//------------------------------//
// Act II, Part III: Love 
// Story: The False Goddess 
// by Zoura3025 
//------------------------------//

Gustopha awoke to the sound of the door closing. She yawned softly and shook herself off, standing from the floor and stretching.
“Ah, good morning, Plantation,” Sequoia greeted gently, “Oak’s just walking the kids to school.”
Gustopha nodded a bit, wiping her eyes, “Good morning,” She greeted softly.
“Did you sleep well?” Sequoia asked, sitting before the alicorn.
Gustopha nodded, “I did, thank you,” She replied quietly, “You have very comfortable carpet,” She commented with a soft laugh.

Sequoia chuckled. “I’m glad you were comfortable, hun,” She expressed, “Now, before we start baking, I need to go to the market and get some more flour,” She explained.
Gustopha nodded, “I’ll come with you, it’d be good for me to get some fresh air,” She said, standing up.
Sequoia nodded, walking to the door and settling a set of saddlebags over her back, “Alright, hun, let’s go then,” She said contently.
Gustopha nodded, allowing Sequoia to lead her out the door and into the market.

The market was fairly busy despite how early in the morning it was. A good few of the townsfolk were talking about the very recent bumper harvests they were having.
“Seems my effort went appreciated,” Gustopha said quietly.
“Just how much land did you go and heal, hun?” Sequoia asked.
“I just went until my magic gave out on me… Chances are I hit most of the farms around the town here,” Gustopha admitted.
Sequoia chuckled, “Well, I won’t spoil the surprise,” She promised, “You don’t seem keen on drawing too much attention to yourself.” She gestured to the blanket that Gustopha was still wearing over her back.
Gustopha nodded, “I’d rather not make a big scene,” She admitted.
Sequoia simply nodded, leading the way through the market.

Gustopha noticed a table of woven baskets. She thought for a long moment about the night before. If she could send a letter to the moon, could she send other things?
“If it wouldn’t be a bother, may I purchase a basket?” Gustopha asked, briefly halting.
Sequoia looked at her, “We have plenty of baskets at home, hun… What do you need one for?” She asked.
Gustopha hesitated, “Well… I was thinking about last night, and how Dogwood and I sent a letter to the moon,” She explained.
Sequoia smiled knowingly, “And now you’d like to send a little taste of home, right?” She asked.
Gustopha nodded, “Exactly.”
Sequoia simply nodded, briefly walking over to the stall, handing over a small hoofful of bits, and coming back with a basket.
“I… Expected I’d have to try harder to convince you,” Gustopha admitted, carefully magicking the basket from Sequoia’s mouth.

Sequoia chuckled and lowered her voice, stepping close to Gustopha as they began to walk again. Gustopha leaned down to listen to her.
“Between you and me, most of my mother’s side were lunar sympathizers. So, it’s nice to think I could do something for them, ‘specially since my uncle was among the lunar soldiers,” Sequoia explained in a whisper.
Gustopha’s eyes widened slightly, and she simply nodded. That was an interesting piece of information; one that stung slightly, considering her theory on where the blight had come from. She allowed Sequoia to lead her through the process of buying flour, and they returned home, where Oak was now preparing to harvest some of the fruit that had already grown back on the trees. Gustopha gave a curt wave to him, and the two mares headed inside.

"Have you ever baked before?" Sequoia asked as she set the back of flour on the counter.
Gustopha thought for a moment, "I've 'helped' my mother, in the way that a young filly 'helps' with baking," She chuckled, setting her basket down in an out-of-the-way corner of the room.
Sequoia had a small laugh. "Alright, then I'll walk you through everything. By the end of the day, you're gonna know baking from top to bottom, or my name ain't Sequoia Grove," She declares firmly.
Gustopha gave an anxious smile, "Sounds like you've a plan; today, I'm merely an extra set of hooves," She commented.
Sequoia grinned. "Then, my extra set of hooves, I'll show you a real hard day's work!" She declared.

When Oak and the kids headed back inside later that day, the house was filled with the wonderful smells of fresh baking.
Fresh loaves of bread and tins full of pie lined the back counter of the kitchen; there were almost too many to fit properly.
Gustopha and Sequoia were sitting at the table and drinking some tea, awaiting their last batch of baking as it cooked in the oven.
Gustopha was a bit frazzled by just how much they'd done in a day, but she had quite enjoyed getting to work at something with a concrete, attainable end.

"Well, you two've been mighty busy," Oak chuckled.
"I had a helpin' hoof from our resident alicorn," Sequoia said, smiling at Gustopha, "And she did a mighty fine job."
Gustopha gave an awkward smile, "Well, except for the first two pie shells," She remarked.
Sequoia laughed, "Hun, you aren't s'posed to admit to that!" She teased.
Oak laughed a bit. "Well, either way, it all smells tasty," He commented, "Gonna be eatin' good tonight."
"Hooves off 'till dinner, you three," Sequoia huffed.

The foals and Oak shared a disappointed "Aww", and Willow and Dogwood headed upstairs, presumably to do homework.
Gustopha looked at Sequoia, "Is there anything else you wanted to make?" She asked.
Sequoia shook her head, "We've run through everything I wanted to make," She said, "Plus that extra bit for your care package."

"Care package?" Oak asked as he took a seat at the table.
Gustopha explained her plan to send some of their goods to the moon, pointing to the basket on the floor.
Oak seemed skeptical, "What's with this business sendin' things to the moon, all of a sudden?" He asked.
Gustopha sat quietly for a moment, her expression lowering.
"Plantation? Is everything okay, hun?" Sequoia asked.
Gustopha sighed, "I think I need to come clean to you as to why I'm here," She admitted.
The two other adults leaned in a bit. "We're listenin'," Oak said.

"I am Princess Gustopha," Gustopha began, "The Princess of Plenty, made with the express purpose of healing the land. I'm not a natural alicorn who earned her power from great trials and tribulations. I was butchered together from two deceased foals, brought back to life, and trained to be strong enough to fulfill the task of purging the blight from Equestria," She summarized.

Sequoia and Oak stared at her for a long moment. It was a difficult story to believe, of course; but then again, she displayed all the traits of an alicorn, and very clearly had some good power behind her if she was able to send something to the moon.
"That's… Quite a story," Sequoia said softly, flusteredly chuckling.
Oak nodded, "Quite a story indeed," He commented, "But… If you're an alicorn, and a princess, why the hey'd you come out to our neck of the woods?" He asked.

Gustopha took a deep breath. "Princess Celestia was not satisfied with me," She explained, eyes closing, "She wanted a sister who would spend time with her; who would love her. Instead, she got me: A broken mess of a filly who only knows what she was made to do."
Sequoia huffed, "Well, now, that's not true in the slightest," She retorted, "If you only served to heal the land and do nothing else, wouldn't ya've moved on by now?"
Gustopha's eyes were fixed on the table.

"I ran away from it all," Gustopha heaved, "I ran away from the life that had been neatly laid out for me, and now I-" Her voice caught in her throat, and she coughed.
"Now I don't think they'd accept me if I came back, all because I was selfish and needed space," She admitted.
Sequoia and Oak shared a look.

"Well, now… I can't say I know much about how royalty works, but the way I see it, you'd be a princess anypony'd be proud to live under," Oak remarked, "I mean look at all you've done for our farm. You landed here, fixed all the blight, and started helpin' out around the farm without so much as a complaint."
Sequoia nodded, "And you've been so kind to the young 'uns as well; I eared in on you and Dogwood last night, when you were talkin' 'bout the moon. You've got the tenderness of a butterfly, Princess," She reasoned.

Gustopha sat quietly for a moment, softly murmuring a "Thank you" as her gaze once again fixated on the table.
"If I were the Princess, I'd welcome you back in a heartbeat," Sequoia expressed, setting a hoof on Gustopha's.
Gustopha thought for a long moment and heaved. Tears welled in her eyes as she tried to hash out some sort of agreement in her head. Would she be taken back? Was Celestia still mad? Was she an enemy of Equestria now that she'd run off from the royal family?
"I need to think about it," She murmured, "May I stay another night?"
"Of course. We ain't just gonna kick you out because you're royalty," Sequoia promised, "For all your help, you're welcome in our home any time, Princess."

"Please, call me Gustopha," Gustopha requested, "Princess doesn't feel right."
Sequoia and Oak both nodded.
"Well, we welcome you to our family with open legs, Gustopha," Oak said, "You've been a proper help these past couple days."
Gustopha gave a small smile, "Thank you, Mr. And Mrs. Grove," She said gently.
After some time, the last batch of baking would be ready, and Gustopha would magic it from the oven to set it on the stove.

"Now, I think it's about time we got your care package set up, hm?" Sequoia asked, setting the blanket on the counter.
Gustopha nodded, "May I go get the foals?" She asked.
Sequoia nodded, and Gustopha walked out of the kitchen, carefully treading up the stairs.
It took her a couple tries to find the right room, but then found the two foals studying in their shared room.
"Could you two come downstairs for a moment?" Gustopha requested, keeping her voice gentle.
Dogwood immediately darted from the room, "Okay!" He said as he quickly ran past Gustopha and down the stairs.

Willow looked up at her for a moment, "Why?" She asked.
"We're going to make a care package for someone," Gustopha explained.
"Who?" Willow asked.
Gustopha smiled, "For the moon ponies. We're going to send them a basket of nice things from earth," She elaborated.
Willow blinked, "Are moon ponies even real?" She asked.
"I'd like to think they are," Gustopha replied gently, "And I'm sure they wouldn't mind a little taste of home."
Willow nodded a little, "Well… Alright," She replied, following Gustopha downstairs.

Dogwood was already sat at the table, excitedly talking to his parents about what they'd put in the basket.
Willow and Gustopha joined them at the table.
"Alright, I think the best way to do this to go around the table," Sequoia said, "Gustopha and I already have some baking set aside, so… Willow, you can start."
Willow perked up at the mention of her name, thinking for a long moment, "Hmmm… I think we should send them a blanket. It's probably cold on the moon."
The others nodded.
"I wanna send 'em another letter!" Dogwood said.
Gustopha smiled, "We will, don't worry. Is there anything else you wanted to send?" She asked.
Dogwood pondered that thought for a long moment, "Ummm… I think we should send 'em some apples and cherries," He said, "Peaches bruise too easily."
Oak thought for a long moment, "Hmm… I think you four have all the main beats hit," He admitted with a chuckle, "I can't think of much else; at least that'd fit in the basket," He admitted.

Gustopha nodded, "Then it's settled… We'll send them a blanket, bread, fruit, and a letter," She said, magicking a piece of paper and a pencil over to her.
"Now, what should I write in the letter?" She asked.
The table quickly lit up with discussion from all sides, and it took some time before they properly hashed out what they wanted to say.

"Dear Moon Ponies,
We send you this basket of treats from earth as a sign that, even though you are far away, there are still ponies here that think about you. There are still ponies who worry for you, and hope that the endless sky and the stars beyond have been kind to you.
Included in our basket is a blanket enclosing fresh bread and fruit, as a taste of the home that you were forced from. We hope you accept these as a small token of apology from those of us who simply watched as you were banished away.
Also included is a guide on how to cast the banishment spell on small objects, and a piece of parchment, so a letter may be returned.
From the earth with love,
Signed Oak, Sequoia, Willow, Dogwood, and Princess Gustopha."

Sequoia was slightly teary-eyed as the letter was signed off and rolled off, the lid of the basket carefully closed by Gustopha's magic and settled in the corner of the room.
"Now we just wait until night," Gustopha said.
Willow looked up at her. "So you are a princess," She said.
Gustopha nodded, "I am, yes… I'm just not a very good one," She admitted.
Dogwood shook his head, "No way! You're a great princess! You're real nice, you help out on the farm…" He trailed off as Gustopha looked away.

Tears ran down the princess' cheeks, "There's more to being a princess than that, I'm afraid," She said softly, "More that I ran away from."
"Well, it doesn't matter, 'cause I think you're real neat!" Dogwood said.
Gustopha gave a weak smile, "Thank you, Dogwood," She replied softly, "You remind me a lot of somepony I used to know when I was a filly."

The room was quiet for a moment as Gustopha resteadied herself, wiping her eyes.
"If I may… Who does Dogwood remind you of?" Willow asked.
Gustopha smiled a bittersweet smile, "A young pegasus colt, named 'Texas Toast'," She said, "Him and I did almost everything together… My mother always joked that if we were any closer we'd be joined at the flank," She chuckled, "He had that same spark Dogwood did. Always bold, always protective…"
Gustopha bit her tongue.
"Then… Him and I both got sick with the blight," She expressed, "We ate some rotten weeds and were too stupid to spit 'em out."
Sequoia gasped, hooves over her face.
"...Tex didn't make it, kind of. When I awoke, his wings had been stitched to my back," Gustopha expressed.
The blanket fell from her back as she spread her wings.

"I think that's enough, Gustopha," Oak requested firmly, noting how horrified his children looked, "We try not to talk about blight sickness 'round them…" He looked away.
Gustopha froze, looking at Sequoia, who was now quietly sniffling into her hooves.
"Kids, go sit in the livingroom for a couple minutes. We need to have a talk with Gustopha," Oak said.
The two foals needed no further instruction. They quickly left the room.

"We… Lost our youngest to the blight, a couple years back now," Oak explained, hugging his now sobbing wife.
"She got out on us one day, and ate a fallen cherry that had some blight on it. It was fast; too fast," He said, the stallion now starting to get a bit choked up himself, "The doctor only said we could make peace with it; said that there wasn't a cure."
Gustopha bit her tongue and nodded slowly, "It… It's taken too many ponies," She expressed, "For every one it kills directly, it starves another."
Oak nodded, "It was real rough for a while. I still can't forgive myself for what happened," He expressed.
Gustopha walked over and pulled the two into a tight hug.
Oak froze, but leaned into the alicorn's embrace, his eyes closing.
"I can't claim I know all the answers to the blight… But I promise, I will do everything I can to try and purge it all away," Gustopha insisted.
Oak sighed softly, "Thank you…" He replied quietly, "It's those kinds of promises that make you a worthy princess."

After a few more moments, Sequoia calmed herself, "I-I think I'll make us somethin' simple for dinner," She murmured.
Gustopha nodded, "I'll help you," She said gently.
Sequoia nodded as she stood up, wiping her eyes and walking to the kitchen counter.
It wasn't a very fanciful dinner; steamed vegetables and some fresh bread. No one complained; the mood was still somber.
Gustopha felt guilty for bringing up her past in front of the children; in front of the adults was one thing, but to speak it in front of the kids?

Gustopha closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, everyone," She apologized quietly.
"What for, Gustopha?" Sequoia asked.
"Just… For bringing up everything," Gustopha heaved, "I didn't mean to spoil the evening."
"It's alright, hun. You don't need to apologize for talking about what's rattling around up there," Sequoia replied.
Oak nodded, "I'm sure there's an awful lot to it that you're still keepin' locked away," He replied.
Gustopha simply nodded.
Willow blinked, "Is that why you don't like being called a princess?" She asked.
Gustopha gave a weak smile and nodded, "It's only part of it, but yes," She replied.
Dogwood blinked, "Well… I still think you're a good princess, Gustopha," He said, "Even if you don't believe it yourself."
"We all do," Oak said, "If you won't believe in yourself, we'll believe in you for ya."
The rest of the family nodded.

Gustopha sat in stunned silence for a moment, "Thank you… All of you," She expressed, "I haven't felt this loved since the last time I saw my mother," She heaved.
Sequoia smiled softly at her, "We keep tellin' ya: You're just one of the family here," She remarked.
Gustopha smiled a bit, "It certainly feels like it," She expressed, "You've shown me nothing but kindness since I got here."
"Well, it's not like you've just been freeloadin'," Oak remarked.
"Yeah! You helped a lot with the harvest; it usually takes us a week!" Dogwood said, tail swishing a bit.
Gustopha smiled a little, "I guess you're right," She replied gently.
Dinner would conclude somewhat quietly, and soon the sun would set, leaving the calm, faint light of the moon as the only light outside.

Gustopha grabbed the basket, "Well, time to go send our present," She said gently.
Gustopha and the family would walk outside, and Gustopha would neatly set the basket down.
"I'll need to push very hard to move something like this; please keep your distance," She requested.
The family obliged, sitting some distance away from her as she laid on her front, horn glowing as she once again grabbed the basket.
"Remember last night, Dogwood?" Gustopha asked.
Dogwood nodded, "Yup! We gotta wish once it starts trailing!" He recalled.
Gustopha nodded, eyes closing.

The basket quickly gained altitude, rapidly accelerating this time. It was much, much heavier than the note.
Gustopha grit her teeth as her horn erupted into flames of arcane effort, bathing the clearing in bright, white light.
The basket went faster, starting to develop the trail.
Instead of praying silently, however, the family began playing aloud, lead by Sequoia.
The soft chanting of the praying family made Gustopha feel stronger. She had no idea if it was actual strength or just psychosomatic, but her horn's flame grew larger as she pushed the basket faster and further.
Gustopha kept pushing, even as her body began to ache. She was tapping magic reserves beyond her usual exhaustion now.
She felt the flames licking at her. Her body wanted her to stop, but she couldn't now. Not when she was so close.

Then, a lurch. Gustopha gasped for air as her eyes shot open. She panted hard, shaking her head to dispell the flames that clung to her. Her horn visibly smoldered, radiating faint smoke.
"Did it make it?" Dogwood asked.
Gustopha weakly nodded before her head collapsed to the dirt. She couldn't muster the energy to move herself; the last time she had felt herself so drained was when the blight had come to claim her.
Her eyelids drooped to the sound of the worried family running over to her.
"Gustopha, hun, stay with us!" Sequoia cried.
"Let's get her inside," Oak said.





"The moon's really bright tonight, Tex," Plantation said as she gazed up at the moon, "Do you think it means anything?"
Texas thought for a long moment. "Maybe it means someone's looking back, and they're shining a light to check on us," He theorized.
"You think they care about us?" Plantation asked.
"Well, yeah, they're still ponies, aren't they? If we think about them, why can't they think about us?" Texas asked back.
Plantation nodded a little, and waved at the moon.
Texas giggled, "You're such a weirdo, Plant," He teased, before joining her in waving at the moon.





Gustopha awoke with a soft groan, her body aching slightly. She was laying on the Grove family couch, resting under a couple of large blankets as her head laid on the arm rest.
She remembered last night vividly, despite the slight haze she found herself in. She'd sent a whole basket of goodies to the moon, in the name of… What would one call it? Diplomacy? Blind faith?
She liked 'diplomacy' better. Princesses were supposed to be diplomats, were they not?

She stood up, looking around. The house was empty.
"I'm sure they're all busy… A farmer's work is never done, it seems," She thought aloud, walking outside.
It was daytime, and she noticed a small scorch mark in the yard just outside the home. Had she scorched the grass last night? It wasn't out of the question.

Gustopha looked around. There was no sign of anyone, until she heard a familiar colt's voice.
"Gustopha!" Dogwood called, charging directly into the alicorn and hugging her.
Gustopha squeaked, knocked to the ground from the sudden impact.
"You're awake!" Dogwood squealed, "We were real worried about you after you passed out on us!"
Willow, Sequoia, and Oak rounded the side of the house.
Gustopha smiled, "I was just really tired after I sent the basket to the moon," She admitted, "I'll be fine, don't worry."
"It's good to see you up and at it again, hun," Sequoia said gently, "We tried to get you up this morning, but you were asleep like a drunken stone," She chuckled.
Gustopha nodded, "Exertion like that is a lot for me to bounce back from. I'm still getting used to it," She admitted.

Oak helped her to her hooves, "It's a shame you missed the town meeting this morning," He commented, "Celestia herself, showing up in our little town! Who'da thunk it possible?" He asked with a chuckle.
Gustopha froze, "Celestia's here?" She asked.
"She gave a speech about how our town was glowing with health as of recent," Willow commented, "Said she wanted to stick around and see what all was happening."
Gustopha sat silent for a moment.
"What's wrong, Ms. Gustopha?" Dogwood asked uncertainly.
"I should go talk with the princess," Gustopha admitted.

Gustopha froze as she heard an unfamiliar stallion's voice, "That won't be necessary, Princess."
Gustopha looked over at the guard clad in shining golden armor.
"Where is she?" Gustopha asked.
"She'll be here in just a moment," The guard replied.
Gustopha stepped forward in front of the family and let out a small sigh.
"Hun, are you sure you're alright with this?" Sequoia asked.
"I need to face her. I'll be okay," Gustopha promised.

It was then that Celestia rounded the corner, flanked by guards on either side.
Gustopha eyed Celestia warily as the older alicorn stepped forward.
The air felt as though it had become stagnant around the two; it was as if time itself was holding its breath.
"...Sister," Gustopha greeted quietly.
Celestia tugged Gustopha into a hug, eyes tightly shut, "Oh, thank goodness you're okay, Gustopha!" Celestia cried, "I was so worried about you after you ran off, I set up a search party right away. Then they said this little town was sending things off to the moon, and I had to come and see if it was you…" Celestia trailed off, breaking into tears.

Gustopha blinked, hugging Celestia back gently, "I… I missed you too, Celestia," She said quietly. She wasn't entirely sure she believed that sentiment, but it Celestia seemed rattled enough that it managed to shake Gustopha a bit.
Celestia held her at legs' length. "C-can you forgive me for what I said?" She asked, "I didn't mean it, I was just so angry, a-and-" She cut herself off with another fit of hysterical sobs.
Gustopha's ear twitched. "You didn't?" She asked softly, tears now welling in her own eyes.
"Of course not! I don't care what happens; I asked for a little sister, and I got one," Celestia expressed.

Gustopha pulled Celestia into a tight hug, eyes squeezing shut, "I-I'm sorry I ran away," She whimpered softly, "I was just so s-scared, and confused…"
Celestia nodded, "I know, Gustopha… I should have never brought those things up… None of them are your fault," She insisted, squeezing Gustopha close.

The Grove family watched as the two adopted sisters embraced and traded murmurs between sobs.
"See?" Oak said quietly, "Even alicorn siblings get on each other's nerves sometimes," He remarked, lightly patting his foals' shoulders.
"I hope we don't start crying all over each other like that," Willow murmured quietly.

Celestia once again held Gustopha at legs' length. "Would you please come back to the castle?" She requested softly, eyes still wet, "I-I promise, I-" She was hushed by Gustopha's hoof gently settling on her chest.
"I will," Gustopha said quietly, "I… I need to be strong, and stop running from my problems."
Celestia stared at her.
Gustopha gave her a weak smile, "I know I'm not the sister you wanted, but I still want to make you proud," She said gently.
Celestia let out something between a chuckle, a cough, and a choked sob, "Gustopha, you don't need to work hard to make me proud," She promised, "I'd love to have you back at home."
Celestia and Gustopha finally stepped away from one another.

Celestia turned to the family, "Thank you for taking such good care of my sister," She expressed, "If there's anything I can do, please just tell me."
"We want her to visit again!" Dogwood blurted out.
Gustopha chuckled gently, "Celestia doesn't get to decide that," She said warmly, "But I do, and I'll definitely come back to see you all."
Sequoia wiped a small trail of tears from her eye, "Goodness… We'll happily await your return, Gustopha," Sequoia said, "I'll make sure to keep the rug set for you," She chuckled softly.
Gustopha gave a small laugh, "I'll try to provide notice instead of passing out in your field," She commented.
Oak chuckled, "At least wait for a day it ain't rainin'," He remarked.
Gustopha and the family shared a laugh.

Celestia turned to one of her guards, "Get the chariot ready for both of us," She requested.
The guard nodded and trotted off.
"So what's gonna happen to Gustopha once she comes back with you?" Dogwood asked, looking up at Celestia. Gustopha also looked at her.
"Well… Gustopha has yet to be coronated properly, so we'll be working towards that," Celestia supposed, "But what's most important is that she has the time and space to settle into her new life."
"We'll be happy to hear the news when she receives her title proper," Oak said, "She's got our support for sure."
Sequoia and the foals nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, everyone," Gustopha said gently, "I hope to make you proud."
"I'm sure you will, hun. Just make sure you get help with bakin'," Sequoia said, giving a sly wink.
Gustopha chuckled softly.

"Your highness, the chariot is ready," A guard says as he returns.
Celestia gave a small smile, "Well… That's our cue to leave," She said gently.
Gustopha nodded, stepping forward and hugging each family member, "Thank you so much for your hospitality," She expressed.
"Of course, Gustopha. You're always welcome," Sequoia promised.
The rest of the family said their goodbyes, and Celestia walked Gustopha to the chariot so they could head home.

Celestia was quiet for most of the flight.
"...So you truly sent things to the moon?" She asked.
Gustopha nodded, "A couple letters, and a basket of some nice things," She answered, "I doubt much will come of it, but it was nice to think that I could help towards peace."
Celestia bit her lip, "That's a very nice sentiment, Gustopha," She replied softly, leaning against Gustopha and sighing, "I… I was scared. Terrified, actually; when it clicked in my head that you'd ran away, I was worried you'd…" Celestia trailed off.
"Worried I'd what?" Gustopha asked.
"...Luna had a similar rebellious streak to her. She'd always sneak off at all hours of the night. And… I said things I regret to her, too," Celestia heaved, "It didn't sink in until very recently that… That I almost lost another sister."

Gustopha wrapped a leg around Celestia gently, "It wasn't like that, Celestia. I was just scared. When you were screaming, I saw the same anger the doctor looked at me with. It was like looking into the eyes of a snarling predator," Gustopha expressed, "I just needed time and space to not be afraid."
Celestia took a small breath. "...I'm sorry, Gustopha. None of this was ever your fault, and you shouldn't be feeling like it is. I'm just being selfish," She heaved softly.
Gustopha rested her head against Celestia's and breathed softly, her eyes closing. She thought about speaking, but no words needed to be said.
Gustopha's eyes blinked open as she heard Celestia begin to snore. Gustopha smiled a little, seeing Celestia at peace. Perhaps if the conversation had gone differently, Gustopha wouldn't be so happy to see Celestia resting soundly; now, however, Gustopha just cared that normalcy might finally be rearing its head for her to see.