Exchange of Spoons

Chapter 6

Bugbear’s Rampage
-
Part 2

Taking breath after breath, Silver Spoon sat and wiped the sweat from her brow, now sitting near the town hall where Amethyst Star seemed busy preparing everything for the wedding. Why she was doing it with a monster attack still going on was beyond Silver’s comprehension.

Her mind was a mess. The more she thought about everything that happened to her, the more questions she had. Why had her mom and dad switched places? Why were the crusaders calling her a bully? Why was everypony acting so casually when their Princess was risking her life to protect them? Nothing made any sense.

Perhaps… An idea struck her as she looked around. Perhaps there’s a pattern to all of this… think, think… She poked her forehead a few times, desperately trying to make sense of the situation.

Silver growled as she now looked at the last pony she wanted to see today. Diamond Tiara. The very look of her smiling face creeped her out. “Did you?” she asked suspiciously.

“Of course I did. When I heard about a monster attack, I was afraid for your safety.”

“Really?” she asked as Tiara nodded. “And why were you worried about me of all ponies?”

“Because that’s what best friends do,” the bully responded with the most enthusiastic tone she could muster, forelegs spread.

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow, something being clearly off. “So we are best friends?”

There’s no way she could arrange all the craziness that’s taking place around me as part of some big scheme. I need more information, Silver thought before looking to the side. “And why are we so called friends?”

“Why? We just are. We are pair of rich fillies hanging out together with common interest,” Tiara responded, though one glance at her was enough to notice small drops of sweat forming on her forehead.

“Oh really… and what kind of common interests do we have?” Silver asked with crossed forelegs.

The bully bit her bottom lip before rubbing her chin, desperately thinking of a proper answer. “Well…” she started. “We both like to... to show how superior we are to others… umm, and to show those blan… crusaders their proper place. We both visit the spa or market together…”

Silver turned back to her so called friend and spoke with annoyed tone, “I think you are talking with the wrong filly, because being a bully isn’t one of my hobbies.” She sighed. “Who am I kidding. You couldn’t talk to a wrong filly, because not a single pony could ever be your friend.”

Diamond Tiara grit her teeth, feeling as if a sharp and hot knife stabbed her back. Her hate for Discord growing with each word she heard. “You… you’re my friend.”

Silver blinked before turning to Diamond Tiara, nearly flinching at the sight of tears flowing down her face. “Price? What are you talking about?”

Without a warning, the pink filly jumped towards Silver Spoon and pinned her against a wall with her hooves, their muzzles nearly touching. “What gift, how many bits, what kind of favour do you want for your friendship?”

“Yes!” she shouted and grit her teeth once again. “We were friends, and I am not going to lose you. Just tell me what you want in return. My dad can afford it.”

Silver looked back at Tiara with disgust. “You think that bits can solve every problem, buy you whatever you want? If you didn’t know already, I have lots of bits of my own.” She pressed her own forelegs against Tiara’s and easily overpowered her. “And even if I wasn’t rich, I would still refuse.”

Diamond Tiara struggled, but her anger failed to provide her enough strength to do anything against Silver, whose strength nearly rivaled that of Apple Bloom. “Why? What did Discord do to you?”

“Discord?” Silver asked in confusion. “And what does he have to do with this?”

Tiara sat and took a few quick breath from her exhaustion, not being used to physical activities like the one she just performed. “He did something… I don’t know what, but he turned you, my friend, into my enemy.” She wiped tears from her face as her anger turned into sorrow.

Discord, why didn’t I think about that in the first place, Silver thought as her mind slowly started to puzzle all of the events together. “So, what you are trying to say is that I was your friend, and Discord changed it?” Seeing a nod, she sighed and continued, “And you really thought that paying me off was a good idea?” She looked at Tiara, no longer with anger or disgust, but with a pure pity. “If there’s anything I learned from... “ she paused. “Friendship bought by bits is fake and never lasts long. It is wrong.”

Silver looked around, making sure that they were still alone. The lack of witnesses meaning that their loud discussion didn’t alert anypony inside. She approached the bully and asked, “Tell me, why do you want my friendship so badly?”

After several seconds of silence, Tiara finally spoke, “Because I don’t want to be lonely.” She grit her teeth and looked to the side. “Every filly around either has friends or family that spends time with them.” She looked at Silver and pressed a forehoof against her own chest. “And what do I have? A father who showers me with bits but is always busy and a mother who is demanding, yet never has time for me.”

“And that Apple Bloom.” Tiara raised her head proudly and spoke, “Oh look, I have a family that is always with me. I have the greatest friends in all of Ponyville.” She growled as Silver stood and took a step back. “She is just a cutie markless loser with no bits. How dare she get what I can’t!”

Silver thought for a moment before speaking with disappointment, “So you’re jealous of Apple Bloom, and you need me to show that even a selfish snob like you can have a friend. I am just the means to an end.”

“Jealous? I am not jealous of that loser! I am better than her.” She paused as Silver’s accusation fully sunk into her brain. She shook her head in panic. “You’re not just the means to an end. I swear!”

Silver Spoon poked Tiara’s chest with a hoof while staring in her eyes with a challenging glare. “If I am more than just a trophy you can display in front of others, then prove it. Be nice to Apple Bloom and her friends, no more bullying or mean words.”

“Apologize for what you did and be nicer to them. If you do that, I will try to become your friend.” She turned around, now standing with her back to Tiara. “Unless bullying them and showing how superior you are is far more important than a friendship you claim to hold so dear.”

Silver Spoon raised her head. “Then I suppose our discussion is over.” She walked away towards the entrance of town hall, leaving Diamond Tiara alone with her thoughts.

Hundreds of ideas for revenge flashed through Tiara’s mind as she wished for nothing more than to kick Discord’s flank into oblivion. She would jump and kick in anger if not for the fact that it would give him even more satisfaction. She looked around, wondering if the evil spirit was watching her every move.

Apologize, being nice to those losers. Does she have any idea how unbelievably humiliating it will be? It will be like admitting that those lesser beings are actually equal to me. She punched the wall, though failing to leave a single mark on it despite her efforts. Who does she think she is? If she thinks that our pathetic friendship is worth… Her ears dropped as she sat and whimpered, realisation striking her like a sledgehammer. Maybe she’s right. Was our friendship nothing but a trophy to show off in front of others?

She closed her eyes and thought deeply, seeking memories she had with Silver Spoon that didn’t involve harassing crusaders or other fillies. Ever since yesterday, luxuries and objects she bought for bits weren’t as satisfying as they were when she shared them with Silver Spoon. At times she failed to think of what to do when in the past she was making decisions with ease.

Tiara bit her bottom lip. On one hoof, she could vent her frustration on the crusaders and keep her pride at the price of loneliness. On the other hoof, she could get her friend back at the price of humiliation that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Without any means to force Discord to reverse what he did, she was forced to make a decision, and one thing was clear. Whatever she chose, she was going to hate herself for it in the end.

Minutes have passed as Silver Spoon thought, now sitting inside the town hall. She gave the occasional glance towards the crusaders, and they in turn observed her from a distance while talking to each other.

Maybe Discord switched places between ponies. My dad with my mom. Tiara with the crusaders, but it wouldn’t explain why the town is behaving differently. It must be more than just a personalities switch. “Awww…” she groused before massaging her forehead. While it was obvious that Discord did something to the entire town, she still couldn’t figure out what it was. The fact that the princess herself scanned her yesterday and didn’t detect anything was worrying.

“I need some fresh air,” she said to herself before going outside only to notice a chariot with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence

Not wasting a moment, she galloped towards the pair as they stepped down from the chariot and stretched.

Both tall ponies looked down at her curiously. Cadence was the first to speak. “Yes? How can we help you?”

Silver stood on her rear hooves and said, “Ponyville is under attack by a Bugbear, a giant flying monster.”

“Oh, that’s terrible,” Cadence said as she raised forehoof up to her face.

“Princess Twilight and her friends have been fighting against it for an hour already.” Much to her confusion, both ponies sighed in relief.

“Then there’s nothing to worry about,” Shining said before bypassing the filly, now walking towards the entrance.

Silver’s cheeks turned into balloons before she rounded the pair and jumped, capturing their attention. “Aren’t you going to help her!?”

Shining Armor shook his head and knelt to the filly’s face level. “There’s no need for that. My sister and her friends are more than capable of keeping Ponyville safe.”

Blood started to boil in Silver Spoon once again as she felt the urge to give Twilight’s brother a solid lecture, or at least slap his rather attractive face. It seems that Discord turned brothers into jerks, but not on my watch! Not wasting a moment, she placed her forehooves on the stallion's muzzle and looked him right in the eyes. “And what about the safety of your sister and her friends? They are fighting a monster and could get hurt.”

Shining gently took the filly between his hooves and placed her on the ground so her hooves would no longer weigh on his muzzle. He sat and spoke, “My sister and her friends have a lot of experience with this kind of stuff. They’ll be fine.”

Silver grit her teeth before pointing at the stallion accusingly. “I see how it is.” You asked for it. I am bringing out my big guns, no mercy. She took a deep breath and said, “So it is fine when your sister discovers that your wife was replaced by a changeling. It is okay when she and her friends fight against a changeling army because you and your guards are too weak to protect the city. It is okay that she risks her life to protect the Crystal Empire for you, but when she is in trouble, you just sit comfortably and excuse yourself, saying that she can handle it. What kind of brother are you?”

Shining’s mouth opened agape before he blushed. After a moment to gather his thoughts, he asked, “How do you know that?”

Silver Spoon turned her head to the side and responded, “I am always listening diligently when she tells stories about her and her friends’ adventures, and I can’t stand that after everything she has done for you, you’re going to ignore her struggles.” She pointed at the former guard captain accusingly and continued with a sharper tone, “What kind of brother always lets his sister do all the work and never returns the favour? Your special talent is to protect others, and yet you’re the one she needs to protect.”

With growing shame and humiliation, Shining lowered his head and whispered, “You really think… that I’m a bad brother?”

SIlver crossed her forelegs and said firmly, “A good brother would use barriers to protect his sister and her friends, or trap a giant monster in one, not enjoy a wedding while ignoring his sister’s suffering.”

“I… have to go,” Shining said before standing up and turning around. He gave Cadence a glance and said, “Please, keep a free place for me. I will be back as fast as I can.” He delivered a quick kiss on Cadence’s check before galloping away.

The alicorn looked between her husband and the young filly and asked, “Aren’t you a manipulative one?” Which sounded more like a statement than a question.

Silver frowned. “You call it manipulation, I call it loyalty. I’m just making sure that Princess Twilight gets all the help she can get in a time of danger.”

Cadence lowered herself to the filly and stroked her mane. “You seem to really admire her, funny she never mentioned you before. What’s your name?”

She didn’t mention me? Maybe Discord was manipulating ponies’ memories. That would explain a thing or two. “Silver Spoon,” she introduced herself. “Speaking of admiring, do you admire Twilight?”

“Admire?” Cadence asked as she rubbed her chin, her three legs still bend. “I suppose I do. She is an inspiration to us all, and I am really proud to have a sister in law like her.”

“As you should,” Silver said with a nod. “After what she did to help you save your wedding and next the Crystal Empire, I’m sure you owe her a lot.”

“However, your ‘sister in law’ is still a pony. She makes mistakes and is anything but invincible. Don’t you think that sisters should protect each other from dangers?”

“Are you trying to manipulate me as well?” Cadence asked, her cheerful smile replaced with a neutral one.

“You both worked together many times before. It would be a shame if your sister missed a wedding because you left her when she needed you the most,” Silver continued, keeping her poker face. “It is not like she did her best so you wouldn't miss yours.”

“Hey, that isn’t fair!” Cadence said before sitting down and raising a foreleg defensively. “I’m not as talented as Twilight when it comes to using combat magic, there’s not much I can do.”

Silver Spoon rolled her eyes and shook her foreleg dismissively. “Oh please. You both already faced a few giant worm-like monsters alongside Discord, so don’t give me that. Besides, weren’t you the one complaining about life in the Crystal Empire being predictable?”

Cadence massaged her forehead. “Fine, you win this round.” She turned around and spread her wings before flying. “Wait for me, Shining, I’m coming!”

Silver Spoon raised her head proudly. Discord zero, Princess’s secondary assistant one. She looked around and quickly noticed another chariot, this one with Celestia and Luna. It seems my job is not over yet. She smirked. Time to send Twilight the big guns.

The moment the chariot pulled by four pegasi landed and two alicorns were about to walk outside, Silver Spoon already positioned herself nearby, now staring up at the large alicorns.

Noticing it, Celestia looked down and asked, “Is something wrong my little pony?”

Silver nodded before jumping onto one of the chariot’s walls to get a better view of the princess, ignoring the glances she was receiving from the pegasi guards. “Something is wrong indeed.” Upon seeing a hint of worry peeking from behind the mask of authority, she continued, “Are you aware that Ponyville is under attack by a Bugbear?”

Luna narrowed her eyes before looking looking around, examining her surroundings, her guard raised.

The princess shook her head. “I was not informed, but I am more than certain that Twilight Sparkle has it under control.”

“And what if she or her friends end up getting hurt? Somepony as powerful as you can easily turn a dangerous battle into a certain victory,” Silver pointed out, doing her best to maintain balance on her four hooves as her body shook a few times.

“True, but I trust my former student. She and her friends can handle any threat and learn from it. I would not dare to take away the experience they would gain from from protecting Ponyville by making it too easy.”

Silver Spoon frowned, which caught both Princesses off guard. So that’s how you want to play, so be it. She cleared her throat with a cough and continued, “And what about your experience, Princess? If you will avoid facing danger and learn for yourself, how will you protect your subjects should a threat arise?” She carefully fixed her glasses. “Don’t you remember how Nightmare Moon nearly killed your student and her friends when they tried to save your sister? Don’t they deserve better?”

“Killed?” Luna asked, now in complete shock. “My memories from that event may be a bit hazy, but I am certain that we didn’t try to kill. Hurt maybe, scare away certainly, but not kill…” She blushed. “Well, maybe sending a manticore was a bit extreme…”

Celestia looked at her sister in surprise. “You… I mean, Nightmare Moon sent a manticore? I was certain that the obstacles she prepared were less lethal.”

Silver Spoon blinked in confusion. From what Twilight told her, Nightmare Moon went on a hunt once she learned that Twilight was Celestia’s student, doing everything in her power to destroy those who wished to unleash the Elements against her. But if Twilight’s story was accurate, Celestia herself did all in her power to keep Nightmare Moon busy. Did Discord influence even the other princesses’ memories?

“... Well, excuse me for trying to keep ponies away from devices that locked us in the moon for a thousand years. It is not like you did anything to stop me. All you did was hide until the Elements were used.”

“I kept my distance because I knew you wanted the worse for me while under the influence of Nightmare Moon, but I was certain that you would show mercy to my… our subjects,” Celestia responded.

“Ex-excuse me,” Silver Spoon interrupted. Now having both alicorn’s attention on herself, she said, “When Discord attacked Equestria, did you assist in searching for the Elements he hid?”

“I told you we should send guards or assist in searching ourselves, but nooo, you said we should wait for Discord to win, and next restore the morale of your student so she and her friends could capture him off guard.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Celestia responded, now once again facing her sister.

“What about the changeling invasion?” Silver pointed at Luna and asked, “You assisted against Chrysalis, didn’t you?”

The night princess blushed and shook her head shamefully. “I didn’t to my dishonor. A changeling disguised as a high ranking officer from the guards informed me about enemy activity far away from Canterlot, so I took my guard to investigate.” She grit her teeth and looked at her sister with a hint of hostility. “And after I came back, somepony kept me in the dark for a few weeks.”

“I didn’t want you to worry over minor details, sister. Everything ended well in the end, didn’t it?”

“Little details!” Luna stomped, barely restraining the strength of her voice. “Our capital was nearly taken over by an invasion force, and you call it a minor detail!”

I think I’m just making it worse, Silver thought before noticing a group of ponies from the corner of her eye. Twilight was embraced by Shining Armor who seemed to be crying while Cadence provided medical assistance with bandages and spells. Big Mac sat next to Applejack as they both stared in her direction.

Silver Spoon took a step back, only to lose her balance and fall from the chariot wall she stood on. She was caught in mid-air by a mix between golden and blue magical aura.

“Are you alright my little pony?” Celestia asked with concern, carefully placing the filly on the ground while Luna levitated glasses back onto her muzzle.

Silver Spoon nodded. “Yes, thank you, Your Highnesses.” She bowed. “Princess Twilight is approaching, so I shall take my leave.”

The moment both princesses turned to the source of the crying, Silver galloped inside the town hall and hid behind the wall. Her peace of mind didn't last long as she noticed the crusaders approaching her.

She looked towards the rear exit, only to notice Diamond Tiara coming from that direction with a determined stare.

Silver’s breathing became rapid as she felt trapped. Her wish to talk with Twilight in private out of her reach. How am I going to explain to everypony that Discord tampered with their memories? They will lock me in a white room for the mentally ill! She peeked outside, hoping against hope to see a window of opportunity to retreat.

Her eyes opened widely, eyelids shrunk and ears dropped. Right behind the four princesses, Captain of the Royal Guards, Equestria’s heroes and Big Mac was approaching some sort of musical vehicle filled with numerous ponies and cake. The music becoming louder with each passing second.

Silver slammed her forehoof against a wall, leaving a dent while fragments of wood fell down to the floor. She inhaled air into her lungs and shouted, “Curse you Discord!” while nearly hundred ponies flew over her head into the room. She slammed her forehead against the wall and closed her eyes, wishing it was just a one bad dream.

A group of ponies stood near the entrance, now staring at a grey filly, whose forehead was supported against a wall. None dared to say a word for a while minute as the filly was sitting still the whole time.

Twilight observed the filly with pity as she analyzed the newly acquired informations. Celestia and Luna went towards the table with gifts, Cadence escorted her husband towards free seats while trying to convince him that he wasn’t a failure of a brother. Big Mac and Applejack sighed and walked away silently to take their own spots to sit on.

With the princesses away, Twilight decided to speak, “Silver Spoon… right?” Upon not receiving any reaction, she continued, “I’ve heard that you convinced many ponies to help me today, is that true?”

“Thank you,” Twilight said, causing the filly to look at her in fear. “If you didn’t convince Applejack’s brother to help us, that fight would have lasted much longer. More homes would’ve been ruined, and we would be late for the wedding.”

Silver gulped as she glanced at the other princesses and Twilight’s brother. “You’re… not angry?”

Twilight shook her head. “Of course I’m not, though asking my brother and the other princesses was rather unnecessary. There was no need to bother them.”

“Bother?” Silver asked, her voice hoarse. “You and your friends risked your lives for us. Surely you aren’t trying to say that it wasn’t important enough for the other princesses to lift a hoof and help.”

Silver opened her mouth, but closed it immediately and lowered her head, now staring at the ground with dropped ears.

Twilight looked at her other friends with an awkward smile who shrugged, all besides Rainbow Dash who walked ahead and asked, “Aren’t you one of those bullies who made fun of Scootaloo?”

The orange filly nodded and spoke, “Yeah. She said that my team don’t need a pegasus who can’t even fly…” She rubbed her chin. “Or was it Diamond Tiara… I think they both did.”

“Is that true?” Twilight asked while Dash looked at the filly with hostility. Wings spread.

“It doesn’t matter what I say, you wouldn’t believe me anyway,” Silver said before turning to stare at the wall.

“I came up with the idea to make fun of Scootaloo’s disability so I could win the competition. Silver just followed my instructions like she always did. If you want to blame anypony, blame me,” Tiara said with determination, now staring at each crusader.

Rainbow Dash walked ahead of the crusaders and spread her wings protectively. She lowered her head to Diamond Tiara and spoke, “And why are you here, to bully the crusaders again?”

“I came to apologize!” Tiara shouted. Her voice barely hearable among the talking crowd, but the three fillies heard it clearly.

“Even when the teacher asked you too,” Scootaloo said. “You prefered to get yelled at by Miss Cheerilee than apologize.”

Apple Bloom nodded. “It took yer dad to make ya apologize, and Ah doubt that was honest.”

Scootaloo pointed at Tiara and said with an angry voice, “How can we be sure your apology is honest, and why are you doing it in the first place?”

Diamond Tiara grit her teeth before looking around, making sure that everypony in the crowd were now staring ahead at the marrying couple, especially Applejack. She turned to the crusaders and lowered her head. “I apologize for bullying you this whole time. I was a mean pony, and I am sorry for that.” She raised her head and glanced at Scootaloo who was now rubbing her eyes in disbelief. “If my friend wants a ceasefire, I will accept her terms.” She stood up and looked at Silver Spoon, “Happy?” before galloping towards the exit.

“That was… weird,” Dash said. She poked Scootaloo’s back with her wing and pointed at nearby seats. “The wedding is starting, wanna sit next to me?”

“Of course I do!” Scootaloo responded, quickly recovering from her shock as her wings flapped rapidly.

Rarity followed Dash’s example and escorted Sweetie Belle while Apple Bloom decided to join Applejack on the balcony, giving Silver Spoon a grateful glance. Pinkie Pie grabbed the filly and helped her get to her destination with one solid jump, as always ignoring the rules of gravity.

Now being left with only Silver Spoon and Fluttershy, Twilight glanced at the lone changeling having a seat of his own without a care in the world. While a group of fillies and colts seemed terrified of the creature, it didn’t seem dangerous or hostile in any way. I better keep an eye on this unique guest, just in case, but first... She thought before looking back to the filly before her, the one she had wanted to talk with before the monstrous interruption.

“Silver Spoon, we need to talk,” Twilight said firmly while pointing towards the exit.

“You mean that Discord is involved in messing around?” Twilight said, receiving a curious stare from Fluttershy a moment later, as well as a hopeful look form the filly.

Twilight nodded. “I did some research and I have my theories, but I need to talk with you to confirm them.”

“Are you sure, Twilight? You said yourself that he wasn’t responsible for the mess caused two days ago. What if it is a misunderstanding?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight shook her head. “I’m afraid not. If my theory is correct, he messed with the fabric of space itself.”

Exchange of Spoons (Revised)

by CommanderX5

Chapter 6 - Bugbear’s Rampage - Part 2