Why Differences Matter: A Twixie Perspective of Opposites · 4:48pm Oct 16th, 2014
http://pixelkitties.deviantart.com/art/Midnight-Ride-450181600
Pixelkitties us one of those ancient pony artists that have always dished out some amazing works and some at an even amazing pace. She's got quite the memorable style that's always been easy to pic out of a crowd.
But one of the things she's always been good at is showing off how well two conflicting personalities, ponies of vastly different worlds (either literally or not), much like her OTP Twixie, which shows off another interesting pair that can only bloom further from here on, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom.
Despite one being a traveling showboating showmare, and the other a more intellectual busybody reclusive pony who would rather be buried in a good book and studying new spells then hang with her friends sometimes, these two are quite often shipped by many fans.
But WHY? What is so appealing about these two's relationships? And what does it have to do with Diamond Tiara?
Good questions!
Well, quite simply, opposites attract. We know this.
But what makes it so great is we not only get to enjoy different takes of the same subject from two different perspectives, many a times when done right can show us just why we love these fanon ships like Twixie.
Twilight will always try and rationalize, over-think, or flat out take things too literal sometimes. She'll worry more about stuff that while might be cause for concern, will often times end up freaking over things no one else would.
In contrast, we have Trixie who is often shown as flippant, dismisses things easily as unimportant and often times overestimates her own abilities which often leads her into some embarrassing or troublesome situations. She's arrogant at times and has a more narrow view of the world, focusing more on what she wants in life and aiming to make it happen.
One fanon, and some canon, tropes about Trixie is that she's always been a mare of action and never afraid to speak her mind, much to many's a chagrin, and has that a certain levelheadedness that really shines when she puts her mind to it to solve something she can't just brute force her way through with Magic like Twilight tends to do.
Trixie's nature contradicts almost everything Twilight stands for. But both are well meaning ponies, they just go about handling things differently. And these differences in views and how they approach matters, well, MATTERS!
Trixie is Twilight's anchor, a voice whose brash honesty never fails to humble or embarrass Twilight. Where as Twilight often helps Trixie balance that ego of hers. It's a true give and take relationship.
And this is why, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom, are such an interesting mix of ponies who share all the same essentially qualities as what would make for a give and take relationship of their own...
...Okay, maybe more taking than giving. But it's still there!
It's this reason why episodes like Ponyville Confidential, and Twilight Time, among others, can really help in taking these differences and applying them in a way that helps us do MORE with Diamond Tiara and ponies like Apple Bloom to which so many have always felt have had a rather long history between the two.
And with all that history potential, the singling out of Apple Bloom and Apple Bloom always biting back when the opportunity arises, it's safe to say these two might just happen to ENJOY one-upping each other for whatever reason. And say what you will, Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom have just as much power to be a great relationship (platonic or otherwise) by just being themselves.
And this goes for Diamond x CMC or Babs. You name it. But Diamond Bloom is basically your traditional, though still its own style being their age, Twixie.
Diamond Tiara is often portrayed as somepony who says one thing but means another. The Tsundere type. And Apple Bloom is usually a fiery tempered oblivious pony who couldn't see through DT's tsundere ways if she had an "I <3 Apple Bloom" t-shirt and cap on while standing next to flashing neon lights proclaiming her love of the thickheaded Apple Bloom. But hey, that's part of the charm in Twixie fics. Oblivious Twilight or Uninterested Trixie.
So, whether you're writing about doing something nice for the sake of just doing something nice, and not expecting anything in return:
Or exploring past events that may or could have been:
Or crafting some epic adventure AU with overcoming differences:
Maybe a tale about rivalries and dares:
So, whatever the case may be. Even simply exploring how two characters, especially one whose been the target of much teasing, can come together and become more than friends, it's all up to you the writers to make it happen.
There is no limit to the marvels we can make with Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom. And that's not even touching upon all the other wonderful cast members in the world these two are a part of.
Do more. Never stop challenging yourself as a writer. The limit to one's own ability is only the ones you place upon yourselves.
And readers? Don't forget to leave comments on stories, however small or big, to support those authors who try and bring you new perspectives and creative stories. Encourage writers to do more with your favorites then basic bare bone stuff. You don't have have to write an essay on what you like or didn't like. But let them know people are there. Often times, it's that one comment that can save a story from being abandoned.
Note: Originally posted on The Diamond Cutters, but I wanted to make it into a blog post originally. Didn't touch on much of the things I wanted to, but, I ran this a bit long as is anyways.
Have a MERRY NIGHTMARE NIGHT!
From your favorite* Princess Luna, and two Best* pairings Twixie and DiamondBloom!
media.tumblr.com/60af534bc1f94e89a1b7ca9c257a0be1/tumblr_inline_mz1zt5Qzry1rs4nv6.gif
I do like Twixie, but it is far too mainstream for me. Give me MacScrath or DiamondMash any day.
So, an explanation on how opposites attract, and a call to arms for more original and thought-out shippings (as in more of them, not moreso)?
Call heard, gauntlet picked up. Just give me some time, I've got something in the works. Bat pony racism may or may not be involved.
2536739 I don't really write, maybe a quick burst something silly and stream of consciousness from time to time, but life and my own struggles with severe depression along with distractions just keep me from writing anything of length.
Just making this blog alone was more a force of will then anything else. I still have a few stories and I still pitch stories and how a story can flow for others. But until I feel really set and comfortable, a lot of my own stories are still pretty much collecting dust in my gdoc and another story concept that I haven't fleshed out yet in my unpublished stories page.
I would mostly do Slice of Life or Dark stories though. I don't really do funny much.
2536753 TO SHIPPORY!
Sweet Luna. I laughed so hard picturing Diamond Tiara and a Bat Pony falling in love in some cheesy Twilight fashion.
Do your batponies... sparkle?
2536771
Diamond's not the one in the pairing, but she is a witness to some shenanigans, let's say. I'm debating whether to give her a love interest or not in the story, because the one I'd have lined up is, err... different.
And no, they don't sparkle. They also don't like being called bat ponies; they prefer the term 'rousettes'. They hate being associated with that other animal.
2536780 Sounds wonderful. I could see a lot of fuss from influential types and the typical xenophobes that are ponies, take issue with DT and others 'mixing' with roussettes.
In any event, anything that does a more serious spin on topics while still staying pony has my 100% support. ;3
(Plus, DT dating somepony if only to rebel against racist ponies would be something I'd see her do. If she gets a love interest, cool. If not, still cool as long as theirs shipping! <3)
2536796
Oh, if that's what you're expecting, you're gonna love what it actually is.
Good points all around, there.
Also, Trixie is kinda hot in that mirror pic.
2536780 Rousettes?...I like that. I've been trying to think of a solid proper name for bat-ponies to have. I mean, calling them bat-ponies is really kind of like calling Pegasi bird-ponies.
Do you mind if I borrow that idea? I'd kind of like to not go the route of "thestral".
Also, Telaros? You win some Internet.