Part 36: A Beginning
Silver Spoon was caught in a state of absolute turmoil as she fled the hospital, and the associated feelings of confusion and bewilderment that threatened to overwhelm her.
Why did my best friend smack me so hard, when I was just engaging in a bit of harmless horseplay?
Is Mrs Rich right in thinking that she is innocent of any crimes, and everypony else is against her? She sounded so convincing...
Have the Crusaders done more harm than good by turning Di's behaviour around and causing such a huge rift between her and her mother? Was that why my best friend is now in care, living on a farm?
What's behind Di's erratic mood swings? One minute, we're having a great time laughing together, the next minute, she's...
Silver felt her eyes well up, and she instinctively reached up to wipe the tears away.
Of course. No glasses. I better slow down, I don't want a nasty incident like when I ran full speed into Big Macintosh in town that one time. Whatever will my mother think. She just got them for me...
She paused for a moment, screeching to a halt in the middle of her headlong rush. That's it, my mother! she thought. She'll be at the school by now, because it's so close to hometime. I'll go straight there now, and tell her everything that's happened today. She knows Mrs Rich very well, seeing as they attend a lot of the same social gatherings. Perhaps she could ascertain how much of what Di's mother said was accurate, and what exactly I can do next.
The grey filly trotted forward with renewed vigour, feeling confident that Silver Sterling could allay her fears and give her sound advice, just like always. Her best friend may have just physically assaulted her unprovoked, but Spoon was sure there had to be a good reason behind the attack. Maybe it was simply down to the stress of the new changes in her life, or perhaps there was more to it than that.
Two things were for sure though: She'd get to the bottom of it, and she'd already forgiven Di.
Oh, and she was as still as jealous as Tartarus of Apple Bloom's new 'status'.
Now, which blur will lead me to Ponyville Elementary?
...........................................................................................................................................
Speaking of the farm filly, she was currently being watched closely by Applejack, as she slowly made her way to the corner of the hospital room where Diamond currently resided, waiting to be told to "get back" any moment by the depressed youngster.
Those words never left Tiara's sobbing lips, and Bloom finally reached the place where her friend was still curled up, free of aggravation. She took the precaution of standing as close to Tiara as she could, without actually touching her. She didn't want a repeat of the unfortunate Silver Spoon incident.
"Di. Can I...Can I...Sit down?" Bloom hesitated to speak to the disconsolate, shaking mess in front of her, but surely anything was better than leaving her to cry her heart out alone.
A slight nod of the head could be seen between the hunched-up hooves, as Diamond's bloodshot eyes focused on the new arrival. Taking the time to clear away the remnants of the unwanted tiara next to her, Bloom slumped down adjacent to her friend, unsure what to say.
Fortunately, the pink filly helped her out there. "A-Apple Bloom..." She said, in a voice that was a little more than a trickle. "Y-You have t-to believe... I-I didn't mean to hurt S-Silv, i-it just k-kind of h-happened..."
"I know, Di. I know..." Apple Bloom's heart swelled with sympathy and compassion for the distraught youngster. "After what you've been through, I completely get it. I just wish there was a way we could get them to understand, without, you know..."
In a flash, Tiara sprung up and grabbed Bloom by the neck, her fear and shame putting her on high alert. "No! You mustn't tell! You must never tell!" She pleaded with her roommate, even as the farm filly began to choke. "If everypony knew... How would I ever..."
Diamond's frenzy was abruptly halted when, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Applejack glaring at her from the entrance, about two seconds away from intervening. That's when she finally noticed the orange mare's sister beginning to gasp for air in her clutches.
Removing her hooves from the wheezing Bloom, Tiara sighed and flopped back in her spot. "Look, I'm sorry. About everything." She spoke in a much softer voice." I don't deserve friends like you, or Silv for that matter. Perhaps I had all this coming. Maybe this is what I get, for all the mean things I've ever done..."
"Horseapples!" Diamond was cut off by a single word from the recovered filly next to her. "Don't you ever think that! What happened to you back there was totally wrong, whatever you did in the past! And for your mother... Your mother... To stand by smiling while Upper Crust did what she did, was unforgivable! The thing I'm glad about most of all is that you're out of that house, away from her! I've only had a small taste of what she's like, and already I hate her guts! Sorry for saying that, but it's just the way I feel!" This was again said in a lower volume, as Bloom respected her friend's wish for privacy from those lingering at the door.
Upon hearing her companion's unnecessary apology, Tiara ruefully grinned. "You're really something, you know that? Not once, in all the times I bullied and insulted you and your family, did you ever retaliate. Yet, the one occasion you saw me miserable, walking home by myself, instead of gloating like I would have done, you came to comfort me the very next day. And even now, though you have every reason in the world to despise my mother, you're still gracious enough to say sorry when you state what you must know both of us are thinking. How do you do it, Apple Bloom? How can you be so... Nice?"
Blushing slightly at Diamond's praise, the farm filly shrugged her hooves. "To be honest, I don't really think about it. I just respect my Mom and Dad's memory by trying to act like they would. Never feel bad towards anypony, because you don't know what they're going through on the inside. Always try and help others, because one day you could be the one in need. Try to get through life with a smile, because life is too short for moping and fussing. That's the Apple way. And now you're one of us, I could teach you that too, if you like..."
Tiara was completely taken aback by Apple Bloom's selfless philosophy, which was in such direct contrast to her own upbringing, where basically either you finished at the top, or you were banished to your room for long periods in disgrace. She thought about all the terrible things she'd done, all to try and satisfy her mother. None of them had worked, and in most cases had just made her personally miserable. She'd never felt appreciated or loved by the onerous Spoiled, and as for her father, why was he never around when she needed him? Like now.
She tried to think back to happier moments in her life. Her Daddy giving her ponyback rides through town, before work completely consumed him. Days spent frolicking with Silver Spoon, before the pressure exerted by her mother forced her into 'bullying' mode. The most joyful occasion of late was when she supervised the construction of the new play-centre outside the school, where in comparison to her usual berating of all and sundry, her carefully chosen words of encouragement seemed to stir her young workers into life, and the edifice was completed in record time. It had felt extraordinarily satisfying to achieve her goal without having to resort to her old tactics of bribery and manipulation. It was a feeling that could not be replicated, and one she wanted to experience again and again...
And, that's when she realised it. The significance of the Tiara shining on her flank in the middle of the building work. Her true destiny.
Not to be a rude, stubborn, conceited and cruel dictator, like her mother.
But a decent, reasonable, humble and considerate leader, like the Apples were, all around the community.
Like the...
An invisible veil had been lifted from her eyes. A seed of hope was planted in her mind. For the first time since that incident, she felt like she had the strength to carry on.
"You do understand, that despite him leaving me alone all the time and not paying me enough attention, I still love my Daddy, right?" Diamond's words came out of nowhere for Apple Bloom, who had allowed her eyes to wander during the pink filly's long deliberation.
"Um, yeah. Of course I do. You heard me tell Mrs Rich as much a couple of hours ago, right?" Bloom answered in puzzlement.
"And I like pretty much the same things I used to when I lived at the mansion. I don't think I'll ever be as hard-working, forgiving or as nice as you, and we might argue a lot..." Tiara continued her profiling in earnest.
"That's fine. Twilight told me once everypony is special in their own way, and even though me and the Crusaders are definitely the best of buddies, sometimes we plain just feel like tearing each other apart..." Bloom was always one for honesty, just like her big sister.
"Well, that's good, I guess..." Diamond raised an eyebrow at such a forthright confession. "Because it makes what I'm about to say a lot easier. After seeing what my own mother is capable of, and what those rich friends of hers' did to me, I'm through with my old life for now. I want to learn what you Apples have been teaching each other for years, and I need your help to do it. It'll take a lot of getting used to, living at the farm. But, with your help and the rest of your family guiding me... I think, we can make it work..."
Despite Apple Bloom's earlier aversion of setting off Tiara's trauma by touching her, she couldn't help but throw herself at the pink filly in the tightest hug she'd ever been given. " Oh, Di!" She exclaimed, joyfully. "I'm so happy you feel that way! I promise to do my best to help you however I can, and I'm sure the same goes for the rest of my... I mean, our family. I know it'll be tough for you at first, but if we work together, I'm positive we'll do all kinds of great things! I can't wait to get started! That is, when you're ready..."
It took all of Diamond's mental strength not to shove Bloom away, but this kind of affection felt kinda nice. As long as her friend didn't venture too near the 'problem" area, everything should be fine. As for what her new roommate had said, she wasn't quite prepared to call the rest of the large Apple clan her 'family' just yet. It had been less than a day since her forced eviction after all, and she still planned to see her Daddy regularly.
One thing was for sure though. She certainly felt a lot closer to her new foster relatives than her own mother, who, after her major role in reducing her to the pathetic, weeping heap in the corner that day, as well as the countless other mistreatments she'd administered over the years, she'd quite happily never see again. To think, she could have ended up like that, if not for...
Tiara smiled at Apple Bloom. Kicked what was left of the remains of her old headgear on the floor away...
And then, returned the hug.
Hang on a sec. Does this make Apple Bloom my auntie, now?
.................................................................................................................
As Silver Spoon ran off into the distance, leaving a trail of blood and tears in her wake, at first the adults were taken by surprise.
Then, the debate raged as to who should go after her.
Applejack wanted to stay with her sister. Fluttershy felt she didn't know Spoon well enough. Rainbow Dash said she needed to wait for Twilight. Rarity balked at the idea of her hooves being stained red.
And, by the time Pinkie Pie got over her disappointment over her incomplete toy to volunteer, the grey filly was long gone.
"I do hope she's going to be alright. I wonder what made her run off like that..." Rarity pondered.
"Well, I guess we'll never know now, due to all of y'all's indecision..." Applejack remarked, silently cursing that she'd taken her eyes off the occupants of the room for just a second when the incident unfolded, and resolved never to let it happen again.
"You're one to talk! You could have easily caught her up, asked her what was wrong, brought her back here..." Rainbow commented.
"Yes dear, all of us are guilty of that. If only I hadn't just polished my hooves before setting out here, I would have been the first to go..." Rarity sighed, as if that was a viable excuse.
"Sh! Something's happening in there..." Applejack silenced her friends, to observe what was taking place in the room. All five mares listened and watched intently, as Diamond Tiara almost throttled Apple Bloom, while shouting "Never Tell" about something, as if her life depended on it.
"That's it, I'm going in there..." Applejack sounded for all the world like a soldier about to head into battle, at the sight of her sister being ponyhandled in such a way. She didn't care what Diamond's personal hang-ups were, nopony did that to her flesh and...
"Wait!" A little noise sounded behind Applejack, followed by a far stronger hoof, which stopped her in her tracks. The orange mare turned around to see who'd halted her charge, and shockingly it was Fluttershy.
"Um... I hope you don't mind me interfering..." The yellow pegasus meekly commented, while still grasping her friend's shoulder. "But, I think this is something related to what Diamond Tiara is going through now, and the best pony to help her deal with it is right there in that room. If you go in, and make the situation more complicated than it is, Diamond may resent you for it, and I don't think Apple Bloom would like it too much, either. I don't believe your sister is in any real danger. See, look! Things have already calmed down in there..."
Applejack's gaze returned to the room, and sure enough, both fillies seemed to be a lot more congenial towards each other, the only problem with this was now they were talking in whispers.
Nodding her thanks to Fluttershy for interpreting the situation much better than she did, Applejack was still frustrated at the lack of information as to what exactly was bothering her sister and foster child. "That pretty much darn confirms it. They're hiding something from me. I gotta find out whatever it is, otherwise..."
"I'm sure that 'whatever it is', they'll tell you in their own time..." Fluttershy tried to placate the orange mare. "Forcing the issue now won't do any good. I think my talk with Diamond has really opened her heart, she'll let you know when she's ready..."
"I'm just worried in the meantime, before 'she's ready', that whatever's eating away at her might cause her to lash out at others. You saw what she just did to my sister, and I suspect that thing with Silver Spoon is connected with that little filly too. I knew things would be tough when I took her in, but I never thought..." Applejack mused at what a gigantic mess this was turning into.
"Oh no! You can't give up on her! You can't!" Pinkie Pie began to bounce with anxiety where she stood, driven to it by the seeming resignation of the orange mare to Tiara's plight. "I know she has a lot of stuff going on in her head at the moment, and that's why she needs friends like us more than ever! Please Applejack, if I know anything about you, it's that you're always up for a challenge! And you stick at it, no matter how tough it gets! We'll all help, isn't that right, ladies?" At this juncture, everypony nodded their head, apart from Rainbow Dash who'd flown to the end of the corridor out of earshot, to wait for Twilight.
Rolling her eyes, but nevertheless moved by her friends' support, Applejack replied. "Don't worry, sugarcube. That was the last thing on my mind. I was just thinking how difficult it's going to be, for her and us, if she keeps what's bugging her locked up inside for a long time. If she's going to hit out at everypony who tries to help her, then I don't see what good it could do. I'll give her space for now, but if I feel that her bottling away her emotions is harming her and those around her, you just try and stop me from getting to the root of the matter."
Those present thought that this was a good way of handling things, an opinion further backed when the four mares watching witnessed Diamond and Bloom's apparent reconciliation in the warmest of embraces.
If Fluttershy had been less timid she probably would have nudged Applejack and said "I told you so!". As it was, the yellow pegasus was simply content to watch the fillies make up, while the others were just grateful the crisis was apparently over for now...
"Twi's here!" Came the call from Rainbow Dash, as she flew back to join her friends. "Eww, what's everypony looking so mushy about?"
"Nothing that you'd really be interested in, dear..." Rarity produced a scented handkerchief, to wipe away a stray tear. "Just two old enemies, who became friends, becoming enemies again, before becoming friends..."
"Huh?" Dash was beginning to think maybe she'd flown too high that day. "Well, anyway, Twilight has arrived, so maybe if you've stopped talking in riddles, we can go and see her together..."
The group waited for two more minutes, and sure enough along came the Princess Of Friendship herself, looking somewhat flustered, but still none the worst-for-wear. After a friendly hug of greeting with her fellow Element holders. They got down to business.
"Have we got some news for you!" Rainbow Dash started the ball rolling.
"That's most impolite, Rainbow! Where are your manners?" Rarity chided the blue pegasus. "First of all, darling how was your visit to Canterlot? I trust the princesses are doing well..."
" Yes, they're fine..." Twilight was still a little on edge from her meeting with Spoiled, but tried to keep smiling.
"I'm sorry if we interrupted anything important, but this really couldn't wait, sugarcube..." Applejack stated. "You see, something big has happened with Diamond..."
"Yes, and I'm getting quite a clear picture as to what it could be..." Twilight stared at the ground crossly.
"What? How so?" Applejack tipped her hat in confusion.
"I've just had a long talk with her mother..." An involuntary shudder ran down the alicorn's spine. "And a lot of things are beginning to make sense..."
Not much to say really. I want to keep things short and sweet after my last couple of author's notes verged on being essays. Just to thank all my readers for their patience in waiting for updates, as it's been a hectic week all round, and their comments, which without sounding too cheesy 
always cheer up my day. Hope you appreciate the more sedate nature of this chapter, because in a harbinger of things to come, thing'll liven up again pretty soon. 
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6971537 I don' t like it . I love it . The only thing I don 't love is Spoiled Rich . That b@&$h makes me so mad that I want to go all Michonne on her plot.
Was just reading chapter 35 when this got updated started it yesterday afternoon and haven't slept since this is a great story keep up the good work I will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter also I have iratic sleep times so that is normal for me
I hope to see what Silvers mother is like, well she help out?
Gentelmen... ladies, fillies and colts...
Grab your torches and pitchforks, let's go pay Spoiled a visit
Awesome chappie well done! :D
I'm not going to lie. I was constantly coming to this page, hoping for a new chapter to this story. Yet, I know real life always comes first, so I will wait anxiously for this and the next chapter.
I can't wait to hear what Twilight has figured out after her run-in with Spoiled, as well as, what kind of advice Silver will get from her mother once she stumbles into her. I know it will be a long while before Applejack finds out what happened to Diamond, but I hope when it does, the aftermath will be spectacular.
It was a nice surprise to see a new chapter today. I don't think I'll be unhooked anytime soon.
6971887 I think she was gonna say Spoiled Bi-... a word I prefer not to say.
I am sorry to inform you, dear author, but i have unfaved this story.
The reason for this is that I do not want to see any more of the hated Spoiled Bitch and her schemes. I'll just assume that she was thrown in jail for life and Diamond got back with her dad.
6972278 Check back in a month, and you may just get your wish. Schedule permitting...
Now, where did that come from? Anyway, I thought that was funny,
6972329 Well, Applejack is her foster mother, ssoooo...
I now see why you did not send Diamond Tiara to Silver Spoon's parents. The sad part is Silver Spoon's mom sounds a lot like Spoiled Rich so now we have another complication that is coming up. Also Pinkie where you not supposed to be following Silver Spoon? She does need her glasses and I think she will be lost tip she gets another pair.
Great chapter but I get the feeling that things are only now heating up.
6972351 Check the earlier chapters for a more accurate picture of SS's mother. And Pinkie was distracted by that darn puzzle toy she had in her hoof. If only she coulda matched all the colours...
And yes, you are right. This is merely a lull, before the big stuff kicks off again. See you soon...
6972336 ... that makes it weird.
6972371 ...Yeah, I know. And I thought my parents were young...
So finally new light dawns over the growing darkness that is Diamond's situation. Question is, can it endure in the mirth of storm clouds still crowding around it?
I think Rarity's excuse was a little too much. She is not that bad.
6972491 Granted, but ignoring Twilight in the finale of S2 was worse. Just my opinion, of course..
6972505 Just stating the obvious, really. Just look at her list of crimes...
Of course, if anypony can wriggle out of it, it's her. Not revealing anything, though.
Place your bets now...
6972497 well they all were guilty there but that wasn't because of dirt. just stupidity.
6972551 It wasn't dirt that made Rarity not want to run after SS, but blood stains. Which is arguably worse.
Beware baring your soul to the pony who has probably read every book on diagnosing abnormal psychology ever written. You'll likely end up categorised before you're half-way through!
6972560 We have seen her fully covered in mud and all she wanted was to go to the spa ASAP. I think she would okay going through blood to assist SS.
6972626 Well, there's no evidence in the show either way, nor is there likely to be ever, so I guess we'll never know. I hope you're enjoying the story so far, anyway.
As to Twilight, I remember Bill Cosby said something like "When I was young I had a million theories & no kids. Now, it feels like I've got a million kids & no theories left" (Yeah, I know. But, just because he's (allegedly) a pervert doesn't mean he can't say a few things worth listening to)
As a bachelor, I've noticed we bachelors always seem to know more about raising kids than the people who actually have kids. Very odd
6972632 I am. While I hate the episode itself for the fast 180 on DT and even more so the cutie mark designs for the CMC you have made a great story from it.
Well since there's no Spoiled this chapter, I don't have anything to bash her for.
...
...
...
Oh, who am I kidding...
This sums up the entire story from the reader's point of view. No seriously, it does. Meeting Spoiled means you understand exactly what Diamond is going through.
I get that AJ is trying to be polite and the otehrs are urging her not to push DT, but this is where Fluttershy's "be cruel to be kind" lesson needs to be implemented. Yes it would be cruel to force DT ro tell about the sexual assault but if she doesn't it will only make things worse and jet set and upper crust will get off scott free. Fluttershy should understand that after what she did with the Breezies.
6972934 Fluttershy and Applejack don't understand the seriousness of what transpired, or maybe they would. You'll have to wait and see what develops from this situation. Hope you are patient...
6972934 I really don't think so... the situation is quite deep indeedly-oh... since considering that wat Upper crust dis was practically if not rape to a young filly... so, yeah, I'm pretty sure Di won't croak... ever... unless Upper crust uses that as a thruimph card on the working class revolution...
So, Diamond Tiara has decided that she still wants to reconcile with her dad but wants nothing to do with her mom from now on. Okay, this means that she will never again fall for any of Spoiled's lies about loving her, and will not say anything in her mother's defense at court. Good, she's decided to move her mother out of her life. I only wonder how this news will affect Filthy Rich. He still knows nothing about what his wife has done or said. With all the word of mouth from everypony, as well as the state that his daughter is in (and her firm decision to disown her mother, while still wanting to keep him in her life) I think he shall end up at least believing that his wife violated the restraining order and said something really mean to Diamond. I wonder if he shall finally see his wife for the monster she is, or if he will try to defend her in court. I only hope he will support his daughter.
If Silver has not yet picked a side and decided to ask her mother, and if Silver's mother is truly much nicer than Spoiled, I believe that the two could end up supporting Diamond at the trial. Silver's mother might even encourage her daughter to let go of her jealousy. She has been unaware of what's been going on, but I believe she would believe all the ponies who can attest to what happened.
And so, the questions are: What will be Spoiled's conviction and sentence? (she's pretty much guaranteed to be convicted of the restraining order violation, but the groping by proxy is another case), will Filthy and Mrs Spoon be helpful or harmful?, and can Silver forget about her jealousy and become friends with the CMC? The answers to these questions will be revealed... in about a month or so, depending on the pacing.
6972171 You'll have to wait and see. You can get a flavour of the kind of mare she is, in one of the earlier chapters.
6973369 I think have good idea what she is like. It would be sweet in the end of Ms. Silver spoon and Filthy Rich got together. Diamond would love to have a new mom who is way nicer and gets Silver as a new sister!
6973527 How 'do you have a good idea'? Have you read the earlier chapter again?
6973539 I can't remember which story it was... But there a few stories out there were after the Mother left or died.
the Father would search to find a really good Mother who isn't like Spoiled at all! But a sweet person who can fill the rule of being loving, kind, sweet and generous.
During your story, it has come to my mind that it sounds like it would happen and be a great blessing for both Rich & Di. Last chapter I was think of giving yea a back story Idea that Ms. Silver & Rich do know each other since they were in kids. They did for a while had a crush on each other but than Silver married her husband (that later died in a temperwolf accident?) and Rich marring Spoiled who happen to be friends with Silver.
I think having Silver & Spoiled being friends since fillies would be an interesting conflict for the story since she might know why Spoiled is like she is.
So probably when she enters the story she could go up to Rich and tell him the truth or try to help out. After the whole conflict is over they begin to date which ends up in marriage. I don't want to steal your story but this would be great!
6973592 Spoiler tag not working.....
harbingers.....
Why are they always so slow? Or are they just really early?
6973872 I have no idea, it's just a cool word I heard a while ago that I thought I'd try to use.
It didn't go in my story... So I stuck it in my notes instead. And, that's about it.
6973915 Yes, it is a cool word. You can try to have Spoiled use it. She seems like the kind of pony who would use it in normal conversation. Probably while talking about the evil commoners and useless alicorn princesses rising up in rebellion against the rightful ruler of the world.
It's nice to see things looking up for Diamond Tiara. It's . . . hmm, hopeful.
It bugs the daylights of of me that they aren't telling anyone what happened.
But, that is the case for so many abuse cases.....so well done.
6972278
6972289
That's how you know you've made a properly irredeemable villain. When people hate them so much they have to stop reading the story for the sake of their health.
6972748 lololololololol
three good jokes.
Next chapter please.
When is the trial . Going to start. Also need cherrilee to find out what spoiled is up to . Please.
6972748 Hey, since when did my story become a launching pad for your stand-up career?!
Silently stifles giggles
6974266 Well, we can't have unremitting bleakness from beginning to end.
Chinks of light have to emerge sooner or later to give the reader hope...
Problem is, will they remain?
6975313
Well to be fair, Spolied is someone everyone loves to hate which makes her an easy target to bash. And there's plenty of ammunition for it.
6975313
2-for-1 special today.
Oh sod it, I'm feeling generous tonight.
Flithy Rich and Spoiled Rich are such a fastidious couple.
He's fast.
She's hideous.
6975351 You do understand, at this point, you're just flogging a dead horse?
Pinkie plays the drums, to indicate an awesome joke, of course.
6975355
Oh, you see what goes on in Spoiled's bedroom too?