Bully No More

by rocklobster

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Babs Seed, Sad, Applejack, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Silver Spoon
Length: 3505

Silver Spoon gives it all up: No more bullying

She had decided it didn't matter. She had a cutie mark she never wanted, so she decided to become what was expected of her.
But she never expected it to lead to this. Not to death. She never wanted this karma.
Was there still hope? Could she change?

Published 2014-04-30 15:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-08-10 18:31:28 UTC

A Visit From Babs

Author's Note

I thought it might be a good challenge to try to add some depth to Silver Spoon and attempt to reform her. I also included Babs because I really wanted to see her again in Season 4.

A Visit From Babs

Applejack was taking a lunch break from a morning of harvesting apples, when there was a knock at the door. She got up and opened the door and saw Derpy. She smiled because it was always great to see Derpy, even if the mail was all bills. The mail-mare's bright smile always seemed to brighten the darkest days.

"Well, how ya doin, Derpy?" she said.

"Just fine, AJ." she said. She set down her saddlebag. "Is Applebloom around?" I got a letter for her."

"She's in her room readin' a book Twilight gave 'er." Applejack nodded. She walked to Applebloom's room and knocked on the door.

Applebloom opened the door. "What's up?"

"Derpy's got a letter fer you, sugar cube." Applejack answered.

"Okie-dokie-lokie." said Applebloom. "Just need ta put my bookmark in." She set the book down and followed Applejack.

"Howdy, Ms. Hooves." said Applebloom.

"Here you go, Applebloom. By the way, thanks for tutoring Dinky."

"You're welcome. Did she do good on the multiplication test?"

"Yep." Derpy nodded. "Here you go."

Applebloom took the letter and opened it. Derpy nodded and said, "Well, I gotta stop at Sugar Cube Corner and get some lunch. See you." She turned around and took off.

"So, who's it from?" Applejack asked.

"It's from Babs!" Applebloom exclaimed.

"'Dear Applebloom, I thought I'd let you know I'm coming to Ponyville again. But, I'm not alone. I got a new Crusadah for you to meet."

"That's great!" Applejack exclaimed.

"'I got a picture fer ya so you can see what he looks like." Applebloom continued to read. She turned the letter over and saw a picture of a blue Earth pony with glasses and a big Afro-style mane. He was in a wheelchair. Applebloom noticed a note that was pinned to the picture with a paperclip that read "Sketch", which she assumed was the pony's name.
"He likes to sit around and draw during recess." Applebloom continued to read. "You should see the drawings he's done so far. They kind of make me jealous that I can't draw like that."
"Applejack, we need to fix the clubhouse. We got a ramp, but it will not be a pleasant ride for Sketch."
"You're probably right. I'll get Big Mac to help ya'll out."

The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were fixing the ramp while Big Mac supervised.

"So, what's this Sketch dude like?" Scootaloo asked.

"Babs said she likes to draw." Applebloom said. "He's always going out to the playground and drawing whatever he sees."
Sweetie Belle put in the last plank and Big Mac helped set it. "Sounds swell. I wonder he'll show us some of his stuff."

The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Applejack went to the Ponyville train station to wait for the train from Manehattan.

The train stopped and several passengers departed. Applebloom looked into each window, hoping to see her favorite cousin and their newest member first.

Moments later, a familiar brown Earth Pony with a pink main and tail exited the train. She trotted up to Appleboom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle and they did a group hug.
"Babs!" they shouted in unison.

"Scoots! Sweetie! Applebloom!" Babs greeted her friends and her cousin.

"So, things going all right in school?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah, ah guess." Babs said. She turned around and went back to the train. Moments later, she pushed a wheelchair-bound pony out.

"Everypony, this is Sketch." Babs said. "Sketch, meet my cousin Applebloom, and her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle."

Scootaloo realized something different about Babs. When they first met her, Babs was uneasy around them. She was always looking away and her tail would shamefully hide her blank flank. She felt no confidence around them or anyone else, for that matter. Because of this, she had faked disdain when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were around, hoping they'd see her as a peer and leave her alone. She soon realized her mistake and made amends, even promising to start her own chapter of the Cutie Mark Crusaders in Manehattan. Her mother approved, telling her safety in numbers was a good thing.

Today, things were different. Babs seemed proud. Her tail no longer drooped to one side to hide her shame.

"Are you sure they won't make fun of me?" Sketch asked. "They won't stare and point?"

"No, we won't." Scootaloo stepped forward. "My friend, Rainbow Dash met somepony just like you once and told me never to stare at ponies in wheelchairs. I want to be just as cool as Rainbow Dash, so I won't."

"I want to be just as kind and generous as my big sister, Rarity." Sweetie Belle said. "She's never been one to make fun of somepony. And I won't either."

"That's right, Sketch." Applebloom sported the warmest smile she could make. "My sister, Applejack, never lies. I don't either."

"Ya see?" Babs beamed. "Told ya they wuz on da level."

"C'mon, let's go to our clubhouse." Applebloom beamed. "Ah wanna see those pictures Babs told me about."

"They aren't all that great." Sketch said.

"Why don't we see for ourselves?" Scootaloo said, motioning for everypony to follow her as she hopped onto her scooter.

As she got behind Sketch's wheelchair to help push, Sweetie Belle whispered, "Scootaloo might never fly. "We don't make fun of her. So you're safe with us."

They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, where they were greeted by Applejack and the family's border collie, Winona. Winona bolted for Sketch and licked him all over.

"OK, OK, I guess I'm glad to see you too." Sketch laughed.

"She won't hurt you." said Applejack as she removed her Stetson. "We fixed up the treehouse fer ya."

"Ee-yup!" Big Mac said.

"Come and see." Applejack encouraged.

Sweetie Belle pushed the wheelchair to the new ramp for the treehouse.

Babs said to Scootaloo. "You do have a shorter version of the pledge, right?" The last time, Scootaloo had written a very, very long pledge with every single synonym for friend and sister they had found in Twilight's thesaurus.

Scootaloo laughed. "Yeah, I got a little carried away last time, I admit it."

Scootaloo got up on the podium and cleared her throat. "Sketch, we are here to induct you into the Cutie Mark Crusaders as a friend, sister, and confidant."

She stepped down and said to Babs "See? Told you it was shorter."

"Do you like the cape?" Sweetie Belle asked. "It was made by my sister. She runs the Carousel Boutique, the best place in Ponyville to shop for clothes, if not all of Equestria."

"It's okay, I guess." Sketch said.

A Ripped Sketch

The CMC brought their new friend over to Sugar Cube Corner, where they were greeted by Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, since they just inducted you into the Crusaders, let's throw a party!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Um, Pinkie, Sketch really isn't the partying type." Babs said.

It was quite obvious Sketch didn't like being the center of attention. He seemed uncomfortable around everypony.

"Why's that?" Pinkie asked.

"He's never been one to open up. Ponies are always picking on him." Babs explained. "If it weren't for me standing up for him, he'd have no friends at all."

"That's just terrible." said Mrs. Cake.

"Well you have nothing to worry about." Pinkie said. "I won't make fun of you. Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a cupcake in my eye." She actually smashed a cupcake in her eye.

Sketch laughed nervously.

"Ah, I got you to smile!" Pinkie beamed. "My work here is done." She trotted off singing to herself.

"That's our Pinkie. She always goes out of her way to make you feel special." said Mr. Cake.

"Babs told us you like to draw." Sweetie Belle said. "Can we see them?"

"Oh, they're nothing special." Sketch looked away.

"We'll be the judges of that." Scootaloo urged. "C'mon, let's see what they look like."

Sketch looked at Babs and Babs nodded. So she reached into a bag on the side of his chair and pulled out his pad.

The first picture he showed them was of an oak tree with a bluebird perched in it.

"Hey, this isn't bad." Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo nodded. "I don't know much about art, but I like it."

"Well, well, if it isn't the loser trio." a familiar voice interrupted them.

'Oh, not now." Babs muttered to herself.

"Ooh, and their friend from Lame-hattan is here too." a gray mare chimed in.

"And look who's with them." said Diamond Tiara. "A lame pony."

"Like, a lame lame pony. Get it?" said Silver Spoon. "Must be really lame to be around someone like him."

"You know, we thought you were cool when you stuck around with us and picked on your cousin and her friends. But then you had to turn around and hang with those losers." Diamond Tiara said.

Babs had heard enough. "Ugh! Have you two ever thought of, oh, I don't know, a new hobby? Your material is stale."

"Babs is right, leave Sketch alone." Scootaloo joined in.

"Picking on us is one thing. But picking on our new friend just because he's in a wheelchair is low!" Sweetie Belle said. "Where were you when Celestia handed out guardian angels?"

Diamond Tiara realized they weren't reaching anyone. Silver Spoon noticed Sketch's drawing. "What's this?"

"It's just...a drawing." Sketch stammered.

"Beat it! I said leave!" Babs yelled. "Before I really get steamed.

Silver Spoon snatched Sketch's pad and began ripping every single drawing. Then she let the ripped pieces of paper fly around them.

"You know, Sketch, Babs isn't fooling us" Silver Spoon said. "She was one of us. What makes you think she won't trn on you?"

Sketch looked at Babs and asked "Is that true?"

"Yeah! Like, she stuck around us because she knew we were cool!" Silver Spoon nodded.

"I...I thought you liked me." Sketch said "But if you were as bad as them once, I'm not sure I can trust you." Sketch stammered again.

"But I'm you're friend." Babs tried to say.

"For how long?" Sketch asked.

"I..."

"Look, I need to be alone, okay?" Sketch sped off.

"Sketch?" Apple Bloom went after him.

"We'd better go after her." Scootloo said. "Come on."

Babs glared at the bullies. "This isn't over."

A Stupid Cliche

The Crusaders and Babs found Sketch back at Sweet Apple Acres. He was in the guest room. Apple Bloom told her sister what happened.
"Why do they waster their time making everypony miserable?" Applejack asked.
"That's the million-bit question." Babs said. "I was really hoping I could show him that nice ponies like you exist. But they've ruined that now. He's probably not going to want to be around now. We'd better get back home."
"Don't let them get you down, Babs." said Scootaloo. "I just wish there was some way to make them stop."
Sweetie Belle was standing at the guest room door, trying to think of some way to get Sketch to come out.
"If it's any help, I liked your drawings." she tried.
She heard nothing on the other side of the door. She opened it slowly and walked over to his wheelchair. Sketch was too quiet. She saw an open pill bottle on the floor. She picked it up and saw that it was empty. She remembered how Cheerilee had taught her classmates to check for a pulse. There was one, but very weak.
She ran downstairs to get the others.
"He's done it. He'd been taking those pills to fight off his depression." Babs shook her head. "There might still be a chance. We'd better get him to a hospital. I'm going to the Spoons' mansion. I know where it is from last time."
Applejack intercepted her at the front door. "No. You're not going anywhere. You're not thinking calmly."
"It's all their fault, Applejack!" Babs exclaimed. "They've gone too far this time!"
"I'm coming with you. I've been meaning to talk to Silver Spoon and her friend. I guess now is as good a time as any."
Big Mac said, "We'll take him to the hospital."

It didn't take long for Babs and Applejack to reach the Spoon Manor. Babs knocked on the door and was greeted by Sterling Silver, Silver Spoons' mother.
"Ms. Apple, I suppose this filly belongs to you?" she asked.
"She's my aunt's actually. "Sorry to bother you."
Silver Spoon came down the stairs, having been awakened by the commotion.
"Your daughter bullied my friend." Babs exclaimed. "Now he's killed himself."
"Like, sure." Silver Spoon scoffed. "I don't believe it."
"I'm not lying. And it's your fault!" Babs exclaimed.
"I...I didn't mean it." Silver Spoon quivered.
"And that's supposed to make it better? Just because he's a blank flank? What makes you think you're better than me? I guess it's true after all. The cliché is right."
Applejack nodded. "'Silver spoon stuck in your mouth.' Yep, fits like a glove."
"Think I wanted this? This name?" Silver Spoon asked. "Diamond Tiara said I didn't need anyone. But she never said something like this would happen. You're happy with your mark, Applejack. But I never wanted mine. It's too late now, I guess."
"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.
"You don't know, do you? This isn't my real mother. I wasn't born into it. So the name, and my cutie mark, are wrong. And so's your stupid cliché!"
Applejack gave a shocked look to Sterling Silver.
"I'm afraid she's right." Sterling Silver said. "She's an orphan. My aunt and uncle weren't able to support her, and she was in the will. Now I'm wishing I hadn't spoiled her, but I couldn't help it. I couldn't have children of my own, and wanted one so desperately."
"We don't know anything yet, ma'am." Applejack stated, removing her hat. "My grandma and my brother have taken Sketch to the hospital."
"Can I come?" Silver Spoon asked. "I suppose I should do something."
Babs shook her head, but Applejack nodded. "Maybe if you see who you hurt, it'll help you. Come along."

Author's Note

Sorry I took so long to post this. I was on vacation and had no access to a computer. I will be posting this chapter next week.

A New Path

That night, Silver Spoon quietly ate her supper.
"Is something on your mind?" her mother asked. "I hope you're thinking about what you've done."
"I have. I hate myself. Why did I ever follow Diamond Tiara? I realize now all she's ever brought me is grief. What can I do, mother?"
"You're taking the first step. You're asking the right questions. You know, you might want to do what Applejack said. I've heard the Princesses help those who ask. Luna visits ponies in their dreams and helps them. Maybe she could help you. Don't forget, she once made a bad decision and had to atone for it."
Silver Spoon quietly left the dining room and entered her bedroom. She knelt in front of her bed. Tears came as she prayed aloud. "Someone, I need help! I've done a horrible thing. I want to fix what I have done. She climbed into bed and cried herself to sleep.
A voice called out to her. "Silver Spoon, I heard your prayer."
"Princess Luna? Where are you?" she asked.
"I am here." A midnight blue alicorn stepped in. "I know all about your situation. But first, I must ask you something."
"What?"
"Do you really wish to change your ways? If I intervene, will it be wasted?"
"I don't understand." Silver Spoon replied.
"Right now, Sketch is between life and death. I know Death personally. I have talked with her many times. I wish her to give Sketch another chance, but she wants a good reason."
"Please!" Silver Spoon pleaded. "I am so sorry about what I have done! I don't want to hurt anyone anymore!"
"That's just what I wanted to hear!" Luna smiled and wrapped her wings gently around Silver Spoon. "There is always a chance to make things right, but you must take it first. Now that you have said this, you must hold true to your promise. I do not give second chances."
"Oh thank you!" SIlver Spoon said. "I promise I won't waste this opportunity!"

Comes the Dawn

The next morning, Silver Spoon asked her mother to take her to the hospital. She went up to the waiting room, where the Crusaders were sitting.
"Why are you here?" Applebloom asked. "Come to gloat some more?"
"I've been doing some thinking." Silver Spoon said. "I made some mistakes and I want to start over. Can we talk?"
Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. "What brought this on?"
"I had a dream with Princess Luna."
Sweetie Belle's jaw dropped. "Gang, I think she's on the level. Remember I told you about my dream with her?
"And mine." Scootaloo said.
At that moment, Nurse Redheart came out with Sketch, alive and well!
Silver Spoon ran up to him and hugged him "You're ok! Can you forgive me for being such a jerk?"
"I don't know." Sketch said.
At that moment, Diamond Tiara came into the hospital. "Silver Spoon! I was looking for you at home. What are you doing here? And with this retard?"
Silver Spoon couldn't believe it. "Diamond Tiara! Don't you realize he almost died because of us? Don't you care?"
"Frankly, no." Diamond Tiara admitted.
"Then we can't be friends anymore. I don't want to be a bully. I've hurt enough ponies."
"You--you're not serious." Diamond Tiara was shocked.
"Yes. I am serious."
"Silver Spoon, you're forgiven."
And from that moment, Silver Spoon was no longer a bully.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long to get to the end. My novel got in the way of things. Might be a while before I do another.

"You Have to Want It"

When Applejack, Babs, Silver Spoon, and her mother arrived at the hospital, they saw the Crusaders in the waiting room. Silver Spoon sat next to them, but they were silent at first.
"If you want us to be nice to you, forget it!" Scootaloo said.
"Fine! I don't need you anyway! I got Diamond Tiara, and she's a better friend than any of you will ever be!" Silver Spoon scoffed.
Applejack laughed. "That's funny. You actually think she's your friend."
"Well, she is!"
"She's nopony's friend. Not yours or anypony else's." Applejack shook her head. "I met bullies like her when I ran away to Manehattan as a filly. They don't care about anypony but themselves. Diamond Tiara is no different."
Silver Spoon tried her best not to cry, but the tears came anyway.
"Oh, here they come. Crocodile tears."
"Shut up! Just shut up!" She turned away. "I guess everypony is wrong about you, Applejack. They've always gotten after me for being so mean to your sister because you're so nice. But you're nothing but a meanie!"
"Well, look at the pot calling the kettle black. I'm not being mean. I'm being honest. And it sounds like you need honesty right now."
"I can't change who I am." Silver Spoon said.
"That's a lie and you know it." Applejack said. "I know someone who was pretty despicable. But my friend Fluttershy is trying to show him kindness and I think it's working. I've seen ponies change all my life, and surprise me. But here's the thing, sugarcube. You have to want to change, deep down. Maybe you'd better pray for it."
"Pray? Ha! That's an old mare's tale!" It was Silver Spoon's turn to laugh.
"It is not!" Apple Bloom objected. "I say my prayers every night!"
"It couldn't hurt." Applejack shrugged.
At that moment, Nurse Redheart came out of Sketch's room. "I have good news. Your friend might pull through! We've just finished pumping the pills out of his stomach. We've put him on a sedative, but it's up to him now. I'm sorry, but I can't let him see anypony. I don't want to put him under any stress and aggravate his stomach any more than I already have."
"That's great!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
Silver Spoon turned to her mom. "Can you take me home? I need to think some things over."
"Of course." Sterling Silver nodded.
"You're not going to ground me, are you?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Oh no. I think your conscience should be punishing you enough.

Author's Note

Sorry this chapter is so short. I realized after I wrote the previous chapter that I needed a little filler in order to plant the idea of change into Silver's head. She needed some prompting since she is a stubborn mare.