Chapter 11
Learning from Kindness
He was here. You knew it, you could smell him. You waited for him to slip up, and now there was nowhere to run. Silently you crept forward being sure not to be noticed. Keeping low to the ground you periodically scanned the scene for any sign of...
'THERE!' You spring forward, eyes locked on your quarry. The 'vermin' had eluded you for too long, and now you were closing in. You were begrudged to admit it, but he was far more cunning than you had first thought, leading you into various traps and pitfalls the likes of which had left your body bruised and sore. What he hadn't counted on was your persistence and tenacity to see this deed to the end. To be sure, this was a battle of wills, and you refused to let HIM win.
A blur of white shoots around a corner to which you follow suit. Immediately, you feint left and dodge right as a series of projectiles narrowly miss you.
"Not this time, hairball!" You snarl triumphantly as you resume the chase.
You are on his furry heels now, a lunge forward and you could have him right by the nape. 'No, no.' You say to yourself 'Need to run him down this time.' Recalling a similar attempt that resulted in him taking a sharp left while you sailed forward, becoming quite personal with the floor.
He was desperate now, and attempted to leap to get away from you. In ideal circumstances that might have worked, (again), but now he was tiring and in order to properly pull it off he would need to slow down. You allowed him an initial try, to give him a glint of hope, before you sent it crashing down. The second attempt you had caught him mid air, gripping him tightly. You felt his heart pounding in his little frame as you pulled him to your own chest a cruel smile forming at your own skill. This was short lived, as running full speed on all fours, then suddenly downgrading to two was catching up to you. Still that was a sacrifice you prepared for, as you tucked yourself to your side, holding him firmly to you, as you skidded off the floor, all the while turning to your back to absorb the impact. What you didn't account for was the open closet you two were careening towards.
A loud crash could be heard coming from the inside of the little cottage near the Everfree. Various animals that roamed the grounds ceased their various grazing and grooming and looked toward the commotion. Then all was silent.
When the dust cleared, you pulled yourself out of the wreckage of the hall closet. Your grip on the current bane of your existence, steeled. Looking down you couldn't help but grin at the little white rabbit currently held prisoner in your forelegs.
"Thought you could get away, rodent?" You hissed at him. The white bunny, that went by the laughable name of 'Angel', only sharpened his glare at you. His black doll eyes belying what you knew was impressive levels of hatred. You noticed he was even more dirty now, the dust and sweat of the chase already co-mingling with the grime his initially sullied coat sported.
For a time the two of you remained that way, meeting each other's glares beat for beat like a scowling chess match. The unavoidable truth of the situation, however, was growing more clear as you laid sprawled on your stomach amongst the rubble of trinkets and assorted springtime hats. Yes, you had him. He could do nothing to squirm free. But your own quadrupedal nature and the need to hold him firm, lest he renew the chase, meant you were stuck there. Unlike other animals about the cottage, your terrifying presence failed to cow him into obedience. Threats fell deaf on his large floppy ears, and the state of his coat (and your shear revulsion of the thought), prevented you from using your mouth to carry him by the scruff all the way back downstairs. A new tactic was called for, and you didn't like it one bit.
"So...," you began, not breaking eye contact with the lowly lapine, "...ready for that bath?"
The white wretch merely crossed his furry arms and stuck his nose up at you. 'It would be so easy to simply chomp off his head off then and...'
'Shut up!' You thought, physically shaking the sensible, albeit gruesome act of vengeance on your current vict...
"Look!" You said rather loudly, taking yourself and Angel a bit by surprise. "You hate me. I get that." Your voice now more normal. "Hate you, too." Angel's nose returned vertical as he attempted to further turn away from you.
"But," You said, biting at your words, "we are...both reasonable...mammals." Though he still wouldn't look at you, you did notice his ears perk slightly. "Their must be something...you want, to make this...easier." The little white rabbit slowly turned at you, a brow raised, regarding your proposition. Reluctantly, cautiously, you loosened your grip, and placed him in front of you, as you moved to a seated position, still ready to spring at the first sign of treachery.
The little creature, plucked at the fur on his chin. Your gaze didn't flicker from his form, waiting for him to run, but also slowly starting to regret giving him any choice in the matter. A small smile slowly spread across his whiskered face, already you knew you weren't going to like this.
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Fluttershy made her way back from the market, saddle bags filled with groceries, a smile on her face as she recalled the soothing spa date she had with the girls. Admittedly, she felt more then a little guilty for leaving her 'apprentice' at home to watch over the animals. She couldn't help but giggle a little at the sound of that. It had been only a week ago that she was approached by the colt's parents, asking her to take him under her wing, and teach him how to work with animals. At first she wasn't sure. Her special talent with creatures came so natural to her that she wasn't sure she could actual 'teach' it to somepony. Still, seeing him stare down that beastly bully in the meadow gave her a bit more confidence that the colt had his own natural talent with animals; monstrosities or otherwise. Reluctantly, yet gamely, she agreed.
The initial meeting hadn't gone the greatest, she was sad to say. The whole cottage seemed to shudder and shriek the moment the grumpy colt stepped through the door, various animals inexplicably began to go into a panicked frenzy. It took a almost four days, and eight bags of treats for incentive, but her animal friends soon became more calm around the ornery little stallion.
Flint needed a lot of work, too. He was combative, short tempered, and lacked any patience. Still, Fluttershy had dealt with similar behaviors from her animals, particularly the predatory ones. Much like them, a calm voice and gentle touch, and a well of her own patience, seemed to be the trick for him. Already, he went about helping her around the cottage with a lot less cursing, to no small relief to her sensitive ears.
She was going to do something different today though. It was grocery day and she offered to take him along to run errands with the added incentive of pampering at the spa as a treat for all his hard work. To this, he merely looked at her as if she had started speaking woodchuck. He then declined, adding he would rather bathe Angel in rose petals and lavender all the while serenading him then go into that place. It was then she realized, that she was really making progress with him. How he knew Angel desperately needed a bath or his bath time ritual was a mystery to her, but she took it as a sign that she was making a difference with her teaching. The slack jawed look of joy on his face was all the encouragement she needed to see before she left for town.
Yet all the while though, she was had second thoughts. 'Angel, the little dear, can be quite stubborn, especially on bath days.' She bit her lip nervously as her little home came into view.
'Still, Twilight said that sometimes teachers have to let their students learn the hard way, to learn real lessons.' She reassured herself.
As much as she had faith that things wouldn't be that bad, her imagination quickened her step and she secretly prepared for the worst when she opened the door.
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'How did this happen?' You wondered as you took stock of the events that lead up to this moment in your long life. 'I used to be one of the most feared beings on the planet. I've decimated whole armies, brought great beasts to ruin, destroyed entire cities on a whim!'
Living as a pony child had been bad enough, but when Cozy and Sparks approached you about this whole "apprentice" thing. You knew this was going to be trouble.
They used phrases like;
"We were talking" meaning: Talking about you behind your back, and now you are going to have to do something we suggest.
"You need structure": Get out of the house, and not terrorize the populace or scream at royals.
"Use your special talents." : Butt tattoo means something.
"We spoke with somepony in town who is willing to teach you." : Some poor sod was told a partial story about you and is now to be stuck with you until you make them cry.
To this you could only respond as naturally as you could.
"Get your bits back for whatever stupid parenting book your reading now." Meaning: I'm on to your game and aren't amused by it.
After Sparks scolded you for your brashness and Cozy tucked something that looked strangely like a book out of sight. You were told the situation.
By now they had heard about your "harrowing rescue" of the three fillies from Hodag, coupled with your mark appearing on your flank, they concluded that you could learn to be a productive member of society, by working with animals. To this you merely questioned their logic. After all, animals hated you. Regardless, you had every intention of running this whole thing straight into the ground, to prove you didn't like being manipulated. That was the plan, until your first day with Fluttershy.
She was just as calm and quiet as the day you first met her, but somehow she was less annoying then other ponies you'd met. She didn't feel she needed to fill every moment with chatter. When it came to the actual 'work' she didn't boss you around, rather every thing she told you to do was presented not as a command, but a suggestion or a request, which you chose to oblige. Her animals reacted just like you expected them to, but after a while she had gotten them to at least stop squawking at you. You couldn't help but watch in awe of her expertise on creatures you would have merely crushed as mosquitos a thousand years prior. You were more amazed to find that after five hours of being their you had not only helped her with chores, but you hadn't hated doing so.
You were also not blind to the fact that for a pony she was...attractive. Her flowing mane and dainty grace was something you did find, overall...pleasant to be around.
Your current situation however, was an all time low. There you sat in the middle of a living room getting your mane and tail braided and combed by a bunch of woodland creatures. This was part of the deal you had worked out with Angel. He would willingly bathe, as well as help clean up the mess he made throughout the cottage. The cleaning of the house went by painlessly as you always did keep things neat. Zerilith may have been a dragon's den but you kept it free of debris, and corpses.
In exchange you would need to swallow your pride and allow Angel and his friends gussy you up. You had seen them do this for Fluttershy, their grubby little mitts brushing and grooming the pretty yellow pegasus. Now it was your turn as various birds and squirrels groomed your usual 'as is' style of fashion. The ringleader sat on your back, his own coat a pearly white smelling of lavender. He, however, stank of smugness. He was currently in the act of tying a bright red ribbon in your already slicked back mane.
"Enjoy this while you can, rodent." You grumbled through gritted teeth. He merely smirked at you, and patted you on the head. You knew full well the insidious bunny was enjoying this, mainly because you weren't.
"...a deal... is a deal." You chanted over and over throughout the vile procedure. It wasn't as unpleasant as you thought it would have been, but that did not mean you had to like it, or not wish swift vengeance on the cotton tailed menace.
"Oh!" A gasp immediately sent you into high alert. The resulting lurch sent a few skittish animals fleeing. Angel on reflex (but probably on purpose) wrapped his furry little arms around your withers as you came to your hooves. The resulting 'embrace' must have appeared to be 'cute' as the returned mistress of the house looked upon the scene with adoration in her eyes. Already you felt your face turn red and you puffed your cheeks indignantly.
"That is so nice!" She said clapping her hooves together in delight. "I'm so glad you boys are finally getting along." She said, lowering her bags and turning her back to you both. Seeing the clear opening, you sharply jostle the little white cockroach off your back. He lands with a thunk on the hardwood, starting another of many death glare matches before he hops over to his owner and your supposed 'mentor.'
"Everything looks wonderful, Flint." She said walking about the room. "All the animals are fed and happy, the cottage looks spotless, and Angel,". She says looking at her little companion, who has taken his spot on her back, "looks so handsome!" The little puff ball seems to beam at the compliment.
"Yeah well..." You say dismissively, eager for her to simply let you call it a day and go.
With a full body shake, you undo the work the animals had done, your kempt hair popping back to its normal unkempt position. You were having issues with the ribbon when the mare came up behind you.
"Stand still."
At first you were going to ask 'why' when you felt her nuzzle the side of your head. "Fluttershy...what are y-you..." Your voice trailed off as you slumped into her gentle grooming of your head. You wanted to pull away, you should pull away.
'Don't want to'
'Pull away!'
'Nope.'
You ignored the turmoil in your mind as your practically melted into the floor. In the past Cozy would often brush your mane, you had allowed it to an extent. But she had nothing on this.
"There!" The yellow mare said proudly ceasing her enchanting touch. It took a moment for you to register her words, and that you were slouching and your tongue was hanging out.
"What do you think?" She said smiling at you.
"Heavenly—I-I mean...you know! Whatever." You corrected, eyes refocusing and trying to play it off like you hadn't been reduced to a drooling mush on he floor.
This only made her giggle yet again, "I meant what I did to your mane."
Confused at first you reached back. Instead of your cavalier mullet you felt your hair was tied back in a modest ponytail. The ribbon was undone and now merely binding you mane together.
"Would you like to see?" Fluttershy had said as she walked over with a hand mirror in her mouth.
"NO!" Without realizing it at first you, jumped back. You still hadn't gotten over what you saw reflected in that window that afternoon you came home from detention. You don't know what it meant, but looking into that face haunted you. You had since sworn off mirrors, an odd quirk to your list of habits. "It-it feels, alright." You said calmly. Fluttershy's shock wore off and she set the mirror down.
"It makes you look quite handsome, yourself." She said smiling as she started to unpack her groceries.
"Y-you think so?" Slipped out before you could stop it.
She looked to you again, smiled that sweet smile, and nodded. Your blushed returned at that as she went back to sorting her items, various animals assisting in putting them in their proper places. "I think that's all for today. Thanks again for doing such a great job today, Flint."
You composed yourself and merely shrugged "Sure." Making your way for the exit. Just before you open the door you looked back at the butter colored mare. She was in the middle of humming a little tune to herself as her animals came out to greet her. How content she was in her own serenity, how pure she was in her kindness...
'How it made you sick.'
'No it didn't.'
Somewhere in the back of your mind you felt a twinge, like something had gently cracked. You allowed yourself a small smile as you walked out the door.
This is by far the best story I have ever read keep it up
As soon as I read the second line of this chapter I just knew that it was Angel Bunny Flint was referring to. Good to see I was write.
A smart one, Flint is.
It looks like Flint is rather attracted to Fluttershy, though I assume it'll be less of puppy love and more of an idle crush that'll pass by. Of course, the best revenge to get on Angel Bunny would be to basically sweep Fluttershy off her hooves.
6479728 Oh you poor poor soul! I feel I should get you an IV of much better stories then mine. But thank you all the same.
6479763 Indeed, I always figured that Angel would make a good nemesis to Flint.
Yeah, his relationship with Flutters is just a crush thing, but more importantly she is cracking his armor and allowing him to create meaning full relationships with others.
I like how Flint seems to be conflicted, but now I wonder what he saw in the mirror. The chase scene with Angel actually gave me an idea of what to do with him in a story I'm co-writing with someone, so thanks for that. Overall, I like the chapter even if it's filler.
Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this.
I like what your doing here, his "punishment" is very slowly reforming him which is amusing to watch especially when the probability of him blowing a gasket is ever present under the surface.
This chapter was amazing. I'm fascinated at the direction of this story thus far, especially that as Flint changes it is slow and believable, and much of his personality remains, even if he is starting to actively tone it down instead of just passively so.
6479938 I'm intrigued, what is it? Or link?
6485921 Well, my character will not even meet Angel for at least a few more chapters, but if you still want the link than here.
This is just amazing story! I really love the idea you have hear about a Eath Pony being the Dragon King a long time ago.
I am wondering if in the story that he we'll fight monsters, to protect the ponies but also planning a rematch with the Royal Sisters?
I love to see him fight big monsters and opponents. I kind of think AppleBloom we'll find out who he is soon.
6509123 Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am enjoying writing the story. I hope to have him keep traction and keep reforming his opinions on others.
As for the Applebloom thing that would be fun! Only how would she believe him? Unless he confided in her.
Currently conflicted over a love interest: Applebloom or Dinky, maybe go herd style and get both.
6509444
Oh I forgot about Dinky! I know what you should do, it has to be a complicated for him.
1. He doesn't understand the feelings towards them and hates it a lot. Because he is the Dragon King.
2. Both girls we'll have a crush on him but will have Confliction's about different reasons why the like him.
like
Apple Bloom is in love of his true self, *Dragon King* but also helps flint to know about friendship with her friends. Flint only see her as being the pony to fall on top of him, but notices the blush she has. (If your planning were he can transform for a little bit of time, than she would witness the event. Or just had he's old abilities then she would see it and try to keep it a secret... Huh would be interesting she finds out on her own and doesn't tell him or anypony). (Have it were AppleJack doesn't trust him at all. And try's to not allow AppleBloom be near him outside of school)
Dinky loves him because of his bravery standing for her. This is kind of hard... She goes with him a lot more than AB, but is shy.
Some reason Flints parents like her more than AB. (Maybe because of AJ?). But also Flint might she her as (He doesn't like this) sister... But maybe kind of show that with out him realizing it.
(Or maybe have hard to find feelings for her)
She does see him do something but shouldn't know about who he is, till sometime later after AppleBloom finds out. (Like if a foe came were there is no way for Flint to hide his secret than it would be revealed).
So What I see from Flint is that he's not going to notice this for a while but we'll get hits but he has a crush on Fluttershy. (Which makes AB & Dinky angry and annoyed)
Which could last however long you want till maybe break his heart? Either it's Hearts & Hooves Day or she dates someone (Whoever you want... Like maybe someone he hates? ;) Now that would be a rival to win her heart with but fails)
Oh maybe it should happen near the end with both AB & Dinky stopping him from killing Celestia & Luna + Twilight & Canzenc.
Oh I think having both of them would make a interesting choice because there could be a lot of conflicts and rivalry between the girls.
Ok this story... It sounds like it's going to be complicated for you. I don't want to make you nervous or force your idea of the story. I am only giving ideas and suggestions that you can help you out if your stuck.
This story sounds tough to write, keep on doing the amazing work. Also make it a bit longer :)
Oh by the way does his Cutie Mark mean to fight against big monsters and protect the weak, Or is it something to do with Fluttershys talent?
I'm sure you got us a surprise for us just wondering.
6509444 ok after watching today's episode. I think DT would be a great choice for him. Because think about it, she gets reform before him and he gets upset because he doesn't understand about redemption and forgiveness.
Diamond notices he's behavior and try's to help him, but both start to have feelings because they both have hard past... (Except Flint is a killer Dragon King ready to blow)
AppleBloom vs. Dinky vs. Diamond Titra!
Who is the lucky girl to be with the Dragon King?
For being a story in 2nd person, This is a good one. I do enjoy the fact that Flint is very, I mean VERY, like, slow as a snail going through molasses in the middle of winter slow, gaining a sort of conscience.
though, I am curious, will this growth of his come to a head? I mean, His Draconic portion of himself is very strong, but, I think it's losing ground to his pony portion. Or would that be because of his early years as a pony having loving caring parents was drastically different than as his early years as a dragon?
Either way, it's going to be interesting, I'm also curious, Flint's been exposed to at least 3 of the Mane 6, well, alright, not so much exposed to Applejack and Twilight, but he has met them. He may be meeting them later on, cause, well, you don't hang around the CMC and not have a meeting with 3 of the Mane 6. So, how's Flint going to handle a sit down with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity?
Also slightly curious as to how he is going to handle meeting Twilight again, Seeing as she was not there at his demise while he was a dragon. Is he going to have the same attitude toward her as he would the other princesses or will he convince himself not to hold her also responsible for his having become a pony?
Another thing that I'm curious about is, if the princesses see him, will they see the pony or will they see the dragon that he was? And even then, if they do see his draconic form, will they rely on their old hatred that they had with him, or will they actually let go of the past and attempt to "Be the bigger Pony" if you catch my drift?
That's all I have thoughts on right now, Keep up the good work, will be looking forward to the next chapter.
Update please!
6540955 Writing as we speak
I am disappointed. So far this fic is disappointing. I had expected some more dragons and less... Well this. Sorry to say this is not what I had expected.
6573521 Well sorry it wasn't what you expected. Thanks for giving it a chance.
6573527 tho I might give it another chance some other time. I don't know yet
6575483 well I have plans, but this is a story of changing ones viewpoint and becoming a better person. So, stick around if you'd like, happy to have you either way
6576110 becoming a better person? What's wrong with being cynical and generally callous? What's wrong with that? He was a great person by Dragon standards it's only by pony standards. I feel sorry for the Dragon. Changing viewpoints is all well and good but the dragon is not becoming a better person. There is no such thing. To one culture it is the sign of a good person to blow yourself and others up, to another culture if you grab power and kill those who oppose you then you are a good person. In yet another if you eat the corpses of your family and friends after they die you are morally right. Some food for thought from an unrepentant" bad person". Think about it.
6576110 becoming a better person? What's wrong with being cynical and generally callous? What's wrong with that? He was a great person by Dragon standards it's only by pony standards. I feel sorry for the Dragon. Changing viewpoints is all well and good but the dragon is not becoming a better person. There is no such thing. To one culture it is the sign of a good person to blow yourself and others up, to another culture if you grab power and kill those who oppose you then you are a good person. In yet another if you eat the corpses of your family and friends after they die you are morally right. Some food for thought from an unrepentant" bad person". Think about it.
6760575
I totally agree with the sentiment behind this comment, but I think Flint is coming to realize that his past lifestyle did not make him a happy person. He was always isolated as the untouchable tyrant, which kind of worked against his prospects interacting with other dragons (most have to mate somehow). So he is becoming a 'better' person, in the sense that he is finding greater joy in his life. There might be some pony hormones influencing him a bit, but I think he's just getting tired of trying to convince himself that his old lifestyle is still more fulfilling than his new.
This makes me really curious; what does he see when he looks at his old pictures now? When they were taken, his self-image was his dragon self. Yet now that his perception is changing, will he see what his parents see? Or will he still see the dragon, because at the time the picture was taken, that was his mentality?
Loving this story; I hope it isn't dead.
It's interesting to see how just making friends opened the door to him growing rather than clinging to the personality and bearing of the Dragon King he was. And not to the point of forgetting it, but simply... growing up is a good word for it, actually. The hilarious shenanigans is just a lovely side effect.
Oh god is he disowning his dragon heritage, that annoys me somewhat but since the story is good i'm gonna keep reading.
7845887
I don’t think he is disowning his dragon heritage as much as he is learning That there is more than being feared and alone. It looks like he is fighting his old instincts and trying to reconcile his past to the present