//------------------------------//
// Replacement 
// Story: Dented Silver 
// by Manaphy 
//------------------------------//

	In the blink of an eye, tomorrow arrived with the clock mere minutes away from striking noon. And as Silver Spoon jotted down notes from Miss Cheerilee's lecture as usual, she could've sworn the talk with her schoolteacher occurred mere minutes ago. While a chill still lingered in her spine, Silver Spoon glancing toward Diamond as the latter lazily tossed paper balls at Apple Bloom, the current climate had a more welcoming sensation than yesterday's did. Perhaps unloading her emotions onto Miss Cheerilee worked out in the end after all. Almost everything fell back into place.

However, Diamond acted as though Silver Spoon turned into a ghost. The same could be said for the rest of the ponies sans Cheerilee for most of the day, as nopony even batted an eye at her. The most attention she received was when she trotted into class a few hours ago, all eyes locked onto her for a few seconds.

And then, nothing.

"Maybe they already know."

Silver Spoon did call out Diamond's name before class started about three and a half hours ago, though a swish of her tail was all she received. And whenever the pair made eye contact, instead of cracking a joke at the Cutie Mark Crusaders' expense or Diamond detailing the afternoon's plans, not a word left her mouth or a gesture performed.

Silver Spoon clenched her teeth. If she could avoid making a scene, she figured it'd all smooth out in the end. Asking the same for Diamond, the same filly who threw a fit over not being able to haggle two days ago, seemed to be impossible.

"Diamond Tiara?" Cheerilee asked. Silver Spoon brought her attention back to reality; her eyes focused on Diamond's sheepish smirk. "Who was the founder of the Wonderbolts?"

Diamond rubbed the back of her neck, cheeks flushed. "Don't worry, Miss Cheerilee," she chimed. "I totally know this. Like, let me just think about it for a second, okay?"

Silver Spoon caught Sweetie Belle rolling her eyes. Her lips moved as she whispered, "Here we go again. We can tell she doesn't know this. Watch, she'll ask for Silver Spoon to give the answer again and pretend it was all her doing." After a filly in the back muttered something inaudible, the spitting sounds of Scootaloo and Featherweight trying to hold back laughter soon reached Silver Spoon's ears.

And in the midst of the two pegasi's giggling fit, Silver Spoon made eye contact with Sweetie, the latter cracking the faintest of smiles. Silver Spoon blinked; a blank expression was planted on her visage. Waving to Sweetie just as she did at Sugarcube Corner, the white filly responded with a brief gesture of her own.

"It makes ya wonder why Diamond Tiara gets so mad about smart foals," Scootaloo whispered.

Scootaloo's words echoed in Silver Spoon's ears. She couldn't help but think of the irony behind some of Diamond's behavior.

"That's great to hear, Diamond Tiara." Cheerilee said in a monotone voice. Diamond placed her hooves on the back of her head. "So then, what's the correct answer?"

Shuddering, Diamond straightened her seating position, cheeks pale. "The answer?"

"Yes, Diamond." A faint groan left Cheerilee's lips. "Not everypony here may know the correct answer, so if you would be so kind as to share with the rest of the class, please. Somepony here wants to know, after all."

"Like, it's not as if I need to share the answer." Diamond's shoulders perked up; her eyes sparkled. "Yeah, that's it! The answer is so obvious!"

Cheerilee furrowed her brow. "Diamond Tiara." Stomping her hoof on the ground, the classroom shook as though an earthquake rumbled beneath them; Silver Spoon's heart lodged itself into her throat for a split second. "Answer the question, please."

"Well, you see, the answer is—um—" Diamond bit her lip. She glanced over to Silver Spoon, but before the gray filly could even say a peep, Diamond orated, "It's Captain Dodo! You know, Scoo—"

"Diamond Tiara!" A fire ignited within Cheerilee's eyes; her face turned red. Even the air within the room turned thin, some of the foals' mouths gaping at Diamond and Cheerilee. "And don't pretend like I don't know what the second part was for. Do you want detention after class or not?"

Diamond shook her head. "No, Miss Cheerilee. I'm a good student." She pressed her hooves together; a crooked, mile-wide smile adorned her visage. "I'd never wrong a fellow student like that, right?"

The class fell silent, two dozen or so bemused expressions locked onto Diamond. A bead of sweat trickled down the filly's forehead.

"Regardless, I'm giving you a warning," Cheerilee said. With heavy steps, she trotted away from Diamond, her muzzle scrunched. "Do it again today, and you'll definitely be heading to detention."

As Diamond scooted toward the chair's wooden backrest, Silver Spoon reached a hoof out to her. However, instead of being greeted with her serene words, the filly's pink hoof pushed Silver Spoon's as if shooing her away. Silver Spoon did as instructed, though her heart ached nonetheless. Perhaps Diamond desired them going their separate ways; maybe the bush from yesterday was somepony spying on her all along.

Silver Spoon shook her head. Diamond had to have caught the same tiredness bug she'd been accusing her of catching over the past few days. Sure, she noticed the lack of drooping, bloodshot eyes or yawns escaping the filly's throat, but the same external conditions covered Silver Spoon's visage those days. Placing her pencil down, Silver Spoon exhaled, the tightness in her muscles loosening.

"Silver Spoon, can you answer the question for us, please?" Cheerilee asked.

Shuddering in surprise and ears perked, Silver Spoon made eye contact with the fuchsia mare. "I can try," she muttered. She noticed Cheerilee's lips curling into a soft smile. It was as though Cheerilee unconsciously guided Silver Spoon along a road, the act of speaking up in class the destination. Silver Spoon took a quick breath. "It was General Firefly! She founded the organization eleven years after Nightmare Moon's banishment in order to lift the spirits of Equestria after said incident. The Wonderbolts were also founded to help protect the populace."

"That's correct!" Cheerilee clapped her hooves. "And you even added some more to your answer." A soft, innocent snicker left her mouth. "I think somepony has been reading ahead."

Blushing, Silver Spoon rubbed the back of her neck. She chuckled. "Yeah, it's a surprisingly interesting subject." She glanced over to Diamond; the pink filly scowled with her head hung low and averted her gaze. "It's—not often you get so attached to a subject, especially for somepony like me."

"I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it so much." Cheerilee paused; she glanced over to the clock above the scribbled on chalkboard and then back to the students. "Well, since lunch starts in about a minute, I think we'll end our history lesson here and pick it up tomorrow." Cheerilee paused and caught her breath. "Getting all strict has tuckered me out. Sorry if I scared the more sensitive ponies here." Her cheeks reddened for a second. "Anyway, when we get back from lunch, we'll work more on introductory algebra." Shuffling back to her desk as though she anticipated an explosion, Cheerilee then rummaged through her desk. She procured a brown bag filled with something, then plopped it onto the wooden surface. "You're free to head on over to the lunch tables and playground until the bell rings."

The foals leaped out of their chairs like springs. Most of them dashed toward the back door while a few others casually trotted toward it; all of them lined up single file soon enough and passed through without difficulty. Silver Spoon found herself within the middle of the winding line, arching an eyebrow as she observed such an orderly march and curious if school still being technically in session had to do with it.

"Silver Spoon?" a squeaky voice called out. The gray filly's blood froze as she turned toward the voice's owner. It belonged to Sweetie Belle. "Can I ask you something quick?"

Silver Spoon shifted her eyes toward the playground; Diamond was already at the lunch tables and gossiping with Tootsie Flute and Archer by her side, almost as if Silver Spoon was a stranger. Sighing, she gazed into Sweetie's eyes. "If it's brief, sure," she muttered.

"I saw you at Sugarcube Corner two days ago, and I noticed you were acting—friendlier toward me." Sweetie shrugged. "I mean, you waved at me and all in a nice way. And then you did it again."

Silver Spoon nodded. "Yeah, I did. Why do you bring this up now?"

"All I wanted to say was—I hope you're becoming nicer and this isn't some elaborate prank. It'd be cool if you were nicer. Same goes for your friend." Sweetie cracked a slight smirk, eyes twinkling. "A class where we all got along would be more fun."

"Maybe." Swishing her tail, Silver Spoon then crossed her forelegs. "Anyway, I didn't want to cause a scene back then. Making fun of a blank flank in a public place is a recipe for disaster, you know. And as for Diamond Tiara—" Silver Spoon's throat tightened as if they tried to prevent the words from leaving her mouth "—it's complicated."

"Oh." Sweetie's shoulders sagged. Perhaps she hoped Silver Spoon made progress toward becoming kinder to her, but with all the things she did to the unicorn filly in the past, why she'd wish for such a thing eluded her mind. "Well, I guess I'll get going now."

Not another peep escaped Sweetie's lips as she trotted over to the playground; her hooves flailed back and forth with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo responding in kind. Silver Spoon twiddled her braid as she watched the filly gallop farther away.

"What's with Sweetie Belle?" she asked herself. "Why would she be interested in me?" Rubbing the top of her head, Silver Spoon rolled her eyes and sighed a few seconds later. "Why am I wasting my time? She just wanted to make sure I wasn't planning anything. She didn't want to be something like my—" Silver Spoon almost threw up in her mouth "—friend. That's impossible, especially in regards to a blank flank."

Silver Spoon blinked, only she and Cheerilee still stood within the classroom's confines. Glancing up to where her teacher sat, Silver Spoon then gave Cheerilee a quick wave.

"Silver Spoon, you should eat up with the other foals," Cheerilee said. A bright smile decorated her face. "Even if you don't make a friend today, there's always a chance you will in the near future. You just have to put yourself out there. You just spoke a bit with Sweetie Belle, right?"

"I did," Silver Spoon replied. Shrugging, she approached the doorway leading to the playground. "Though it wasn't the best conversation out there. She wanted to make sure I wasn't trying to trick her because I was friendlier to her in Sugarcube Corner a few days ago."

'Well, maybe you should spend time with her one day. Try and get to know her better. Who knows, maybe you'll become friends."

Shivering as though a snowstorm tore through the classroom, Silver Spoon's breaths quickened, pupils shrunk. "Become friends with Sweetie Belle?"

Cheerilee nodded. "That's correct." She then cocked her head. "What's wrong with that? Other than the history you two share, that is."

"It's that us becoming friends because of that history is impossible. I have a better shot at becoming friends with Princess Luna or Coco Pommel than I do with her."

"Well, even celebrities known to be shy in public make new or even unexpected friends at times. When it comes to friendship, you never know who'll become a friend in the future."

Silver Spoon shrugged. "I-I guess." She peeked out of the doorway, the shimmering dew atop the blades of grass and the packed tables capturing her attention. A soft grumbling sound reached her ears; her stomach tickled somewhat. "Well, I better go have lunch." She swiveled her head back to Miss Cheerilee and waved. "I'll see you later, Miss Cheerilee."

"Same here, Silver Spoon!"

Silver Spoon trotted across the open grassland which made up the playground; the clean air coupled with the flowers' pungent aroma soothed her nostrils. The swings, the courts set aside for sporting activities, and the metallic mesh known as the jungle gym or the Bruise Maker all resided to her left. The lunch tables shielded by a blue tarp rested on her right. However, with each step she took toward the neatly arranged tables, the tighter the knot in her chest became. Glancing over to where Diamond sat, Silver Spoon waved a hoof at the pink filly.

But no response arrived. She tried once more, though she reached the same result.

"Diamond Tiara?" Silver Spoon meekly asked.

Diamond averted her gaze from Silver Spoon. "Tootsie Flute, remember the time I rode atop that float and tried singing a song? Like, it was so embarrassing," she gossiped. Pausing, Diamond glanced over to Silver Spoon, her brow ruffled. "Look, I now know more about you than I wish I did, so could you leave me alone? I don't want to talk to you or deal with you right now, okay?"

Silver Spoon sulked, head hung low. "Okay."

Sighing, Silver Spoon turned away from the table. She knew to avoid making a scene, after all, just as she thought before. Either Diamond cut ties with her for good, or she just wasn't in the mood to talk with her for some reason. Silver Spoon silently wished for the latter to be the case; her lips puckered up a tad.

Maybe friendship isn't cut out for me. Silver Spoon scanned the filled tables, almost everypony with at least one friend. I guess I'll need to adapt.

And it wasn't as though she'd find luck anywhere else. Most of the tables were either filled to the brim or occupied by foals she knew would shoo her away for being a bully or occupied by foals she didn't know how to approach. With drooping shoulders, Silver Spoon trudged toward one of the emptier tables, Twist the only one seated there. She made sure to keep her distance from the filly she once teased with Diamond. And with another deep breath, she sat down and focused on eating her sack lunch.

Inside her somewhat crumpled bag, a neatly stacked sandwich, an apple, and a small bottle of water awaited her. Silver Spoon smiled faintly. The meals prepared for her always pleased her taste buds; she made sure to thank her generous mother for preparing them each school day, especially given the quality of each component.

As she licked her lips and finished eating, Silver Spoon noticed Twist nudging a few inches closer to her. She lifted her glasses and rubbed her eyes, now spotting Twist even closer to her as her vision cleared up. All she could muster was cocking her head with a raised brow.

"What are you doing by your lonesome?" Twist asked; her lisp was still evident, but less defined than a few months ago. "Don't you hang out with that Diamond Tiara and tease others?"

"I-I used to," Silver Spoon replied. She sighed, her head hung low. While Twist wasn't the first foal she thought she'd chat with today, at least she was better than a Cutie Mark Crusader or nothing. "Well, I think I may have offended her."

"How so?"

"I regretted some of the things we did."

Twist cocked her head. "I don't see how that's a bad thing."

"It is to Di—Diamond Tiara." Silver Spoon paused. Biting her lip, she knew the fateful opportunity arose. "Twist." She raised her head and sighed. "I'm sorry for bullying you from before. I acted inappropriately back then and should've known better."

"Well, I was kinda expecting that, to be honest." Twist grasped onto Silver Spoon's hoof; the grip was tight and warm. "I think the school knows how you're feeling, so—"

Leaping up in surprise as though a thunderbolt struck her, Silver Spoon's heart skipped a beat. "W-what are you talking about?"

"You heard about the big gossip story of the day, right?"

Silver Spoon's pupils shrunk; her eyes widened. "Let me guess, it's about—"

"Your talk with Miss Cheerilee," Twist finished for Silver Spoon.

"But how did you know?" With her hoof, Silver Spoon forced her gaping mouth closed. "Like, I don't ever see you gossiping."

Twist's ears twitched. A soft chuckle left her lips. "Well, I'll admit that I sometimes listen in on conversations, usually louder ones. It came up before class started and before you arrived." Twist pressed her hooves together; she smiled sheepishly. "See, I get curious a lot, and that's how I sometimes pass the time."

"So somepony was spying on me." Silver Spoon gnashed her teeth, her blood about to boil. "So much for the magic of friendship, Diamond Tiara. It had to be her. She did the same slimy tactics for the Foal Free Press a while ago."

"Well, it actually wasn't Diamond Tiara who discovered it." Shrugging, Twist then adjusted her glasses. "I mean, she was the one who shared it to everypony but you, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and I, but it was somepony else who spied on you."

"She wasn't?" Silver Spoon slid a few inches closer to Twist. "Well, who was it? Tell me!"

"Nopony knows. Diamond said it was a pony known as No Name." Twist paused for a second. "However, there's no doubt he or she is a part of this class."

"What makes you say that?"

Twist leaned over to Silver Spoon's ear and whispered."She's a part of this class. Diamond Tiara accidentally mentioned that part, but took it back and pretended nothing happened. Just don't tell anypony I know that, okay?"

"How come? It doesn't sound like anything I'd need to keep a secret."

Twist shuddered, eyes widened and pupils shrunk. She backed away to give Silver Spoon more breathing room, then regained her composure. "I-I don't want to anger her. You know what she's like when somepony spills something she wants secret."

"I think—oh, right." The 'Letter and Dinky Incident' was best forgotten by everyone, the only time Diamond ever apologized for something and meant it. Dinky Hooves still glanced over at Diamond and shuffled away to this day. "I'll keep it between the two of us," Silver Spoon murmured. "Well, at least that will make finding out much easier." She attentively scanned the playground; most of her classmates already huddled up at the structures and courts in place. Balls bounced up and down, colliding with foals' hooves, whilst others climbed all over the place or swung back and forth like a pendulum. Somepony within one of the miasmas had to be the spy. "Still, asking everypony here is something I'd—rather not do."

"I know what you mean. Ever since Apple Bloom and I split up, I've kinda avoided talking with others for the most part." Twist paused. "But I'm hanging in there." She cracked the faintest of grins. "By the way, you're different since I last saw you. Seeing you—the new you—now made me want to try again. It's hard to explain why, however."

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow; she rubbed her muzzle for a moment, curiosity piqued. "Why did the blank—I mean, why did Apple Bloom even leave you?" Twist glanced at the grass below and puckered her lips. "I understand if you don't want to answer."

"I don't know. It just kinda happened when I got my cutie mark. I wish I got to spend more time with her, but she almost never recognizes me."

"So she was jealous? Figures, as she's—" Silver Spoon cut herself off. Tears or grief from either of them were the last thing she needed. "Well, she's kind of like that, I'd imagine. Still, I understand why it upsets you."

Twist nodded. "Yeah." Her eyes darted over to where the Cutie Mark Crusaders stood, Diamond pacing around them like a beast circling its prey. "Come to think of it, how come you and Diamond Tiara started leaving me alone?"

Silver Spoon tugged her braid, face tautened. "Well, I did, but Diamond sometimes whispered things behind your back."

"Oh."

"She thought I was going to become friends with you since we both wore glasses."

Twist chuckled. "Not because we have similar interests or get along, but glasses of all things." She rolled her eyes, but her smile brightened. "That makes total sense."

Silver Spoon snickered back. "Yeah, that's Diamond Tiara for you. You won't believe the stuff she says, and it's a miracle whenever I can keep a straight face." She cleared her throat; the tension in her muscles dissipating. "By the way, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course." Twist nodded. "Ask away."

"Why did you come up to speak to me? I mean, I'm only asking because of how I used to tease you."

"Well, you don't tease me like you used to. Also, the gossip I heard plus seeing you having lunch tipped me off."

"But I didn't even apologize to you." Silver Spoon cocked her head; a bemused expression adorned her face. "Shouldn't you hold a grudge against me? You know, like how the Cutie Mark Crusaders do?"

Twist shook her head. "Silver Spoon, I'm not one to hold grudges. I take the lessons Princess Celestia outlined in her famous book, Friendship, Society, and You, to heart. It's worth a read."

"I've been meaning to get to that." Silver Spoon cracked a smile; something about Twist sharing an appreciation touched her heart. It had a resemblance to when she became friends with Diamond. Only this came with a warmth akin to being wrapped in a blanket instead of just the ticklish part. "Given its importance to Equestrian culture over the years, I should read it sooner than later. Thanks for reminding me, um, Twist."

"Sure thing."

"See, I told you you'd find a new friend soon enough," Cheerilee called out from afar. Silver Spoon peeked behind Twist to find her teacher trotting with a skip in her step. She wore a radiant smile brighter than the sun, both foals attentively staring into her bright eyes. "I can already tell you two will get along greatly."

"Hey, Miss Cheerilee," Silver Spoon said. "Well, I haven't made the transition to friend just yet—I think. I don't know what that's like." Silver Spoon blushed. Twist was everything she could've asked for in a friend; she was already a friend according to the definition. Explaining it to Diamond should she come back to her, however, was the tough part of it all. "Maybe I'll find out soon enough."

Cheerilee winked. "Oh, but I can see a friendship just about to blossom. When I got to know the real you more, I had a feeling you'd get along great with Twist."

"You make a good point, Miss Cheerilee," Twist added. She brought her eyes back to Silver Spoon. "Also, before you say anything, I accept your apology." Twist rubbed the back of her neck; she donned a sheepish smile. "I know it was probably on your mind, and I think I should've said that earlier."

"Thank you, Twist. You're so kind." Silver Spoon placed a hoof to her chest. Her coat was warm and comforting, yet a bit sore at the same time. "I wish I was kind already."

"You'll get there soon enough. Canterlot wasn't built in a day, you know. Stick with me, and you'll learn soon enough."

"Are you sure? I'm going to be a bit bratty at times, so can you handle it?"

"I can handle it."

"And—will I repair my friendship with Diamond Tiara?"

With sagging shoulders, Twist let out a sigh. "That's one thing I don't know how to help with. Sorry."

Silver Spoon groaned; she buried her head into her forelegs.

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Twist rubbed Silver Spoon's back. "I'd help if I knew how."

Silver Spoon raised her head, eyes shimmering. "It's okay, Twist. It's just—I had fun with Diamond Tiara in the past, and I don't want to lose that forever."

"Silver Spoon, I have something I'd like to ask," Cheerilee said, hoof raised.

"Fire away, Miss Cheerilee."

"What was the most fun you've had with Diamond Tiara? And when you look back on it, do you still find it fun?" Cheerilee assumed a straight expression. "If you don't want to answer, I understand."

"It's okay." Silver Spoon closed her eyes. The parties Diamond held and invited her with the upper crust to involved Silver Spoon yawning or rummaging through the bookshelves in the hopes of finding something to read in private. Hiding the books from Diamond was kind of fun, though it was an awkward kind of fun. "I'll—need some time to think about it."

"That's fair." Cheerilee gently rubbed the top of Silver Spoon's head. "I only asked because I wanted to get to know your relationship with Diamond Tiara a little better. It could be helpful in repairing your friendship—or at least get along." She knelt down; her eyes level with Silver Spoon's. It was as though Cheerilee stared into the gray filly's soul. "Silver Spoon."

"Yes, Miss Cheerilee."

"If anything comes up regarding my question, feel free to let me know. I know how much Diamond Tiara means to you. I'll try to help out with your relationship if you need it, but what's most important is that you make the decision on where to go from here." Cheerilee poked Silver Spoon's chest; a giggle left the latter's lips. "After all, the pony who knows Silver Spoon the best is Silver Spoon."

Silver Spoon nodded. "Yep." She couldn't argue with Cheerilee's words there. Taking a deep breath, she swiveled her head toward Twist. "Twist, do you think we could—" Silver Spoon twiddled with her braid "—you know—spend some time together in the future? I'd like to get to know you a bit better."

"I'd love to! Why don't you come over to my house in a few days and we can do all sorts of stuff together!"

"Then it's settled."

Just then, a blaring chime polluted the air, all the foals hopping and skipping across the playground freezing in place. Those airborne landed on all four hooves; they and the rest of the class all trudged across the grass and toward the classroom with static expressions and any energy the students had siphoned out. It was the usual response to this particular ringing, though Silver Spoon couldn't help but chuckle after seeing it from afar for the first time.

"Okay, class!" Miss Cheerilee orated. She approached the open door. "Let's all settle back in the classroom and begin the day's next lesson!"

Silver Spoon and Twist propped themselves up in a flash; they shook hooves.

"Well, it was nice talking to you, Twist," Silver Spoon said. "You know, you're a good pony. I wish I knew that earlier."

"You're a nice pony as well, Silver Spoon," Twist responded. "Well, the new you is pleasant." She rubbed Silver Spoon's shoulder, the soft motion comfortable. "Well, let's get back to class. Knowledge awaits us!"

"Sounds like my kind of day." Silver Spoon nodded; she followed Twist back into the classroom with her head held up high. While some of the aches regarding Diamond still lingered within her, finding a new acquaintance greatly lessened the impact. Of course, explaining to Diamond her relationship with Twist should the former return to her would be complicated, though the dread of doing so dissipated bit by bit as the seconds passed.

The rest of the day's lesson flew past, Silver Spoon's seating posture perkier than before and her writing faster than ever without losing its cleanliness. She'd raise her hoof when a question was asked and provided the correct answer whenever she happened to be called on; each question she or others received excited her brain as it hungered for more.

Other than Twist, the rest of the class never batted an eye at her as before. At least somepony acknowledged her existence, a step up from zero not too long ago.

However, Silver Spoon's eyes remained glued to a new message adorning the chalkboard before her.

Groups for class project assigned tomorrow!

Silver Spoon knew said groups were randomly assigned, the idea of getting a Cutie Mark Crusader or the spy as a 'partner' tensing her throat. As usual, tomorrow would either be a wonderful day or a dreadful one.