I feel myself so much better now. With a tough decision made, my heart is now light. I am filled with energy and there is nothing that can spoil my mood. I feel like I want to just jump around and sing silly songs.

Well, I won't do that, but the feeling is here. My life has changed singificantly, not taking into account the whole transformation from more or less average human to a colt that is an alicorn. That is, of course, wonderful in its own, but the appearance isn't the most important thing that changed in me. It is also how I see everything.

I am a child again, and I have my childhood. I am now free, and I will take the most from it.

Yes, I'm feeling absolutely great.

So, after Moonshine confessed her feelings to me, I kissed her. While it is still technically wrong, it didn't hurt anyone. It was complete harmless, and Moonshine now looks way happier. I admit that I feel more freedom to do something like that again, and yet I understand that there can be no real feeling between us until she is old enough. And by old enough I don't mean chronologically old. Instead, I am thinking of biological aspect.

While it may seem that I just want to justify my actions if I advance towards someone who hasn't reached eighteen yet, I have solid logic behind my reasoning. Everyone grows differently, and time means nothing. For example, one of my classmates had a full beard by fourteen. And he's half-Russian half-Ukrainian, and they don't usually grow beard by that time. There's another one I know who looks like a child while being twenty years old.
So, time doesn't matter much — when Moonshine reaches her biological maturity, it will be time for something to spark between us... Or not. There're still a lot of years, and future is unpredictable. I don't know what feelings I'll be having in the future. Maybe I and Moonshine will part for some reason, maybe we'll stay together. And maybe something beautiful will be made from this, you never know. Especially if counting that I haven't had such an experience before — when I was a human, I didn't really spark any girl's interest, and my only attempt at love failed miserably. But that is the past — I am looking towards the future. My future.

While I am still not comfortable being in large groups of people, and I doubt I ever will be, I am fairly comfortable with the small circle of friends I already have.

While I've acquainted with Coral and Chocolate Chips just yesterday, I think my relationship with them will become better as time passes, and we will become good friends in no time. Blueblood can certainly be called one of my friends already. We've been through some things with him, including taking part in costumes competition and the two ventures inside the creepy castle. We've yet to get to know each-other better, but we already have more or less steady friendship. There is also Luna, with whom my relationship is a bit complicated due to her being a few thousand years old, but she is my friend nevertheless. She was the first one I trusted my secret to, and yet the only one that knows it.

And Moonshine... She is special. She was the first one I met when I first arrived at Canterlot. A shy child that needed help because of her not being confident enough in herself, she reminded me of my own youth. By helping her, I got her attention in a romantic way, something that I tried to do with one girl when I was fourteen, and, well, everything led to this.

After her confession, I realized the truth about myself and maybe even about what I was gifted with... A new life. Something many humans have dreamed of since the beginning of existence. And I think having a new life is great, especially considering that I am having a completely different experience due to appearing in a different society of another species. I bet some human scientists would sell their souls for this without any hesitation.

And, while I know my new life is great, it doesn't mean everything will be easy for me. Ponies can also be good or bad, smart or stupid. But they, truth be told, are better than humans. Don't get me wrong, many humans are good, it's just... more peaceful here, in this world. Low crime rate, no wars, rulers do indeed care for the citizens... Some would call this the closest thing ever to what people think the Heavens are. And I won't disagree much.

Right now I am sitting in front of Moonshine. She was blushing furiously, but was looking me in the eyes.

So... I don't love her yet. Maybe I will someday, you never know. Well, the two of us have a long life ahead, who knows what will happen?

"T-thank you..." she said, slowly getting up. "Um, let's go home?"

"Let's go." I nodded.

It is indeed time to go. While time spent here was good, I need to return to see how well my cat's going. Besides, both of us could use some showering and grooming. My mane is a bit messy, Moonshine's is as well.

So, where're my pants? I know that I was using my hoodie as a pillow, but where did I throw the pants? I think I took them off when first entered the house, and now it seems I've lost them. Where are they?

...

Oh, here they are, just lying under one of the beds. Did I put them there? Maybe. I don't really care.

I put on my hoodie and pants, and then walked to the door, and opened it. I saw a thin layer of snow lying on the ground and a few hoof prints coming from the house. Well, winter is coming. Also, it is snowing lightly.

What do I do when it is snowing? I open my mouth and raise my head to catch snowflakes, of course! That is rather fun, honestly! Also, the first snow, yay!

It became colder than yesterday evening. It's about five below zero, I suppose.

Moonshine came from behind me, a scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Oh, it's snowing!" she exclaimed, immediately jumping to the snowy ground.

What a beautiful day.

After we got home, I went to the bathroom to wash myself. My fur has some gray spots that I think are dusty, and it's time to clean them off.

I took off everything, including the necklace. I stretched my wings, earning a few pops. Yeah, I need to find a place to train them. I don't want them to become useless or a burden. I need my wings to be strong and healthy. I will one day fly freely.

So, I need a place that will allow me to practice flying without anyone seeing it. Here at the apartment there isn't enough place for me to even hover, especially considering that Moonshine is here as well, and there's a window through which I can be seen. So, this place doesn't suit my needs.

I should ask Luna. Though, she's very busy, how do I find her? Hm... Tonight, I will focus on lucid dreaming, and I will call her there. If that doesn't work, I'll send her a letter.

I got into the bathtub and turned on the shower. Time to get everything clean.

***

After finishing showering, I went to dry my mane. Well, and tail, since they're almost the same length. Maybe I should cut my tail a bit since it clings to my hind legs. Well, it happens only when the tail's soaked, so I guess not. Long manes and tails are awesome! It takes time to dry them, but I look amazing with them.

Also, where are those dark-green hairbands I borrowed from Moonshine for Nightmare Night? These things did a good job at making me look better and less messy. Hm, maybe they'll just be used for special occasions only. I'm pretty comfortable with being messy, after all.

Alright, everything considering my appearance is done. And now I'm going to get some food. Those snacks yesterday weren't enough to sate me. After all, they're snacks for a reason. Tasty but not nutritious enough to replace normal food.

I know that the school cafeteria is opened throughout the holidays, supplying students with free food. And it is really good. I'm not much of a cook, the only thing I can get done is add-hot-water-and-wait type of meals. Maybe a simple salad... Yeah, that's everything, I suppose.

Maybe I should take Moonshine with me. I think she is hungry, too.

"Moon," I addressed her. She blushed at the nickname I got her, and turned to me. "Maybe we could grab a bite at school, what do you think?"

"Uh-huh." she nodded. "I am kinda hungry..."

After Moonshine and I got to the school cafeteria and got everything we liked, we took a seat at one of the long tables. There weren't many ponies in the cafeteria, I can see about... hm, six, counting us. Yeah, I suppose most have families to feed them. I would prefer mom's cooking, too. The way she cooks chicken, mmm...

Anyway, I've got a lot of different food for myself. A little bit of that, a little bit of this. I'm not afraid about getting fat, I don't even gain much weight. By the way, I heard some rumors that princess Celestia loves big cakes. Well, judging by her looks, which are pretty good even from a human view, everypony's either lying or she doesn't gain weight from the cakes. I suppose the organism of an alicorn takes a lot of food to sustain. I can't state for certain, though, as I'm not often hungry. I think I need even less food... Maybe that's normal for ponies to eat less than humans. Ponies are rather small, actually.
And I don't know where the food goes, well, either than through the stomach, guts, and then into the toilet. Maybe it goes into raising magical potential... Either way, I consume a lot and I still feel very light. I remember that doctors said I'm underweight for my age and size, but I don't feel any negative consequences. I don't see my ribs showing, too. Also, there is no constant hunger that would follow me if my health was bad.

Well, I didn't gain much weight even when I was a human. I was always kind of thin and slim, no matter how many chips or other junk food I consume.

Enough thinking, time to eat.

***

After both of us finished eating, we headed back home. There wasn't anything for us to do in the school, after all.

So, what will I do now? Hm... Oh, I remember! I wanted to explore the city. It is much larger than Ponyville, and I haven't even been to the Canterlot Castle yet. I should totally visit it. I heard most of it is open for visitors.

Well, time to go, then!

I went completely alone. Moonshine decided to stay at the apartment. Well, I grabbed my smartphone and headphones, put the latter on my head, and went to the Castle. I know where it must be, and I don't think I will get lost on the way there. After all, how can one get lost when the castle's towers are visible from almost anywhere?

Maybe I will even find Luna there if I am lucky. Who knows? I planned on seeing her in a dream, but reality will also do. Besides, seeing the castle itself is good enough for this visit to be worth it.

As I walked through the streets, I often looked around. There's one big mansion standing almost near the edge of the city, some different shops here and there. I also passed Canterlot Academy of Music, in which ponies are taught how to professionally play instruments, from what I've heard about the place. Right now, I can hear an orchestra playing. Hm... there are drums, a couple of violins and violas... probably bass... harp... um, trombone, tuba, and maybe something else. Yes, my hearing is that good to determine different instruments playing. I am mostly correct when it comes to guessing this, but there may be some instruments I've mistaken for another. I can't quite find the difference between some of the wind instruments.

There's also some kind of school... Hm, it is Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. I remember somepony talking about it in the school. I admit, the building looks kinda cool. Also, I might have a chance of getting there. Well, I can use so spells I'm not supposed to be able to use at this age. I'm certainly not a unicorn but I could go for one as long as my wings aren't exposed. Hm... maybe I could enroll there. It must be much more interesting there in terms of studying magic. Well, I will consider this possibility. I really want to learn more magic, and studying at the best place would really help. Though, maybe payment is required... I will certainly look up more information later.

Anyway, moving on. As I got closer to the castle, I saw more and more richly decorated houses. I guess this is rich ponies' district.

And about districts... Do ponies have something something... Red Light District? If they do, I will probably visit it when I'm older. Well, and if I need to, of course. Also, I need to find out the legal status of this and the age of consent. Needs such as sex are important, after all.

...

I think my mind went the wrong way again.

...

Alright, I certainly remember I was going to the Canterlot Castle, not to the brothel. Kinda hard to confuse those two.
Judging by how the castle's towers became bigger and I can almost see the walls, I must be close.

***

Here it is, the Castle of Canterlot! It looks kind of strange. First of all, it's not even built like an actual castle would be. This is understandable, seeing that the whole city is on the side of a mountain, which gives enough protection anyway. Second, there are many different colors. It is more like a palace that is meant to strike the eye with beauty and... Well, putting it in a few simple words, this castle is amazing and is meant to be such.

So, I go in. There are a few ponies also going into the castle. They have a camera, and I think they're tourists. Well, it's never late to see the capitol of the country.

There are also many royal guards around. At least at the entrance. There are... one, two, three... five... eight guards. I don't know how well they're trained, but I think this number of ponies can protect the entrance well.

I entered the castle and the first thing I noticed is that the castle seems to be bigger on the inside. I mean, the halls are wide and tall, there are huge windows everywhere. It all created the feeling of majesty.

So, time to see more of this castle.

I've walked through a lot of halls. Some I weren't allowed to go into, such as Celestia's and Luna's personal quarters, kitchen, and storage rooms. I perfectly understand that. I wouldn't like people going in and out of my apartment either.

But, um, there is also a slight problem... I think I'm kinda lost here. The halls are repetitive and mostly look the same. Well, not counting that hall with window panels that depict some kind of important events. Where do I go?

Yeah... Getting lost in the castle is a great way of exploring it.

*sigh*

How did I even get lost in the first place? It's not like I've been walking in a random direction. And it seems that the guards are suddenly gone, too. The fuck? There is also a strange feeling of... something. I don't know what it is, though. It's like something is putting pressure on me.

It got uncomfortably weird pretty quickly.

Ugh...

...

Huh? Why am I lying on this hard marble floor? Um... I honestly don't understand what's just happened. The hell?

"Flame, are you alright?" a very familiar voice asked me. I looked up and saw Luna looking at me with worry.

"Uh, what happened?" I blinked, standing up. "Um, I felt so weird... What was that?"

"Oh, that was an anti-thief spell that I forgot to remove." Luna answered. "'Tis was to render thieves unconscious and unaware of their true state so that they could be easily caught. There's also a silent alarm that goes off, signaling me of thief's presence. That is why I found you first."

"Oh..." I replied. "Un, that explains, well, everything... Oh, and I need to ask you one thing!" I looked around. "In private."

***

"What is that you want to ask?" Luna said after we got into her bedchambers. Well, at least no one's going to disturb us.

"Um, there's one problem with my wings." I started. "I've no place to properly train them. They get all stiff and painful even when hidden."

"Oh, I should've thought about that." Luna facehoofed. "This is one of the important things I forgot! Now, of course I will help you. It is my fault I didn't tell you how to take care of your wings."

"So... is there a place where I'll be able to train them without being seen?" I asked.

"Well, there is one hall that is used very rarely." Luna tapped her chin. "I think it will be just enough. Let me show it to you."

***

Well, this hall is certainly big! It's dome-like, about fifty meters in diameter, maybe even more. It's a bit dusty in here, but that's a minor problem.

"I can enchant the windows so that you won't be seen from the outside." Luna said and her horn glowed. "It is important that you learn how to fly. I may train you, as I am one of the best fliers in Equestria. I had centuries to master my flight. While I am not the fastest and my arsenal of tricks isn't nearly big enough for a Wonderbolt, I know all the techniques of flights that will be useful in usual flights."

"That will be great!" I replied with enthusiasm. "When will we meet?"

"How about three times a week? Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, how does it sound?" Luna asked.

"That is alright." I nodded. "But when exactly, as in time?"

"I suppose four p.m. will be the right time for us to start." Luna replied. "And... well, until seven. Three hours should be enough, otherwise you'll get too tired and might hurt yourself. Training isn't about spending as much time possible, it's about spending it right.

"And I excuse myself. While it was pleasant to see you, I have many important matters to attend. Also, will you be able to find this hall on your own?"

I nodded. I think I memorized the way.

"Farewell, then." she smiled. "I will see you tomorrow at four."

***

Man, this is good I met Luna! Even if it was kinda accidentally... Still, now I don't have to worry about flying anymore. Also, spending more time with her will be good, too. After all, she's my friend, even if calling her one is still a bit unusual for me. It's not everyday you become friends with immortal ruler of a big country.

Well, what should I do next... I still have a lot of time. It's about one p.m., I think. So, there's still a full day for me to spend doing whatever strikes me.

Hm, I also remembered that of all instruments I need to create a band, I have a synthesizer, a guitar that is both acoustic and distorted, and that's all. Well, maybe Blueblood would like to join when we're both older. As far as I know, he should've bought that drum kit he wanted. If his desire to play in a band lasts until he's at least fifteen, we'd be able to create a band with him.

Still, I need rhythm guitar and bass guitar. Basically, I need one more acoustic guitar and a real bass guitar. I remember seeing bass guitars in the store where I've bought the synthesizer, and I think I should go there. Also, that bass I remember seeing is acoustic, too. Well, turning it into kinda "electric" won't be a problem at all. Also, I need another normal acoustic guitar for a rhythm guitar.

And still, I need to find ponies who will agree to my idea. It doesn't matter if they have the skill or not, I can teach them in no time. Maybe not... Alright, let's not be overconfident right here. I want the band to shine, of course, but it won't be easy. I can help them in some way, not teach. Just... guide them, I suppose.

Let's put that off for later.

So, I have some ponies on the list: myself, Moonshine, and Blueblood. I can play all the guitars simultaneously. Well, maybe not, but I think magic can help me greatly. Wow, it will actually be awesome to be able to play all guitars at once. It will look fuck-tastic!
If Moonshine wants, I will train her to play keys. Maybe she'll like the idea of being in a band playing music.
Blueblood has already developed some liking towards drums, so, he is more or less ready. He once said he wants to play in a band, and I'm going to grant him such a possibility.

So, the band I've chosen to represent here — as the sole representative of human metal music — is Ghost. While not too powerful as power metal I like, it is still a good choice. Also, it will be much different from what I've noticed here in Equestria so far. Rap, pop music, that kind of stuff is popular, not counting classic or folk. There'll certainly be a lot of attention towards something that will call itself new. I'm talking about metal and Ghost in particular, of course.
During our preparation for the Nightmare Night, I listened to a couple of popular songs and bands. There's nothing that resembles metal or rock or any other similar music. I've also heard that some ponies are tired of this and want something new. Seeing that guitars aren't developed here at all, and ponies seem to just turn that option down because they see synthesizers as the pinnacle of music, I will certainly succeed.

If it so happens that metal won't cause musical revolution, I will be very, very shocked. C'mon, that's metal! It caused a lot of stuff back then... I don't know the history of the genre much, but I suppose those times were eighties of twentieth century. I can be wrong, though. I know many things about some genres of metal, but I didn't study their history much. Yeah, I'm not the most truest metalhead, I suppose, but the point is that I like listening to music, not reading its history. While it may be interesting, I prefer figuring out on my own. That's how I came up why rock or metal isn't here in Equestria, actually.

Hm, I wonder if there will be Death Metal or Black Metal once metal is "invented" here. Ponies don't seem to have any major problems with religion because of it's general absence, and they lack that aggression and brutality that drives Death Metal. If those kind of genres will see light, I will be very surprised. But well, everyone can listen to whatever they like... even to growling about sacrificing a goat to Satan. Though, I suppose it won't be the case because, as far as I know, goats are more or less sapient.

Well, Ghost is a satanic band, but not as overly aggressive as what Black Metal represents. Actually, if looking at roots of the Devil, Satan is described as silver-tongued being. Growling isn't silver tongue, obviously, and that means Ghost really knew what they did when they brought in the vocals. The voice of the vocalist is kind of enchanting and soft, truth be told. I suppose that is what they were striving for. And if the vocalist did hypnosis, I am sure he would succeed at this even on a mass scale. His voice is that enchanting, trust me. I would vote him for papa, truth be told.

So, I'm going to buy another guitar and bass. If my idea doesn't cause the world to go boom, I will still be able to make another band. But I really hope that the first one will strike perfectly.

And there are a couple of other things I need to take care of before introducing Ghost to the public. First of all, the lyrics. I'm not talking about the theme, I'm talking about a few words that are there. "Human", for example. If I don't find this word anywhere in Equestria, and if this word doesn't have close meaning to the original, I will have to replace it with something. Also, I will probably have to throw the covers Ghost did. I mean musical covers on other songs, of course. And I will have to redraw albums' covers, too. That won't be too hard, as only some minor details must be changed. Though, there will be problems with Meliora album. It has a lot of details, redrawing it will be a pain in the ass.

Anyway, I should go to that musical store. I still have a lot of money, and that means I'll be able to buy those guitars I need.

Well, it was easy. I've spent eighty five bits total on the two guitars, and now I have them. Also, they are a bit different — they are thinner than normal and there're narrow holes in the base instead of a huge round hole in the center. It makes the sound a bit different, and the guitars look more "metal", if that makes sense.

But there's one issue — carrying this stuff around. Why, even the shopkeepers were surprised I bought two guitars and was able to carry them. Well, I am kinda small, and carrying those guitars around isn't easy. I'm not talking about the weight, that is something magic helps me greatly with. It's the size. If I create a band, I will need some sort of car to move instruments around. Since there are no cars in this world, I'll have to use carriages to get stuff around. And that will cost some money, too.

Alright, what do I do once I get home? I will test the guitars and change their sound via magic so it would be better. The bass guitar is rather quiet, for example. I need it to be louder and have a... "fatter" sound. It's not just "dum" kind of sound — it must be "dummmmmm". Um, a bit longer, I suppose. Ugh, it's hard to explain this because you need to hear it.

Overall, now I have assembled almost everything: I have two guitars, one lead and one rhythm. A bass guitar, which is, obviously, bass. Keyboard for accompaniment, too. All I need to do now is to find a drum kit. If Blueblood joins the band, that problem will be solved. If not, I will have to spend more of my money.

I will also need to find a drummer, and a keyboardist. With some practice, I will be able to play the guitars simultaneously. I'm not restricted by my arms, after all.

Also, I need to do more research to carefully integrate Ghost into this world so that everything will make sense. I will make up some thing, of course, but I don't just play covers of my band, I need to represent it, to carefully make an image that will be recognizamble, to make an interesting theme.

That will take a lot of work. Well, I signed up for this myself, and I have to accomplish this.

As silly as it sounds, I will do it for the metal!

...

I don't have fingers to do the trademark gesture. Oh, well... I'll figure something out.