The Home That You Made

Months later

Twilight and Dash sat in front of Celestia while they were in the shallow end of the lake, wearing swimsuits and meditation.

"Mom, I can't feel my legs anymore. Can we stop this already?" Dash whined as her leg was numb.

"Not until you both calm down and focus on your breathing." answered Celestia, not moving her body once.

Dash growled and looked at Twilight, whose eyes were closed, her hand on her chest, and she was breathing. "How can you sit still like that, Big Horn? This is boring!"

Twilight's eyes opened, filled with energy and life. She turned to Dash and said, "Because it's not boring! This is important. Plus, we don't have time. We need to become strong." Twilight smirks, "Wasn't that what you said?"

Dash blushed and turned away, mumbling, "Shut up."

Celestia couldn't help but chuckle as her children were fighting. She kept still, but she soon felt water falling near her. She opened her eyes and could see the two wrestling and splashing water at each other. She kept quiet and just watched them.

"Take this, Big Horn!" yelled Dash as she splashed Twilight in the face, laughing.

"Don't call me that!" Twilight shouted back, using her hand to splash Dash in the face. "Why do you hate my horn?"

Dash didn't answer her and tried to dunk her into the water, but Twilight used her magic to lift her and slam her into the water, making her float up and spit water out. Celestia closed her eyes, smiling.

"No fair! Using your magic like that!"

Twilight laughed and floated in the water, lying down. She stuck her tongue out at her, teasing her.

"Hey, Tiny Wings, what happens if I just fly off and leave you here, all alone one day."

Dash was shocked as she was swimming to the shore and just looking at the shore ground.

"...I'll be happy..."

Celestia froze. Her heart sank.

Twilight quickly stood up when she heard that "Really? But, I thought we were friends."

Dash didn't look back at her, just looking down. "We are."

"Then, why would you be happy?" asked Twilight, becoming sad.

"Because that would mean..." Dash looked up at the sky, smiling. "I helped you become strong. You'll be able to protect everyone and yourself."

Celestia didn't speak. Her heart was racing. She heard Twilight saying she would never leave without her and her sisters. Celestia opened her eyes, filled with sadness. She watched as Dash stood up, turning around and pointing at Twilight.

"You can't get strong if we keep holding you back, Big Horn! That's why you have to leave so that you can grow! Become stronger and not need us anymore. So, one day, when we have to stay behind, you won't cry. You'll smile and say 'goodbye, my sisters. Thank you for loving me!' and then leave."

Celestia gasped as she looked at her daughter and saw the tears rolling down her cheek.

Twilight stood up, ran to her, and grabbed her hands, making her blush. "Don't say that! I want you and the others to come with me!"

Dash sat her down and smiled at her, making Twilight smile back. Dash hugged her softly, looking at her mother with sadness as Celestia looked down with pain in her heart.

"You have to get strong. You'll become strong enough that you won't have to worry about us. You'll become strong enough that you can leave and won't have to cry and be sad," whispered Dash, shaking with sorrow as tears were rolling down her cheek.

Twilight didn't say a word. She kept holding her, crying softly, not believing that she could lose her sisters and have to say goodbye to them. She felt Dash pulling away and smiling as she petted her before smirking as she dunk her into the water.

"You're going to be fine, Big Horn. Don't be all sad."

Twilight didn't argue and stood up. She opened her hands, and magical energy started to gather, causing Dash to worry. Celestia closed her eyes and became happy as she could hear a loud water pump noise, followed by more fighting.

When they returned home, Dash sat on the top of the steps, looking off to the sky, while Celestia watched as Twilight looked around for everyone.

"Where is everyone? Pinkie!?"

Celestia turned to a bush, glaring as Pinkie popped out from behind it, giggling. "Hiya, sis!"

Twilight sighed in relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I was worried. Are the others inside the shrine?"

Pinkie nodded and grabbed her hands, pulling her along in a circle. "Why are you so wet!? Did you swim in the lake?"

Twilight stopped and blushed, turning her head away and mumbling, "Maybe..."

Pinkie giggled and looked at Dash, who was still looking at the sky. "Oh, I get it, smooching with Dashie, huh?" she poked Twilight in the sides, teasing her and making her blush.

"Stop that!" Twilight pushed her away and started to walk to the shrine, but Pinkie grabbed her hand.

"Are you mad, sis?"

Twilight turned to her "Mad? At what?"

Pinkie hugged and spun her around. "For teasing you about your crush on Dashie! Silly!"

Twilight blushed and looked at Dash, who didn't even bother looking at them. "N-No, I'm not mad, just..."

Pinkie smiled and put her finger to her lips, silencing her. "Smile and laugh, sis!" Pinkie smiled, skipped away, and went back behind the bushes.

"Huh? Where are you going, Pinkie?" asked Twilight, looking behind the bushes. But she saw nothing but pink balloons floating into her face and Pinkie with noise makers. "What?"

"When you leave us, don't be sad! Be happy! Smile! Laugh at the good times we had! Even with Dashie! Okay, sis?"

"Okay." Twilight smiled and grabbed her hand. She held it, looked at her eyes, and saw the sadness behind them. "I'll miss you all when I leave. But not Tiny Wings! Not one bit!" Dash heard that, finally looking away from the sky and at them with a hurt look.

Pinkie noticed this and spun the noise makers "Really?"

Twilight mumbled something before running off with a big smile, making Pinkie and Celestia turn to Dash. Pinkie lowered back into the bushes while Celestia whispered what Twilight said, making her blush and smile.

"Really!? She said that!?"

Celestia nodded and smiled.

Dash stood up and wanted to call out to Pinkie but froze as she remembered something. Dash returned, looking to the sky, becoming sad.

"Just smile, be happy and laugh. Big Horn...please."

Two years later

Celestia, Twilight, and Dash stood on stone pillars in an open field. Celestia did a kicking pose and, using magic, created a magical energy around her legs. She did another kick pose, blasting out magic.

"You want me to do that!?" gasped Twilight, struggling to stand on the small pillar top.

"Yep. Now, try it," ordered Celestia.

Twilight sighed and did the pose. But when she tried kicking the air, her foot slipped from the pillar and fell off, but Dash caught her, smiling.

"You okay, Big Horn?"

Twilight didn't answer her, as she was blushing.

"Again," ordered Celestia.

Twilight snapped out of it and asked Dash to put her down, but Dash didn't, as she wanted to tease her: "Why? Don't you like being carried as a princess? Look at you, having your arms around my neck."

Twilight was blushing harder and trying to get out of her arms, but her hold on her tightened, making it harder for her. "S-Stop it! Tiny Wings! Put me down!"

"But, I want to hold you." smiled Dash, holding her tighter.

"TINY WINGS!!"

Celestia just watched and laughed softly. She sat down on the pillar and kept watching.

"Put me down!" shouted Twilight, pounding Dash's head and making her smile.

"Why? This is the only way I can hold you."

Twilight didn't understand and looked at her. Dash was staring right into her eyes.

"What are you talking about, Tiny Wings?"

Dash didn't say anything and let her go, letting her fall. But Twilight used her magic and caught herself. Dash smirked as she saw her getting angry.

"That was rude, Tiny Wings!"

"Sorry." apologized Dash.

Celestia laughed. She watched as Twilight returned to the top of the pillar and tried to use her magic through her kicks but failed.

"You need to focus your magical energy on your kicks," advised Celestia.

Twilight stopped, shut her eyes, and did a kick but fell again. She was about to use her magic to catch herself but was surprised as Dash caught her by jumping into the air, flapping her wings as fast as possible.

"See! I can fly!" bragged Dash, smiling.

Twilight didn't say anything, so she exited her arms and stepped back on the pillar. "That doesn't count! You didn't fly! You jump! See!" she said, pointing at Dash as she slowly fell back down.

"Still counts!" Dash called back.

Celestia watched and could tell they were fighting again.

"No, it doesn't! I'm not counting it until you prove you can do it!" shouted Twilight, sticking her tongue out.

Dash became upset, "Fine. You are right, I can't fly! Happy!?." Dash ran away, leaving her sister behind.

Celestia turned to her other child and saw the hurt look in her eyes. She was sitting on the pillar, her feet dangling off the edge.

"You should apologize to her."

"No," said Twilight, crossing her arms and looking away.

Celestia sighed and didn't argue. She could tell this was a lost cause. She glared into the woods, watching as AJ walked out while she was collecting apples.

"What's going on? You love birds fighting again?" jokey asked AJ, eating an apple.

Twilight didn't answer her and just glared at her.

"Whoa! Sorry. Don't bite my head off." joked AJ.

Twilight puffs her cheeks. "Not funny."

AJ shook her head and tossed an apple at her. Twilight caught it and was going to take a bite but stopped as AJ was walking away.

"She's being honest with her feelings; why can't you be, sister?"

"Huh?" Twilight looked confused, jumping down and calling to her, "What do you mean!? AJ!?"

AJ stopped and turned around. "Dashie always believes in you, no matter what. Even with her little wings, she is still trying. Can't you try and believe in her? or see her feelings?"

Twilight looked back at her as AJ was walking away again.

"I'll leave you to think about it, Twilight. And, try the apple. It'll make you feel better. That's my truth. Honest." AJ smiled, waving at her.

Twilight looked at the apple, took a bite, and could feel her stomach fill with butterflies.

"Is this the same feeling Dashie feels? But why? I'm not in love with her." Twilight turned to her mother, looking for the answer from her.

Celestia looked at her and looked up at the sky. "Looking for someone to give you an answer is a waste of time, child. Only you can find the answer. Not me."

"But..."

She looked back down at her. "You will know when the time is right. Just be ready. That is my advice." Celestia walked away, leaving her to think about her words.

"When will I know?" thought Twilight.

She turned back to the woods and could see Dash running, her wings flapping slowly, trying to carry her weight. She was breathing hard and sweating. Twilight blushed, watching her.

"When will I know..."

One year later

Twilight sat next to Celestia, who was in the middle of a river, doing some meditation. Twilight was playing with a pebble with her magic, making circles on the water.

"Are you sure I'm okay to go?" asked Twilight.

Celestia was silent.

Twilight looked at her mother. "I mean, I don't want to leave. What if I can't come back to see you or my sisters?" she waited for her answer, but her mother kept silent and never moved, like she was a statue. "Mother..."

Twilight sighed, got up, and started walking away, but then she heard a voice from her mother.

"If you want to come back, that's up to you. Not the goddess nor fate itself. It all depends on you and your actions, child. So, the choice is yours. Stay, or leave."

"I..."

Celestia smiled and turned to her. "Remember, whatever choice you choose, your sisters and I will be proud of you, always, even if you leave."

"Really?" asked Twilight.

Celestia got up and smiled, "Of course."

Twilight smiled and ran to her, hugging her.

"I'll miss you all."

Celestia slowly touches her daughter's head, stroking it softly. "We'll miss you too, my child."

Twilight smiled and let her go, "How much longer before the goddess comes?"

Celestia smiled. "Soon. She's giving you a gift and a chance to prove yourself before going."

Twilight nodded and smiled, "Thanks. I'll be waiting then!" Twilight sat back in the water and joined her mother in her meditation.

They both opened their eyes and could see the sun going down. Twilight looked at her mother and asked her a question: "Have you met the goddess, mother? Is she kind like you? Or mean?"

Celestia was silent, turned her head back to the sky, and could see the full moon.

"I can't answer that, child."

"Why not?" asked Twilight, seeing her mother frowning.

Celestia slowly looked over to her. "I never met her, but one thousand years ago, she came here, saving my great-great-great grandmother and giving her a second chance at life. She told her that she fights against fate. No being or entry should have control over anyone's destiny. They should have a choice to write their own stories rather than someone else writing it for them. Nothing should be written in stone."

"That sounds awesome." smiled Twilight.

Celestia looked sad. "Yes, I suppose it is. My family has been worshiping her kindness and love ever since."

Twilight looked down at the water, seeing the fish swim by. "Do you wish you could have met her?"

"If I could have the chance, I would ask her one thing."

"What's that?" asked Twilight.

Celestia turned to her with a sad smile. "I would want to thank her. Thank her for loving the world. For her kindness and creating futures for those who wouldn't exist without her. Also..." Twilight watched as her mother poked her nose playfully. "When she takes you, she will give you so much love. So much more than I can ever give."

"More than you, mother? Is that possible?" asked Twilight, smiling.

"Oh, yes, so much." giggled Celestia.

Twilight felt sad. Her mother had given her so much love; how could she get more? "Mother, you give me plenty of love."

Celestia laughed and ruffled her hair before looking up at the stars. "I haven't, my child. I'm trapping you here in my little world."

"Your world?"

"My world is this Temple. I'll live and die here, something I don't want you to suffer as well. I'm putting the goddess teaching to good use. I won't let fate make that your ending; you have so much story to tell. I see it in you; you carry that spark. Something that tells me your future is limitless. You have so many more pages to write in your book. And I won't be the one holding you back, and neither will the goddess nor fate, as I said."

Twilight became scared and held Celestia's hand, not wanting to let go. Celestia pushed her closer, and Twilight asked another question: "Can I give you or my sisters something? To remember me by?"

"Child, we won't forget you. Your memory will always be here with us. Nothing can take that from us. Just because you'll be gone doesn't mean you're not in our hearts anymore. Your spark will shine within our hearts."

"So, I can't give you guys something to remember me by?"

Celestia giggled. "No, nothing can take the place of our memories, and even if you do. It'll become a new memory. You know?"

Twilight shook her head and didn't understand. She wanted to give her something, to leave something behind for her. She let it go as it was time to head back.

It was after evening. Twilight was outside in the area where they grow plants, doing her magical kicks, while Rarity watched on, noticing Twilight had something on her mind.

"Sister, what's wrong?"

Twilight stopped and turned to her, "Nothing."

Rarity sighed, walked over, grabbed her by the hand, and sat her down on a rock.

"Please, talk to me. We're sisters, no?"

"Yeah, I guess so." sighed Twilight, not looking her in the eye.

"I know something is on your mind. Please, darling, tell me. Maybe I can help?" asked Rarity, giving her a warm smile. Twilight was playing with her fingers, making Rarity smirk. "I see, that's it. Thinking about Dash, huh?"

"Huh?" Twilight blushed and turned to her. "W-Why would you say that!?"

Rarity smiled and giggled. "Oh~ so I'm right then. Darling, why are you so easy to read?"

Twilight puffs her cheeks. "No! That's not it! I was wondering what I should give you girls and our mother before I leave, like a gift or something."

Rarity smiled and sat beside her. "Ah, well, just spend the time you have left here with us. There is no need for a gift. Your company will do."

"Are you sure?" asked Twilight, unhappy with that answer.

Rarity nodded, but she could see her sister's happy face. "Maybe give something back? Maybe ask Dash? You two are always fighting with each other and putting each other down. Maybe something that could change that?"

"Change?" Twilight stood up and thought, "How would I change that?"

"By asking her. Maybe a gift? Or something? Maybe apologize for what you said or did to her, darling." Rarity stood up. "Like how I gave something to Fluttershy on her quest, hoping she would find it useful. I love her like no other. Just like how AJ and Pinkie love each other." They turned to the temple above them, seeing Pinkie hugging AJ like always, and AJ was annoyed by it. "Give her something that tells her you care and love her."

Twilight looked back down at her feet and thought about her words. She was right. They are sisters, and no matter what or how far they are apart, they will still be connected.

"Thanks, Rarity."

"Anytime, darling."

Twilight ran off, and Rarity watched her. Soon, AJ and Pinkie joined in, standing still, watching her run off to the open fields.

Twilight knew that Dashie always trains in the open fields after dinner and is there. She stopped and could see Dash flying, her wings flapping hard and her arms reaching out to the sky. Twilight slowly walked over and watched Dashie breathing hard and panting, falling to the ground, sweating.

"You really love trying." Twilight smiled, sitting beside her.

"I have to. I want to fly. To feel the wind through my feathers." Dash looked at her sister, "And, if I fly, I can see you off, Big Horn."

"See me off?" asked Twilight.

"To the world above." Dash slowly stood up and looked at the sky, breathing harder.

"Why? I thought you would want to keep me here to boss me around, Tiny Wings." Twilight smiled, poking her but noticing Dash had a problem breathing. "Are you okay? Do you need to sit down?"

Dash was panting, and she fell again.

"Dashie!?"

Dash didn't move, and Twilight was scared. She held her head and could feel her forehead getting hot. Dash pushed her hand away and pointed to the sky.

"I'm running out of time. I want to see you off..."

"Time?" asked Twilight, feeling scared now.

Dash smiled and touched her cheek. "I'll gladly use all the time I have left on you, Big Horn..." Dash shook her head, correcting herself. "I mean, Twilight."

Twilight could tell that Dash was sick. She will never use her real name.

"You're sick."

"Not sick." panted Dash.

"You're burning up!"

"Doesn't feel that way. I feel weak, though. Can't breathe..." Dash coughed hard, and Twilight could see the blood as it came from her mouth.

"Dashie!? Dashie!" Twilight panicked, not knowing what to do. She held her tightly and started crying, "Please, don't leave me."

Dash held her and forced herself back up, not caring how weak or sick she felt. She needed to stand.

"I won't, Big Horn. I won't leave. Please, don't cry. It breaks my heart."

"You're lying! You're really sick!"

"No..." she put her hand on Twilight's head and slowly touched her horn. "You know why I call you Big Horn?"

"W-why?"

"Because you're special. You're the only one that has one that big. Something I admire and always will." Dash could see the tears coming from Twilight, and she quickly wiped them away and put her forehead on hers. "My wings will never grow; you were always right in calling me that name. I never hated it; I loved it."

"Dashie..."

"I know you don't hate me. I can tell. I love you and will always love you, no matter what. My spark will always shine for you, regardless of distance or time. Even if I'm gone from this world, I'll find you! I don't know why..." Dash leaned back, giving her a smirk. "But I feel like I promised you that, like in another life. Or a different universe."

Twilight couldn't speak.

"My time is coming. But don't worry. I won't leave you. I'll stay by your side until the very end. Because you can't get rid of me that easy, Twilight Sparkle." said Dash, giving her the biggest grin ever.

Twilight could feel endless tears on her cheek and held her, looking at the night sky. She carried her like a princess and ran across the field the fastest she had ever run. She jumped, but using her magical kicks, she flew into the air and, using her magic, floated. She looked down at her and saw her smiling, as her eyes were in tears.

"...I'm flying..." whispered Dash.

Twilight looked around and saw her home, her sisters and mother watching her. She smiled and looked down at Dash, who was crying.

"Big Horn...thank you."

"Don't thank me, you idiot," said Twilight, holding her tighter to prevent her from falling. "Thank you, Dashie. Thank you."
She kissed her and held her tight, feeling her getting cold. Twilight cried harder and could see her sister closing her eyes.

"Dashie! Please, don't leave me!"

Twilight watched as Dash smirked at her. Saying, "This is it, huh? You're going to find that exit. Don't be trapped by us anymore. I'll be waiting..."

Her head fell, and Twilight couldn't believe it.

"Dashie!!"

"I will be waiting. Waiting for you."

"No! Please, stay with me!" cried Twilight, but her eyes widened as Dash's body disappeared in a glitching mess.

She was gone, like a gust of wind. Twilight cried and could see the wind blowing softly.

"Wait for me..."

"Dashie..."

The wind stopped, and Twilight could feel her heart beating. Her tears fell as she screamed to the heavens, causing the sky to have prism effects.