I was still astonished by the look of Ponyville until Twilight started giggling, drawing me back into reality.

“I can show you around later, but for now, I need to go home. I already have somepony waiting for me,” she said in a friendly tone and headed towards the town. Somehow, her voice sounded strange, almost like I heard it twofold, but I didn't care. Following Twilight, we walked along a small path until the town buildings came closer and closer. I had so many questions, but I couldn't ask them since she'd notice that I knew too much. I would have loved to know to what degree the series was similar to this world and how our world even knew of the existence of this one. We came to a very quiet corner of the village with only a few houses. The houses were really small but looked comfortable. If I had to, I'd compare them to a bungalow. On the other hand, one house really stood out since it didn't really have a roof, but grass. It had the appearance of a hill with a bit of wood here and there and some windows. I had an idea whose house it was and marked it in my mind for a visit since Twilight didn't seem to want to stop.

Quickly, we went in direction of the town centre and got over the bridge where Fluttershy once dumped trash all over Bonbon and a friend. We were now on the main street and passed another familiar building: Sugarcube Corner. The house was exactly like in the series, and I would have loved to take a big bite from the wall. Some ponies around us started talking, and I had a certain feeling that it was about the new pony in town. I was from a small village myself, so I wasn't surprised. I was certain that it was just a matter of time until our ways crossed with that of a certain pink pony. I quickly dashed forward to not lose sight of Twilight.

It was just glorious here. Although it was just a small village, it was so full of life. The sun was shining, which resulted in a pleasant temperature. Everything just seemed so peaceful. Some ponies waved at Twilight, and she greeted everyone in return. The next interesting building was also our destination: the library. Twilight went to the entrance and opened the door with her magic.

"After you,” she said in a friendly tone and let me enter into her tree house. The first and only thing I noticed were books everywhere. Even the air had a scent of books. The small, round room had two doors and two stairs. One led upstairs, the other one downstairs. I knew that there was a basement down there and a bedroom on top of us, so the other doors had to be the bath and kitchen. Twilight followed me into the house and closed the door, which lit the painted candle on the door. What a clever idea to show whether the library was open or closed. I put my saddlebag next to the small table in front of me.

"Dawn! Spike! I'm back!" Her voice sounded through the room, but I somehow heard it twofold in my head, just as if she was speaking twice at the same time. The kitchen door opened, and the small dragon came into the room. As soon as he spotted Twilight, he dashed towards her and closed his arms around her.

"Twi, you're back! Why did it take so long to cast the spell?" His voice sounded just like Twilight's - twofold.

"There was a small problem, but thanks to my new friend here, I'm back again." She pointed her hoof at me, and Spike came closer.

"Thanks, pal, you've no idea how I missed her!" He closed his claw into a fist. Time for my first brohoof!

"Kein Problem Kumpel, umm, I mean no problem at all, buddy." I had to remind myself to speak English, but Spike just looked confused.

"Does he say everything twice?" he asked Twilight, who had a confused look on her face as well.

“Say, Timo? In what language am I speaking right now?” she asked.

“Mine, I mean Germane I think you called it.” Spike raised an eyebrow.

“Well, if that was Germane, I turned into an expert overnight. Except for Twilight, the only one I know who speaks that language is Rarity.” I was confused. Twilight, on the other hand, was totally relaxed and started to levitate a few books out of one of the shelves. She read through them faster than I could watch and stopped at the second book.

“Timo, do you hear us twofold?” She seemed to have a solution for my problem.

“Yes, it's like there was a second but significantly lower voice while you're talking.” She looked in the book again for a few seconds, nodded like she was content with what she read, and the books flew into their places again.

“It's a spell called Whisperer. It translates languages for oneself and others.” I made a face that was worth a thousand words. The last thing I knew was how to perform such a spell. “I guess you can thank Trent for that. I already helped some time ago. Now he did you a favour.” For now, I just accepted this explanation. What other option was there since magic didn't care for the laws of logic?

“Well, I guess that explains things well enough. Hello, Spike, my name is Timo, but friends call me Tio,” I finally introduced myself to the little dragon. Again, he reached out his claw, this time opened, and I accepted the gesture.

“And who is Dawn if I may ask? I can't see anyone else here.” Twilight seemed to notice the same thing as well.

“Right, Spike, where is he? Trent said he was worried.” Spike made a casual gesture.

“He went with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. So when they aren't devastating the village, they're probably on the farm.” Still not the answer I was hoping for.

“So again, who is Dawn?” Although the following came out of Twilight's mouth, I still couldn't believe it.

“Dawn is my son. I thought he'd be here.” Twilight… Twilight Sparkle has a son? How in God's name, well here it would be in Celestia’s name, could that happen? That wasn't the series I knew. I was so shocked that I sat down next to the door.

“Everything alright?” Twilight asked, worried.

“Yeah… it's just that I didn't know you were a mother.” She seemed to be a little angry now.

“You mean that I can't take care of a foal?” An angry Twilight was the last thing I wanted right now.

“No, umm... I mean you're still so young and... you know.“ That sounded so corny, I couldn't even believe it myself. All I could see was Twilight getting slightly red under her fur before I was forcefully pushed against the wall as though I was hit on my head with a board. If I hadn't been sitting sideways, my horn would now be sticking in the wall like a nail.

“Oh my gosh! Twilight, you're back!” I couldn't see who was talking, but I would have recognized that voice everywhere. Rainbow Dash, self-appointed fastest flyer in Equestria, dashed through the entrance and removed the only obstacle in the way, namely me. The door slowly closed, and I could get up. Twilight grabbed Rainbow Dash's tail with her magic to stop her from knocking her down as well.

“I'm happy to see you too, Rainbow, but I'd appreciate it if you knock the next time before you kick in the door.” She released Rainbow Dash from her magic and she fell on the floor with a smile.

“You know this is a public library, don't you, Twi?” she answered sarcastically.

“Yes, but you aren't the only guest here,” she said, pointing at me as I appeared from behind the door, rubbing my head with a hoof. Rainbow Dash was a bit startled but then flew over to me.

“Hehe, sorry, didn't see you there. No harm done, right?” She reached out with her hoof, and just as with Spike, I accepted the gesture.

“Well, my name is Rainbow Dash, quickest flyer in Equestria and future member of the Wonderbolts,” she proudly announced as if she just won a prize.

“T-Timo… Friends call me Tio,” I stammered, still feeling dizzy.

“What a strange name. Do you have dragons as parents or something like that?” Twilight had also wondered about my name from before.

“Actually, something completely different. I mean, I didn't grow up with ponies,” I explained.

“He even grew up in a whole other world. I found him there and wouldn't be back without him,” Twilight added.

“Cool, you seem alright. When we see each other again, you can invite me for some cider.” She turned to her friend. “I gotta go, Twi. I want to practice some new awesome tricks.” She was about to leave when Twilight held her back with her magic again.

“If you happen to fly across Sweet Apple Acres, please tell Dawn I'm back. Oh, and one more thing...” She pointed at me. “Timo needs a place to stay. Would you tell the others to come over tonight?” With that, she released her magical grip.

“No problem, Twi. See ya!” Rainbow Dash saluted, and with a flash, she was out of the library. I was impressed that Twilight thought of all those things. I actually thought I would sleep on the floor. That actually wouldn't have been that bad. I don't think it can get any worse than Wacken.

“So, Timo, what do want to do now?” Twilight asked. I had so many ideas. The top of my list was paying a visit to Fluttershy, and Sweet Apple Acres seemed tempting as well. If the Cutie Mark Crusaders were there, it might even turn out to be a little adventure. Actually, there was just one pony I wanted to see last: Rarity. Not that I didn't like her, but my taste in fashion was very different, and it might lead to an argument, especially since I was just wearing boxer shorts. I guess this wasn't the latest trend. Meeting Pinkie was kind of a catch 22. On the one hand, Sugarcube Corner would be an experience worth having to visit the dentist thrice, but on the other hand, I didn't want the party. I wouldn't stay here forever, and if Pinkie befriended me, she'd be very sad when I left. I was scared of her ‘other side’, especially after reading that damned Cupcakes story.

“Call me Tio. All of my friends do, and if you're asking me like that, how about a tour through the village?” I couldn't decide, so I left the choice to her. That was a piece of advice every man should take. Leave the decision to the woman, or in my case, to the mare.

“I'm sorry; I was gone for a week. I have to catch up with my appointments, but I'm sure Spike will show you around.” Two bros walking through the town; not a bad idea at all. After all, I could ask him some questions I couldn't ask to Twilight since she was a mare.

“No problem, Twi! What do you think, Tio?” The little dragon seemed to be excited to get out of this pile of books. I turned around and opened the door with a hoof.

“Alright, my guide, lead the way.” We stepped outside, with me following Spike.

“Tell me, Tio, how was it growing up with other beings?” I knew where he was going. Spike was the only dragon in Ponyville. My experience, on the other hand, was just a few days.

“I think I wouldn't have turned out any different if I grew up with someone else. Sure I'd have different memories, but I'd still be myself,” was the best answer I could think of for this impossible question. Who knew how that was?

“You know, I'm the only dragon in Ponyville. I often asked myself whether I'd be different, but actually I don't want to,” he said with a smile. So young yet so grown up. Why couldn't Dirk be that way? While walking down the main street, although this time in another direction, I noticed other ponies talking and looking at me.

“Hey, Spike, what's going on here?” He looked around and then smiled at me.

“Well, your clothes... I mean, it's just spring and you look like you’re going to jump into the lake or coming back from the beach.” He touched my boxer shorts and took a closer look. “Also, I don't think this is the latest trend.” Now it was my turn.

“How do you know so much about fashion?” I knew where I was going.

“My friend Rarity is really talented with fashion. I often help her in her shop and so on. You learn a lot there.” There it was.

“So you already have a marefriend. Congrats, pal.” I could see his purple scales turning into a deep red.

“No, it's not like it... I mean she isn't my marefriend. She's just a friend, you know?” The way he didn't want to say it out loud was just too cute.

“So you wish there was more between you two?” It could be so much fun asking questions I already knew the answers to just to annoy someone.

“Well, yeah...” he said so quietly that I almost didn't hear him. “But you have to promise not to tell anypony. Pinkie Promise?” I was about to put my hoof over my heart when I remembered my camouflage.

“A what?”

Spike showed me the movements. He put his claw on his chest. “Cross my heart...” His claw went up into the air “... hope to fly...”and landed on his eye “... stick a cupcake in my eye.” I didn't know why it was in English again, but I liked it better that way. I repeated the oath, and Spike seemed satisfied.

“Someone said my name?” Pinkie appeared behind Spike as if she had been there the entire time, and I was so shocked that I fell down. The fourth wall really was no obstacle for this pony.

“Oh oh oh, you're new. I don't know you yet. Do you live here? Where do you live? What does your cutie mark stand for? Oh oh oh, we'll be best friends. I have to prepare a party.” She rattled on at a speed that would make Nascar look like an old-people-wheelchair-race. I was going on the vague assumption that the only reason I heard more than a shrill screeching was because of Trent's spell. As quickly as Pinkie had appeared, she was already gone, leaving a few clouds of dust. I had been mentally prepared for that moment, but I still had to focus all my powers to pick up my jaw again. Spike seemed to like that view since he was rolling on the floor from laughing, but after a few seconds later, he got himself together.

“What the hay?” I knew what the hay that was, but I was also concerned about my camouflage. If there was someone who still had all their ducks in a row, it would be Twilight and Spike, although the dragon could be a little childish.

“That was Pinkie Pie. Don't worry about that, but you should prepare for something later.” It was time to practice my surprised face.

“So, where to now?” Spike pointed next to me.

“Sugarcube Corner, and as you can see, we're already here. This place has the best cupcakes you can find, and of course, some other bakery products. By the way, Pinkie Pie works here.” I made a promise to myself to never ever touch a cupcake while I was here. Spike was already licking his lips and disappearing into the bakery. I used the opportunity to touch the wall and break off a little piece. It really was gingerbread. There were millions of thoughts about how it could hold for so long, against weather and so on, until I remembered where I was. So I let the gingerbread be gingerbread and followed my guide.

Inside the bakery was similar to Twilight's library except that it wasn't the scent of books but the scent of sugar smashing into my face. Every kind of pie and cake I knew of were shown in the display cases, and that wasn't even all of it. There were many more products that I couldn’t identify. No matter where I looked, the sugar figuratively burned into my eyes, and I was worried about getting diabetes by just standing here for too long. Spike was standing at the counter and was talking to a medium-sized, creme-colored stallion with a five 'o clock shadow, obviously Mr. Cake.

“So, Tio, what do you want?” Spike suddenly asked.

“Anything but a cupcake please,” I said without thinking. Spike looked a little confused but then shrugged his shoulders and turned to Mister Cake again. I started counting all the pastries and reached thirty before Spike held a muffin under my nose.

“Here, I didn't know what you liked, so I just took blueberry.” I held the muffin and took a bite. The dough was juicy, and I could taste every single blueberry on my tongue. What a beautiful piece of food.

“Thanks, Spike. It's delicious,” I said after swallowing the first bite. Spike and I left the bakery and proceeded on our way.

“So, what's next?” I ate the muffin while walking. This walking on three legs thing worked out surprisingly well.

“The spa and the Carousel Boutique are nearby. A little down the way, there would be the market place and the café. But I think we can cross the Spa off our list.” I had to smile at the last sentence.

“I think so too.” I thought about the other places. Actually, I wanted to pay a visit to Fluttershy, but without a proper reason, it might look strange to others. Since we just ate, I couldn't say I was hungry for an apple. The marketplace and the café sounded to me like places women or mares went to for some afternoon shopping and talking. So there was only one thing left.

“How about the Carousel Boutique? Maybe I'll find something more appropriate than these old boxer shorts.” I knew I'd leave the Boutique without them, so I prepared myself for a goodbye. Of course, Spike was happy about my decision and literally dragged me across the street.

“Awesome, then you can meet Rarity, You'll see, she really knows what she's doing." I was about to literally lose my last pair of pants.

Author's Notes:

Again, thanks to Beks who translated this chapter.

Edited by JBL. Thank you!