Lacy was walking in towards Sweet Apple Acres. During his walk, he was thinking about how he enjoyed just being outside, taking a stroll in the town. He wondered whether it was because of the lack of internet and computers, or this 'not being completely himself' thing, or something else. Back in his world, he rarely went left his home other than going to work, or shopping. Of course, sometimes, he was out drinking with his friends and traveled a few times to see his family, but other than that, he just sat at his apartment before his computer. Even when he was younger and lived in his hometown, he preferred to stay at home. He always leaned closer to being an introvert, but not the drastic kind.

But it was different here. Since his job didn't require him to be somewhere for at least eight hours a day, he had a lot of free time. Of course, sometimes he had to do work, just differently. He helped Spike a lot to keep the library clean, since Twilight was always busy with her studies, sorting out the information she gathered from Lacy, and of course being the librarian, even if there weren't that many ponies coming to checking out books, and let's not forget about the times she spends with her friends. So yes, that left Spike to do much to do to keep the place in order and assist Twilight, he was glad for the help, and to have finally a guy friend, since there weren't many stallions in Ponyville.

Lacy once asked Twilight, why were so much more mares, than stallions. The reason was, that most males, didn't work in Ponyville. Many stallions were in the Royal Guard. Canterlot was relatively close and being a guard was a prestigious job, many stallions applied from Ponyville and a good portion of them were accepted, so they only came back on their leave. Another reason was also that since the inhabitants were mostly earth ponies, who mostly did hard, physical work, many stallions worked in construction, or mines, or other similar places, but these jobs required them to travel to those cities, or other towns, where the work was. Since mares usually preferred to work closer to their homes, more of them had jobs in Ponyville. Of course, there were stallions here, mostly fathers, or those, who planned to have foals. Lacy found it a little strange, but this was only another thing, that was different here. The overall gender ratio was close to equal, just little towns when someone walked down the main street every day, they'd find significantly more mares, than stallions, however in bigger cities it was the opposite, just many of those males were not permanently living there.

As he arrived at the entrance gate of the orchard, he looked around. The big house was not so far, only a few steps from it, there was a big barn pretty close. He also saw enclosed spaces with pigs and chickens. He wondered, why would a herbivore species keep pigs and chickens on a farm. The chicken was probably for kept for the eggs. Ponies eat eggs, and drank cow milk too, though cows were more sapient, being able to talk, but weren't considered full citizens. To Lacy, it was a complete anomaly. They behaved mostly like cows in his word, but were able to talk, and were more than just common farm animals, yet they actually preferred being treated like that. Plus he still couldn't come with anything considering the pigs. Maybe they sold them to the griffons, or other species, that eat meat? Or were they like those exotic pets for humans, that had no function, other than just to be there, like many reptiles and fishes?

Though there weren't many near him, he could see thousands of apple trees as far as his sight reaches in many directions. It was enormous and to think, that only that few ponies that lived here worked on this big territory made him respect the Apple family a little more, despite knowing, that Applejack apparently didn't like him, though he still didn't quite understand the reason behind it. Maybe today he will learn more. Though it wasn't the main reason, why he was here, because it was Granny Smith who invited him to lunch, after hearing about how he helped to make peace between the applelosians and the buffalos. However, when Twilight learned about this, she thought it would be a great opportunity for a new friendship lesson, she can report to the Princess.

He knocked on the door when he reached the house. A big, red stallion opened the door. Big Mac. Lacy never interacted with Applejack's brother but saw him a few times, the same could be said about Granny Smith too.

"Hey, Big Mac, right?" Lacy greeted him.

"Eeyup." he nodded. "Came to lunch?" He asked, Lacy, nodded in response. Big Mac let him in. He walked from the interior to the big living room, then in the dining room, where the others were already seated at the large table. Granny Smith, the old, green mare, Applejack, who didn't look very pleased to have him here, and Applebloom, who was smiling and waving at him.

"Good day! Am I late?" Lacy asked after the greetings as he was led to an empty chair, looking at the various foods that were already on the table.

"Nay, yer in time youngling," Granny told him. "When we expect a guest, we always prepare in time!"

"Thank you for the invitation!" Lacy said as he sat down. "I've heard that really good cooks live here." he smiled at the old lady.

"Guest first." Granny pointed at the full soup pot.

Lacy observed the soup as he filled his bowl with it. It was simple vegetable soup, but a very tasty one. After all, bowls were empty, came the main course which was basically several foods with apples, everyone could take whatever they wanted. The man went with the tasting strategy, took a little bit from everything.

While eating the Apple family asked various things from the man, mostly Granny and Applebloom. The oldest family member was mostly interested in what did Lacy work in his world, but it was hard to explain to her that when most old people in his world didn't completely understand it, and here even the 'I create stuff like Facebook or Youtube'. She also asked about his family and the man told him about them a little, even mentioned, that she reminded him of his grandmother on the father's side.

Applebloom questioned him about how humans find their special talent since they don't have cutie marks or anything like that. Lacy's answer was that many people just try different stuff and if they find something they like to do then they will eventually improve themselves on that.

Big Mac was mostly quiet, and Applejack was surprisingly quiet as well. Lacy would've guessed, that she would talk more, or try to bring him into a situation that was uncomfortable for him, but she didn't. After the meal and some more talking, Lacy thanked their hospitality and left. Applejack was the one, who offered to escort him out. When they were out, and the farmer closed the door behind him, Lacy turned to her, waiting for her to start talking, because he knew she would. And that's what happened.

"I see through your acting!" she said out of blue, making Lacy raise his eyebrows. "You will bring trouble to us, I can feel it!"

"Acting?"

"You act as you were kind and helpful, but your memories tell me otherwise! Twilight showed me them, and told me many things about your world and species."

"My memories?" asked Lacy with a hint of anger in his voice. "Which one? The one, where I defend my friend against a bully? Or the one, where I offered him a free ride to the party? It's not that cheap to maintain a car. Or that moment with my little sister?"

"Attacking someone, even if he's acting like a bully isn't right! And I saw the rude and aggressive moments of that 'party', like when you hit your friend for accidentally drinking from your glass! And don't think, I didn't put together the fact, when in that memory, your friend mentioned, that you lied to your mother and then Twilight telling me, what you told her about how your mother bought the apartment where you live and much other stuff. You lied to her to get what you want!" she pointed her right foreleg at the man, wearing an angry expression.

"So you judge me because of a few words and a past you created from them? Congratulations!" he clapped his hands slowly a few times.

"But I am right, am I? You don't deny it?"

"Doesn't matter what I say, because you already decided what will you believe in." he had enough of this and turned his back to the orange mare and began walking away. "Thanks for the meal again, it was really good," he said, as he left and despite this short talk, he was genuinely happy for the invitation.

As he walked into the more living part of the town, around the center, he saw many ponies walking around, talking, sitting on a bench, or doing anything else, they wanted. Such a friendly and peaceful place and Lacy really liked this atmosphere. Not even the little town, he came from was this lovely. And yet besides the happiness, there were darker thoughts. Princess Celestia's words, about the possibility, that he won't get home were echoing in his head. He even missed the big city life, despite his unfondness towards it.

He decided to spend some time in the park, where he met little Amber and played with her some. This time her father brought the foal there to enjoy this wonderful day.

A few hours later he was on his way back to the library when he ran into Twilight.

"Hey, Lacy! I was wondering where you were. I was just on my way to have lunch somewhere and find you, but here you are." she greeted the man.

"Twilight, it's around four o'clock, it's closer to dinner now than lunch..." he deadpanned, while the mare just sheepishly laughter and blushed a little. "Let me guess... 'I may have gotten too deep in my studies.'" he said, trying to imitate her voice. Twilight's expression changed into an unamused one, but she didn't deny anything.

"Wanna join to my afternoon snack then?" she finally asked. The man nodded and followed her to the restaurant, where they usually went to eat out.

A little later, they were sitting at the table, waiting for their order, when they noticed three fillies approaching them. The Cutie Mark Crusaders. As they came closer, Lacy started to hear what they were talking about.

"Come on Scootaloo, that is Twilight Sparkle, the student of Princess Celestia there! Her Cutie Mark story must be awesome too!" Sweetie Belle was talking mostly to the little pegasus, who seemed a little disappointed for some reason. She just rolled her eyes, when they arrived at the table.

"Hiya Twilight, Hiya Lacy!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle greeted them, while the third crusader just murmured a 'hello', then looked at Twilight with a bored expression. "Would you tell us, how you got your cutie mark?" the little unicorn asked.

"Sure, girls! As a young filly in Canterlot, I've always wanted to go to the Summer Sun Celebration, where Princess Celestia raises the sun. And I saw the most amazing, most wonderful thing I've ever seen. There were a big festival, many ponies around, and then, I heard the trumpet, signaling, that it's time. That was the first time I saw her. Princess Celestia walking forward, smiling at the crowd. Then her horn lit up and with a few flaps she rose higher and higher and the sun rose with her. That was such a beautiful view, that she created with magic, that I wanted to know more. I poured myself into learning everything I could about magic. I've spent most of the days in my room, reading whatever book I've found about magic and try any spell I could, to improve myself. My parents decided to enroll me in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was a dream come true! Except for one thing... I had to pass an entrance exam! I passed most of it with almost no mistake, but there was one last task. I had to hatch a dragon egg. Four teachers were watching me, while I try to attempt the seemingly impossible task. My parents were there too, silently cheering for me. I knew it was the most important day of my life, that my entire future would be affected by the outcome of this day and I was about to blow it! But I couldn't do it. I was so disappointed in myself, that I failed at the final step. But then a big explosion shooked the earth and I felt my magic go wild. It was like, my true magical capability unleashed itself. I've managed to hatch the egg, but that wasn't the only thing I did, as I lost control. I've started to levitate the teachers and turned my parents into plants and even turned the hatchling into a gigantic one. But then I felt somepony's touching me and I saw the princess looking at me. I finally regained control and managed to turn back my parents and the dragon into normal, and letting go of the other ponies as well. I was so ashamed, that Princess Celestia saw me like this, but she surprised me, saying that I am the most powerful unicorn she ever saw. Then she offered me the chance to be her personal protégé at the school. I couldn't believe it. Of course, I've accepted, but then she pointed out one more thing. My cutie mark appeared. That was the best day of my life. I've got my cutie mark, I've become the student of the princess, and let's not forget that that was the day, Spike has been hatched."

Twilight finished with a proud smile. Meanwhile, she was telling the story, the waiter brought their food and they finished it without noticing, being too engrossed in Twilight's storytelling. Applebloom and Sweetie were thanking Twilight for the story, while Scootaloo was pushing them towards the cart, that was attached to her scooter while telling them to move, so they could find finally Rainbow Dash.

After they left, Twilight told remembered, that she wanted to find Lazlo for bringing him to Sugarcube Corner, because there was something she wanted to talk about with him and the girls, and she organized a meeting in the bakery.

When they arrived the others were there already save for Pinkie Pie, so they decided to wait for her. They were having a girly chatting party, in which Lacy excluded himself for obvious reason.

He was sitting at a table, enjoying a cupcake, he bought, barely listening to the others talking. He learned though, that they were all asked about how they got their cutie marks, except for Rainbow Dash, who's been their main target in the first place. When Lazlo was asked if he found it funny, he simply replied with a 'Yeah, a really cartoonish moment', which earned a few questioning looks. The girls had a few attempts to get him into their conversation, but he only said a few words, then going back to his snack. Finally, Pinkie arrived, but only a few seconds later, the trio of fillies came as well.

Scootaloo was really happy when she finally saw the mare, she's been looking for the whole afternoon.

"Rainbow Dash! You're here!" she yelled. Rainbow began walking towards her.

"I hear, you're looking for my cutie mark story."

"You have no idea what I've been through today to hear that story." she let out a relieved sigh.

"It all happened during the race at Flight Camp where I stood alone against all odds to defend Fluttershy's honor." she began. Lacy was a little surprised to hear this. He knew, that they knew each other before Twilight, and he even knew, that both pegasi came from Cloudsdale, but he didn't know, they were friends there. "As the race started, I've only concentrated one thing. To beat those two bullies. I've never flown like that before! That freedom was unlike anything I've ever felt! The speed, the adrenaline, the wind in my mane... I liked it... a lot! One of them missed a turn and run into a cloud, but the other one kept up with me. Then pushed me and gained the lead. But I couldn't let him win! I flew after him and began to catch up. Turns out the only thing I liked more than flying fast... was winning! I don't even know when did I fly past him. I saw nothing else, but the cloud ring, which was the closest to the ground. And when I reached it. BOOM! I did it! Most ponies thought that the sonic rainboom was just an old mare's tale. But that day... The day I discovered racing... I proved that the legends were true. I made the impossible happen! Only when other ponies pointed to my flank did I saw it. And that, little ones, is how you earn a cutie mark."

The crusaders were in total awe. The others however looked like they've come to a realization.

Fluttershy was the first to spoke up.

"Wait a second. I heard that explosion. And I saw the rainbow too. Rainbow Dash, if you hadn't scared the animals, I never would have learned I could communicate with them and gotten my cutie mark."

Then Pinkie Pie.

"I heard that boom! And right afterwards, there was this amazing rainbow that taught me to smile."

Applejack came next.

"When I got my cutie mark, I saw a rainbow that pointed me home. I bet it was your sonic rainboom!"

Rarity joined in too.

"There was an explosion I could never explain when I got my cutie mark."

And finally Twilight Sparke.

"This is uncanny! If that explosion didn't happen when it did, I would have blown my entrance exam. Rainbow Dash, I think you helped me earn my cutie mark too!"

All of them looked at each other surprised, Dash was totally blown away.

"Wait a minute!" Lacy spoke up, drawing their attention. "I saw it too! And the explosion! I remember it!"

"WHAT?!" the mares shouted in unison.

"But how?" Twilight turned into her panicky scientist mode. "But that would mean, that the sonic rainboom is capable of traveling through worlds. What if it does a different thing in other dimensions? What if it messes up the nature of other places? That would..." she was stopped by Lacy, who was chuckling.

"Calm down! I was just joking." then he began to rub his eyes, acting like wiping his tears. "I've just wanted to feel included..." giving a few fake sobs to improve his act.

It met with different reactions. Applejack and Rainbow just rolled their eyes, Rarity was looking unamused, Twilight was confused, Fluttershy was sad and Pinkie wore an understanding smile on her face.

"Aww... We are still best friends, even if you didn't saw or heard the rainboom." the pink pony told him. "But we all owe ours to you, Dash!" she turned back to Rainbow.

"Yes!" Fluttershy agreed. "Even though we had a special connection before we even met, that doesn't mean, our friendship with you is different." Then the shy pegasus grabbed the man's hand to pull him towards the others, to be part of the group hug, they were having.

Reluctantly, but Lacy joined the hug, but he was the first to let go and he met some worried look.

"Hey now! Don't let my tasteless joke ruin your happy moment." he smiled at them. He went back to his previous sitting place.

They talked about this for a few more minutes, the crusaders apparently grew bored of it and left.

"Ohh, I almost forgot." Twilight suddenly said. "The whole reason for coming here is because I need to tell you all an important thing." she waited for a few seconds to make sure everyone is paying attention. "It came to my knowledge, that there was some conflict between Applejack and Lazlo." she then looked at the both of them. "I want you to talk it out and we will be here to help you out."

"What's the point of this?" Lacy asked. "She thinks, that I'm trouble and will do something bad, or something like that, because of what I did many years ago, that she doesn't know much about, but came to a conclusion about the little information, she had."

"Now wait just a minute!" Applejack looked angry. "Maybe I don't know much about what happened, but if what I've told you earlier is true and you lied and deceived your mother then how can we be sure, that you're not doing the same thing with us? After all, if doing it with family members is okay for him, then what's stopping him to do it with others?"

"Umm... excuse me..." Fluttershy spoke in her signature timid voice but would have been ignored if not for Pinkie Pie, who was the only one hearing her speaking and pointed out, that Fluttershy wanted to tell something. "Why don't we let Lacy tell us what happened. Maybe he had a good reason doing, what he did." she then looked at the man. "If it's okay with you..."

"It's not a secret or something I never told to anyone." Lazlo shrugged. "The whole thing started in my last year of high school. Normally people become eighteen years old that year, which is the age, they considered adults in my country. If we pass the final exams, then we get a... um... well there is no accurate translation in English for it, so let's just go with 'Certificate that the person passed those exams and finished high school', it contains the results basically. Anyway, it's not that important. What's important is, that afterward can people apply to universities, because to get in one, you need to earn points, which are calculated from those results, your grades in the relevant classes and other things, such as language exams. I thought I already told you about it Twilight..." he noticed the purple mare writing down all this. "And I also told you, that it probably differs from most of the countries of my world, so don't take it as general information. Let me also tell you, that I had a strong bond with my mother in my younger years, and it didn't go totally down during my puberty. But things started to change as I matured and she started her political career. She believed, that I have to get a 'prestigious job' which was basically a doctor, lawyer, politician, or something else, that had a reputation even in history. And while there was some, that kind of interested me, none of these was what I wanted to do as a full-time job. I was always interested in the IT segment, umm right, that is basically non-existent here... um... the point is, that I wanted to do something else than she was forcing me to. I won't go into details, but we were arguing for months. I told her, that I don't want to study anything, she offered me to choose from and she told me, that she will only help me financially if I do as she says. At that time I couldn't rely on my father's help, because he couldn't afford to help me out, nor my grandparents, who didn't wanted strengthen the conflict and I couldn't stand a chance alone. So with the help of my friends, we came up with an idea. I applied to a university for the faculty of law. I was sure, that I will get in, with the points I had, and my mother bought an apartment, where I could live. At that time I told her, that I'll do it, but she has to leave me be and not pester about it, to which she agreed as long as I get good grades and don't fail in any subject. When it was time, I got in, but I put myself into a passive semester, which is basically a 'skip a semester' option. You can have two. Meanwhile, I applied and got into a programming course, which was around one year in length. To cut things short, I completed the course as fast as I could, meanwhile only visiting home, when there was some celebration or special event, and spending some edited pictures to mom about my 'progress'. She really did let me be, mostly because she needed to focus on climbing the ladder of her own career. When I finally finished programming school, I managed to get a job really quickly, and that's when the chaos started. I knew, that I couldn't keep the lie up for much longer, it was actually pretty hard to even when most things were in my favor. So after I've been working for a few weeks, I finally told her. And she was furious. We yelled at each other for hours on the phone. She even threatened me to sell the house, so I won't have a place to live, and I couldn't afford to rent another home back then, when I also had to pay for the programming school, so I threatened her back, that I would share this story on several media, and it would probably give a slap to her big political career. And basically, this status quo is still standing. That's why I only meet her a few times a year and rarely talk with her. It always ends in big arguments and shouting at each other. Of course, my other relatives weren't happy with me either, but they forgave me in time and even tried to help me to make amends with my mother, but every attempt was unsuccessful. And that is basically it."

"So let me get this straight." Applejack was the first to spoke up after Lacy finished with his story. "You lied to your mother because she was dictating your life?"

"Well... basically yes," Lacy answered. "Look! I know, that what I did was wrong, but at that time it was the only option, that I thought would work. And it wasn't good for me either. I was in constant fear, that she will discover my little scheming. I've become paranoid every time she called me. I don't want to go into details, because that's something I don't want to relive again."

"I guess, I can understand your point." the farm mare admitted. "But I still think, that you're trouble."

"Then let's hope, that the princess will find a way to get me home soon."

"But the sooner you go home, the more party you will miss!" Pinkie butted in. "Anyway, don't worry, I won't think any less of you because of this. You are still my friend and friends should accept each other, no matter what they did."

"I agree with Pinkie Pie." Rarity joined. "While what you did wasn't fit for a gentlecolt, you only did it to fulfill your dreams. I won't hold it against you."

"Umm I hope you don't mind me saying, but that was a really bad thing, you both did, but you've been really kind with us so far, so I forgive you," Fluttershy spoke her opinion.

"Yeah, I get you. I have some issues with my parents too, but nothing like this. You're still the coolest human I know." Rainbow said.

Lacy felt happy at hearing this. He came to view these ponies as friends and actually cared about their opinions, so it was relieving, that they didn't think differently of him after this. While the others were talking with Lacy a little bit more, the man noticed, that Twilight and Applejack were having a conversation as well. Then AJ turned to Lazlo.

"Twilight told me, that I shouldn't judge you for what you did in a different world, and I have to agree with her. How about we start anew? I'm Applejack! Welcome to Ponyville, the friendliest place in Equestria! You are welcome to come to my family's farm at any time!" she offered her hoof.

Lacy smiled and, grabbed her hoof, and shook it.

"I'm Lazlo Kis. A pleasure to meet you!"

Later in the library, Twilight finished her friendship report for the princess and Spike was also there, waiting for her to finish it, so he can send it. After it was done, the only thing left for today is their knowledge exchange session, though it was cut short, when Lacy came up with something.

"Hey, Twilight! You know it just came to me, that there are many worlds out there, or dimensions, or realities, or whatever you want to call it right?" he asked.

"Well, yes. And?"

"And it is possible, that time works differently in some. Like one day here is months in another or just mere seconds," he said.

"Well, it was never really studied in-depth, because traveling through worlds is really rare, and while it can be a fascinating study material, the scientists believe, that we should explore everything in our world, before going into others. But it should be possible that time runs differently." Twilight answered.

"Okay. And what if time runs in the other direction?" Lacy asked. However, judging by Twilight's confused expression, he had to explain it more thoroughly. "Well for example, when I ended up in Equestria, it was the first day of the new year on Earth. But what if, when I get back, it's actually last year's summer?"

"I don't think that's possible. That would imply, that our timeline moves backward, but that's clearly not the case."

"What I mean is, what if this world's timeline direction is moving forward, but it's the opposite direction of my world's timeline, which is also forward."

"I think I get it, but I still think, that's impossible. I wouldn't worry about that."

"I hope you are right... because in my point of view. There aren't really anything that's impossible anymore."

Author's Note

I hope you don't mind the long monologues, if you do, then don't worry, because I don't plan on doing many.

Anyways, like always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!