It's twelfth of December now, a day before my birthday.

I don't know what to do or should I even think about it. I mean, birthday isn't such a big deal, right? It's not like it's going to change everything around me, after all. It's just that — a normal day. Like this day. Well, maybe a bit different because I have one little thing to do today.

The dire— principal told me that I should visit him today at midday. I don't know why he's chosen today. It's actually Sunday, meaning that school is surely closed for the students. At least that is what I think happens at any school. I don't know, why should I go to school during the weekend? I never found a reason to.

So, why did he call me? I've not done anything wrong as far as I remember. Well, besides teleporting into Celestia's bathtub, but that is something I don't want to talk about and I doubt the principal knows about that incident. If he does... I'm moving out of the country by whatever means possible.

Enough of that. Right now, I am going to school. Let's see what the principal has for me. Maybe it's some kind of a reward for being a good student. That is likely the case since I have all A+ on every subject. Hell, I doubt I had ever got something like this during my human childhood. Now, I feel like I'm a pro!

Wait, I'm not gonna boast since what they gave me to learn wasn't particularly hard since most of the stuff I remember since my early years. But it's still an accomplishment for me to get through the first half of the school year getting nothing less than A+. Even our Commonlang teacher praised me for having the best penmanship in the whole school. That's why taking calligraphy in my early years was worth it. Well, my mother made me do that, but now I write like I'm some kind of medieval writer with all those gothic-styled letters and such. One word— epic! I can write like that really fast and it's still beautiful. I should make money on that, I suppose.

Alright, here I am. The guards at the school's entrance gave me glances but let me pass. I guess they were warned about me.

The hallway is unusually quiet and empty. Even early in the morning it has at least one teacher. And now... no one but me. Hey, I've seen a horror film beginning like that!

...

No, no, fuck that!

...

What bit me to think about that? I'm crazy.

Alright, where's principal's office? It must be somewhere around.

Yep, here it is. I walked to the door and knocked.

"Enter." I heard the principal say. I opened the door and walked in. "Good day, Flame Metal. Please, take a seat."

I sat in front of the director with nothing but a table separating us. He looked at me with... Hm, maybe pride? Something like that. Also, it's the first time I see his name. It's written on... um, a small thing on his table. Forgot what it's called. So, he is... huh, he is Justus. That is something really unusual. In Latin it means 'Lawful' or 'Fair'. That is good, actually. Well, at least he's not mister Harsh McFaggot. That was my principal, and I don't want to remember him. Don't ask me why I hate him so much to give him that name. He was just that much of an asshole.

"It must be a mystery for you why you were called here." Justus said. "But fear not, you have done nothing wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact. You have accomplished much in this school of ours, and I must say that I am proud to have such a dedicated student. You are amongst a few ponies that have their marks perfect. It is obvious that everything is easy for you here."

He paused. Where he's getting at, I wonder.

"Your behavior has exceeded expectations. When I first saw you, forgive me, but I thought you were just another troublesome colt from big cities." he admitted. "But I remember not to judge a book by its cover, and it turned out that my judgement was completely wrong. Not only did you never once get in trouble during this year," a smirk flashed on his face. I guess he remembers that one moment when he got me playing on the pipe organ. I'm glad it turned out well in the end. "You have also helped our school. First of all, I remember that it was you who brought two teenager fillies to justice. It was unknown about their true behavior. After a little talk with Moonshine, it was discovered that those two fillies verbally harassed her for a long time. I am proud to have such a gentlecolt in our school that not only didn't resort to violence but managed to get the authorities to deal with the bullying."

I almost forgot about those two. Well, I feel good about getting rid of the problem and making this school a better place. Bullies must always be punished, not ignored as in most of the cases.

"It was also noticed," the principal continued. "That you managed to help the previously mentioned filly became better in studying. That is a great accomplishment even some teachers struggle with. Young Moonshine is now rather quickly progressing towards your level. It seems you gave her some motivation." he blinked in a strange way. Was it... some kind of a wink? I think he understands what's going on between Moonshine and me. "You have also shown yourself as a prodigy in magic. Our teacher Icicle informed me that you don't require training she offers since you are above that level, which is another great accomplishment, especially if taking into consideration your young age. During the last month, rapid growth in magical potential was noticed in your friend Moonshine.

"So, I am offering you education, greater education that our school can give you. With your agreement, I will forward you to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns along with your friend. I will ask your and her parents' opinions as well, but your and her own opinions plays an important part as well."

"Um..." I interrupted him. "There is a bit of a problem, sir." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I doubt that my parents will be able to visit school anytime soon. They're, um, rather far away."

"Well, it is certain that you have a caretaker, yes?" he asked. After a moment of thinking, I nodded. I guess I can ask Luna or Pinkie Pie to help. "It's alright, then. Tell them to come to my office today until six p.m. or tomorrow at midday.

"So," he cleared his throat. "Back to the topic at hoof. I am sure that with your guidance, Moonshine will become a great mare. I know that you don't simply let her cheat off of you, you explain and help her study by herself. From one of the worst students, she quickly became better, thanks to you.

"You have time to make your decision. I am ready to hear what you have to say. Remember, your opinion matters, too."

So... Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The best educational establishment in the whole Equestria, watched over by one of the alicorns herself. Well, I am certainly not a gifted unicorn but a simple alicorn. Wait, I doubt the term 'simple' can be applied to any alicorn, for that matter.

Still... Taking that offer will result in me being closer to Celestia. I actually don't know. The pros surely outweigh the cons greatly. I will learn a lot of stuff about magic, I will surely get guidance from a princess, and that will earn me a place in this society, as well as some recognition. I know I will have less free time, but is that really an issue? I have a lot of it anyway to the point when it gets boring. I guess I want more studying, however nerdy it sounds. But hey, knowledge is good! And if I can get to the best source of it, I must take the chance. Hold it tightly and never let go. After all, I want to know more about this world and its magic. I think it's the first time I have thirst for knowledge.

Future rockstars mustn't be uneducated drinking, drug-doing pieces of shit, right? If I'm going to invent rock and metal here, might as well give it a positive image. I'm not going to spoil the youth, after all. Doing drugs, alcohol, and weed isn't the only thing to live for. Being an asshole is not a good thing either. Besides, I won't sign a song that has "I love drinking all day long, I beat my girlfriend while singing this song." This is plain disgusting to me. It doesn't matter if the music is good, it matters if people that make it are assholes or not. While some good songs were made on cocaine trips, I despise drugs. If it takes you drugs to create something good, then you're obviously not talented. Besides, many people follow those bands and become, simply put, lowlife trash. Harsh as it is, but true.

I still remember how I got into rock and metal subculture. I thought it was filled with great people but I was wrong. The experience was... something. I didn't like it. That subculture is filled with teenagers that think smoking, drinking, doing drugs, and playing shitty music will get them as famous as AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath or any other famous group. Just doing 'cool' stuff won't give you skill. There are a few more or less smart people that didn't do anything too stupid, but they're only a few. Overall, I didn't hang out with other metalheads much or at all. They're not my type. I was very disappointed and frustrated from my experience.

So yeah, I must get educated. Promoting education is much better than promoting drugs.

"I agree." I nodded, finally making my decision.

"It is what I expected, if being honest." the principal smiled at me. "I am seeing great potential in you, young colt. You can make it come true. I am looking forward to seeing your caretaker here."

***

Wow, I can't believe I agreed. I mean, I can, but... I think my decision will greatly change everything. I was also told that there is an entrance exam, each one unique for the future student.

So... I'm going to tell that to Moonshine, and then get Luna to help me with the caretaker problem. The thing is, Moonshine's getting into that school, too. Well, if she passes the exam, that is. And if I pass it, too. I don't know what kind of test they'll give us, after all. Maybe something nearly-impossible.

And if we do pass, I think Celestia will watch over me constantly from then on. I got enough attention from her as it is. But I fear no more. Her sister is nice, and there is no way Celestia will do anything bad to me. She's up for some mischief, judging by something I saw in her eyes, but I am sure it's nothing too bad. Pranks, the rather light form of mischief, are actually good, and if she's going to pull one on me... well, I can't wait to see what she'll do. Being a princess shouldn't be just all serious stuff. Relaxation is in order, too.

So, tasks for today: tell Moonshine and get Luna's help. Sounds easy.

I've just returned home from the school. Moonshine greeted me with a smile.

"What did he say?" she asked. "How did it go?"

"I've got good news." I replied. "Well, he asked me if I want to enroll at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns."

"Wow, that is great!" she said cheerfully, albeit with some sadness in her eyes. Does she think I'll have to move out?

"But there's another." I said. "He wants to know if you want to enroll there."

After I said that, silence fell on us two. Moonshine's eyes widened, her mouth was agape. I think she is shocked.

"M-me?" she stuttered. "But... I'm not nearly as good as you!"

"He said you will soon be, and that is why you should enroll with me." I told her.

"Um, then I'm totally in!" Moonshine replied, and a big grin appeared on her face. "That is great!"

"But there's one thing, we need our parents' permission, too." I added. And then, her cheerful attitude dropped to zero.

"..." she blinked, and... are there tears in her eyes? What is with her? "Uh!" she covered her face with her hooves and started crying.

"Moonshine, what is wrong?" I asked her worriedly. I didn't expect that sudden turn of events. Is she unhappy? Why?

"I'll never get their permission!" she replied with tears in her eyes. Just... What is wrong? Shouldn't her parents be proud she's going so high?

"Hey, Moonshine, please calm down." I put a hoof on her shoulder. "What is wrong?" Maybe I'll finally find out why she's living here with me, and not with her parents.

"..." she put her hooves away from her face. She sniffed, and looked at me. "I... I..." she sighed, shaking. "M-my parents were always unhappy. Um, the first thing I remember is them arguing. They were shouting at each-other..." she looked at the floor. "And... some time later, when I was five, my father moved away. He just... disappeared. My mom blamed it on me, but I... I never did anything wrong!" she sniffed. "She said that it is I who ruined their marriage... Why? I never did anything! And my mom just... she just sent me away so that I will never return to her. She... kicked me. She doesn't want to see me ever again. And my father... I don't even know where he is. I... I don't think I even want to see him. I had my grandpa, he picked me up and helped getting into Canterlot and the school, but... he passed away. Now, I have no one to turn to... If I dare to send my mom a letter or just anything, she'll get angry. Very angry. She'd call me bad names... Um, like a fucking bitch."

Damn, that is so ice-cold! What a disgusting piece of shit Moonshine's mother is!

That is something no one should experience, especially someone as innocent as Moonshine. My family wasn't the best, my parents had their share of arguments, especially over how to raise me. Sometimes, I thought about how my mom and dad got together in the first place, but I never found the answer.

But what I've just heard, it is fucking terrible, and it pisses me off so damn much! I mean, what kind of mother would blame her child for the failed marriage, and call her own daughter a bitch?! I wouldn't be surprised if she and her husband decided to have a child to save their crumbling marriage, but it got even worse, much fucking worse. And the victim of all of this is just a young filly. Ugh, why the fuck do people do that? They're retarded shitheads with fucking nothing inside their heads for brains! Being parents isn't just having unprotected sex and then everything magically fixes after the birth of a child. It's like Moon's family treated her like a thing, not another person. And that is so wrong!

No wonder Moonshine's so shy. Even I, a colt her age, scared her. I think she was punished for even the slightest mistake, shouted at for that, and that is why she was scared of me. She might've thought that all ponies are like her mother, cruel and uncaring. Moon's certainly doing better now, but what she experienced during her early childhood certainly left its mark on her. I'm glad it wasn't as bad as some families are... They're sick, to say the least. Alcohol and drug habits, child molestation, beating up... I am glad Moonshine wasn't born to such families. It would be devastating for her. I've read about such families, and yet haven't seen them, thankfully. I don't want to see them.

"Moon, if you don't want to see your mother, we both can go to Luna. I am sure she'll understand your situation." I assured Moonshine. I can give her the support she so needs, and Luna surely cares for her. There is no way we'll let Moon down. "I know we can trust her with this."

"M-maybe..." Moonshine nodded slightly, wiping her tears. "Yeah, we should go to the princess." she looked at me. "But... can you speak for me? I... I don't want to tell that again. It hurts." she admitted. "Um..." she paused. "It's good have you with me." she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Moon." I smiled in return, and then hugged. She needs it. "I am always glad to help."