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Pound and Pumpkin Tales 2

by Never2muchpinkie

Chapter 54: 7-2: The ones we help

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Flurry waited patiently for Drill Bit to speak. The last she had seen of him was when she had given him encouragement when he had been afraid.

Pound had told her that he had been better since then, but he didn’t provide many details. Knowing that she had helped him through his issues had been enough for her.

“Who’s this?” asked Tree Leaf.

“Why’s he staring at you, Flurry?” asked Peppermint.

“He’s one of my classmates,” said Pound. “A very prideful colt that is very talented. Even so, this one time he needed Flurry’s help to get past a hurdle in his life.”

Drill’s eyes moved to Pound for a moment, before fixing back on Flurry. “So what’s it for?” he asked, finally speaking.

Flurry turned slightly so her cutie mark was visible to him. “My cutie mark is a symbol of my desire to help others, just like my mother and my aunts. I want to show friendship to as many ponies as possible, and give them a light in the darkness. No matter how hopeless they feel, I want to illuminate to them another path I can lead them down.”

Drill averted his eyes. “I told Pound not to talk about me to you. It wasn’t his place to go spilling all my secrets. I wanted to wait until I could see you again so I could tell you in person.”

Flurry nodded. That explained why Pound’s reply had been so sparse when she tried to follow up about Drill’s situation.

Drill met eyes with her again. “I’ve said this to Pound before, but my pride won’t allow me to remain a loser. That part of me hasn’t changed.

“You’re a few steps too slow. I got mine a few weeks ago.” He spun, showing off his own cutie mark.

“Ooh!” said Flurry, happy for his success. Drill’s cutie mark looked like a Royal Guard helmet and a whistle.

His eyes faded out as he straightened up. “I was raised to believe that the only person one can depend on is themselves. I got a lot of success out of it, and it made me tough… but it eventually stopped making me happy.

“Pound eventually got to me, asking me to train him. I found the change in pace refreshing. I hid that from my parents, knowing they wouldn’t approve, with the end result being that when I talked to them it seemed like I wanted to give up my ambitions for nothing.”

He took in a slow breath. “It drove me crazy when we had our race, the way you saw right through me… the way you made me think about all my deepest fears.

“I tried a different method to get under your skin, because I didn’t want to accept your point of view. If your way was right then I thought it meant that my parents didn’t really love me.

“You… you offered me friendship, telling me that even when your friends aren’t there next to you that you feel them inside of you.”

Flurry nodded, but didn’t want to speak. She wanted to let him get everything out.

A tear slowly came down his cheek. “That group hug you gave me… it made all the difference when I confronted my parents again. Feeling your hearts gave me the courage to stand up for my new beliefs.”

Flurry smiled.

“So… do you know a spell to view memories?”

Flurry nodded.

“I give you my permission.”

Her horn glowed, wondering what she was going to see.

***

Drill was in front of his parents, looking down.

“What has gotten into you?” asked Sound Barrier, looking angry.

“Exactly,” said Finish Line, looking just as frustrated. “That’s your new ambition? Helping some loser?”

“You’re growing so weak. Isn’t it like we always told you? You hang out with trash like that Pound character and you’ll only-”

“Shut your mouth!” Drill Bit responded back.

There was silence for a few moments as she processed what he said, then her expression grew furious. “Excuse me?” she snapped. “What did you just-” She broke off as she looked at his face, feeling an odd sensation from him.

It wasn’t just the anger that made her pause. There was a quiet strength that was emanating off of him.

“I told you to shut your mouth! You don’t know ANYTHING about Pound. Unlike me, he wasn’t born with natural talent, but he’s more than determined enough to make up for it. Every day he pushes himself to his limits and beyond, never complaining, and working to become as good as me.

“He used to be the worst in our class. When the school year started he couldn’t even hover. He was completely pathetic, and I hated him for it.

“Now he’s grown so much he’s unrecognizable. And you know what?” He slammed a hoof to his chest. “I did that! Me! I made him what he is today, and I think that’s something to be proud of. And I am proud of it and want to keep doing it.

“What right do you have to insult my friend?”

“Friend, huh?” She was recovering from her shock. “So you're really serious about this, then?”

Drill nodded. “That’s right.”

“So is that what you want to aspire to? You want to just stand by on the sidelines and watch as someone else lives your dream? You want to be just a step for others to walk on as you stay on the bottom?”

“No!” He shook his head hard. “Not at all.

“My dream hasn’t changed. I still intend to be a Royal Guard when I grow older.”

“And how are you planning to do that when you’re holding yourself back from your greatness?” asked Finish Line with a glare.

“WRONG!" Drill pointed hard at his parents. "You’re the ones that have been holding me back.” Their eyebrows went up. “Just having skill in flying and a bunch of accomplishments isn’t all it takes to rise to the top. It’s fine if you’re satisfied for me to merely be a grunt on the bottom rung. But as Princess Cadance told me there’s more to it than that.

“You told me you want me to become the captain of the guard after my brother. Being a leader requires you to be able to lead. You’ve been so focused on helping me to excel that you don’t seem to realize that my job as a leader requires me to help others to excel.

“So helping Pound is helping myself, because it’s going to give me the skills I need to rise in the ranks.”

Drill Bit closed the distance between them. “You told me that if I found a new passion that I was just as skilled at as racing that you’d support me as hard as you did for that. If I can take a hopeless case like him and make him into someone decent then I can help anyone.

“So did you really mean what you said? Are you still going to support me?”

His parents both considered him. He still had that determined look on his face, inner strength radiating off of him.

After a minute Sound let out a sigh. “I suppose you have a good point. And you have seemed pretty bored lately, so if you want to leave the competitive circuit for a while then fine.

“But just because you’re going to focus on this other kid I hope it doesn’t mean you’re going to let your own skills deteriorate.”

“Not at all!” Drill responded strongly. “This new passion of mine hasn’t tempered my desire to be the best any. No matter what I go for I want to excel at it and give it one hundred percent.”

Finish Line got up. “It seems you’re growing up a little. I guess we were wrong about you growing weaker.

“All we ever wanted for you was to see you reach your full potential. We would hate to see your talent squandered.”

“I appreciate that you want what’s best for me, but I don’t like the way you go about it. You shouldn’t insult others just for not being as skilled as me.

“Pound told me that I’m the only one that can train him properly, because everyone else is too soft on him. He calls me the tall wall he needs to be in his path to push him to excel. If I let my flying skills get rusty then I’ll be letting him down, and my eventual team.”

Sound got up as well, standing in front of him. “Maybe we pushed a little too hard, but it was always only for your benefit.” She nuzzled his nose, giving him a warm smile. “After all, you’re our little champion, and nothing makes me happier than being able to brag about how amazing you are. And now you’re only going to become even more amazing as you blaze your new path.”

His father gave him a hug. “Of course we’ll keep to our word. Do your very best, just as you’ve always done, and we’ll support you one hundred percent.”

Drill smiled. “I will!”

***

As the memory faded Flurry found herself crying happy tears.

Pound and Pumpkin were doing the same. Drill had never told them about his conversation with his parents.

Pound especially felt warm inside. Drill Bit not only defended him personally, but called him a friend.

“One more memory,” said Drill Bit.

Flurry nodded, once more using her spell to let them see.

This one Pound recognized, as he was there for it.

***

This memory was at school during pegasi training classes.

“Attention! Attention!” Drill Bit yelled out. When everyone turned toward him he said, “I have something important that I need to say.”

He thought of Flurry Heart’s words, and copied her action of placing her hoof over her heart, feeling his friends there. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, and what that led to is a desire to help all of you.”

A bit of mumbling went through the children.

“I know I was a pretty nasty person in the past, but I’ve been learning that some of the things I was taught were incorrect. Now I feel I’m on a better path.

“My dream is to one day be a part of the Royal Guard just like my big brother. While I have plenty of skill in flight and competition, if I ever want to become a great leader I also need a lot of experience in teaching others.

“You’ve all seen what my efforts have done for Pound. Short of me and my friends, it wouldn’t surprise me if the former ‘flightless wonder’ outclasses every one of you now.”

Pound grinned. He had no idea how he stacked up against his other classmates, but he was certain he was no longer the worst.

“I know for the most part you’re allowed to do your own thing in this class as long as you’re practicing, but I don’t think you’ll ever reach the true greatness you deserve like that.

“All of you…” His expression grew warm. “…you have so much potential inside of you just waiting to come out if you work hard at it. Just because you weren’t born with natural talent like me doesn’t mean you can’t be great. Again, just look at how far Pound has come under my tutelage.

“I know I can’t force any of you to train under me, but I want to see all of you excel and become your best selves. You owe it to yourselves to give it your all so you can see how amazing you really are.”

Ms. Nimble was impressed. She had noticed Drill’s gradual change in attitude over the past few months. She felt like Pound had been a good influence on him.

“So what do you say?” He pumped a hoof into the air. “Who’s ready to work their flanks off and see what you’re really made of?”

There was more talking amongst themselves. To them Drill felt like an entirely different pony. Before he had just been an arrogant bully. Now there was something different about him. He seemed calmer and happier.

“Do you really think I can be that great?” asked a filly.

Drill nodded. “Again, just look at how far Pound has come. If you haven’t improved as much as him it’s likely just because you’re not pushing yourself as hard as he is. The reason he pushes himself so hard is because I push him to do so. I can be a little harsh, but I make a good teacher.”

Pound laughed. “Got that right.” He took off in the air, doing two loops before landing back on the ground. “I never would have come this far if he wasn’t so completely annoying that I just want to smash his face in with a crushing defeat.”

“Hmph!” Drill scoffed, rolling his eyes before smirking. “Well, you can keep dreaming on that.”

Pound giggled. “I’ll get there one day.”

A few of the children took him up on his offer, the others just wanting to take it easy or not being too interested in flight.

Drill took charge, starting them off with wing-ups. He walked among the children, giving them little bits of advice here and there.

When they took to the air Drill once again gave them advice. He went to each of them individually and helped to correct them when they messed up.

Unlike when he trained with Pound he wasn’t verbally abusive. He was critical and stern, but not in a nasty way.

Pound didn’t get the same treatment. He was still a bit of a jerk to him. Pound thought to complain about getting treated differently, but in the end decided against it. He didn’t want to only have respect for Drill Bit. He wanted to see the colt as his rival, no matter how different their level in skill. To that end, he needed to keep a degree of irritation and anger in his heart to keep himself motivated.

He now had to share his training with some others, but it didn’t bother him. Drill Bit just seemed so much happier. He might have needed Flurry’s help and a lot of time, but he felt like he could finally check off the success box on the task Twilight gave him. Drill certainly felt redeemed to him.

It skipped to the next day, where this time Drill Bit was wearing a whistle and a referee shirt to be more in character as a coach.

It skipped around some more to a little montage of successes in his students. Drill only looked happier and happier as these memories passed. There was a look of fulfillment on his face as he watched what he had brought about in his students.

Pound suddenly gasped, making Drill turn to him. “What?” he asked.

Pound pointed. “It’s… it’s your cutie mark!”

Drill’s eyes widened as he looked at his flank. There really was a cutie mark there. He really was meant to be a leader.

He took in a slow breath and let it out, but he couldn’t hold it in for long. He jumped up and down in happiness, feeling so proud of himself as he cheered.

That got the attention of his students, and they reacted with wonder at his mark too.

It skipped again to coming home and showing off his cutie mark to his parents and his brother. All of them were so proud as well, hugging him and kissing him and throwing congratulations and praise his way.

Drill Bit looked on top of the world, pure joy on his face.

***

As the memory faded this time Flurry saw that Drill’s face didn’t match up with what was just in his memory.

“What’s wrong?” asked Flurry. “It seems like you’ve gotten everything you wanted.”

Drill let out a sigh. “I have come to like seeing others relying on me. Having come as far as I could I found it felt nice to share my talent with others.

“Having seen me resolve things with our parents my brother returned to Canterlot to focus on finally getting the captain position. I’d gotten used to having my brother back, and now he’s gone again.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for him and I’m waiting to hear the good news, but that’s not what’s really bothering me.”

“So what is it?”

“I admit it. I needed your help to help me push forward towards my destiny. I had to rely on your support to lift me up, but… but I’m still not like you.”

“Hmm?”

“I just don’t like to rely on others. That belief of mine hasn’t changed. I want to keep pushing myself to be the best I can be. After all, there’s only room for one at the top. Maybe it’s a little lonely up there, but knowing that I earned it every step of the way makes it bearable.

"I still remember our conversation where you told me you feel that your friends are your strength. Do you think I’m wrong for thinking this way?”

Flurry considered the question. “I guess that depends. Is this what you want, Drill Bit, or are you still just living by your parents expectations?”

“I think my cutie mark answers that question. I’m walking the path I want to walk. It just so happens that it’s also what my parents want.”

Flurry nodded. “I see. In that case, my answer is no. I don’t think you’re wrong. Every pony is different and has their own reasons for doing things. However, while the motivation behind our actions is different I don’t think we’re that different.”

She put her hoof to her heart. “We both want the same thing in the end. We both desire to be the strong pillar holding up others. We want to be able to have others rely on us for strength, and give them inspiration.

“If you’re not harming others, and you feel you are truly happy, then why should I tell you that your way of life is wrong just because it’s different than my personal beliefs? Although I do want to say that there’s nothing wrong with being independent, just don’t forget that when you do need help we’ll always be there to provide it.”

Drill nodded, moving like he was about to leave. He stopped and sucked on his cheek. “I’m so used to being tough that I… I find it hard to express my feelings openly when I don’t feel so strong. But… I do owe you for what you did for me, and I don’t like being indebted to others either.”

“Don’t be silly,” said Flurry. “A good deed is its own reward. Just hearing and seeing how much you’ve improved made it all worth it.”

Drill shook his head. “Maybe you feel that way, but I don’t. I wouldn’t feel right leaving this debt unfulfilled, especially since I don’t know if I’m ever going to see you again after this, so I’m returning your gift back to you.”

Pound wondered what Drill Bit meant.

Flurry also didn’t understand.

Drill closed his eyes, fighting his pride, then he closed the distance between them and threw his hooves around Flurry. “T-thank you,” he said, sounding choked up. “You…” He sniffed. “You were already living your cutie mark before you even got it. I was lost in the dark until I met you. I didn’t want to accept you or acknowledge the truth, until you forced me to see it.

“Lost and adrift out in the ocean, you shined a light down the corridors of my heart and showed me the way home. You helped me get my life back on track and towards the life I’ve always wanted.” He let out a little sob as he squeezed her tighter. “Thank you for everything, Flurry.”

Flurry let out a little sob as well as her eyes clenched shut and tears streamed down her eyes. She hugged him back. “You’re very welcome, Drill Bit.” She could feel the warmth of his heart merging with her own, seeing she really had been making a difference in other’s lives even before their adventure in Mayhem’s world.

The other children grinned warmly. Only Pound and Pumpkin had been personally involved with Drill Bit’s struggle, but Peppermint, Tree Leaf, and Masky could still appreciate the heartfelt sentiment Drill Bit was offering.

When Drill Bit released her he was blushing as he wiped his eyes. “That was thoroughly unpleasant. I don’t like getting emotional, especially in front of other ponies.

“Hmph!” He turned his head away dismissively. “Well, I paid my debt. Don’t expect anything else from me.

“Keep on pushing, Flurry, but it will never be enough. Just like with getting our cutie marks I’ll always be one step ahead of you from now on.

“See ya, loser!”

And with that he vanished into the crowd.

Tree Leaf was the first to speak. “That… was pretty rude.”

“Don’t let it get to you,” said Flurry, still feeling warm inside. “He’s a colt with a lot of pride and a lot of talent. It took a lot of courage to share his heart with me, and I appreciate that.

“His attitude at the end… I’m not going to take it seriously. He couldn’t leave things on such a sappy note. It’s just not his style.

“I hope he does continue to grow ever stronger, so he can be a role model to his team like I am to all of you.

“Little by little, I’ll prove myself too. I’ll show that me being an alicorn wasn’t just for show. I’ll keep fighting to be worthy of my princess status.”

Peppermint threw a hoof around her. “I think you already are, Flurry. Just look at how you changed his life for the better.”

“I guess I’m a little jealous,” said Pound. “He gave you all the credit, but I guess you were the one that ultimately got through to him.”

Flurry shook her head. “No. After all, Pound, how could I have helped him before I met all of you? If you hadn’t saved me from the darkness then I never could have shown Drill Bit the light.

“We’re all working towards the same thing: lighting up Equestria with the fire of our hearts.” She put her hooves out to them, and, almost in sync they all reached out to each other, forming a small circle as they held hooves. “As I’ve said before we all are one. So long as we unite our hearts our victories are always shared with one another. When we shed light on another it only helps all of us become stronger.

“It’s just like with me and Drill Bit. By helping him to change and grow he, in turn, is now helping to train the next generation of fliers. And, by helping me, you taught me the true meaning of strength. You make me want to become as strong as I can be so that I can always be your light in the darkness, just like at the end of Mayhem’s game.

“Even if indirectly, each of you played a part in my success, and I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Each of them grinned.

She released them. “Now, let’s party already!”

“Yeah!”

As they were about to go play she felt a hoof tapping her on the shoulder, and turned to see a unicorn colt she had never seen before. He seemed about her age, with a brown coat, a white mane, and red eyes. “Yes?”

“Um…” The colt hesitated. “Uh… could I speak to you in private?”

She gave him an odd look. “Why?”

The colt blushed. “Um, uh… it’s kinda hard to say in front of all these other ponies. I... would really prefer to talk to you alone.”

Flurry shrugged. “Alright, then. I guess I’ll be back soon.”

She followed the colt to a corner of the room where it was less crowded to hear what he had to say.

Author's Notes:

Who is that child, and what does he want with Flurry? Guess we'll find out next time.

Glad I could finally give Drill Bit's arc closure. He is happier, but he still has that independent streak, and I don't see him ever truly joining their group.

Next Chapter: 7-3: We'll always be friends Estimated time remaining: 13 Hours, 22 Minutes
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