing. The charge worked as Smaug fell on his side with a snarl. "As such, she's mine!"

"On second thought, I'll have you instead!" Smaug pounced the smaller drake, using his weight to hold it in place. The unholy orange glow dominated the dull forest as Smaug let lose a torrent of flames upon the green dragon.

A sharp crack snapped Smaug out of his early victory, the dragon's tail whipped across Smaug's face once more. Dragon against dragon, the Everfree forest shook as these two Titans of the skies battled. The green drake shoved Smaug off itself and took to the skies where with it's smaller form would be able to out maneuver Smaug, but to it's surprise Smaug was not far behind.

Through the sky they clashed, claws and teeth met against scales. The green drake managed to swipe at Smaug's eyes, coming close to an inch away.

Smaug could see the edge of the forest and the small town they lay just beyond it, with a new plan Smaug shot forward quicker than the green dragon to anticipate. Blood rushed from the bite on the left wing creating a crimson rain for the ponies below. Something the massive dragon noticed was that it wasn't raining over the town unlike the forest, this puzzled the red dragon.

Seeing it's opportunity arise the green drake landed a successful strike on Smaug's back, forcing him to the ground.

Ponies below watched as the larger of the two dragons fell. Dust clouds erupted from the impact zone, many ran away from the area where the large dragon had crashed.

The green drake landed not too far from the crater with a smile etched onto it's scaled jaws.

"Everfree belongs to Malirth!" The green drake spoke flatly. Turning back to the forest, Malirth never expected a shadow to fall upon him.

"You will BURN!" A jet of napalm fire scorched the soft exposed flesh along Malirth's left wing, causing the green drake to screech in pain. Normally fires wouldn't effect a fully grown dragon when it was at full health, but softer skin underneath the scales could feel the searing heat of flames.
Teeth dug into Malirth's throat ruthlessly as Smaug pulled against muscle, the sounds of flesh being torn from bone echoed throughout Ponyvile.

Silence. Pure shocked silence. Everypony who saw this spectacle couldn't turn away, they watched as Malirth bled profusely from his open wound upon his throat. As the ponies thought that this was the end were never more wrong.

Once the green dragon fell onto the floor Smaug shot jets of flame into the sky before digging into the corpse, gorging himself with an audience in utter shock.

After an hour of feeding Smaug felt the need for rest, with his great wings Smaug shot upwards. With little other than sleep on his mind Smaug flew towards his mountain home.

Back at Ponyvile many gathered around the remains of one of the last dragons of Everfree. Bloody bones told the story to those whom missed the action, even then it was hard to imagine that a dragon would cannibalize it's own kind. Whispers started to become conversations of worry, if a dragon was willing to eat one of it's own then how long before it came back to feast on pony meat.

Among those present were the six mares whom saved the world numerous times, now faced the carnage of the great dragon.

Twilight had never seen this level of brutality in a fight, even with dragons. Stunned by the larger dragon's ferocity in combat while violent display was in action, words failed to describe how cruel and brutal the red dragon had been. This caused three things: Immense fear of a dragon's rage, hesitation to approach the edge of Everfree, and a resolve to make this large fire drake into an ally.

Twilight saw it's flight back towards Everfree, the lonely mountain would likely be it's lair. She would need to prepare for the venture, supplies could be gathered at her palace.

$###$$$$$$$

Over the Everfree forest Smaug flew as gracefully as his size would allow, but as he drew near his eyes spotted small forms coming in and out of his cave. His stomach full from dragon meat protested any more consumption, so the fire drake decided burning them would be the best course of action. With his loudest roar Smaug shot forward, his wings beating powerfully towards his lair. Within seconds he was upon the creatures.

As he landed many of those creatures here bowed, some went a step further and saluted Smaug.

"Who are you?" Smaug's eyes still held the glow, his chest began to light the dim cave. His voice echoing within the confines of the cavern causing many of the furry creatures.

"You kills old boss! We work for yous now, we bring many gems to boss!" The largest one spoke with a tremble in it's voice. "Diamond Dogs likes us need alphas to lead pack, you new alpha!"

"Work for me? Who has claimed I need servants, and what makes you think I won't make you into a snack?" Smaug's eyes dimmed slightly.
"Scouts saw you eat old boss, but we work still!" The dog reassured. A huff from the large drake was the only answer many of the mutts needed to hear as they stacked more gems around the massive cavern. "Uh boss, why did you eat other dragon?"

"Because he got in my way when I was hunting. I will do the same if anyone of you creatures interrupt me." Smaug stated simply with a cold tone in his voice. "No one is to wake me, am I understood."

Each dog nodded to Smaug then continuing to work, gems and bits were brought in wicker baskets. None dared to wake the great dragon as he slept for fear of invoking his wrath.

Two dogs spoke quietly with each other about riches and gem hunts, once they said something of interest Smaug's eye cracked open.

"Yes many shiny gems stored there! Me and some pups traveled far, reached crystal wolves. They says stuff bout massive gem worth maybe seven gem hauls!"

"No they didn't! You're lying! No gem worth seven hauls, even if was ponies guard them anyway."

Smaug lifted his head to see the pair talking, he slithered closer.

"It's right in center of city! No guards at night, we could take it!" The Diamond Dog practically screamed.

"Interesting, right in the center of the city you say?" The draconic greed urged Smaug to hunt this gem down and take it for himself, even though his stomach protested such a thing. "Where would such a thing be located? Your lives depend on your answer."

"Up north boss!"

"Yeah way up north!"

Smaug sensing no half truths from his new servants smiled, he turned back to his slab. With this new information in mind Smaug would pay this city a visit it wouldn't soon forget.

Twilight lead the group towards the cave where Diamond Dogs could be seen moving many items, what she couldn't figure out was why. That mattered very little compared to this dragon situation, a record breaking dragon that just a few hours ago ate another dragon.

"Twilight why do we have to find it? It ate another dragon! I don't think it would be friendly to us." Fluttershy quipped quietly, evident fear could be seen in her large eyes.

"Because this is the first time a dragon this size has ever been seen, also if there is any confrontation id rather have it on our side." The princess gave her timid friend a reassuring smile, though deep down she felt scared of the large drake. "Everypony, there are Diamond Dogs in the cave. Any suggestions?"

Rarity internally cringed from the memories of the last encounter with the mining mutts. "Yes dear, allow me to talk to them. Guaranteed they see us right in."

"Uh Rarity, we're here for a dragon, not dogs." Rainbow Dash spoke flatly.

"Those uncouth dogs will no doubt remember me, and how eager they were to be rid of me. That wasn't the worst experience I've had." Rarity giggled when she lost herself in memories. The mouth of the cave now in clear sight, but something seemed off. All the Diamond Dogs glared inward towards the massive shape that was Smaug.

As the small group of ponies slowed to stop as events were about to unfold. Each one of the dogs exploded within green flames, Twilight motioned the girls down as the changelings moved in unison to Smaug.

"Twilight why would there be changelings here?" Rainbow Dash asked as she scratched her noggin. "Weren't they like I don't know, banished?"

"It is possible for many to still be in Equestrian lands, but I didn't expect this many." Just as the Princess of Friendship was about to continue Smaug's flames shot outside. All of those changelings roasted within seconds. Even though they were enemies of Equestria they still had lives and families that now would never see them again.

Once they turned back fear took hold. Smaug was starring down on each one of the six ponies.

With a great leap the colossal dragon land before the six, snarling with hatred. His mouth opened dangerously wide causing the six mares to back away.

"Anymore surprises I will turn this world into ashes!"

Author's Note

I gotta say love the turn out for this story, didn't expect it to even hit past 30 but it has. So thank all of you for wanting more

Insidious Drake

Twilight gathered her courage to step closer to the massive fire drake, each step held a tremble. Foul air wafted from Smaug's jaws, the smell of dead flesh proved to be to much for the equine to handle. After spilling the contents of her breakfast did the youngest Alicorn stand straight, until the dragon's breath hit her again.

Most of the mares barely held their composure as Smaug's foul breath wafted towards them, the only one unaffected was Fluttershy. Seeing this one pony who could stand the scent of dead flesh, Smaug leaned closer to the butter yellow pegasi with a scowl etched on his reptilian face.

"You are the first not to shrink in fear of me, why?" Smaug asked Fluttershy who stood tall.

"Well um... my friends told me to face my fears, that's what I'm doing now." The normally timid pegasus began with an audible gulp.

"So you're one of the few on this miserable world who genuinely fears dragons, good." Smaug chuckled. "You I will speak with, they will not be allowed to speak unless I address them."

"Um but they are my friends they can sat what they want, um if that's okay with you that is."

"No." Smaug replied coldly.

"Hey what's your problem hoof for brains?" Came Rainbow Dash's voice, it served only to further Smaug's anger. "You just roasted those changelings, we could have you booted from Equestria!"

"You dare to challenge me?! I who laid low an entire Dwarven kingdom alone! I who destroyed a city of men with ease! I who just "roasted" those insects? What power do you have over I, Smaug the golden!? Nothing, that is exactly what you have against me." Smaug spat at the most daring of the ponies, his eyes and chest began to glow until the butter yellow pony flew into his vision.

"You will not speak to my friends like that! Now tell Rainbow Dash you're sorry!" Fluttershy scolded, earning a chuckle from the colossal drake.

"Friends, weakness! Leave my sight before I choose your fate, and trust me you will not enjoy it." Smaug began to climb the mountain side, the unholy glow died down.

"Leave him be Fluttershy, I think maybe we better not wake the big baby." Rainbow Dash said as she turned away, unaware of Smaug's excellent hearing.

Within seconds the ground shook as Smaug landed. His rage burned brightly in his eyes as he took a massive inhale of air.

"Girls run!" Twilight screamed, she knew what was about to happen. Time slowed for the Alicorn as the fires were let lose at the group, the flames lit the skies as bright as if it were noon. Her sharp instincts called up a magical barrier against the dragon fire long enough for the teleportation spell to take effect.

Smaug cut off the flames as soon as he noticed the distinct lack of burning flesh, he growled in hatred as his keen eyes witnessed a small flash of light barely reach over the tree line. With a huff he shot into the sky, hell bent on making them suffer.

Twilight fell face first onto her floor, with a groan she corrected her stance. The rest of the girls were inside as well, a little less for ware but alive.

"Ugh... Spike?" Twilight called out, as if on que the small dragon appeared in sight. "Send a letter to Celestia, tell her to come as quickly as possible."

"You got it!" He saluted. After twelve seconds the sound of him sending it off could be heard, Twilight sighed in relief as she knew help would be here soon. The others were now beginning to get their bearings inside the library, before any could celebrate both Luna and Celestia popped into view.

"Twilight! What happened, is everypony alright?" Celestia asked with a trace of fear in her kind features. Twilight nodded once for an answer, Celestia sighed in relief. "So what happened?"

"Really big dragon... hostile... probably on way..."

"How can this be? Luna and I drove the last hostile dragons from Equestria eons..." Before the solar princess could finish, something massive landed outside. "...ago."

Smaug's voice rumbled throughout the flimsy structures of the small town.

"Come now, don't be shy. Step into the light." His steps reverberated through the solid earth. "I smell you, I hear panic breaths. Perhaps you require me to hunt you down? Or was that what you had in mind, to be hunted like the prey you are?"

His foot falls shook the homes slightly, but enough to keep the ponies inside. Celestia peek ed outside to see this dragon, unaware he starring at the palace. Once they saw each other Celestia pulled her head back where as Smaug started towards Twilight's palace. "Ah, someone from this pint sized castle took interest. I will start there."

Within seconds Smaug landed upon the palace, his weight causing it to groan underneath his form. Before anypony could react Smaug tore away one of the walls, it was now or never. Celestia and Luna bolted straight out as the dragon leaned in, the collision knocked Smaug off the palace with two princesses on his neck.

"Tia? Did we hit a mountain?" Asked the lunar princess who saw stars twinkling in her vision. Celestia wobbled as she stood.

"No, we hit something far worse..."

Smaug's eyes snapped on their forms with malice, his rage hitting a breaking point. They would suffer for even touching his scales!

"Luna I think now would be a good time to get off him."

"We agree sister."

Their wings pushed away from the now snarling Smaug as he rolled to correct himself. His new enemies within sight, Smaug let lose a wall of flames toward the Alicorns with an angered desire to kill. Celestia reacted quickly, shielding her sister from the blast. Fire licked her skin without any pain or discomfort, Smaug noticed this and opted to smash her into the earth.

His tail caught her side sending Celestia down, her body skipped upon the ground leaving deep groves where she skidded to a halt. Smaug stalked towards her with his jaws opened and ready for a new meal, only to closed by chains conjured from thin air.

Luna landed upon Smaug's maw with fury as she charged another spell, Smaug violently shook his head side to side in an effort to shake her off. Luna couldn't hold her footing for long as this drake began to roll to knock her away. What the princess of the night didn't expect was to be smash between the palace walls and Smaug. With cruel joy Smaug pushed harder as he slowly dragged Luna across the surface.

To Luna's credit, had anypony be in this position they would have certainly died. As the pain built in intensity her concentration on the spell waned and finally broke, Smaug snarled in triumph.

"You didn't think you would actually think you best me?" Smaug gloated as he held Luna against the wall. "This was enjoyable while it lasted but I have a village to destr-"

Golden chains wrapped around Smaug's torso, holding his wings too close for comfort. While he struggled with these chains more surrounded his frame. Soon his legs and tail were hindered as well, forcing him to the ground. What was triumph became defeat for the last great fire drake of Middle-earth, in his vision he saw his captor drawing near; Celestia. Smaug growled with rage but his bindings would not give an inch as he struggled.

"Tia..." Luna's voice came softly as she lay in pain. Her left wing bent at an odd angle, broken from the dragon's cruel attack. "I hurt..."

Celestia ran to her sister's side, her face fell upon closer inspection of Luna's wing. "Don't worry Luna, you'll be fine... TWILIGHT!"

The lavender Alicorn popped into existence besides her former mentor, a pulse of magic numbed the wing so Twilight would be able to assist Luna. Celestia instructed the young princess to get medical treatment for Luna as soon as possible. Her fury now was fully turned to the drake who tried standing but failed.

"Who are you dragon?! Speak!" Celestia commanded.

"I am commanded by nothing, especially not one like you! Release me and I may make your death quick, but her..." His eyes focused on Luna. "She won't be so lucky."

"I swear if you even harm one hair on her head, let's just say the sun isn't a welcoming place to be." Celestia stated coldly.

"Was that a threat pony?"

"No that was a promise." Celestia walked towards the hospital as she gave the drake her message, Smaug growled with hatred ever growing within his heart towards ponies.

Author's Note

Well shit over 40 likes? Hell if it this story gets 100 I'll eat crickets and post a video of it.

Laying in Wait

Author's Note

Smaug, Krieg, and Medic from TF2 all in one story. Its coming be prepared!

Laying in Wait

Smaug flew over the countryside with a question gnawing at his mind. Why did the tall pony take his deal? He knew the answer, to protect her subjects. Yet the fact she made a deal with him confused him to no end. He was seen as a violent and cunning creature of the skies, an image that tall pony saw quite extensively. Yet here he was soaring through the sky with nothing harassing him.

"Damned pony! Did she curse me?! I am the greatest threat to her and yet she doesn't have that much concern about me!? I could burn this world, then would she despise me enough to know how wrong she was!" His words went unanswered as he flew through clouds. His eyes began to glow with rage as his mind ran rampet, jets of flames were unleashed harmlessly into the air around his form. "I will show her the meaning of terror."

His mountain came into view, maybe with some rest he would be able to clear his mind. He landed as gracefully as a twenty ton dragon could on the rock face, his talons digging deeply into the stone. His climb was short as he slithered into his cave where he would have dreams of fire and death, the likes of which would have never been seen in this world.

"They threatened me, for that I do hope they know how to wage war. Let those insects come! I will rip them into pieces for the pleasure of a kill, then when the world holds it's breath I will allow you to burn ponies." Smaug cursed as his massive form sprawled about, sleep finally overtaking him.

Twilight watched the sky, searching for any sign of her former teacher. A few hours passed before any news came, as it turned out Celestia walked the survivors of the first encounter with Smaug to Ponyvile. They each had a vast difference to the townsfolk, the survivors had a very distant stare in their eyes as they were escorted to the hospital. What was worry for Celestia became concern about the dragon, he should've been tried for his actions.

"Celestia, what happened? Where did Smaug go?" Twilight asked her beloved mentor, who only stared at the survivors. "Will they be okay?"

"Twilight... some scars will never heal. Those ponies have witnessed terrible things, things I cam barely imagine myself." Celestia's voice seemed distant to all reality itself as she spoke quietly. "Please help them recover when they try to integrate back in society."

The multicolored mane dimmed and slowed as the solar diarch made her way to her sister, the aftermath began to set in.

The Ponyvile Palace wore it's battle scars proudly as if it were saying "A dragon couldn't break me, come at me world". The wall that was torn away was nothing more than rubble, drag marks on the other side had small amounts of blood dripping downwards. The damage was done.

Few ponies stayed to assure the Princess of Friendship that the community would help with the repairs when she needed then.

Twilight could only fear what the future the would hold.

Waiting over

Smaug the Golden pondered his fate as he laid upon his small horde of treasure, how he managed to trick the ruler of the prey to allow him to leave. Were the creatures here so naive that they would allow him to roam free after killing? What was it about these prey animals?

He was a killer, a hunter, the last great dragon of Middle earth... and they allowed him to leave after his threats and actions. He broke the tall one's sister's wing and was about to feast upon her, yet she let him go...

As Smaug pondered this the more he realized that they didn't see him as what he was, the chiefest and greatest of calamities. It enraged him.

"They dare insult me?!" His roar shook the cave he resided in, steam shot from his flared nostrils in anger. "I will teach them never to anger me."

Smaug stepped from the hole in the rock face with a grim smirk ecthed into his scales, he reared his head back and unleashed a torrent of flames into the forest below. The woods came to life as though the forest itself tried to flee from the intense heat that spread quickly. Numerous creatures ran from burning trees in all directions for safety. Smaug turned his great maw to the unscathed parts of the forest, with thunderous boom Smaug shot to the heavens.

Twilight Sparkle stood next to Luna as the doctor listed about dealing with a broken wing, in truth it was dreadfully boring. Luna often looked to window towards the mountain where the drake resided.

Revenge would present an opportunity later, it would only be a matter of time.

Still a deep frown stayed upon the night princess' face as she recalled the events, his injustice against Equestria would be dealt with as soon as Luna could fly again.

"Princess Luna, I will be checking in on you and your wing from time to time. Two weeks I shall visit you.... Princess?" The doctor followed her gaze to the mountain. "I suggest you rid your self of any thoughts that involve that dragon. He broke one of your wings, I don't think he would be so merciful the next time."

"We were merely looking fair doctor, we will not make the same mistake twice." Luna spoke without any hesitation.

Rainbow Dash flew into the room with a worried look and smelling like smoke, her coat seemed somewhat blackened.

"Twi... the Everfree.... is.... on fire..." These words echoed throughout the room, they held meaning of terror and brutality from a beast. The fact that the Everfree was on fire meant this drake held no reservations for anything.

"Oh no... we need to act now! Rainbow get as many pegasi as you can to make raincloulds, I will organize a safety measure here to keep the flames at bay." With a mock salute Rainbow bolted off towards Cloudsdale, Twilight quickly followed suit. Her run took her past an open field where she saw the wall of death moving rapidly, to the town hall she sprinted hoping the blaze could be stalled before reaching town.

Her steps were halted with the cries of the mayor giving orders to everypony present, Twilight felt relieved to know that the town was taking this as serious as could be.

"Twilight Sparkle, thank goodness you're here! I need you to bring up a shield on the eastern border of town, I already have twelve pegasi drowning the blaze there but they'll need help." Mayor Mare shouted over the growing chaos. "Please hurry!"

With a clear goal now in mind Twilight sprinted to the east, her eyes on the raging fire that swept over acres of forest.

The area of town was empty of civilians, only rescue operations ponies battled the blaze with their raincloulds and hope. Twilight wasted no time conjuring a shield large enough to hold the flames away from the thatch roofing of the township, at the same time she pushed the fire back with her magical shielding until the inferno was held within a dome.

"I've got the fires contained, hit it with everything you have!" Twilight's voice carried over the chaotic scene with the authority of her fellow princesses. Just as she commanded the pegasi began to drown the fires under heavy raindrops, soon the blaze died down to smoldering embers underneath large trees. "Thank goodness this was the worst of it."

Smaug flew north where this great gem was being held, his temper pushing him harder than before. His flight through the winds of the north only made him feel worse but he wouldn't relent until they would fear him.

The Crystal Empire pillars stood out in the distance, with the keen eyes picking out the highest one to target. He picked up speed to cause the prey who no doubt will see him approaching scurry away in fear.

His wings clasped down on his side as the pillar's walls were clear as day now, with a thunderous roar Smaug smashed through the pillar. Down below ponies ran to and fro to escape the falling debris of the palace, but the dragon stood out from the damage.

Again he roared as a challenge to the guards below him, not one of them dared to step closer to the inferno incarnate.

"WHERE IS THE GRAND GEM OF THIS CITY?" Smaug bellowed to the masses, not one would say. "THEN BURN!"

As he reared his head back to unleash his wrath upon them a sudden stinging sensation ran up his spines, it was laughable if they were trying to kill him. His eyes searched to find the one responsible for this brave act, yet he found none. Seeing none with the gall to try infuriated the great wyrm more than ever, his attacker wouldn't even show their own cowardly face! Outrage surged through the colossal drake.

His fanged maw opened wide with flames dancing about, but they stopped short of the town. A shield? A powerful one too, but who casted it?

"By order of Princess Cadence, you are under arrest dragon!" A proud voice railed Smaug's earsdrums, causing the dragon to search for the owner. His search ended quickly as a unicorn smiled smugly to the drake.

"Who are you?" Smaug tilted his head to emphasize his question. "I've never met such a brave creature such as you."

"I don't know if I should take that as a complement or an insult." Shining Armor chuckled causing the large dragon to smile.

"Take it however you wish prey, it doesn't matter in the end." Smaug's smirk promised pain.

"I am Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, husband of Princess Cadence. You are a threat to this empire's security, should you comply you will be treated fairly."

"Shining Armor... such pitiful names... I am Smaug: Titan of the Skies, Chiefest of Calamities. You are nothing more than a pest to me, now where is this grand gemstone? I want it." Smaug stepped closer to the shield, his eyes trained on the unicorn's form. "I will kill you little pest, but not before I make you suffer."

Shining Armor glared daggers back to the dragon.

"I'd like to see you try."

Shining Armor instantly regretted those words once they left his mouth. Smaug roared as the challenge came and bashed the shielding hard enough to make the unicorn panic, again he hit the shield with greater results. The unicorn strained under the massive pressure of the great drake's strength, soon the shield would break. Again Smaug hit the shield with all his weight and it shattered.

For the briefest of moments the world flashed before Shining Armor's eyes as he watched this dragon break through his shield by sheer force, how could this dragon be capable of such a feat?! Terror filled the prince as he realized that now doom was upon his home.

"Pitiful, your sun horse held so much more power. Now where is this gem?" Smaug's breath caused the unicorn to quake from the scent of decay filling his nose. "I will not ask again pony."

"Please great dragon, leave this land." This new voice ushered rage forth from the drake, his head snapped behind him to see what had to be this city's ruler. A pretty little pony with both wings and a horn, were these things a rarity that they became leaders for their simple addition upon their heads? "Please, I ask you Smaug to leave."

"No." Smaug fully turned to the newcomer, his tone flat and growing with venom. "I take orders from no one, especially from prey like you."

"Smaug, if you won't leave peacefully then I shall force you to!" This princess charged her magic to blast the great drake, yet even in the land of Equestria where villains would stand idle waiting for the attack, Smaug snatched her from her position.

"I dare ask what could you do? I could have a snack right now, come to think of it I am rather famished." His teeth just inches from her face. A grim smile slowly stretched across his jaws with a devilish idea. "Is that pathetic excuse of a warrior your husband?"

"Leave Shining out of this!"

"I hoped so." With a quick snap the princess disappeared into the beast's maw earning a grand gasp of shock from the crowd before him. What the group didn't know was Cadence was still alive, her forelegs griping onto a tooth to keep her from falling down the gullet of Smaug. "Now tell me where the gem is!"

Shining Armor couldn't find the strength to hold himself up any longer, his wife eaten before his very eyes... broken and utterly disturbed by what he had seen Shining pointed to the Crystal Heart. His own heart broken and in pieces couldn't control his actions, after looking the drake in the eyes did he feel this way. He pointed it out for the dragon like a fool and stayed still... broken.

Smaug grinned as he held onto the gem that would surely be a grand addition to his new horde of treasure, with great beats of his wings Smaug disappeared from view.

The flight back to his cave was uneventful but peaceful, he had the gemstone in his claws and the princess as well. Smaug began to plan out his next moves very carefully, the world will learn to fear a dragon's wrath.

Captives

Smaug landed with a thud in his cave, the grand gemstone was his and his alone. Yet this wasn't his only trophy from his small quest.

With smooth and caculated movements his jaws opened and forced his captive out, he was tempted to just eat her on the flight back for a snack. Yet that wouldn't do much good for his appetite for long.

"Twilight when I see you I'm going to thank you for teaching me that clean air spell..." Cadence muttered, her coat matted by saliva but alive. She tried to recall the events that lead to this precarious situation: Smaug attacked, threatened Shining Armor's life, and nearly ate her. Now here she was, a prisoner of Smaug. "Where are we?! Tell me dragon!"

"Such fire, care to put that to the test?" Smaug goaded the small Alicorn, his fangs bared in his sinister grin. "By all means."

"Why have you brought me here?" Cadence asked the massive reptilian, his grin stretched further. "Quit smiling like that, it's creepy."

"Oh my dear, you need not worry about that. You may have uses I may see fit to use, you are nothing more than a barging chip. Or worst case scenario... a snack. Do be a dear and do not try to flee because I have your scent and I will track you down like the prey you are and I will slaughter everything that gets in my path. Understood?" Smaug stepped closer to his catch, his foul breath turning her a shade of green. Her vigorous nods were her only answer for the grand dragon. "Good, lest you wish to test my patience child."

The reptile stomped past his captive who no doubt was planning her escape, yet having seen what this dragon would be willing to do to steal back what he claimed... Cadence sat still.

Her eyes focused on the gems and bits gathered in the largest room with the dreadful king of fire atop, his glowing orbs fixated upon her. The malice radiating from them could be felt like a furnace. She sighed as her legs moved her to the entrance of the cave where he ruled, his eyes no doubt watching her with anger and greed.

"You can run, but I promised death should you flee." His voice rumbled across the stone. Cadence turned to look at him, his dark grin promising nothing less than misery. Still she marched to the opening.

"Gods above what have you done?!" Her eyes scanned the burned soil for miles away. She could see Ponyvile off in the distance, this had been Everfree once.

"What does it look like? I have claimed my territory. I have a town just a quick glide from here to keep my hunger sated, this is only the beginning my dear. Soon the entire world will learn to fear me." The dragon's voice made the Alicorn's heart freeze, he intended to hunt innocent ponies for food. She needed to warn them as soon as possible, but how to escape him? That was the only question that mattered to her.

"Well it seems I am a prisoner yet again."

"Who was it that took you captive before me?" Smaug asked as his curiosity peaked, his bulk slithered closer to the tiny Alicorn.

"It was the changeling queen, Chrysalis. She stole me away from my own wedding in order to take over Equestria, her plan was nearly flawless except she forgot I use to foal sit. Twilight saw through her ruse and thwarted her plot before any real progress could be made." Cadence muttered to the dragon, she shivered at the memories of being captive. "And now it seems I am to relive that feeling again... only with the promise of destruction and death."

"Very observant of you. And this mare that foiled the plot was purple in color, wasn't she?"

"How do you know?!"

"I have met that one only an hour before I crippled the dark blue one with both wings and a horn, she shook in terror at the sight of my wrath." Smaug chuckled darkly. "She has five others that cling to her like a safety net as well. Cowards, they fled and hid from my magnificence. Much like when that husband did when he thought I ate you."

Smaug began to laugh at the memories of prey shaking at his might. Things couldn't have been better for the great wyrm, that is until he saw his captive smiling.

"What are you smiling about prey?"

"Just how funny it will be to watch when you're beaten by those six." Cadence couldn't hold her smile back, soon it grew into a grin that threatened to split her face in twine. "I've heard they went against dragons and gods, each time they came out with a stronger friendship in the end. So by all means play the big bad guy while you can because when they come they'll knock you down quite a few pegs."

Cadence had no clue about this drake's temper and how dangerous it was when goaded enough, she had her eyes closed as she rolled around with laughter and unable the effect of her words.

With a roar of rage Smaug smashed his hand just right so he wouldn't kill his prey, the enormous talons buried deeply in the stone. He pressed down on his hand to apply pressure on the princess, her laughing came to a stop once the weight of the dragon threatened to push down.

Her eyes caught his, a deep rage and sinister gleam no longer hidden truly noticeable.

"Should those cowards come then I will be waiting for them, and I only needs seconds to break them. Hear my words well prey for I will not repeat myself; I will devour any hope you or they have." Smaug's breath felt like an inferno waiting to be let loose upon her. Without another word Smaug dug out the stone with Cadence was trapped upon and threw it deeper into the cave, his temper flaring dangerously to rend her flesh and bone... yet he needed her still so that would wait until the perfect moment. "Flee and remember what I have said, I care not where you go but you'll end there."

Just as he laid upon his treasure a rock pelted his scales, Smaug knew whom had thrown the pebble and his patience thinned by this act. Taking all the self control of his age to reign in his anger and not just set her aflame, yet as another rock hit his hide that patience ended. His roar silenced her actions, his eyes alight with the threatening glow promising much pain and suffering upon her.

"Do not mistake this small act of mercy as a reward child. Should you dare any more acts of bravery and I will feast upon your flesh!" Smaug promised in his deep growl.

"You threw me as I was stuck to a rock!"

"That matters to me?"

"You... you... you fiend! Celestia damn you! I will not stand for this brutish treatment you overgrown lizard!" Cadence shouted to the king of fire, her words not having the desiring effect on the drake. She increased his flaring rage more. "I am a princess! Not a plaything for you!"

"YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME! YOUR ORDERS TO BE FREE HAVE NO EFFECT ON ME... you will do well to remember who's domain you now belong in. I can kill you within a moment's notice, I can see you tremble with fear because you have never before encountered a true dragon! Your race is as worthless as the race of men and dwarves and elves, you are nothing more than an abomination of nature ill equipped to lead much less than graze upon the grass." Smaug hissed to Cadence in a deadly tone, she visibly deflated by his words as they stung deeply. "So high and mighty, brought low by a dragon's truth. Do yourself a favor and remember what you are prey, but should you try to command me again... I will burn down anywhere you run to. I will stalk your dreams and I will consume your every thought."

Without another word Smaug dug into his hoard in order to make a suitable pile to lay his magnificence upon.

Author's Note

I love dragons. Felt Smaug and Cadence should have some words shared... I like it. :duck:

Shaky Decision

"Anything Nurse Redheart?" Celestia asked with worry wrinkles etched onto her once pristine face. "Will she able to fly?"

"Not for six to eight months, no. Considering the extensive damage to the joint connected to her shoulder, she is lucky to just have one wing broken." Redheart told the solar diarch with a smile. "Just don't push her off a cliff and she'll be fine."

The curtain hung against the walls of the window, Luna sat quietly watching the still form of Smaug outside. Her gaze hardened as his eye zeroed in on the hospital.

"Luna, we might have a slightly more problematic situation on our hooves... according to Twilight and her friends."

"What wouldst thou mean sister?" Luna still glaring at the colossal beast with extreme rage.

"Well this dragon killed changelings, we both know how protective Chrysalis is over her own... what they were doing here I haven't got a clue. Should Chrysalis learn the demise of her own we could be..." Before Celestia could finish Luna cut in.

"We would have war." Luna turned to face her sister with a somber expression.

"Yes we very well could have a crisis on our hooves because of one dragon, one I plan on speaking with shortly." Celestia's voice dripped with venom once she spoke about Smaug. "He will not worm his way out."

"Just be careful with it sister." Luna added as her sister made her way towards the door.

Out the hospital Celestia stood watching the massive beast writhe in his chains to no avail, slowly she began to walk closer. There she was on the street with determination written into her kind eyes, this dragon would speak to her regardless of how prideful it was.

"Dragon we need to talk."

"Talk does nothing PONY!" Smaug spit with venom dripping from each word. Unholy glowing grew from his chest as his fires wanting to bathe this small wretched town were willed inside.

"Why do you threaten me dragon? Is it just your natural instinct to do so, or your false sense of entitlement?" Celestia smirked as she hit a nerve within the great beast.

"I will make you regret your words dear child, I will show you terror."

"Silence! Your threats carry no weight with me. Are you such a blind fool that you know not what your actions bring to this land? You should be grateful that you are my prisoner, the changeling queen would have no doubt dissect you." Celestia warned Smaug as he glared fully at her, his eye trying to make contact with hers.

Zecora stumbled to the princess with a chorus of gasps at her appearance, her front left hoof swollen with a large cut down her right side. She kept moving forward to her goal.

"Princess stay away from this dragon, his breath reeks of carrion. He has proven to be a killer, unlike we equines who are lovers." Zecora fell before the solar goddess with her pleading eyes begging for safety from Smaug.

Smaug chuckled once he saw the zebra, his dark laugh wasn't something to trifle with. "You still live, your durability is remarkable."

"You would dare to act in such a manner even when at my mercy?!" Celestia cried in rage.

Smaug only huffed at her outburst, his eyes locked onto Zecora like the predator that he was. "I already had pony flesh, curiosity has left me wondering what she would taste like."

Celestia's eyes widened. "Already had pony flesh?! Just what does that mean!?"

"Oh a male of your kind back in the cave where they discovered my horde, Fancy Pants, I do believe funded the dig." Smaug growled with a small chuckle not masking his meaning. "They won't be digging out of their tomb anything soon."

Celestia's eyes widened even more at this disturbing revelation from the cruel dragon. "You trapped them in a cave?!"

"I didn't want them to spoil my existence and they won't because here we are, pony." The chains rustled as Smaug began to worm his way ever so slowly out. "Now you will release me, and I won't burn that dark pony you care about."

"You will not dare threaten my sister's life!"

"And what is to stop me?! Just you. Release me and we won't have unpleasant business, or you just want to have an enemy that sees you as you really are?" Smaug shot back, his words sinking in Celestia's mind.

She needed to help the ponies that were trapped, but she didn't know exactly where that would be. After a long pause she had made her choice.

"I will let you go... if you show me where that cave is, and I swear on my crown I will not hunt you down myself." These words struck Smaug deeply.

Would she really let him go for the lives of her subjects, if so then the drake underestimated her fully. Not man nor dwarf would make such a deal, was she truly mad?

"I agree with your demands pony, I will lead you there." As he accepted her deal he felt the chains drop from his form. His wings popped from being held for so long that it made Celestia cringe from the noise. "But do not cross me, those who have met with fairly grisly ends."

Zecora's mouth was unhinged at Celestia's actions, trusting an evil dragon to lead her to this "cave" sounded more like to the princess' doom. But before she could voice her warning Celestia soared into the vast deep blue sky.

Smaug walked towards the edge of the small hamlet to return his legs' feeling, as the numbness dissipated his wings launched his form high above the town. His powerful wings pushed past Celestia with a single thrust, within minutes the pair disappeared into the distance. Leaving a dumb struck Ponyvile in their wake.

Celestia was having a difficult time processing that a dragon of that size was so agile in flight, having past her with a sharp turn in order for her to keep up. Her wings flapped twice as hard to even stay near Smaug's tail.

"So tell me pony, why take the deal of a dragon?" Smaug asked.

"Because no matter what the lives and well being of my subjects is the most important thing to me. I cannot change the past for those you... ended so viciously." Celestia words could chill the blood of any being of Equestria, Smaug just flew ahead.

The wall of rock became more than just a distant sight, within a few minutes the pair reached their destination. Smaug began to rip away the stones holding the ponies beneath, his talons slicing through like butter. Ten minutes the hole was uncovered, with the distinct smell of stool hanging in the air. After a short time those who were buried peeked out with extreme caution, among them was Fancy Pants.

"I have held my end of the bargain, pony. I expect you to do the same." Smaug calmly spoke to the goddess beside him, his words still edged with deep loathing, causing those who were coming out of hiding to dart back inside. The princess took notice of how they fled from the dragon, a small part of her cried out to know they were traumatized by Smaug.

"Yes, I will. But if the changelings come for you, I can do nothing for you. Now begone vile creature." The sound of his wings lifting his form was the only sound for miles and once he left all was deathly quiet. Nothing stirred for minutes as the tension from the drake resided at the mouth of the cave.

"Is he gone?"

"Did it leave?"

"I will never do this kinda of trip ever again."

"My little ponies, the dragon is gone. He won't harm you." Celestia called to her subjects, hoping she wouldn't be wrong.

Author's Note

I still stand by what I said. If this hits 100 likes I will eat crickets.
200 likes I'll eat worms and scorpions. Also fuck Caribuo!