//------------------------------//
// King's Think 
// Story: King Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bon 
// by Fanon Canon 
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 King awoke the next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed for a change. At first, he could not determine just what was so good about this particular set of mind; for King could not recall the last time he felt such an enlightening, optimistic awareness upon awaking. Maybe it had something to do with the way in which he had arisen, which became more likely as he readjusted himself in the small bed that just barely fitted his form. It was a step up at least, from how he had gone to sleep the previous night, outside in the harsh cold, with just his cape to make a poor defence against the wind. 

The bitter memories served to stoke the already warm feeling of gratitude that was all about him. Gratitude towards his host, who had been courteous enough to offer him shelter within her abode, even when there was no reason for her to do so. To King, this was a very alien feeling, and it made him puzzled immensely. Why had she done this for him? Did she expect something in return? That prospect worried King, for there was little he had to offer her, and in fact, now that he started to really think about it, there was really nothing he could do to repay her. 

But then, there was another thought that flickered within him; a new perspective on the actions of this Sweetie Drops. Perhaps the reason she had offered him a place to spend the night, in addition to helping him try and gain his voice back, was because... she pitied him? 

Now that was intriguing to say the least, for never in his long, long life had King ever thought that there was somepony who looked down upon him. As far back as he could remember, it had always been him, standing high, proud and menacing atop his Crystal Palace, looking down upon his Crystal slaves as they followed his ever bidding. Not by choice, but simply by the fact that there was no pony, nor unicorn that stood over and could do anything to actually stop the great and powerful King Sombra.  

And here he was, lying in a bed that was clearly not meant for him, worrying about him being a burden on some cute little earth pony who had a funny name. By all rights, he should have been completely appalled at this obviously lowly, lowly position he occupied. He should have been envious, longing and above all else, scheming to regain his glorious position of being... above all else. 

Yet, every time his mind wandered back to the days of old, of the mighty Crystal Empire with all the slaves he could ever ask for; the familiar woeful feelings began to creep in. Feelings of anger, wrath, betrayal and humiliation as he relived the old days. Sure, it had been glorious, but it had ended up with him being sealed away for a thousand years like some old, evil relic on a timer. And when the chance had come for him to return, when his old glory seemed within reach, the humiliation only increased as he felt painful defeat yet again, transforming the mighty Sombra: fearsome unicorn, into... King: ordinary stallion.

Had the King truly fallen? Or, had he instead, arisen; ascended to an entirely different realm of thinking where, instead of mares and stallions lording over each other where might decides who is right. But instead, a simple world where everypony is gracious and courteous towards one another, not because they're weaker than one another, but simply because... well, just because. 

King analysed the strange rush of thought going through his brain in silent awe. It was all truly a fascinating experience, for it was alien to him, sure, but it was a very good kind of alien to him. A benevolent sort, and he had this mare, this Sweetie Drops to thank for this epiphany of sorts. And yet despite being in such a state of delight, there was no way King could think of to repay her for. Well actually, now that he thought about it, there was one thing she was doing to him.

She was making him want to shout.