Big thanks to madfin654321 for following/favouriting.

Inperfection – Yeah I wanted to try and add my own spin on that scene.

Nice Egan – That gets answered for you. And Kili…aww I've run out of words to describe how amazing he is.

Reader-anonymous-writer – I didn't want it to be too easy.

January1815 – Aww glad you liked it. No I always update within three or four days for you guys.

Bleeding Blue Kunoichi – it is isn't it? And yeah we have more to come in this chapter. As for Thorin…I can't really say without spoiling it!

Foes New and Old

Fira's head throbbed painfully and her body ached with every step. Her feet tripped over each other and at some point Kili had scooped her into his arms as they ran. She was dimly aware of the others running on either side but soon the throbbing was too much and she covered her ears with her hands.

"Over there!"

Fira cursed as Thorin's shouts shook through her body. Kili's heart was beating furiously and Fira placed a hand to her chest as though she could somehow calm him. She couldn't hear Smaug but she knew they wouldn't be able to outrun the dragon for long.

"Fira?"

Mumbling Fira realised Kili was no longer holding her. Rubbing her forehead she pressed a hand to her aching ribs. Glancing around she realised that – with some difficulty – the dwarves had managed to cram themselves into an alcove. Kili was kneeling before her, rubbing her hands.

"Fira? Fira look at me?"

"Shut up Kili," Fira didn't want to move her head. If she did then it would start hurting again.

"Let me look at her."

Fira gasped as Oin gently forced her head up. She could see the others were all staring down at her worriedly and none of them were hiding their anger towards Thorin. Oin peered into her eyes before examining the back of her head.

"As I thought; she's got mild concussion."

"But she'll be alright"? Kili wrung his hands and Oin nodded.

"Of course lad. But we need to get her out of this mountain."

"Easier said than done," Dwalin growled. Fira said nothing as Kili pulled her to her feet and held her against him. She watched as he shot a glare at Thorin.

"This is your fault!" He hissed, "You sent her and Bilbo down here and now look! She's been knocked half senseless thanks to you."

"Kili stop yelling," Fira screwed up her eyes before forcing them open. Her head stung like mad and in the dark alcove most of the company were nothing more than blurs. Kili gave her an apologetic smile before turning back to Thorin who shook his head.

"Did you get the Arkenstone?"

Bilbo paused and Fira waited for him to hand it over. But instead the Hobbit shook his head.

"Thorin there's no way we can find it. Have you see what's down there?"

As Thorin turned his gaze on her Fira wished she didn't have to lean on Kili. The king raised an eyebrow.

"Is this true?"

Fira nodded before she could stop herself, "It's true. Besides; Smaug found us before we could look much further," she licked her lips, "I need some water."

"Later," Thorin growled, "When you've found that stone for me."

"Thorin!" Fira winced as Fili's enraged shout rang through her head.

"Fira's sick and we need to get her out of here. Right now!"

"Leave him Fee," Kili snapped, "He doesn't care about anything that isn't the Arkenstone."

Thorin narrowed his eyes and Fira gently eased her arm away from Kili. Her head still hurt but she could at the very least stand unaided. Kili's arm hovered by her back just in case and Fira smiled gratefully.

"I don't care what this jewel means to any of you," she licked her lips, "But right now we have bigger problems."

No sooner had she said it, the dwarves heard a low growl coming from the corridor. Fira watched as Dori pulled Ori close against him and Bofur grabbed his hat. Smaugs footsteps were slow and calculated. Fira shut her eyes; he knew where they were hiding.

"Listen to me," she whispered, "I might be able to distract him long enough for you to make a break for it."

"No, you Listen to me," Kili took her arm, "You're going nowhere near that beast Fira."

Fira shook her head before wincing as it began pounding again.

"Kili can you control dragons?"

He shook his head and Fira smiled.

"I'll be fine. I only need to keep him occupied for a few minutes."

"I know but…" Kili took her hands and pressed them to his chest. Their faces were millimetres apart and Fira could feel his fear as though it was her own.

"I should never have let you come," he whispered, "I should have made you stay in Laketown."

"This is ridiculous," Thorin snapped, "Kili, Fira is capable of defending herself. There is no need to act like a child."

Kili's face flamed at this point and Fira kissed his hand before glaring at Thorin.

"Whatever this gold is doing to you I hope you snap out of it before someone gets hurt."

Letting her words sink in she slipped past the others and stood in the corridor. The second she did so Smaug's head poked around the corner and Fira bit her lip. The dragon smiled.

"There you are thief. I wonder where your friend is?"

Titling her chin up Fira waited until Smaug had completely turned the corner. She reached up and grasped at the ring around her neck.

"I really don't know. But I don't think you'll want him. After all; I'm the one who has the Arkenstone."

Smaug narrowed his eyes and Fira could sense Thorin's anger. Did he honestly not understand she was lying? Fira began backing away as the dragon advanced.

"Give me the stone," he growled, "You do not understand the kind of power it can wield."

"Of course," Fira gabbled, "Of course I would be a fool to argue with you Smaug. But then again…" she grinned, "I have been known to be foolish."

Turning she began running down the corridor. The roar echoing from the dragon shook her already aching body. Glancing over her shoulder she could see the dwarves sneaking past Smaug and running in the opposite direction. Cursing the long corridor Fira could feel her ribs were now at breaking point. Smaug thundered behind her and she knew she had no chance of outrunning him.

"HEY!"

At the voice Fira groaned and she turned round. But where she expected to see Kili she instead saw Dwalin and Balin. Both dwarves waved their arms at Smaug.

"She doesn't have the stone!" Balin cried. Dwalin nodded.

"But if ye want it ye have to come and get it."

Fira ducked to avoid being clubbed with Smaugs tail again as the dragon turned. Cursing she watched it hurry after the two dwarves who had vanished around the corner. Getting to her feet she bit her lip.

"Stop. STOP!"

Smaug paused and glanced over his shoulder. Fira took a deep breath as she came to a stop by the alcove. The dragon shrugged.

"You think you can stop me? You may be a Dragonborn but you are nothing compared to me. I am fire. I am DEATH!"

At this his belly glowed and fire burst from his mouth. Diving towards the alcove Fira gasped as arms grabbed her and dragged her in. She watched as Kili turned so that his back was inches from the wall of flames. He kept her close against him and as he cried out Fira realised he had been burnt. As the fire died away Fira waited with baited breath until Smaug's footsteps had died away. Satisfied the dragon wasn't going to come back she freed herself from Kili who was leaning against the wall. Holding his hands Fira helped him sit down.

"Kili! Oh Kili are you alright?"

He nodded before hissing with pain. Looking round Fira realised his jacket was smouldering. With shaking hands she pulled it off and moved round to push his tunic up.

"How bad is it?" Kili smiled at her through gritted teeth. Fira wasn't sure what to say. In the middle of his back Kili had a line of burnt flesh running from one side to the other. Kissing it gently she pulled his tunic back down and watched as he eased his coat back on.

"You'll survive," she tried to smile but couldn't, "I'm sorry. It should have been me."

He shook his head before she had even finished speaking.

"Never. I can bear any amount of pain. But I could never bear to see you get hurt. If am injured protecting you then I'm happy."

Smiling Fira kissed him on the lips. Kili's hands cupped her neck before sliding down and resting over her ring. Breaking apart he smiled.

"On day that ring will be a wedding one my love."

Nodding Fira got to her feet and waited for Kili to check if the coast was clear.

"The others are going to try and lead him towards the main hall," he whispered, "I stayed behind to make sure you were alright."

Kissing his hand Fira said nothing as the pair ran through the corridors after the others.

As they carried on walking Fira began to grow nervous. They had heard no sound of Smaug or any of the others and she had no idea which way she was meant to go. Kili seemed equally lost because every so often he would stop and pause.

"Are we lost?" Fira bit her lip. Kili shook his head.

"No of course not! It's just…" he paused and turned before sighing, "Do you know something. I think we're lost."

Shaking her head Fira glanced around to see where they were. She wanted to tell Kili she recognised the corridor. But whilst that was true it was because all corridors had looked the same. Licking her lips she opened her mouth when her head spun. Leaning against the wall Fira took deep breaths. She could feel the gold pulling at her, calling her.

"Fira?" Kili blinked at her, "Fira what is it?"

"No it's…I..?" Shaking her head Fira wanted to scream. Anything to try and fight down the most basic of all dragon instincts. She understood Smaugs wish to protect the treasure. The Arkenstone. Her knees shook but she forced herself to remain standing. Maybe they could use this to their advantage. If she could hone her sense onto the Arkenstone then they could find the others. Or at the very least they could find Bilbo. Ignoring Kili she stood up and shut her eyes; allowing the gold to worm it's way into her mind.

"You want the gold. You can smell it can't you. Smell the power that it will bring you."

Fira shook her head, "No. No I need to find the Arkenstone."

"The Arkenstone! You say you do not crave power yet it is the Kings Jewel you seek!"

"You wouldn't understand!" Fira screwed up her eyes; trying to force her thoughts past the hall full of gold. If she could sense where the stone was…

Gasping she opened her eyes and stumbled backwards. Hands grabbed her and set her on her feet. As Kili peered into her eyes Fili couldn't help her smile.

"What…what was that?" He rubbed her eyes, "Fira what did you just do?"

Shaking her head Fira grabbed his hand and began pulling him down the corridor. Kili had no trouble in keeping up with her but she could sense his confusion. Biting her lip she sighed; she'd have to tell him soon. For his own safety if nothing else. If the gold ever got a hold of her the way it had with Thorin then there was no telling what she would do.

They could already hear Smaug roaring by the time they reached the great Hall. Glancing around her Fira saw huge banners hanging from the walls. At the very end she caught sight of what looked like a statue. Yet it was made with solid gold.

"Fira?"

At Bilbo's voice Fira turned to see the Hobbit. He gave her a small smile but Fira didn't dare get any near her. Even though she had been able to find the others; allowing the gold to enter her mind had been a mistake. She could feel it settling inside her; changing her. Bilbo narrowed his eyes before glancing back at the statue. She could make out the shape of someone standing on the top of she allowed herself a small smile. A smile that dampened as the floor shook from the footsteps of Smaug. Fira had no time to react as Kili took her hand and dragged her against the wall. Bilbo did likewise on the opposite side and Fira could only gape as the dragon paced past them and towards the statue.

"You're a worm!"

She could hear the strength in Thorin's voice and Fira dared hope that maybe he had been able to snap out of his gold sickness.

"You have grown slow, and fat!"

Smaug said nothing and Fira watched on as Thorin grabbed hold of a long length of rope; pulling himself up from the statue. Narrowing her eyes she watched as nothing happened. Smaug glanced at his reflection in the statue and Fira bit her lip – waiting for the dragon to attack.

Then the statue exploded.

It wasn't just one explosion but several smaller ones. The gold casing burst and melted onto the floor. It lapped at Smaugs legs and he threw his head back in agony. Watching in awe Fira watched as he fell onto his side; the river of gold flowing over his body and finally his head. Hurrying backwards to avoid the liquid gold Fira watched on nervously. Smaug wasn't moving and yet he couldn't have died so easily. Kili took her hand.

"I think…I mean he must be…"

He didn't dare say the word and Fira couldn't blame him. After everything they had been through this way seemed too easy.

Then Smaug burst from the river and shook his whole body – spraying gold everywhere.

"You came here across the Lake."

Fira noticed he didn't seem to be talking to anyone in particular.

"Those people from Laketown; they helped you."

"No!"

At Bilbo's voice Fira wanted to run and pull him back. However Smaug merely dipped his head.

"I have left them alone. I have allowed them to live in peace. Yet this is how they repay me?"

"It's not their fault!" Bilbo yelled, "Please you can't…leave them alone."

Smaug shook his head, "I think not little thief."

As the dragon began moving towards the main doors Fira tore herself away from Kili. She could hear him yelling but she didn't listen. She had to stop him before it was too late. Smaug broke through the doors and Fira had to sidesteps several huge stones to avoid being crushed.

"Stop!"

Smaug paused and turned around.

"You think your magic will work on me? The gold is consuming you. You want it all for yourself."

"I…" Fira shook her head, "You will stay away from Laketown."

Even as she spoke however she knew it was no good. Smaug was right. The gold was taking over and it was affecting her magic. Nodding Smaug ran forward and took off into the air. Watching his huge wings push him higher and higher Fira ran outside. Night had fallen and yet she could still see the huge shape of the dragon.

"NO!"

Her voice was hoarse as she screamed. Letting her dragon eyes manifest Fira could feel herself burning up. Without realising it she must have started to try and shift. Legs buckling she fell to the ground as her skin began to burn. Shutting her eyes Fira willed her body to stop. Normally that worked. Normally her eyes would revert to normal and her skin would stop burning. Only this time nothing changed. Clawing at the ground she could feel blood trickling from her nose.

"Oh dear Fira. This doesn't look good does it?"

"Sol!" Her voice burned with every breath. Sol nodded and Fira gasped as he planted his boot on her neck.

"Please…why won't it stop? Why can't I stop?"

Tears leaked down her face and her body convulsed again. Fira could feel the skin on her back start to sizzle and burn. Sol shrugged.

"Because the gold is too much for you. It's controlling your body and stopping you from using your magic. Unless you break free of it's hold you'll just burn up."

He bent over her and Fira coughed weakly. Sol tapped her face.

"Still it saves me having to kill you doesn't it?"

Kili's back stung as he ran but nothing was stopping him. The second Fira had vanished from his sights he'd wasted no time he following her. Bilbo had been right on his heels and he was well aware of the others doing likewise. Glancing up briefly at the sky he saw Smaug flying towards Laketown. Guilt stabbed at his insides. This was their fault. They had promised to kill the dragon and all they had done was let it loose. But as Fira screamed guilt was replaced with worry. She screamed again and Kili was reminded of when they were in Beorn's house and Fira had been within hours of dying from her own Morgul poisoning. Hurrying forward his mouth dropped when he saw her lying on the ground. She buckled and Kili realised the only thing keeping her down was the boot on her neck. He gritted his teeth.

"Sol."

Sol glanced up and smiled.

"Here's your beloved prince Fira? You know he always seems to be interrupting these moments doesn't he?"

"Ki…" Fira opened her mouth but more blood leaked out. Shaking his head Kili gaped at her. Her eyes were in their dragon state and he could smell her burning flesh.

"What's happening? What have you done to her?"

Sol placed a hand over his heart, "I haven't done anything. She tried to shift and is unable to stop the process. She's burning to death."

Fira screamed again and Kili wanted to go over and hug her. Around him he was aware of the others now crowding around. Someone took his hand and he gave Fili a small smile. Sol eyed them all.

"How does it feel knowing you've just sentenced a whole town to death?"

Kili refused to let that bait him. Instead he fixed his eyes on Fira.

"Can you help her?" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Sol shook his head.

"No I can't. I don't possess that sort of magic. And anyway if I did I wouldn't help her. She's a traitor to her own people. I'm merely here to see her sentence is carried out."

Kili snarled at this and Sol raised an eyebrow.

"Fortunately for me it looks like my services won't be needed. I'd say she has about an hour before her body has burnt itself to a crisp on the inside."

Kili watched on as Sol kissed Fira's cheek before removing his boot from her neck. She took a deep breath but her body still convulsed. Sol smiled at Kili. Before jumping into the air. Mouth open Kili watched as Sol buckled in mid air the way Fira was now. But unlike Fira his wings sprouted from his back; tearing at his clothes. As the dragon twisted and flew away Kili wasted no time in running to Fira's body. Grabbing her hand he gave a cry of pain. Her skin was so hot!

"Let me through," Oin knelt on her other side and shook his head.

"I don't know what to do. This isn't like an illness I can treat."

Fira gasped and Kili could see blood coming from her ears now. Shaking his head he took her hand and pressed it to his lips. Ignoring the fact they were now blistered he smiled down at Fira.

"I love you so much."

She smiled before screaming again. Shutting his eyes Kili gasped when Fira fell silent. Looking at her she realised her head lolled and her eyes were now shut. For a second he wondered if the worst had happened. But then Dwalin shook out his fist.

"Had a feeling that might work."

"You…you hit her?" Kili shook his head, "You knocked her unconscious!"

Oin smiled, "Lad it might have been the only thing we could have done. Out cold her body won't be trying to shift and she'll be safe."

"Oh," nodding Kili gingerly reached a hand and touched Fira's cheek. She was warm but only a fraction of what she had been a few seconds ago. Pulling her into his lap he bowed his head to hide his tears. There was a roar in the sky and Kili glanced over to see Smaug had almost reached Laketown. He shook his head and Bilbo ran a hand through his hair. The hobbit glanced at them all.

"What have we done?"

So there we have part two of Smaug vs Fira! And of course Sol couldn't just go away and leave her in peace could he? But now we have the aftermath of Smaug and the small issues of the gold affecting Thorin AND Fira! Let me know what you think xxx