> How much do you appreciate Twilight? > by Starlight Fan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Applejack > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack appreciated Twilight a whole bunch for all she’s done for them over the years. Heck, she was the reason Applejack became closer with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy in the first place. Her life would most definitely not be the same without her, that’s for sure. She appreciated how smart Twilight was, she hated to sound so judgy but the citizens of Ponyville aren’t exactly the brightest, so it was nice to see some realism from Twilight time and time again. She’d always be ready to have a plan in mind when the situation called for it, such as the time where they fought against Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis, it may not have worked but it was pretty thought out. Applejack remembered how she had to do a bunch of apple bucking due to Big Mac’s injury. Twilight always tried to offer a helping hoof so her life would be easier, she was too stubborn to admit Twilight was right at first but now she realizes that she does need to accept help at times, and Twilight taught her that. She also appreciated how honest Twilight was, while she did have her moments of lying like pretty much every pony, she was still willing to give her friends her honest opinion, whether it be by her many freak outs, or just being upfront and kind about it. There was also the fact that Twilight was willing to work hard to get to her goals, even when she became princess, she still took her job seriously unlike those such as Prince Blueblood who practically just find royalty a means to an end. It’s no wonder Celestia and Luna passed the crown to Twilight. If Applejack had one regret in her friendship with Twilight, it was when she abandoned her in the wedding rehearsal, even if Twilight was wrong about how Cadence was acting evil, Applejack and the others shouldn’t have just left her to wallow in her own regret and self loathing and actually have been there for her. She blamed herself most of all for that, she practically led the group away from Twilight, encouraging such isolation. She may as well have told Twilight they hated her. It was not the case at all, but that’s pretty much what it looked like. Applejack may have been forgiven by Twilight that day and she may not have shown any resentment towards the mare, but she still felt that same remorse she felt that day of Chrysalis’ invasion. To tell the truth, Twilight was a hard working, honest, and smart mare and that is what Applejack appreciated Twilight for. > Chapter 2: Rainbow Dash > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Dash was a bit surprised to have become such good friends with an Egghead like Twilight Sparkle. It’s not that she thought nerds were morons or menaces to society or anything, she just never really had that much of a connection with them. From the day she met Twilight, she had a feeling she’d be an interesting pony to be around, and she was correct when she thought that as Twilight had always been fun to be around in a way, there was more to her than just being a know it all. She was kind, loyal, treated every creature with respect they deserve, and passionate about everyone and everything she cares about. She didn’t really understand her fascination with books at first, in fact she found the mere idea of reading to be undeniably, unquestionably, uncool but after Twilight had introduced the Daring Do series to her when she was in the hospital, she realized that everyone has a different type of book they like and they should at least try to read before rejecting it, Twilight taught her that. She also appreciated how much Twilight was willing to do for her friends, for example, when Twilight was willing to try and teach Rainbow Dash about the Wonderbolts in her own way, despite the fact that she didn’t really bother to pay attention to the whole thing, and even blamed Twilight for how she was wasn’t learning anything. Looking back, she should have been more grateful about what she was trying to do. It was also really considerate of Twilight to continue to try helping Rainbow Dash pass the test despite all that, some ponies would probably have given up but she didn’t, and that meant a lot to her. She was able to achieve her dream and join the Wonderbolt Reserves and later a Wonderbolt, she really owed that success to Twilight. She doubted she could have done it without her. Twilight was always around to keep her grounded, and make sure she didn’t get too out of control with her ego and recklessness. She was a pretty positive influence in her life, sure Applejack also played a similar role but she was probably less patient with her than Twilight was. She also appreciated how Twilight can sometimes teach her lessons without her even knowing it. Like the time where she had Rainbow Dash coach the cheerleaders at the Buckball Game, showing that you don’t have to care about something other creatures like as long as you care about the ponies who like it. She hated to admit it, but there was probably no way she could have learned that lesson without Twilight tricking her into learning it, and it was a valuable one too. At the end of the day, Rainbow Dash will always appreciate Twilight for her patience, compassion, and ability to make Rainbow a better pony. That was something she would always be thankful for. > Chapter 3: Rarity > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity had to admit, what drew her to Twilight Sparkle was certainly vain. The fact that she was from Canterlot made her immediately interested in her which kind of made her look like a kiss up, she wouldn’t lie. Of course, she always thought Twilight would be a good friend regardless. She was indeed right about that, Twilight had always been such a great pony to her. Ever since they became friends, Twilight was always willing to listen to Rarity about her interests for fashion and even modeled for her at times, she knew it could be a tedious process for other creatures and knew it could be a hassle so she really appreciated that Twilight was willing to show an interest in her passion. Rarity also liked how appreciative Twilight was of the little bits of generosity in life, most Canterlot nobles she came across would normally expect extravagant things handed to them on a silver platter. Twilight wasn’t like that, despite the fact that she grew up in that sort of environment for years. The fact she was even a personal student to the Princess of Equestria could’ve made her snobbish and egotistical, especially since she didn’t have many friends in her life at first. She could have been like how that Sunset Shimmer pony she told Rarity about was like before she eventually reformed, however, she never stopped being polite and respectful altogether which Rarity found very admirable. There were definitely times where Twilight had helped her when it came to friendship, like the time where she and Rainbow Dash almost ended their friendship over their differences. Twilight had made up a fake crisis to help her and Rainbow Dash rekindle their bond, she was grateful that Twilight did this, she could’ve lost a very good friend that day. There was also that other time where she had gotten jealous of Spike and Gabby’s friendship and caused them to break up their friendship, though that was more on Gabby’s end than Spike’s. Either way, she helped Rarity learn that she had to not get so jealous over your friend hanging out with someone else. Speaking of Spike, she could not fathom how Twilight had put up with her constantly taking advantage of her little brother figure so many times. Rarity may not have meant to take advantage of Spike’s feelings for her but she pretty much always took every opportunity she could to let Spike assist her, even when it involved using him as a pin cushion. What the heck was she thinking back then, she will never know. Twilight eventually confronted her over relying on Spike too much after she realized how it was affecting Spike’s health. Rarity was grateful Twilight had brought this to her attention and that Twilight didn’t cut her off for how she treated him, though Twilight never seemed to have thought about it given the sincere look in her eye. In Rarity’s eyes, Twilight was a very generous, noble, and wise pony, and those are qualities that she would always appreciate from her. > Chapter 4: Fluttershy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluttershy was a very appreciative pony, so of course she appreciated Twilight, especially after all they’ve been through together. She always appreciated how Twilight was pretty much always patient with her timid nature. Most ponies would get tired of her constant fears and worries, even Rainbow Dash was at times, and they were childhood friends. Twilight took her fears seriously and actually tried to reassure her that things would be fine. Fluttershy had to admit, Twilight was certainly more effective at it than most ponies due to the fact she took her feelings very seriously. Twilight always offered Fluttershy encouragement whenever she was facing some sort of issue, like a fear of some sorts, even if the issues didn’t make much sense to Twilight, she still stuck by Fluttershy when she needed her, it was really something that Fluttershy loved about Twilight. Fluttershy also appreciated Twilight for how she covered for her when Fluttershy took Celestia’s bird. Twilight was not a princess yet so she couldn’t exactly protect her from any punishment and Twilight could have also been punished for being an accomplice in Fluttershy’s thievery but she still kept Fluttershy’s crime a secret. Thankfully it all worked out in the end but there were definitely risks and Twilight was willing to take them, which Fluttershy found very brave. She would always appreciate Twilight’s understanding nature. If Fluttershy was being honest, she trusted Twilight the most when it came to confessing to her friends about her relationship with Discord. Despite Twilight’s issues with Discord, she still supported Fluttershy’s decision to date the chaotic draconequus despite all the trouble he caused. If Fluttershy was being honest, she wished she could’ve been a better friend to Twilight at times. There were times when she felt like she wasn’t a good friend to Twilight. The wedding rehearsal being a big example about that, it goes without saying that everypony involved in leaving Twilight behind regretted what they did, especially with how much Chrysalis’ actions affected her. Fluttershy was no fool, she knew Chrysalis had toyed with Twilight’s emotions like a puppet on strings, and given Twilight’s anxiety, it must have been torture for her. Though of course she was so wrapped up in the wedding planning, she completely neglected the fake bride’s bratty attitude. Though Twilight still forgave Fluttershy, and Fluttershy always made sure that she wouldn’t make Twilight feel the same pain ever again, though despite a few mistakes in their friendship, Fluttershy felt she largely succeeded. Ultimately Fluttershy would always appreciate Twilight for her understanding nature and encouraging attitude, she would also always remember Twilight for her bravery. > Chapter 5: Pinkie Pie > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- You would never have to ask Pinkie Pie twice if you asked if she appreciated Twilight. Her answer would always be yes. Pinkie Pie may have seen Applejack as family, but she found Twilight to be one of her bestest friends. Pinkie Pie did admire how smart and logical thinking Twilight was, even when she was trying to discover how her Pinkie Sense worked before she learned to accept it, though she had to admit she definitely could understand why Twilight was so reluctant to believe her at first, not every creature can believe something at first glance. Twilight’s bubbly nature and positive attitude was also a great thing Pinkie admired, once Twilight began to loosen up more, ironically at the time she became a princess, she became more open to parties and goofing off. Pinkie Pie always knew Twilight had that side in her and was glad she embraced it. She also appreciated that Twilight trusted her enough to depend on her on stuff that wasn’t just partying and baking and also was able to figure out she had other emotions other than happiness, Pinkie Pie knew that Twilight didn’t just think of her as all bubbles and laughter and can be taken seriously at the right moments in time. Given Pinkie Pie is mostly known for being funny and constantly happy by some of Equestria as proven by the whole journal fiasco, she was really happy to know that. Pinkie Pie did have to admit, there were some stuff she regretted when it came to her friendship with Twilight. Her biggest regret was how she handled the whole Storm King invasion. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Twilight was justified in her worries. The Storm King not only took over Canterlot, but practically imprisoned and enslaved all of their loved ones. Starlight, Big Mac, Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle were all victims of the Canterlot invasion, and those were just the five examples of the many ponies who were suffering. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were also encased in stone, and Twilight clearly cared about the princesses and everypony stuck in Canterlot forced to do that monster’s bidding. Equestria was in a dire situation and Pinkie Pie practically encouraged her friends to treat it like a road trip. Pinkie Pie didn’t know what was going through her head when she thought almost falling to her death was fun, probably because of how fast Twilight was flying to put her on the airship or just the adrenaline rush but that was the most inappropriate reaction she ever made. She could’ve died back there, and Twilight was such a good friend she saved her life. In the end, Pinkie Pie didn’t blame Twilight for how she snapped at her. She definitely should not have said those things of course but Pinkie Pie knew she should have taken Twilight’s concerns seriously, a lesson she seems to forget at times. That’s another good quality Twilight had, she pretty much always learned from her mistakes and kept them in her mind to this day. Overall, Twilight was a very logical pony and a pony who was willing to have fun, and that’s what Pinkie Pie appreciated about her. > Chapter 6: Starlight Glimmer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Starlight appreciation for Twilight probably burned like a thousand suns. She wasn’t sure if she appreciated her more than her core friend group or not but she definitely felt a lot of appreciation for Twilight. Even when she was in her villain days, Starlight always found Twilight a fascinating pony. Alicorns were a rare sight after all. She figured if she could convert Twilight to her vision of friendship, other ponies would follow, after all, if a princess could see her way, anypony could. Of course, Twilight outsmarted and defeated her and turned Starlight’s followers against her. Starlight wanted nothing more than to seek revenge on Twilight. In her eyes, Twilight had corrupted the very ponies she thought were her friends, she took them away from her so it was only natural to get payback. She trained herself to make her magic stronger as Twilight was an alicorn after all, so she couldn’t underestimate Twilight’s power. She then went onto try and stop the Rainboom from happening, but something very weird happened. Twilight reached her hoof out to her. Despite everything Starlight had done, Twilight still wanted to give Starlight a second chance at a good life. For some reason, Starlight could tell Twilight was sincere about wanting to help her, so she took the offer. The two had bonded ever since then, Twilight practically knew everything about Starlight, her hobbies, her fears, and her confidence issues. Starlight knew she could trust Twilight with that, she knew Twilight would be there for her if the time called for it. Twilight also seemed to trust Starlight just as much, given how much faith she put into her to watch the Friendship school when she was out, and eventually doing it full time. She also seemed to trust Starlight enough to know that she would be a good guidance counselor. Starlight trusted Twilight, and Twilight trusted her back, honestly she never felt such a special connection to a pony since she met Sunburst. Trixie and Sunburst may have also been her best friends but she always felt she and Twilight had some special bond she could not explain. That’s probably the reason why she gained feelings for the Alicorn Princess. She wasn’t sure how it happened but she gained feelings for Twilight after she graduated from being a Friendship student. Their bond likely meant that much to Starlight. Of course, Starlight kept her mouth shut about it to Twilight as she always found it to be some silly crush and figured that she would stand no chance at dating a princess especially since she was a former criminal. She told Sunburst though, as she figured somepony deserved to know, and Sunburst was the one she trusted most with this information and she was right to do so. Sunburst never breathed a word to Twilight about what Starlight told him. Though Starlight always wondered if she and Twilight could ever be more than just friends. Honestly though, sometimes Starlight worried about Twilight. When she heard that villains trying to take over Equestria was quite common, she grew concerned about that fact. It wasn’t until she experienced having to save her friends from Chrysalis, and Chrysalis swearing revenge on her that the concern began to grow. Starlight wasn’t afraid of what Chrysalis would do to her, she’d willingly take the bullet for her friends if she had to, but more of what she would do to Twilight, after all Twilight had stopped her before and Chrysalis could easily use her to get to Starlight, just the thought of Twilight potentially dying due to a potential takeover made her heart sink. The Storm King and Cozy Glow’s attempts to rule Equestria didn’t help to ease her worries. Especially since both times, she was helpless, imprisoned, and couldn’t do anything to help Twilight, she was in danger and Starlight wasn’t there to lend a helping hoof like she had done for her. Starlight knew she couldn’t be merciful if another villain were to come back, even if it potentially meant killing them. Yes, she’d kill a villain just to protect Twilight, it might be morally wrong but it was practically a last resort, if she had to, she would. That’s why when Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis attacked Equestria together, Starlight gave it her all against Chrysalis, she couldn’t show any mercy, Chrysalis would never change and she was ruthless, she had to stop her no matter the cost so she wouldn’t hurt anypony, even if it meant Chrysalis wouldn’t get out of that avalanche. So really, Starlight appreciated Twilight in a lot of ways, her helpful attitude, her understanding nature, her trusting nature, and being trustworthy herself. Starlight knew she’d always love and appreciate Twilight, in more ways than one. > Chapter 7: Princess Luna > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna would never admit this to anyone but out of all the citizens in Equestria that weren’t her sister, Twilight was probably her favorite. It might be wrong to play favorites but given all Twilight had done for her, she thought it was fair. Not that she’d tell anypony but Celestia of course. Twilight was one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony which freed her from the darkness known as Nightmare Moon, at the time she just found her one of her six saviors but that changed when she returned to Ponyville for Nightmare Night. Twilight was one of the only ponies who were willing to help her adjust to Ponyville, while everyone else either ran in fear or just found it fun to pretend being scared. Twilight was there to help her when no one else would, which Luna was grateful for. She was also grateful for the time when Twilight was able to help her forgive herself for her actions as Nightmare Moon. Yes, it was to banish the Tantabus, but practically everything Twilight had said to Luna that night had come out from the heart, she knew Twilight wasn’t just saying that so Luna would suck it up. She was genuinely serious about forgiving Luna for her actions as Nightmare Moon and cared enough about her so that she’d stop harming herself with constant nightmares. That’s what she liked about Twilight Sparkle, she was a kind individual who prioritized most ponies’ needs over her own, provided that they aren’t someone like Tirek or Chrysalis of course. Luna had to admit, she was worried about the constant invasions Equestria faced, especially when Twilight would be targeted. Heck at one point, she spoke about it with Starlight in one of the unicorn’s nightmares after the whole King Sombra ordeal. Basically Luna was just glad she stopped the nightmare in time. At that point Luna knew that they had to take action in defending Canterlot so Twilight would be safe at such a time when an enemy attacked, and so her friends would not suffer the pain of losing her. That’s why she got into a disagreement with Celestia over letting Shining Armor plan the defenses. She liked Shining Armor just fine but given how easily manipulated he was by Chrysalis when he was supposed to defend Canterlot, she wasn’t sure he was the most reliable source of help. Luna definitely regretted not being there for the Changeling invasion, even if at that point she was supposed to be resting, she still felt bad she couldn’t be there to help Twilight in the time she needed her help. In the end, Luna wasn’t surprised when Celestia had decided to give Twilight the title of ruling Equestria. She was clearly capable of doing so given how many challenges she and her friends faced. Twilight was after all a very organized and courageous leader when the situation required it. Add that to her kind and helpful nature, that’s what Luna appreciated Twilight for.