The night has come. During the day, my mind was in a haze, unable to focus on studying or, well, anything at all. I don't know why, but I felt very tried by the end of the lessons.

I need to talk to Luna about, uh, relaxing. I need to find the best way. She might know something I don't. Besides, I am sure she has a ton of experience about situations such as mine. At least I hope so.

Really, my thoughts are more messy than they've ever been. Wandering away too much recently. I... Well, I do need to relax. Not sleeping, not lying on the bed, but... something different, something more effective.

"Good night, my friend." I heard Luna's voice as she appeared before me. "You called me again, and I am now here."

"I, um, need help again." I said in embarrassment. I keep asking but not giving... I should do something for her, too. "I really hope to repay for everything you've done for me, but... I don't know how." I voiced my concern.

"Don't worry about that. Friends help friends not because they want to get something in return. They do it out of kindness and compassion of their hearts." Luna reassuringly put a wing over me. "So, what is it that you need help with?"

"I, um, I need to... relax." I said awkwardly. "I feel my thoughts all over the place. Disorganized, that sort of thing. And, um, they wander a lot, much more than before. I don't really know how to, uh, put it in words."

"Ah, I understand." Luna nodded. "You are stressed and you need to unwind. I've been in such situations a lot of times." she smiled at me. "You need to relieve your stress you've built up. You've been through a lot, Flame. And no one is more deserving of a rest than you. Adjusting to a new world and new culture must've been very difficult for you indeed.

"Also, there is another reason for your psychological change and unrest." she sighed, and then looked at me with curiosity. "It seems that you're entering puberty."

What. What?

Uh...

"How is it possible?" I asked warily. "I mean, I'm technically nine."

"Have no fear, dear Flame." Luna assured me. "It's not too uncommon for ponies to enter puberty early. Usually, it starts at the age of eleven and twelve. However, the range varies from time to time. A few times it started as early as six. Yes, it can be pretty devastating for such young ponies, but we help them in their time of need.

"Besides, it could be that you didn't define your age right. You might as well be eleven or even twelve. There is no way of knowing, I'm afraid."

Good point, actually. I assumed I was eight. What if I'm really eleven? It means I'm closer to adolescence than I thought. Huh, that's actually pretty good.

"So, you are entering puberty." she continued. "It explains your state of mind. Tell me, have you thought about sex recently?"

"Um, I can say so..." I admitted, a blush creeping on my cheeks. At least she's casual about it. Otherwise, I'd be even more flustered.

"Well, it is a very important part of puberty. I expected no other answer, to be honest. Soon, you will grow rapidly. I suppose it connects to you being an alicorn." she told me. "It's very interesting...

"But it is important for you to have rest. There are two ways you can take, they are the most effective." Luna said. "The first one is going to, what ponies call today, a spa. I know one, it is the best, at least in my opinion. You will be treated with the utmost care."

"And the second way?" I asked. I don't really feel like going to a spa.

"It is much more simple and yet so complicated, at least for you." Luna chuckled softly. "It is to have sex with someone."

Oh. Alright... I don't think I'm ready for that. Not yet, at least. Even if I am entering puberty. Or maybe... No, I'll wait a bit. Who can I pick as a partner anyway? Moonshine? In the future, yes. Right now? No. While she did show signs of sexual attraction (I guess), I, uh, don't think I'm ready to screw a filly this young. Even by pony standrards, I should wait some time. I'm still getting comfortable with the way things go here.

"I take the spa." I said, and Luna laughed in amusement, bringing heat to my cheeks. I'll make her pay for that sometime. Or maybe... It will be done before the end of this conversation that I will make a good joke to throw her off balance.

"Alright, then." Luna nodded. "You should be able to pick a train to the place tonight. I recommend you visit it right now. Ask for a ticket to Hollow Shades. It's a nice little village, but it has the best relaxation establishment in the whole Equestria, trust me. You may walk in there with your wings shown. These ponies will not reveal your secret to anyone. They are the most loyal subjects I have, and they know they should listen to me. Is it alright for you?"

"I think so..." after a bit of hesitation, I agreed with Luna. "So... where will I find that thing?"

"It's a noticeable building in the village. Look for the purple crescent moon." Luna told me. "I will tell them to expect you. Have no worries, Flame. And tell them to do a Lunar-M treatment. You won't be disappointed."

Oh, about a joke before the conversation ends...

"Someday, I will pick the second option." I smirked. "Might even be with you."

Seeing her flustered and shocked expression, I laughed and ended the dream, waking up in my bed.

...

I've just told a princess that I'd like to have sex with her someday.

...

Well, she's old enough, she probably has a lot of experience, so why not go for it once I am grown up?

Oh my dirty mind, you'll get me in trouble. Or get laid. I prefer the second option.

Getting laid with a princess, now that is an accomplishment worthy of telling your kids. If they're not from her, that is.

***

I was riding on a train to that Hollow Shades village Luna told me about. There wasn't anyone on the train with me, only the... pony who checks tickets. It's kinda creepy, especially with all that lighting being dim. No lights on the outside, too. Well, at least there are no floating, fear- and cold-inducing cloak-shrouded creatures around. That's a relief.

Before I went to the train station, I accidentally woke Moonshine up. Assuring her that everything's alright and I'll return before morning, I kissed her on the cheek and went my way. I bet she's asleep right now, seeing good dreams. What kind of dreams? I bet the same as I had when I entered puberty. You know ones.

I assume she's entering puberty, too. Judging by the sexual attraction she's shown to me a week or so ago. If it was what I think it was, it's pretty impressive how she hides everything from me. You know what I mean.

Anyway, I just listened to the rhythmic knocking of the wheels as the train went through the night.. That's why I like trains — those sounds they make are very relaxing. Not sleep-inducing but relaxing nevertheless. I'm not that tired to require more sleep than what I've already had.

The conductor announced the arrival to Hollow Shades. I bet it's a bit weird announcing that to one passenger, a foal no less. I have no idea why I wasn't asked where my parents are since, well, I'm on a train late at night. It must seem like a very unusual thing.

Ponies... It'll be long time before I fully understand them.

The train gently came to a stop at the train station, and the doors opened, a soft whistle sounded. I got off the train and stepped onto the floor of the station. Well, I can't exactly call it a station. It's just a small stone platform that has a small booth with one long bench in it. It seems anyone rarely uses this station. Though, it looks clean.

It looks a bit creepy. The station is surrounded by a thick forest, only a single small road lied between the trees, leading from the small station deeper into the dark forest. Behind the trees, I think I can see faint light in the distance. Or maybe not, I can't really see.

Hm, am I traveling to an old manor deep in the woods, haunted by ghosts? Certainly looks like it. At least it's not Castle Dracula I'm going to. And I'm not a writer. Well, still an artist. Uh...

I can say I'm a bit scared. Not shit-your-pants scared (I don't have pants to begin with, at least tonight) but still scared. I also noticed the absence of snow, like at all. The trees look dead, having no leaves. So, it looks like it's late autumn here. I'm still confused by how ponies' weather control works.

Nevertheless, I need to go deeper to find that Hollow Shades village. I hope no beast eats me on my way. Who knows what lurks around here? I won't be surprised to find, say, a ghost dragon. While this place doesn't look like a dragon graveyard or a swamp, it has an eerie vibe to it.

Well, Luna said everything will be alright. I guess she's been here before. She wouldn't send me to certain danger, I think.

With a sigh, I followed the paved road. My hooves clicked against it, making me less nervous. At least it's not complete silence. I can hear owls. "Who?" they ask. Me, the answer is.

I can see one of them. A white owl sitting on a branch of a pine, looking at me with glowing yellow eyes. Glowing? Now, that's creepy. At least it doesn't look at me in a, um, predatorous way. More like with interest. I don't know if owls are intelligent, but I sure feel they are.

"Um, hello." I greeted the owl. It nodded slightly. It seems owls are sapient after all. I'm not really surprised. "Um, Hollow Shades is that way, right?" I asked, gesturing in the direction of where I intended to go. The owl nodded again, and then descended. I almost jumped as it landed on my back. I guess he (assuming it's a he) will be my companion for some time. Well, it makes everything a bit better since I won't be alone.

"Well, let's go." I said with a sigh, going deeper into the forest.

Creepy creepiness of creepous creepment.

And that was pure nonsense my mind conjured in this peculiar situation.

***

We've been walking through the forest for quite some time. It was silent save for the occasional hooting of owls. There is a lot of owls, actually. And bats. And some spiders, a few of them too big for comfort.

I'm not afraid of any of them. That is, no phobia or anything. I'm just a bit nervous about what waits ahead. The village draws closer, and I've yet to see any of its denizens. Assuming I'm walking in the right direction. The lights didn't seem to draw any closer.

Talking about bats, I think I can hear them. Screeches? Something like that. But something is a bit off... The sounds make my ears tingle. I kinda want to scratch them. Ears, not bats. Though, as far as I know, bats are rather cute. Unless you get jumped by a flying fox. Whatever it's called, it's a really big bat the size of a dog. It'd make you crap your pants if you see it. I never had a chance, but even photos of those things make me nervous.

I saw a shadow creeping behind the trees. Now, I am scared. Suddenly, it pounced, throwing me to the ground on my back. The figure growled, its red-glowing eyes looking at me as it pinned me to the ground with its strong forelegs.

Fight or flight response kicked in, and I kicked the assailant off of myself. With a thud, it landed somewhere behind me. Instantaneously, I teleported myself on my hooves and conjured a shield around myself. I'm not sure how I did the latter, though. Some instinct did its job properly, I suppose.

Panting from the adrenaline, I looked around. There were three shapes that looked vaguely pony. The light from my shield illuminated the surroundings, and I understood who attacked me.

They were the lunar pegasi.

"Uh, I come in peace." I said nervously. "Um... I thought Luna told you I was coming?"

"Princess Luna?" one of them gasped. Judging by the voice, that one is a mare. She has a strange accent, too. A bit of... Uh... Well, her voice is a bit sweet to listen to, and... Well, I can't really describe. Might as well drop it until I understand what I hear. "Oh, well, a test of strength didn't hurt, did it?"

"I'm just a colt." I scowled.

"Usually, no one ventures here." the same mare said. "Only the worthy ones may pass. And I deem you worthy. For a colt, you are pretty strong and brave."

That is some strange stuff right here. Being worthy?

"Um, thanks and all, but Luna said I'll be relaxing here, not defending myself." I said, dissipating the shield. And yet, I kept my guard. Just in case.

"Ponies came here for many things. It was rarely to relax." the mare chuckled, stepping forward. I lighted my horn to see better. So, she's a mare with stone-blue fur, dark-red mane and red eyes. She seems to be only slightly taller than me. "In this case, welcome. You're quite an interesting colt. Most would've whimpered." she shrugged. "Now, follow me. Her nightly majesty told us to expect you, but you never know who comes from these woods." she gestured something with her leathery wings. I nodded and followed her. I also noticed that other lunar pegasi disappeared into the shadows. "You should be grateful Buf the owl was there to meet you."

It's becoming more interesting with each moment. And that owl flew to her and landed on her back.

So, the two of us walked further into the forest. I think I can see the houses. Can't make out the details from here, though.

"Um, why do ponies come here?" I asked. It's pretty awkward without a conversation going.

"Mostly, they stumble upon our village by accident." the mare replied. "Though, some come on purpose. Make friends or find love, too. Most don't succeed." she stated. "Only one truly succeeded in love. It's a very interesting story, you might've seen his foals in Canterlot."

"Night Breeze and White Light?" I asked.

"Are they your friends?" she asked me, raising her eyebrow.

"Um, I think we'll soon be." I replied. "I'm not sure... Though, both of them seem to be nice."

"You don't mind how they look?"

"No, I don't. Why would I?" I asked.

"You ponies were never the most accepting kind. We once tried to... come out to you. Everypony ran away from us." she looked bitter and a bit sad. "I know we're different from you, but..."

"I understand." I nodded. "I, um... I can say I was in the same situation but, uh, on the other side. I didn't accept ponies." which is true, in a manner of speech.

"Are you not one?" she asked me with interest.

"This is a complicated story." I replied. "Um, maybe Luna will be willing to share it with you. I, um, don't feel like that right now. Also, I never caught your name."

"Midnight Hour." she replied, extending her hoof for a bump.

"Flame Metal." I replied, meeting her hoof in a greeting. "So, um, who succeeded in, um, befriending you?"

"Oh, he did much more than befriend us." Midnight replied with a smirk on her face. "He claimed one of the mares for himself. It's not the first love between a daylight pony and one of our kind, but the first one to develop far beyond simple affection.

"However, it is not my place to tell you this story, I'm afraid. After all, you are a stranger to us, an outsider we know nothing about. Should you gain our trust, we will share the story with you." she told me. "Even if you are a friend of her nightly majesty, we don't know you enough."

"I'm not going to push, alright." I nodded. "So... Um, I've heard about your kind yesterday. Night Breeze told us a bit about the lunar pegasi, and she said that daylight ponies and you don't go along too well. Why's that?"

"Our cultures are different." Midnight replied. "We stick to the old ways of honor and battle. We train our foals to be able to defend themselves, to be worthy warriors to protect their home. It is what ponies find most bizarre. There are also mating rituals, our traditions, and so on."

Mating rituals? I hope I won't get in trouble for, um, accidentally wooing a lunar pegasus. If that's what Midnight implies. Something about claiming a mare?

"But do not be afraid of offending us accidentally." she told me. "We all know the differences between us, and we learned to accept them. Though, I ask you to refrain from going to any mare that doesn't state her desire to speak with you."

"Uh..." I'm confused right now.

"Usually, if a stallion approaches a mare, it is usually for one purpose only — to find a mate." Midnight explained. "We, of course, can talk to each-other without that, but the mare has to start the conversation, not the stallion."

"I kinda understand." I replied. "But, uh, are there exceptions?"

"Yes, there are." she nodded. "When you need help only a mare can provide, and I'm not talking about sating sexual needs, you may talk to one. And if you are in danger, you may ask a mare to help you. This is acceptable."

They're a strange bunch of ponies. Well, no stranger than I am to them. To each their own, I suppose.

Finally, we came to the village. There are houses build within big trees, around the trees, on the trees, and so on. Also, there are a lot of fruits growing on the trees. I don't even know how to name them. I mean, I might recognize them... Well, right there is a pineapple. Nothing else recognizable, though.

Midnight Hour led me to a building that has a purple crescent moon on its wall. I guess that is that spa Luna told me about.

"The ponies you need are inside." she told me. "You will like them."

Well, I'm about to see. So, I walked to the entrance and opened the door. And then, I entered the building, appearing in what I assume is the reception hall. Colors of night cover everything. Shades of purple and blue, white and pale yellow, black, indigo, and a lot of different shades of those colors I don't know the names of. The hall is richly decorated with night-related things: moon, the stars, even a small statue of Luna right in the center of the hall. It seems to be bronze, and one of the hooves seem to be polished by many ponies who rubbed this statue. Huh, that's pretty interesting. I guess they did it for luck.

"Good night, sir." I heard someone to the side. I turned my head and saw a lunar pegasus mare. Her coat is snow-white, her mane is black and tied back in a ponytail. Her eyes are of vibrant blue color, a small smile on her lips. Well, I can see why ponies would go here in search for love. "I am Glide. Welcome to Izvor." it sounded a but like Russian. Though, translated from that language, it doesn't make sense at all, at least in this situation. "I assume you are Flame Metal, correct?"

"Uh, yes, that's me." I replied a bit nervously. "And just 'Flame' will be alright. Without 'sir'."

"Ah, I understand." Glide nodded with a smile. "So, I've heard from princess Luna that you are coming here to relax. I can assure you that you came to the right place. What would you like to start with?"

"Luna told me that the right thing for me would be the Lunar-M treatment." I told the lunar pegasus.

"Oh, the full treatment?" she squinted yer eyes a bit. "I suppose it is indeed a right choice. I see a lot of tension in you that needs to be relieved. Please, follow me."

So far, she seems nice. Without further ado, I followed her. We went to the right and came into the room with a small pool, or bath, inside. Steam was in the air, and by that I guess the water is already warm.

"Before we begin, I need you to take off all of your clothes and accessories." Glide told me. "Have no worries, your belongings will be safe."

Well, here I go. First, I took off my hoodie. Then, I dissipated the magic of the necklace, took it off and placed it into one of the pockets of my hoodie.

"Ah, that is what I expected to see." the mare commented, looking at my wings. "Your secret is safe with me, dear Flame. I respect your privacy. It's uncomfortable for you to show me the wings, right?"

"Yeah, a bit." I nodded, handing her the stuff. She took it into her mouth (I hope my hoodie isn't too dirty), nodded and went somewhere. Soon, she returned without the hoodie.

First of all, we need to wash you." Glide told me, gesturing at the tub. "Get in and relax. I will fetch the needed herbs and extracts."

Wordlessly, I got into the tub.

...

Ooooooh~

...

Usually, if the water is too hot, I get my balls on fire. It's not the case this time. It's rather hot, but not unpleasantly so. I allowed myself to relax, resting in a standard pose — forelegs on the edges of the tub, supporting my body as the rest of it submerged underwater, including my wings. I shivered at the sensation of warm water engulfing me.

I really need to thank Luna for all those things she does for me.

"Good." I heard Glide as she came to me, holding a couple of bottles in her wings. A pleasant smell of mint filled the room. "Now, I need you to take this." she handed (hoofed?) me a small pill-like gem. I think that's a gem. What is it, a drug to make me feel better? "Place it under your tongue."

In that case, Equestria is a big load of drugs to me. I never did drugs, but I bet I would if there were no negative consequences. Or maybe still not. Well, there's no way of knowing.

Anyway, I placed this pill under my tongue.

"You are the first pony to not ask me about what it is." Glide sniggered. "Anyway, it is an enchanted gem that will protect your eyes from getting hurt by the extracts. In a few minutes, it'll begin to work and your vision will become slightly sharper. Don't worry, there's no side effects. Now, all you need do is relax."

I relaxed, closing my eyes. Lying in a bathtub is a great start for sure. Then, I felt Glide's hooves on my shoulders as she started massaging them.

I never knew hooves could be so tender. Neither did I know I have shoulders. I do, and while they're certainly not human-like, they are present. And I never knew they were so tense. The mare rubbed and kneaded the shoulders, and I felt them relaxing even more.

"You have a lot of tension in your body, Flame." she told me in a soft and quiet voice. "Under much stress lately?"

"Uh-huh." I replied. "Just... learning new things and accepting them."

"It can be very stressful, yes." she nodded slightly. I can't tell how I saw that since my eyes are closed, but she certainly nodded. "Adapting to changes, accepting the new, we lunar pegasi are still going through it."

And then, the silence came upon us. I just rested while Glide massaged my upper body, making my muscles relax. Then, she used a brush to straighten my long mane, and poured some kind of liquid on it. Smells... strange. Pleasant, though. She rubbed it into my mane, and I felt a tingling sensation all over my scalp. That is, where hairs connected to the head. Magic? Probably.

Next, she poured something into the tub itself. Smells of roses. And I felt my whole body shuddering as the water became slightly colder in a blink. It's still very pleasant, and I find myself dozing off.

***

Some time later, I was gently shook awake by Glide. She smiled at me as I opened my eyes, finding myself in the same tub. I feel... strangely good. No, not that word... I feel good. I don't think I can precisely describe my feelings right now. I'm a bit hazy now, but that's thanks to this relaxation. It did good...

"Time for the next stage. Please, follow me." she said. I stood up, got out of the tub, and the moment I did it I felt my fur and mane spring to life as if on command. Was I just dried off? "Unicorns added a good dry-spell here so that you won't have to use the towels or mane-dryers." that's good. Huh, I'm pretty fluffy. Also, my hair is less of a mess now. Straighter, too. Maybe straighter than my sexuality.

Okay, I should stop with sex-related stuff. I mean, it'd be most embarrassing if I pop a boner in front of this mare. Or any other mare, for that matter.

I was led into another room, right behind the current one. The next room was a bit bigger, featuring a large wooden table in the middle, fit for, uh, Celestia, I guess. She's the biggest pony around, after all. The whole room was painted in soft shades of blue, giving it a very relaxing look.

There were also two mares sitting on soft-looking pillows. As we entered, they stood up to greet us. The first one featured red mane and dark fur, the second one had blue mane and the same dark fur.

"Flame Metal, this is Rosy and Bluebell." Glide gestured at the two mares, who slightly bowed in return. Noticing my wings, their eyes widened. Uh...

"An alicorn?" Rosy said, moving closer to me. Gently, she lifted her hoof up and touched my feathers. "Majestic..."

"Such shape..." Bluebell moved forward, looking at my body. "So young and yet so handsome..."

Uh, is it going sexual? I bet it is.

"Most virile, too." Rosy said, moving one of my hind legs and my tail away to look at my—

Wait wait wait, that is too far! My leg snapped back in position as I tucked my tail between my hind legs.

"Girls, please." Glide laughed softly. "He is from Equestria. Ponies are unaccustomed to such forwardness there."

Yeah, I doubt there is anything else more forward that this already is. Straight to the point. Definitely straighter than my sexuality.

"And, um, I kinda young for, uh, what I think you want..." I said nervously, shifting my legs slightly.

"Oh?" Rosy blinked, and then laughed. "No, we were just admiring your body."

"I can see that." I replied with a huff, flustered by them.

"But if you want that, we can provide." Bluebell added with a sweet voice.

"Uh..." I averted my eyes. Three mares at once? Um... tempting. But I didn't come here for this, right? Though... no, I'm not going to do that. Maybe in the future. "Maybe later."

"Don't be so shy." Glide's laughter ringed like a bell. "But we won't press if you decline the offer."

I think I need to grow up a bit. I'm not as big as them, and while being crushed to death while having sex is a way I might pick to go out with, I'm certain neither Luna nor Moonshine would like that. Besides, I barely know these three mares. What if I somehow impregnate them? Having three foals (six if I'm unlucky, even more if my lack is lower than zero) would be a nightmare. And what would I tell Moonshine? "Hey, Moon, I fucked three mares and now have kids to raise. Wanna help?" a way to ruin our love, ugh...

Huh, fucking strangers was never my problem. Though, I was never that young. Neither was I in love at that time.

"No." I replied firmly. "But thank you. I might take it the other day." I smirked slightly.

"Alright, then. Get onto the table and lie on your belly." Glide said, gesturing at the table. "Outstretch, too."

I did as asked, and soon found my body being worked on by three mares at once.

Now, that's a foursome right here. I can't say I don't like this massage. It's the most pleasing thing I've ever received in my life! It outdoes even sex, too. My joints were popped, muscles rubbed and kneaded, even my horn was massaged. All of my body went pleasantly numb, relaxing.

The wings and my backside felt the best, though. As they plucked bad feathers out of my wings, I found myself unable to contain a moan. A weak moan, but still audible and loud enough for the mares to hear.

My, this is heaven...

"I hope you're enjoying it." Glide said, using her hooves on my back. She also used her wings to give additional... pleasure, I suppose. Sounds dirty, right. But, uh, her wings poke special points that make me feel so damn good I don't know how to describe this.

I muttered something incoherently, and it seemed to satisfy her.

Now, I regret not going to spas before. I should go to such places more often. Much more often.

And soon, I found myself asleep due to the magical power of a good, professional massage.

Author's Notes:

Flame might be older than he thought. Also, a screech for the cute bat ponies!

~Eee~

On the serious note, I hope you didn't mind some sexual stuff going on in this chapter. I suppose it was right for Flame to discover that he started to have more sex-related thoughts because he's actually older than he thought he was. It will greatly help him with future relationship with Moonshine.