It's Monday, the twenty seventh of September, to be precise. Why do I even bother thinking about dates now?

Anyway, it’s the beginning of the second week of my stay in Canterlot. The first week was really long, insanely long. It was like the first week of September all over again.

So, it was packed rather full of interesting events... First of all, I think I made two new friends, Blueblood and Moonshine. Though, I don't know if I can call the later a friend. Well, we shared some time, she even cried when I was there to comfort her, but... I can't really say. She is much shyer than I am, she doesn't even talk much to anyone at all. Not to mention that she couldn't pass into the second grade. Well, I try to help her at the lessons, but it seems her mind is elsewhere, away from her studies. I have yet to see her getting any Excellent marks.

Well, and my alicorn nature was revealed... Thankfully, only to Luna, who is, I suppose, my first friend. Though, it's still really weird to call her a friend. She's like, over a thousand years old. Hell, she would be that old woman that bakes cookies for children in the neighborhood if she was human! Though, humans don't even live that long. Well, I've yet to see a vampire or any other kind of ageless or immortal beings, so...

Yeah, last week was really full of stuff. Like my first week in Ponyville, I suppose. Things should go smoothly now... Hopefully.

I’m having all these thoughts while lying on my bed, waiting for the alarm clock to go off. I've got some time before I have to go to school. Since I won't get much sleep right now, I can just have a casual conversation with myself.

So... What am I going to do? I can just stay in school and study, but I think it’ll get very boring after a while. Instead, I need something else to do. I have my guitar, which is both acoustic and distorted. But I can't assemble a band, it's too early... And practicing won't do me much good since I can play rather well. Hm, maybe I should get myself a synthesizer to practice my keyboard skills? Also, what kind of sounds do they make? I think I need to find out.

But that will have to be after the school. I still have lessons to go to.

Some time later.

So, it's History lesson now, and our teacher said that he has a very interesting subject to teach us about. After the bell rang, everyone took their places and the lesson began.

Also, I don’t think I ever mentioned our History teacher. He’s an earth pony stallion by the name of Dusty Cover, who really looks like a very dusty cover: white mane, tail, and beard, gray fur, gray eyes, and... he wears a gray suit and a monocle. Classy.

I still don't understand why ponies have such strange names and no one seems to care.

"Alright, students," Dusty spoke. "Today we are going to talk about..." he grabbed the chalk with his hoof (how can they do that?) and wrote one word on the blackboard. "Religion."

Holy crap. Um, I think even thinking that is blasphemy. Huh.

"So," the teacher looked at us. "Some of you may already know what it is. But I suppose many of you don't." he cleared his throat. "We're not going to delve deep into this subject, as anything related to religion is archaic and is of little use nowadays. However, our princesses think that students should know the basics of the world views that existed before scientific research was done."

Would the princesses be worshipped as gods? They do have a lot of power.

"So, write down," he began to dictate. "Religion is..."

As he dictated and I wrote, I began to think:

What religions did ponies have? Something like humanity still does or something completely different? Also, how is it that ponies don't believe in any gods? Are all of them atheists? That is a really interesting subject to think about.

"Well," our teacher said after we wrote down the definition of religion. "There were many forms of religion. They can be divided into three categories depending on what was worshipped. The first and most popular was the worship of living beings such as alicorns or ancient spirits, though the latter is debatable. The second was the worship of fictional beings whose existence hasn't been proven yet. And the third, the worship of natural elements, forces, and objects."

Not really too different from what we have back on Earth. Besides worshipping living beings, of course. Though... Maybe some less technologically advanced people might worshipped those who came to them with much more advanced technologies. That seems logical.

"I must mention, though," Dusty continued. "That the main goal of any religion was to gain control over other ponies, getting them to do others' biddings. Rules of some religions are considered unethical or outright criminal by today's standards. Beliefs aren't based on logic and reason, on which all things should."

Yeah, I think I'm calling Equestria a country of atheists. And I can say I like it even more now.

Huh, strange — monarchy without gods. Isn't a monarch a ruler because a god chose them? What basis does the monarchy have here? Or maybe ponies believe that there must be a born ruler? Hm, I think it's connected to them being alicorns.

"Let's talk about the first type of religion." Dusty kept speaking. "A long time ago, alicorns were considered to be higher beings. Some of them were corrupted by the power they had gained, and decided that they could make ponies do things for them, be they good or bad. Thus, many cults were created, the latest of which was the Sun and Moon cult, the one that had our princesses as the worshipped beings."

That is... logical, in a way.

"It was already a tradition to worship alicorns, so no one questioned it. But the princesses made a series of reforms, which eradicated those beliefs and traditions."

A good thing, definitely. At least someone managed to do things right.

"The places of worship were built across Equestria during the Dark Age. Most of those places were built in a gothic style of architecture. Our school was once a place of worship — one can see certain elements that differentiates it from other building in Canterlot. So, if anypony’s interested — write down the key elements of gothic architecture."

I knew it! It really looks like a big cathedral. And it has a shape of cross if looked from above... What was Jesus Christ doing here? Or... What is the God's name? Jehwe or something? Hm... Was he an alicorn?

If that is the case, I'm not the first human to be here. Well, if God exists at all. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence.

Alright, the history lesson was rather interesting, at least for most of the students. I saw some of them asking a lot of questions about religions. I saw Moonshine among them, which is really unusual — she rarely asks anything at all. Well, good for her, I suppose.

Also, I noticed that some ponies asked questions about the architecture, too. Yeah, gothic style is really beautiful, especially considering that it allows to build grand beautiful structures. As much as I don't like religion, gothic cathedrals are absolutely breathtaking. If I ever decide to build myself a castle, it will be built in gothic style. Well, it's considered evil by some, not really smart, people, but I don't care. The style is gorgeous.

As for most other styles — I don't like them. Modern style is just like building a box of different shapes with no decoration at all. Some futuristic designs include weird-looking things, which aren't to my liking either. Yeah, gothic is my favorite.

Alright, enough about architecture. The only thing I know how to do is how to build Lego stuff.

So, what's next? Math, if I recall correctly.

*yawn*

Crap, I shouldn't have stayed up for so long.

And I have three whole lessons to endure... That's not good. I wish I could reverse time so I could get some sleep and be not so sleepy right now. Yeah, my mistake...

***

Moonshine and I took our places at the back row of the auditory and prepared our stuff. I can see that she is anxious about something... Maybe about that stuff she asked in the History lesson?

So, good thing I did my homework. The maths teacher, Snow Emerald, always checks it. I opened my notepad to the page which has my homework. Everything is done perfectly, I think. Well, at least it always was.

There’s still some time before the bell rings, and I think I should just relax a bit.

...

...

I noticed that Moonshine is correcting and adding my writings to her homework while looking at mine. Well... I don't know what I should do about it. I've never seen her cheating before. Or, I haven’t noticed it.

She noticed that I looked at her. She blushed and stopped writing, putting her pencil on the table.

"Sorry." she muttered, not looking at me. "I... I couldn't do the last question."

"Why not ask the teacher if you don't understand how to do it?" I asked her.

"I... If I do that, she'll think I'm..." she said, and then added quietly, barely audibly, "Stupid."

"No, she won't." I turned to Moonshine. "Trust me."

She made a small nod, grabbed her notepad with her mouth, stood up, and slowly headed to the teacher's desk. The teacher was writing in her journal, and hadn’t yet noticed Moonshine. The filly turned her head and looked at me. I gave her the best reassuring smile I could, encouraging her to go further. On shaking legs, she walked up to the desk, and Snow looked up and saw her.

"Do you have a question about your homework, sweetie?" she asked.

"Uh-huh." Moonshine nodded, putting the notepad on the table. "Um... here." she pointed at whatever she had the problem with.

"Well, let's see..." the teacher started explaining how to do it right. Moonshine listened, sometimes glancing at me.

Well, maybe Moonshine is going through the first grade again because she was too shy to ask for help? That would explain everything, I think.

In my opinion, you should always ask for help if you can't do something on your own. That’s how everything is done, right? Children don't reinvent math every time they grow up, after all. Things are explained to them, that is how everything came to be, right? Ponies, like humans, are social. Asking for help is natural.

Maybe Moonshine acts like it's a bad thing because she was told that if you can't do something by yourself it means you're a loser. That line of reasoning isn't helpful at all! It's like if you're weak, you can't ask for help unless you’re a coward. That’s what bullies always exploit. They tell their victims that they're cowards. No one likes to be called a coward, obviously.

"...and if you have any problems, don't hesitate to ask!" the teacher told Moonshine after the explanation. Moonshine nodded, and went back to me.

She took a seat and turned to me.

"Flame..." she said. Suddenly, she kissed my cheek. "Thank you."

...

Uh...

...

Alright, I think I'm sitting as stiff as stone.

"No problem." I replied in an unusually quiet voice, and earned a smile from Moonshine. Then, she turned around and faced the window. I noticed that her cheeks were burning.

...

I... I don't know what to say about what's just happened. Moonshine just kissed my cheek. That... isn't that bad, but... the age difference.

Wait a second? No, it's perfectly fine. Moonshine sees me as another student of her age. Hell, I am technically a year younger than she. She doesn't know I'm an adult.

Yes, I shouldn't feel bad. It's like a father getting such a kiss from his daughter. There is nothing wrong about it, unless...

Ugh, I am a mess right now! The social norms I was taught really restrict whatever I say and do, my shyness increases that tenfold.

So, nothing is wrong. That kiss means nothing to me. Moonshine just showed her appreciation.

Well, maybe there's more to it for her since I saw her cheeks burning like the fires of hell, but she’s only known me for a few days. Besides, she's nine. What kind of feelings could she have for me?

When I was nine, I wasn't thinking about love. At least I remember it like that. I started thinking about that when I became... twelve, eleven... Something like that, I suppose.

Maybe ponies age differently. I don't know, but I've already noticed that kids here are more mature than back on the Earth. I can't really tell adults apart from kids, besides their size, of course. They look the same to me... Like asians. No racism, but that's what everyone says. A common joke, I suppose.

There's something else, though... In the eyes, I suppose. Foals have... brighter eyes, maybe? Bigger eyes? Something like that. There's also the overall face shape... Or muzzle shape. What's it called here? Eh, it doesn't matter.

Hours later.

So, now I am sitting in the cafeteria, eating some food. Moonshine decided to join me today for whatever reason. She's just sitting there, eating her food.

There’s also another thing. All the students got a leaflet, which says that, on thirty first of October the celebration of Nightmare Night will be held. Sounds familiar? It's pony-Halloween.

So, the announcement says that, whoever has the best costume, will receive an award of five hundred bits and a medal for the best costume. If there are multiple best costumes, each winner will receive such a prize.

Five fucking hundred bits! That’s a lot! I can buy a whole set of instruments: drums, guitar, synthesizer, and there'd be plenty left! I'm definitely in, since I have a use for so much money.

However, there are certain rules: costume must be made, not bought and it must have a brief description that explains it.

Hm... I don't think I can make Darth Vader. Damn, I always wanted to wear that costume for Halloween! Besides, I doubt anyone's ever heard of Star Wars. They just won't get it.

"Hey," I heard someone. And it’s Blueblood. He took a seat on my other side. "Are you in?" he pointed at the announcement. "Because I definitely am! I want my own drum set, and my parents' aren't giving me money for it!"

"I'm in." I replied.

"So, a competition?" he narrowed his eyes."

"Uh, we could cooperate." I suggested. Well, he's my friend, right? I can help him. "Look, we can, well, create a..." Um... Crap. "A... I dunno... Oh, wait! We can create costumes that will have a... theme. They will stand out together, and that will get us both winners, right?"

"Hm..." Blueblood rubbed his chin. "I didn't know you're a genius! We can definitely do that! They give prize for each best suit... If we have a theme, we’re together, and then both of us can get the prize!"

"Um..." Moonshine suddenly spoke up. "May I... join you, colts?"

"I don't see why not." Blueblood shrugged. "It'll be even more interestinger! Flame, you?"

"I'm fine with that." I nodded. Well, there is a proverb that says two heads is better than one. I may as well become a hydra.

"So, it's settled!" Blueblood smiled. "I gotta go now, see you tomorrow! We'll discuss everything then, okay?"

Well, I think it'll be interesting.

Author's Notes:

I know that some people might've been offended by what I wrote about religion, but that is what I think Equestria's view on it may be. I don't know why I'm explaining this, but on my other story I received some hate about my view on religion. Maybe it's because I "praise" Satan, our true lord?

Also, what do you about the costumes, what'll they be? I'll not give an answer until it's time, but it'll be interesting to see what you think.

P.S. interestinger was written on purpose.