Morbid Curiosity

Celestia awoke in a luscious meadow, with grass extending as far as the eye could see, and small bunches of flowers popped up every so often among the field. Though she had passed out on her side, Celestia now found herself lying on her belly, her hooves tucked neatly under herself; often the same way she did when relaxing in bed. The place as tranquil – the sun beat down upon Celestia, warming her skin, but a gentle breeze kept the heat to bearable levels and the plants swaying in a calming manner.Celestia let out a content sigh. It was refreshing not to have to deal with the stresses of running a country every second, to be able to just unwind and enjoy the day she had created.
Presumably Celestia was the only pony here – she wasn’t silly enough to believe that her injuries had ended her, nor was she naïve enough to think that this was reality – Celestia concluded that this was simply a dream, a figment of her imagination. While Luna had the ability to dream-walk, Celestia obtained the power over dreams all day dreamers had – lucidity. While as a child she had enjoyed the freedom to be whomever or whatever she wished, and do whatever she wanted to for however long she wanted to each night, as an adult Celestia found the ability to be somewhat troublesome. Though she could force herself to sleep without dreams, it was never natural – Celestia could never truly rest. Yes, times of brief escape such as this were welcome and allowed Celestia to relax, it still wasn’t sleep. Celestia envied those that could sleep.

For a while, Celestia simply led in the Sun, enjoying its heat, the sound of the birdsong; even the smell of the meadow – that of freshly mowed grass – resonated and stirred some sense of ease and happiness in Celestia. Perhaps it reminded her of a simpler time… she didn’t know. Honestly, she didn’t care either.
“I’m glad you like it,” Luna’s voice pierced the calm. Celestia looked over to see her sister, not hidden behind blurred vision or extenuating circumstances now; simply stood next to Celestia, completely unaltered in how Celestia remembered her. “Did you do this?” Celestia asked, her voice now in synchronization with the tranquillity of the scene around her. “Yes… and no,” Luna replied, lying down next to Celestia. Usually Celestia would simply move on to a more straightforward question, but here she had all the time in the world. She would play Luna’s game. “Did Luna, my sister, create this illusion?” Celestia inquired, looking back over to the fields. “No,” Luna replied. “Your sister is powerless in her prison.” Luna too looked over the scene, but the expression she wore was one of a more serious tone – though even that seemed subdued in its ferocity.
“So…” Celestia contemplated. “If it is not a question of whom, then… what are you?” Luna chuckled lightly, and the inkling of a smile spread over her face for a moment. “I wish I knew,” Luna replied. “I’m not actually Luna, and thus not anypony at all; as I’m sure you’ve figured out,” Luna told Celestia. “A figment of my mind then?” Celestia continued. Luna simply shrugged in response. “The nature of my being is a question you shall have to decide for yourself – whichever conclusion you come to, it will not be an easy one to swallow. And the conclusions you draw shall be similar enough that it shall not change the path you decide to take. For now, consider me a… helping hoof. A Guardian Angel, if you will.”
“So we’re back to speaking in riddles.” Celestia stated. “Why not give me a simple answer and have it done with?”
“If I tell you, you will forget. If I show you, you will remember. But, if I allow you to experience for yourself, you will understand.”
Celestia took this a sign the conversation was digging itself into a hole. “What do you seek to do then?” Celestia questioned. Luna was silent for a time. “Once I answer this question, you will awaken. Do you wish to leave this place now?”
It was Celestia’s turn to be silent while she thought very carefully of what to say. “Regardless of what or why you are, of what you want or anything else… if you have the power, may I speak to my sister?”
Luna considered this a moment. Her face became pensive, and her eyes closed. "You may... but it shall not be her. She will appear as you remember her, and will have no recollection of the event - this is your mind, after all. What is it you wish to discuss?"
"I... I feel I need somepony to talk to. I seek... guidance? Discussion? Repent, admission? I don't know; I just want to speak to my sister," Celestia answered honestly.

Celestia hung her head in shame. It took a lot for her to admit that she needed support. “I just…” Celestia trailed off. Her voice went quiet, and her head hung close to the floor now. The beginnings of tears began to form on her eyes.

“Tia?” Luna’s voice asked. “Why are you crying?” Celestia looked over at Luna. The guiding, yet condescending look had vanished from her face, replaced by concern… fraternal concern. Celestia couldn’t muster words – she simply embraced her sister.

* * *

Celestia told her sister everything. She spoke not of recent events, but of the things after Luna had been banished. Celestia explained her sorrow, grief, regret… all the things she had felt a mixture of after banishing her sister, and more besides. Luna listened quietly, giving reasons for having done the things she did, and consoling her sister. “I’m not saying what I did was justified,” Luna said, the tones of sorrow being paramount. “But I hope you understand a little better now.”
“I… I always knew.” Celestia admitted. “I just thought you’d be…” Celestia couldn’t finish that sentence. She just couldn’t find the words.
“I understand what you mean,” Luna said, full of understanding.
“It’s just… I wanted what was best. And I am sorry – I am so sorry I couldn’t even see what was going on with my own sister,” Celestia uttered, downtrodden.
Luna was silent for a while. After a time, she put one of her wings around Celestia – much the same way Celestia had done to Luna for a time after Father passed. “Tia… I forgive you,” Luna whispered. “I’m the one who really should apologize for what I’ve done.”
“We were both in the wrong,” Celestia expressed. Both were silent for a while. They sat in the shade, Celestia weeping silently. Though she felt sadness in her heart, consolidation allowed a weight to be lifted off Celestia’s shoulders. When Luna came back – truly, came back – she would have an inkling of what to say.

But for now, Celestia had more immediate concerns. She cleared her throat, and stood up. She had completely lost track of time, but the day had progressed no further. Honestly, Celestia wasn’t sure if that was because it was a dream, or because she hadn’t moved the Sun. “Thank you, sister,” Celestia said, once more assuming her royal formalities. “I… I love you,” Celestia told Luna. She hadn’t used those words since Father had died. It reminded her too much of Mother. Celestia walked forward looking over the rolling fields. Even she had to admit – it was beautiful here.

“I’m sure she does too,” came Luna’s voice, assuming a more commanding tone. Luna’s apparition stood next to Celestia. “Are you ready?” It asked. Celestia gave a single, solemn nod in response.
Luna nodded back. “Then let us begin,”