I am the night! Let me sleep.

Since when am I Faust!?

chapter 2

  As Celestia and I quickly made our way to Luna's room; I was running at full speed through the halls in an attempt to catch up with an eager alicorn. My footing was uncoordinated and every few moments I found myself beginning to stumble.

That didn't bother me though, instead the part I was struggling with was how noticeable I've become to those around. I was being watched by everypony there. The guards, staff members and regular citizens roaming the halls, they were all looking intently at me with wide eyes. From my viewpoint shock wonder and even a little fear was clearly evident on their faces.

  The constant stares were starting to make me feel on edge, mostly because being the centre of attention was never my thing. From past experiences, I knew the uneasiness would build in me, and then it would start to make me feel sick. So quickly looking for an answer as to why I was being watched I checked to see if there was anything on me or around me that was surprising. But through my fast effort, I couldn't figure out why everyone's focus seemed to be on me.

So with no answer coming to me, I bolted faster through the halls; hoping to escape their relentless glares. But, as I was running at high speed with little motor control, I soon found myself accidentally running into one of the maids. We fell to the ground faster than I had time to think, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground. Fiddling with my hooves as I tried to get up.

After a couple of false and awkward starts, I eventually managed to lift myself up. But when I did, I came to the revaluation that Celestia continued on without me. She didn't notice me fall and now had left me in this giant labyrinth of halls without direction.

"I'm so sorry!!" My attention turned to the maid I had knocked over and she was shakingly getting up from the ground. I turned to look behind me to see if she was talking to someone there out of habit. But then when I turned my head back, the maid was bowing her head, and looking sincerely sorry for something that wasn't even her fault.

  Her apology was quite unexpected and I soon found myself saying,"Sorry for what? It was completely my fault.” To this the maid's head twitched upwards in surprise, and I decided to take this opportunity to ask the question that had been gnawing at me for the past few minutes, “In fact, while I have you here, do you know why everybo-pony is staring at me?"

  It was a straightforward and simple answer, but still the maid tensed up and gave me a nervous smile. You could almost hear the gears turning and finally after about ten seconds she answered,"W-well your majesty It's b-because you're an alicorn." The maid squeaked out. The way she bowed her head and shivered at my presence was kind of unsettling to me. I couldn't comprehend why she would seem to fear me, unless...

"Pardon my asking but do you know who I am?" I tried to ask in the nicest way possible; I didn't want to terrify her anymore.

My efforts unfortunately only worked to a halfway point, the maid although not overly frightened became slightly downcast. She probably thought it was a requirement to know all the rulers of Equestria, even the ones that have been gone for a millennia.

"I'm sorry your majesty, but I have never seen you before and I don't know your name." Her voice became worried as she said this, but it only drew my curiosity further.

"Then why are you scared of me?" I asked.

She flinched a little, and turned her head up to me with an almost desperate expression.".... I-It's because you're a princess! And I'm just a maid."

"So what."

"Huh?" Her surprised expression was priceless!

"I said, So what? I'm the same as you, a pony with normal feelings and emotions. The only difference between us is an occupation. Well, that and I have wings but even at that it's not a big difference. I serve the kingdom as a ruler and you support me with the jobs I can't do. Technically you make it so I can be a princess or authoritative figure so try not to be so downcast."

"..."

"So um.. anyway what's your name?" I asked.

As soon as I said this she seemed to sense my sincerity and she offered me a smile."It's Lillybreeze, I just started working at the palace today."

"Nice to meet you, Lilly, my name is Lauren Faust."

Lillybreeze seemed to cheer up at my casual introduction and finally stopped trembling."It's nice to meet you too Princess."

"Okay, I need to get going, but thanks for your help. I hope to see you around!" I called out as I started to make my way down the hall again. I quickly began to curse myself for losing Celestia though. Aimlessly I ventured through the halls of Canterlot's royal palace. I kept on passing by the same rooms and hallways as I tried to escape this labyrinth, but to no avail.

(So, it looks like you made a friend.)

“Eh distractions, I still hope to get out of here as soon as possible, but whether I like it or not I'm going to have to cooperate if I want that to be home soon.”

(Oh, well okay... I guess that makes sense. But to be honest you're taking this a lot better than I expected.)

“I used to watch a lot of anime, and this isn't the weirdest thing I've ever thought about happening to me. Getting stuck in a life or death game, having to fight a God for the sake of a planet, and a similar situation. Though I have to admit I didn't see it being in this universe. That was a shock to the core.”

Ten minutes later, I was still looking for Luna's bedroom. With little results, I continued talking to myself figuring two heads wrestling better than one. But still that wouldn't give us the directions.

(Perhaps we could just go and ask one of the guards which way.)

"Never!" I harshly whispered. I never knew why, but I had always felt like asking questions of others was just a burden to them. Since I was little, people never listened to me when I wanted to talk, so I eventually developed an uneasiness to the task.

(There're servants right over there, just ask where is the room of princess Luna.)

You can't make me! As a man, I have a duty never to ask for help!

Unfortunately I forgot the seemingly admin power she had over the body, and I suddenly found myself being controlled once again. Our hooves started to carry us to the closest guard ponies, and I was powerless to stop it.

No!

(Yes.)

No!!

(Yes!!)

My resistance efforts didn't stop the body's owner from doing whatever she pleased. But I got the satisfaction of having the guards look at us with confused stares as this strange alicorn fought with herself while she approached them."(Excuse me gentle colts could you direct me to the quarters of Princess Luna?)" Faust asked. She spoke in a soothing tone and knowing the not so sweet side of her made this just seem weird.

"Um..Sure thing your highness. Down the hall, to the left, and up the stairs." The guard answered as he pointed the way. Lauren gave a polite nod as we passed as if to say thanks and we continued on.

We had walked away about forty feet before Lauren turned our head to the left and started to talk to me. "(See now was that so hard?)" She mocked, and to that, my frustration flared. If I was able to its give her an angry scowl I would have; and I was certain she knew it.

Aren't you supposed to be in our subconscious!?

"I would be there believe me, but someone kept on calling for me to help them out. Really it gets annoying; you should learn to think for yourself once in awhile."

... heh, right.

  Once I finally found the room, and caught up with Celestia. I spotted the sun princess harshly shaking her younger sister in an attempt to wake her. The moment I saw Luna fighting to stay in bed I felt my heart start to flutter. No doubt it was from Faust's reaction rather than mine. I felt a feeling of joy and relief wash over me almost from within. And to be honest, it was freaking the crap out of me.

Hey what's up?

(I-it's just... I haven't seen her since she was a young filly. I missed her whole life of growing up.)

I had to admit that type of sadness touched my heart. Spending time with your child while they are growing up is something special, and no parent should have to miss it... even if they are a mind snatching nutcase.

"Come on Luna! Wake up!" Tia commanded, but her sibling resisted the best she could.

"Leave me, alone sister! Thine actions art most annoying." At saying that, Tia’s face grew mischievous and her horn lit up as she started to magically drag Luna out of bed by her tail.

  Once Luna realized what was happening, her eyes shot open to the size of dinner plates. It was hard not to laugh at the sight. Especially when while Celestia slowly pulled her off; Luna was frantically clawing at the bed in an attempt to stay on. Then finally, the dark mare fell to the ground along with her fluffy comforter sheets. Her mane was a mess, lacking the usual ethereal look to it that the show often depicted. Her coat was fluffy and unbrushed, and to say the least, she looked adorable, especially because of her grumpy attitude.

"This better be good Tia" Luna warned sternly as she crossed her hooves.

"Oh trust me, Luna, it is." Even from a distance, the mischievous smile sun butt was giving her younger sibling was something that promoted worry. And the non-canon works that my sister Mya showed me, popped into my mind.

It can't be.. not Trollestia!

(What?)

Never mind.

"Sister why art thou just sitting there looking smug."

“Because Lulu, we have an unexpected guest. Somepony who neither of us have seen in a very long time.”

Luna looked up at her sister in a perplexed manner .“But Tia, nopony has lived long enough to be considered unseen for a ‘long’ time.”

Celestia’s grin only grew wider, and I took that as my cue to finally reveal myself. I trotted quietly through the open doorway and stood directly behind the queen of the night.

"Hello, Luna." It was difficult to speak when Lauren was in control of the body's emotional state. I was doing everything to keep us from breaking down into tears.

  Her fur immediately stiffened, and her body froze like stone at the sound of my voice. Her head slowly lowered and even though I was behind her, I could sense a shadow covering her eyes in sadness."I-Is that you Mother?"

"Um.. yeah" (Well she's in here :P)

Luna looked towards my direction with pained eyes, but she never met my gaze."M-Mom, I am so sorry." Tears began to well up at the corners of her eyes, and I felt my heart begin to feel pain at her despair.

"Sorry for what?" I asked, I didn't know if it was best to talk about it, but I figured the sooner we get past it the better.

Celestia’s eyes widened and she flinched forward as if to warn me not to go there, but before she could sign anything Luna reluctantly spoke up. "After you left I-I became a tyrant who tried to overthrow Equestria out of jealousy of Tia." She said as she hung her head with guilt. "I've failed mother, terribly. My actions hath caused great fear and hatred of myself among our subjects."

"Yeah... I can see how that could happen." I accidentally said, as I thought out loud about earth's history and similar situations. I remembered how most of history class was about that, monarchies that have come to an end from the people rebelling. At least that's what I remembered...

After I said that I noticed Luna visibly flinched as if I stuck her from the corner of my eye. It was at that moment that her crying went from quiet sobbing to a noticeable wail. My mistake was not watching what I said.

No no no. Please, don't cry.

  It was obvious that this emotional confrontation was doing a number on this body's owner, and thus me. Trying to keep it together, I tried to think of what I should say to fix my mistake. But, nothing was coming to my mind. I didn't know her; I didn't know how it felt to be in her position. All I am is an eighteen-year-old guy who got thrown into another world!

  Stretching out ‘my’ hoof I began to speak, "Luna, I... (forgive you. I don't care what you did in my absence. All I've ever wanted during this time has been to see your faces again. I could never hate you.)" As I was speaking I  suddenly found words that were not mine coming out of my mouth.

It was nice to see how much Lauren cared for her daughter's. I could feel the love she had for them in the heart we now shared, and I slowly began my journey to understanding her point of view.

"You forgive me?" Luna asked as she looked up. Her body was quaking as she struggled to control her sobbing.

A moment passed of silence, and I suddenly found myself back in control. Taking a deep breath to get a hold of this body's ever present desire to break into tears, I answered, "Yes."

"Why!?" Luna suddenly shouted. I stepped back in surprise, and I could see the pain growing within her expression as she looked at me.

“...What?” I asked as I tried to think of why she seemed to have reacted so differently than what I expected.

“I said, why would ye forgive me!? I've tried to throw over Equestria, I turned against mine sister, and I've killed many in my selfish ambitions!” She spoke again; this time growling in what looked like self hate as tears streamed down her face.

“That may be true, but look at yourself right now. The tears streaming down your face, the guilt, the desire to be shunned and rejected just so you can feel that you get what you deserve. Do you think that counts for nothing?” When I mentioned being shunned and rejected her eyes flinched open a slight bit and finally she looked at me in the eyes.

“How did you know?”

“Because to some extent everypony goes through those feelings, and they all need to learn that the past shouldn't be dwelt on. Instead we need to focus on the future and how we can make up for those mistakes.

Everypony seriously? What a stupid form of word play.

(For your information I was the one who came up with that dialect.)

Yeah okay, but you forgot there's Dragons, Zebras, and Griffins. They are not ponies.

(...Sh-shut up!)

Returning my attention to what was happening I noticed that Luna's expression of rage, pain, and sadness, seemed to dissolve, and the tears that had slowed flowed freely again. She began to fight to get out of her bed coverings; stumbling a few times, then she made her way over to me.

Tears of joy stained her dark coat."Thank you."

  Once again I  found myself embraced in a bone crushing hug. This time, though the strength put into it was twice that of Celestia's. She crushed me to the point that I started to sound like a giant squeaky toy as my wheezing be game high pitched. Is this going to become a trend? Thankfully she quickly let me go, and I was given the privilege of breathing again.

"Sorry. Too strong?"

"It's okay I'm just in a weakened state as you can see,” I said pointing out my small form in comparison with her. “I'm a little delicate with certain things." Saying that I was delicate was definitely a shot to my pride as a man, but if it made everyone else more aware of the pain they inflict on me I was more than willing to give it a go.

  We ended up talking until it was time for Luna to raise the moon. Celestia made arrangements for me to sleep in the guest bedroom that she always had ready for twilight. Then after showing me the room and how to get to it she went off to bed.

  I decided to stay up a little longer to talk with Luna, I guess I felt some kind of connection between our situations. Her being taken over by Nightmare moon and I being Faust's puppet. I just seemed to feel like she would be the one to understand what I'm going through.

We conversed about how life had been when it was just her and Celestia ruling Equestria. I couldn't help but get caught up with the fascinating mental images her story brought to my mind. Eventually, I no longer heard what she was saying but mentally I saw everything play out before my eyes. In fact, I got so caught up in her tale that I was caught daydreaming when she started to ask me something.

"Hmm? Sorry, what was that Luna?"

The night princess rolled her eyes in response to my daft response."I was asking thou about thy life in the other realm. Please mother, do tell of what wonders thou had the pleasure of witnessing."

Oh, this should be easy, I'm an expert! "You want to know about the other world?"

"Oh yes, mother please do tell." Luna happily smiled as she got into a more comfortable position. Cradling her head in her hooves much like a child or, in this case, filly, does when a parent decides to read them a story. She waited for me to begin.

"Well... I don't really know where to begin. What would you like to know?"

"What of that world's intelligent life?"

"Okay then, in the other world the top species of life is known as a Homosapien or human. They look like an ape without a tail, and most of their hair is visible on top of their heads much like how we have manes."

"Hmm...and what of their magic?"

"There's none."

"What? I do not understand."

"Humans have no magic, in their world, it is just a fantasy carried along with myths and legends."

"Then how do they survive? Conduct the weather, or change the seasons?"

"Well for your first point they are actually quite intelligent. Their eagerness to know about the world around them and where it came from drives their civilization onward. Humans have technology that makes Equestria look like the stone age. Vehicles that can fly fast enough to break the speed of sound. Space travel! Luna they have managed to land on the moon!"

At least that's what they said, I sometimes wonder though if those conspiracies were correct.

"What! Mother is this true! Such advancements in a society where there's no magic, how can it be that they have accomplished such actions!?"

"With a lot of time and imagination."

"What of the weather?"

"That runs automatically through the way water is designed. The sun heats the top of the water slowly turning it into steam. Then because it becomes lighter than air it rises upwards. Once the water is collected high in the sky the floating water droplets collide getting bigger and heavier. Finally, after enough water is collected its weight pulls it back down to earth. At least, that's the water cycle there.

"Water cycle?"

"Yes, there are many cycles in that world like for example the day and night cycle. That's automatic as well."

"How did they make it so it is automatic for the sun to come up and the moon to do so at their proper times?"

"They didn't do anything over on the other side it's just the way the world works. The earth orbits the Sun and the moon orbits the earth.

"Oh, of course, the planet orbits the Sun."

Sensing her mood drop a little bit I decided to share a little bit more science with her. "Hey, Luna listen. The planet over there may revolve around the sun, but the sun is only a small star compared to those in the rest of the sky. And that's not all, billions of galaxies exist beyond what we can see in between the stars where we think it's dark. You move all of them here and Tia moves a small star. So please don't feel sad or less important."

"(Sniff) Okay" After a second of processing the information Luna suddenly looked up at me with wide eyes.

“What!”

A few hours of talking went by before I started to get sleepy. So saying my goodnights to Luna I made my way to my previously assigned bedroom. I found myself pondering my situation once again.

“Maybe it won't be so bad here I just hope I'll be able to do something about Mya.” Once my head hit the pillow everything went black. A faint whisper was heard at the door as I laid there asleep.

"Welcome, home and sweet dreams mother," Luna said peeking through the doorway, before resuming her nightly duties.