Ethan stood at the front of the crowd while everyone was cheering and shouting. It seemed like everyone in town had gathered for this event making it a pretty good time to gather information.
"Man they're loud." he muttered. Ethan wasn't a fan of crowds, but now wasn't time. "Hey, any suggestions on who to ask first?"
Navi didn't say a word, and just quietly floated. Navi's eyes were locked on the person everyone was cheering for.
"Celestia..." Navi said quietly
"Hello? Hellllllllooooooo?"
"H-huh?" Navi said snapping out of it.
"I said who do you think I should ask first? Who's Celestia anyway?"
Ethan looked through the crowd around him and spotted the white alicorn.
"Everyone's cheering because of her...she must be pretty important. Oh, she's looking at me, now's a good chance."
Ethan waved to her. Celestia, looking surprised, waved back.
"I'm sorry." said Navi quickly. "I have to leave, I'll come back later."
"Wait! You can't just leave me!"
The ball of light ignored him and took off in a different direction above the crowd.
Celestia walked forward through the crowd. The ponies respectfully moved out of the way as she came forward. Earlier, Ethan had to push and shove to get anywhere, but the crowd immediately began splitting as she moved. Who was this person anyway?
Celestia stood before Ethan with tears in her eyes, looking at him with a weak smile.
"Eden." she said softly, holding her hoof over her mouth.
'Eden? Is she talking to me?' Ethan thought
Those around watching started whispering.
"Who is he?"
"I don't know."
"Princess Celestia sure seems to know him."
"Wait." said Ethan. "YOU'RE Celestia?"
Everyone's jaw dropped after hearing after hearing that. This pony would call the princess's name so casually without her title?! The once clamoring crowd became deathly silent. The ponies next to Ethan took a few steps back out of fear. But Celestia's face didn't show the slightest bit of anger. Rather, her smile brightened, she wrapped one of her wings around him and put her head on his.
"Welcome back Eden."
"Huh." said Ethan.
The crowd absolutely ERUPTED with confusion.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
"Uh." Ethan said awkwardly. "I'm sorry...do I know you?"
The princess opened her eyes and took a few steps back. "What? Of course you do, don't you remember?"
"I think you've got the wrong person. We've never met before, and my name's Ethan...not Eden, close though."
"No...Eden this isn't funny..." she said, with worry creeping into her voice. Celestia walked around Ethan, studying him.
'His mane, his eyes, his color, even the way he addresses me without my title, they all match.' she thought.
"Can it really be a coincidence?" Celestia said, mostly to herself.
"Can what be a coincidence?"
She looked Ethan in the eyes. His eyes were filled with confusion instead of the playful, teasing look Eden usually had, this wasn't him. Celestia fought back tears as they welled up. She couldn't cry, not here, a princess had to look strong for her subjects. Celestia gave Ethan a fake smile.
"My apologies, I thought you were...someone else."
Celestia had to go, she had to be anywhere else, anywhere but here.
"I'm sorry, this will conclude the celebration for this year."
Princess Celestia moved through the crowd with ease while Ethan tried to run after her.
"Hey wait! Who's Eden?"
But as quickly as the crowd opened up for the princess it immediately became crowded behind her when she passed and Ethan was caught in the middle of the giant cheering crowd, he couldn't even hear his own shouts for the princess to stop. With everyone crowding around her, he found it impossible to get close. He pushed and shoved his way through the crowd but by the time he got out, Celestia was already in a flying chariot. Ethan watched it flying for a second before turning to the nearest person.
"You." he said grabbing an orange unicorn.
"M-me?"
"Where is that chariot going?"
"It's headed back to the palace in Canterlot."
"Then that's where I'm going."
"You can't go there, they don't let just ANYONE in."
"What? When's the next time she'll come out for this event?"
"About a year from now."
"A year?! I can't wait a year!"
"Sorry pal, we all have to wait a year." the unicorn said walking off.
Celestia rode off on the chariot, it wasn't until she was out of sight from the crowd that she allowed herself to cry.
"Of course it wasn't him." she told herself bitterly. "It would be impossible for Eden to be alive after all of this time."
She continued to ride the chariot deep in thought and didn't say another word until she was greeted back at the castle.
"Oh Princess Celestia, that has to have been the most spectacular Sunrise Celebrations I've seen so far!" gushed one of the nobles who was staying at the castle.
Everyone else seemed to have the same opinion. They usually did, if something was popular they tended to all think it was great.
"Yes, thank you. This is due to everyone's hard work." she said.
Looking for some time to herself, Celestia left the throne room and headed off to her own room where she sat thinking.
'There are countless ponies out there. I shouldn't be surprised if there are a few lookalikes right?' She thought, trying to be logical.
After a time, her sister walked by her room and noticed her.
"Sister? Is everything alright? It's not often I see you being so pensive on a day involving such a celebration."
"It's...nothing much." Celestia said thoughtfully. She considered going into detail, but decided against it. "I just thought I'd seen an old friend."
"Ugggggggh!"
Ethan groaned. After the celebration, he had asked around about this 'Eden' that came up. He had talked to 27 earth ponies, 19 unicorns and 11 pegasi, none of which had even heard of Eden and his patience was wearing thin. Navi had eventually returned after this whole ordeal.
"You! Why'd you just run off like that?!"
"I'm sorry, I needed to leave. How was your talk with the princess?"
"Strange, she mistook me for someone named Eden. Ring any bells?"
"Afraid not, I don't recognize anyone except Princess Celestia."
"Why is it only Celestia knew this Eden?"
He started hitting his head against a house in frustration when Applejack came by and looked at him strangely.
"What are ya doin'?"
"Hitting my head against this wall."
"Yeah but...WHY?" she said tilting her head
"I've been looking someone, but I can't seem to find diddly squat about him. No one has seen him, remembers him or even seems to have heard of him. It's like he never existed!"
"Maybe I can help."
Ethan perked up.
"Really? The person I'm looking for is named Eden, do you know him?"
"Well, no, not really."
"...Well if you excuse me, I'm gonna get back to headbutting this wall."
"Hold on, stop doing that. Look, you helped us out a whole heap before the celebration. I reckon I'd be more than happy to lend you a hoof."
"Well, thank you." Ethan said perking up.
"If this 'Eden' is in town, Mayor Mare ought to be able to find em."
The two walked on though town together. The fuss about the celebration was dying down, and ponies were returning to their houses and businesses. Ethan looked in surprise as a pegasus flew above him. He turned his head to a yellow pony with a horn on it's head.
"Is that a unicorn?"
Applejack smiled wryly.
"How could you tell? Was it the horn?" she said sarcastically
"This isn't exactly common knowledge for me you know."
Applejack opened her mouth to ask what he meant but she noticed they had arrived at the town hall.
"Ah, allow me." said Ethan going for the door.
He tried to grab the handle like normal but his new hooves slipped on it. Ethan tried several more times, growing more frustrated with each failure.
"How the heck do you use these nubs!?"
"Um. Need help?" Applejack asked confused.
She walked forward, grabbed the handle and turned it, holding open the door for him.
"Yeah...thanks." he said embarrassed at that pathetic display.
Applejack and Ethan walked through the office and approached a pony at a type writer.
"Hey? Is the mayor busy at the moment?"
The pony looked up.
"No, right now she's free because the celebration is over. Go on in."
"Thanks."
They approached the mayor's office, the mayor seemed to be relaxing in her chair at the moment and wasn't expecting visitors so soon.
"O-oh Applejack!" she said as the two came in. She turned in her chair and changed her posture to a more professional one. "How can I help you?"
"Hello Ms. Mayor. I was just hoping to look for a certain someone in ponyville."
"Well you've come to the right place. What's their name?"
Applejack looked at Ethan.
"Ah right. His name is Eden."
The mayor pulled out a filing cabinet.
"Let's see. E...E...Eager Mcbeaver and...Effort Hooves. Sorry, no Eden."
Ethan sighed.
"You know..." said the mayor looking at him. "I've never seen you around in town before. What's your name?"
"Ethan."
The mayor and Applejack gave him a curious look. "That's quite an odd name. Where are you from?"
"I'm from outta town. Don't worry, I intend to leave...as soon as possible."
"That so? Too bad, could always stand to have more people. Oh by the way, watch out for Pinkie Pie." The mayor said with a smile. "She always get the newcomers when they come to Ponyville."
Ethan left town hall with his head hanging low. Applejack put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder.
"There's still one person who might be able to help ya. I got a friend named Twilight, knows all sorts of stuff. She often helps me and other ponies when things are a bit bad. She's in the big tree house in town, ya can't miss it."
"Thank you Applejack."
"Aw shucks, don't mention it. Listen, I gotta head back to the farm, today's officially so the first day of summer you can bet your left hoof I'm gonna be busy. "
"Good luck with your work, be careful when working in this heat."
"That's where this little beauty comes in handy." she said tipping her hat
She waved goodbye and went her own way. He started walking for a few minutes when it hit him.
"Wait, I forgot to ask WHERE Twilight's house was..."
Rainbow Dash flew through Ponyville, heading towards Sugarcube Corner.
"Today is gonna be great." she chuckled to herself.
Rainbow entered the shop and was greeted by Mrs. Cake.
"Hey Mrs. Cake, Pinkie here?"
"Pinkie? Sorry dearie, haven't seen her."
"Ah that's okay, I'm sure she's just running around somewhere else." Rainbow Dash said turning to leave.
"Dear, before you go would you mind testing out one of our new pastries? I call it the Peppermint Perfection!"
"Can't say no to that." Rainbow said stuffing the cupcake into her mouth.
"Mmmm! That's good! I gotta go look for Pinkie, but I'm coming back for more of those later."
She opened the door and zipped off, flying around town in search of the pink earth pony.
"Pinkie? Pinkie? Pinkie?"
She searched the forest, her friend's houses, and all sorts of places but couldn't find her. Frustrated, she flew higher into the air and shouted below.
"PIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNKYYYY PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!"
Several ponies looked at Rainbow Dash in surprise, but none of them were Pinkie.
"Ugh." She lay on the ground tired.
"I'm never gonna find her."
All of the sudden Pinkie Pie rushed past Rainbow Dash and kept running.
"Hi Rainbow! Bye Rainbow!"
"Hi Pi-wait what?!"
Rainbow Dash flew after the running Pinkie.
"I'm trying to talk to you!" she shouted.
"Okay." Pinkie said still running at full speed.
"That means STOP!"
Pinkie Pie immediately stopped moving, surprising the pegasus who crashed into her sending them both tumbling several feet.
"Ugh." Rainbow picked herself up.
"I've been looking for you. We were supposed to be going off for a few pranks today remember?"
"I know, I'm really looking forward to it." said Pinkie apologeically. "But something came up, I need to take care of something quickly first. I'm really REALLY sorry."
"Oh...well, we're still on for today right?"
"Abso-TUTELY!" Pinkie chirped.
"Alright...guess I'll see you later." Rainbow Dash said flying off
Ethan followed Applejack's description and eventually arrived at a strange building. It seemed to be a house built into a large tree which was actually very fascinating. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, something that gnomes or elves might live in. Ethan approached the door nervously, taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Ethan opened the door only to find a pitch black room.
"Hello? Is anyone here?"
"SURPRISE!"
The room lit up all of the sudden, filled with ponies wearing party hats and other things. Confetti rained on him and a pink pony ran up to him and pulled him inside to meet everyone.
"Hee hee, look at his face! He was SO surprised! Do you like it? Huh? Huh?"
"What IS all this?" he said still in shock
"It's a party! Pinkie said speaking really fast.
"I saw you earlier in town and I didn't recognize you which is weird because I recognize everyone so I knew you were new in town so I organized this event but I looked all over town and no one knew you and you didn't live anywhere which is weird because it's like you fell right out of the sky so I put this party here and waited for you to come by!"
Pinkie took a deep breath of air and continued panting with Ethan looking at her even more confused.
"It's almost like you're trying to speak...WORDS of some kind..."
"I threw you a party." she said smiling.
Ethan stared at Pinkie Pie suspiciously. "Thank you, but uh...why?"
"Because you're new in town! My name's Pinkie Pie! I throw parties for everyone new in town!"
"Look you seem like a nice person and all, but I'm not interested in whatever it is you're selling."
Pinkie turned her head in confusion. "I'm not selling anything."
"Right." Ethan chuckled. "You just threw a party for me out of the kindness of your heart. Look, I know how this works okay? I'll just see myself out."
He turned towards the door only to see countless others waiting to talk to him.
"Oh no..." he said fearfully.
They all ran towards him and bombarded him with conversation.
"Hi, how's it going?"
"I haven't seen you before."
"Ooh, I like your eyes."
"Weren't you the one Celestia was talking to?"
"Seriously?! When was this?"
"Where's your cutie mark?"
"Uh...uh..."
Ethan stuttered as he was surrounded by countless strangers and broke into a cold sweat. Desperately looking around he spotted the punch bowl.
"Sorry guys I would just...LOVE to answer your questions but uh...I'm thirsty, excuse me for a moment."
He squeezed his way out of the crowd and dashed over to the refreshments.
"Wow, he must've been really thirsty."
Ethan let out a relieved sigh after he was alone.
"Don't these people have any sense of personal space? Okay, I just gotta bail on this party just as soon as no ones...looking..."
There were several ponies watching him, still waiting to talk. One of them waved to him, Ethan grimly frowned and waved back.
'Why?!' he thought. 'I don't know any of you, go away!'
"Okay, I'll just keep drinking until this party is over." He turned to the cups and frowned looking at his hooves. "Just as soon as I figure out how..."
Ethan sat down and slowly reached out with his front hooves. "Come on, you got this." he said to himself. Delicately grabbing the cup, pushing it between his hooves and shakily bringing it to his face.
"Ah! No, no no!"
The cup started slipping so he quickly applied more pressure, only to crush the cup as the juice splashed him in the face.
A few ponies chuckled while some gave him looks of concern. Ethan ignored them and wiped himself off. What was he thinking? Of course horses couldn't just grab a cup like that. He leaned over a cup and started lapping the punch from it the way he thought a dog or a horse might do it. Everyone suddenly stopped and looked at him, wondering what the heck was he doing. Several others started whispering quietly about him. Ethan looked up to see everyone gawking at him and his face paled.
"Uh...is this not how you drink it?"
A purple horse stepped in front of him.
"Who's ready for the games? First place winners get a prize!"
The crowd cheered and ponies started lining up for the games. She turned towards him and gave a small smile.
"Thanks for the save." Ethan said sighing in relief.
"You're welcome. Hey, are you alright? You seem a little...on edge."
"You can say that again." Ethan muttered. "I'm not normally a 'people' person'."
"I know you might be feeling a little out of place, but this is a party. Relax, have fun, and make some friends."
"I don't know a single person here."
"Well, why don't you fix that. Do you plan on using that excuse forever so you don't have to meet anyone?"
"Pretty much." Ethan muttered
Twilight giggled a little. "You remind me of myself a little when I first came to Ponyville. I dealt with similar things. Completely alone, the overly friendly strangers, and the party with me not knowing a single person."
Ethan perked up a little. "You too?"
"I'll tell you what. Five minutes, for just five minutes, come out of your shell and talk to me. If, after that time you still wanna leave, then I'll help sneak you out of the party. Deal?"
Ethan rubbed his chin. "Just five minutes?"
"Yep."
"...Alright."
"Wonderful." Twilight gave an encouraging smile. "Nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?"
"Ethan, Ethan Marshal."
"Oh, that's a pretty unique name. What do you think about Ponyville?"
"Not gonna lie, I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this."
"I hear you, it's a bit different from other places. But the ponies here are actually really nice and welcoming. If you give them a chance, you won't regret it. I mean Pinkie Pie even threw this party for you like she did me."
"Wait...you mean that WASN'T just a scam for money?"
"You think Pinkie was trying to scam you?"
Ethan backed up and nervously rubbed the back of his head.
"Well...YEAH. I mean, who does that? Throwing a party for someone just because they're new in town? Isn't that just a little odd?"
"Yeah Pinkie is a bit strange, but she's a really nice person. When someone comes to Ponyville, they don't know anyone and can feel out of place. Pinkie throws these parties to make everyone feel special and welcome."
"Ugh..."
Ethan put a hoof to his face. So that was why Pinkie did this, she wasn't trying to extort money from him. He turned back to Twilight.
"I'm...gonna go apologize."
"That's a good idea."
"Oh! Before I forget. Applejack told me you're the person to see about asking for help."
"Sure, what do you need help with?"
"Uh..." Ethan averted his eyes. "I'll tell you later when we're alone."
"Okay?"
Ethan made his way through the people at the party looking around for the pink pony. It wasn't hard, Pinkie stood out quite a bit. She was standing on a table and singing. He felt a tap on the back of his leg. Turning around, he saw three young ponies nervously staring at him.
"Yes?"
"Hi...um..."
Apple Bloom nervously smiled at him and cleared her throat. She looked back at her friends behind her, Sweetie Bell pushed Apple Bloom forward and stepped back.
"Um, hi I'm Apple Bloom."
"Nice to meet you, what can I do for you?"
"Um, I happened to notice you haven't yet found your...'particular talent'."
"What makes you say that?" Ethan said tilting his head.
"Well...you know, you seem to be 'missing something'." Apple Bloom said hoping he'd catch on.
"Like what?"
"Ugh!" Scootaloo groaned impatiently. "She's trying to say you don't have a cutie mark!"
"Scootaloo! I was tryin' to be subtle."
"What for?"
"Because we don't wanna embarrass him in front of everyone. Don't you know how embarrassing it is for someone of HIS age to still not have his cutie mark? I mean, I'd probably be humiliated if I didn't have mine after all that time."
Apple Bloom froze and clamped her hooves over her mouth, realizing that she'd said too much. Ethan chuckled a bit.
"So that's why I've been getting strange looks from people."
"I'm...I'm awful sorry."
"It's fine, I don't really care about this sort of thing."
"You don't?"
Still, there it was again, someone mentioning a 'cutie mark'. What was that? Some kind of tattoo? Ethan turned his head.
"So...well, do ya wanna join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?
"The Cutie what now?"
"The Cutie Mark Crusaders." Scootaloo said stepping up.
"We go around trying to find our cutie mark and we're thinking about expanding."
"Yeah!" said Sweetie Belle.
"We're trying to find what makes us special."
"Okay, lets pretend I'm new to this whole thing. Could you tell me about Cutie Marks?"
Apple Bloom perked up, she had actually practiced giving this speech just in case.
"Hah! And you two said it wouldn't come in handy. A Cutie mark is your special talent. Something that makes you unique, it helps you find out your purpose in life."
"We're...kinda looking for ours too." said Scootaloo. "Man, we were feeling a little bad about not having our marks. But seeing how that you still don't have yours, now I don't feel so- OW!" Applebloom elbowed Scootaloo to quiet her.
"I think what Scootaloo MEANT to say was. It's nice to know we're not the only ones having trouble finding our purpose in life."
"My purpose in life..." Ethan said thinking back to the voice he heard before being dropped out of the sky. "Hmm..." If cutie marks were really important, they might be worth looking into. Finding out his purpose here might help get him figure out what exactly he was supposed to do.
"So you wanna join?" Apple Bloom said interrupting his train of thought.
"Okay."
"Really?! You do?"
"Yes, thank you for offering to help me."
"Of course! Come on by Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow and we'll have everything set up for ya."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders ran off excitedly. Ethan smiled and went to go talk to Pinkie.
"HEYYY!" Pinkie said excitedly after seeing him. "It's the pony of the hour! You like your party?"
"Ha ha, well...it's definitely impressive."
"I'm so glad you like it. I didn't know what kind of pony you were so I wasn't sure about the theme."
"Uh, Pinkie?" Ethan said fidgeting.
"Yeah?" Pinkie smiled innocently
He sighed. "I'm sorry."
Pinkie gasped "And here I thought you were Ethan! Alright, nice to meet you Mr. Sorry Marshall."
"What? No, I mean I'm apologizing to you."
"Oooooh...wait, why?"
"I was a little rude before, I kinda thought you were trying to scam me. You know, get something from me by using this party."
"Well, I WAS trying to get something from you with this party."
"You were?!"
"Your friendship." Pinkie said giving him a big smile.
"I appreciate the offer but, why would you want to be my friend so suddenly?"
Pinkie Pie gave him a confused look.
"Do I have to have a reason to be someone's friend?"
"Well...I guess not."
"I want to be friends with everyone, so I can make everyone smile and be happy." she said beaming.
Ethan was stunned for a second, then he started chuckling, which then evolved into cackling laughter and and snorts. Ethan laughed and snorted, for a good thirty seconds before he was able to stop.
"That...is the cheesiest thing I have ever heard. But...it's also kind of the sweetest too."
"So...is that a yes? Please? Please?"
He looked at the pink mare staring at him with shining eyes. He didn't have the heart to say no, but more importantly, he kind of WANTED to agree.
"Yes, I would love to be your friend."
"YES! This calls for a celebration!"
"Pinkie, we're already IN a celebration."
"Oh right."
Ethan chuckled, Pinkie Pie was a little like a kid. Absolutely filled with innocence and a little silly. Still, it was a rare gift to have, and this meant he could trust her.
"Pinkie thank you very much for this party. Listen, I'm not really good at much, but if you ever need help moving things around or stuff like that, then feel free to give me a call."
"Aw, thanks! But I didn't do this for a reward."
"It's BECAUSE you did this without expecting a reward that I want to. Besides, I'm someone who repays his favors."
"Okie dokie then."
Twilight came by and joined in on the conversation.
"Looks like you two are getting along pretty well."
"Yup, I made a new friend." Pinkie said bouncing.
"So I see."
"Pinkie!" called a voice. "We're running low on snacks."
"I am ON IT." she said zooming off.
Twilight chuckled and then turned to Ethan.
"I thought you said you 'weren't normally a 'people person'."
"Let's just say Pinkie Pie isn't exactly normal. I can't think of a single person who'd do this just to make someone feel welcome."
"Yeah." Twilight said smiling at Pinkie rushing around to get snacks. "She's always been that sort of pony. So, it's been five minutes, what do you think? Is this better than you thought?"
"...It is, I mean, I'm still not a people person, but I am pretty glad I did this, thank you."
The party eventually came to a close and everyone let Twilight's house. Ethan however stuck around, now that the crowd was gone he could talk to Twilight.
"So, what was it you needed you needed help with?"
"Yes, thank you, I'm looking for someone who doesn't seem to exist. No one seems to have heard about him."
"What's his name?"
"His name is Eden."
"Eden..."
Twilight paused for a moment thinking, that name seemed a little familiar. She'd heard it before somewhere but when? Twilight turned towards one of the bookcases, was it this one...no she couldn't remember.
"I think I've heard it before..."
"You have?!"
"Spike could you come here for a second?"
Spike stopped making snacks in the kitchen and walked in the library. Ethan's jaw immediately dropped when he saw him.
"Are you...a dragon?" he said incredulously
"Yup, ever seen one before?"
"Never! This is seriously cool! Look at you! You can talk too! Can you breathe fire?"
"Y-yeah I can breathe fire." Spike said a little surprised by this sudden pony's outburst.
"Dude, that is awesome! Navi, why couldn't I have been a dragon? I could breathe fire and have fingers..." Ethan sighed. "Man I miss my fingers."
Spike embarrassedly dragged his foot on the ground with a big grin on his face.
"Yeah, I am pretty cool. Nice to know someone appreciates the finer things." he said looking at Twilight.
Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes.
"As much as I hate to ruin your fun, we're still looking for this 'Eden' person remember?"
"Ah, that's right?" Ethan said snapping back to reality.
"Spike, do you remember where I put 'The Stars of Magic' book'? The one with StarSwirl's all of exploits."
"Ah hold on let me see..."
"Starswirl?" said Navi suddenly. Ethan turned to the ball
"You've heard of him?"
"Yes, I remember him, we would often talk and I'd sometimes ask him for advice. He was the most talented magic user I've ever seen."
"Wait...magic?"
"Ah that's right, you wouldn't know. Unicorns can use spells with magic."
"THEY CAN?!"
"Quiet! Only you can hear me remember?"
Ethan turned his head and saw Twilight and Spike staring at him strangely.
"Are you alright?"
"Uh, yeah just talking to myself, you ever do that before?"
"Well yeah." said Spike "But it sounded like you were arguing with yourself..."
"I'm just thinking about something, no need to be worried."
"If you say so..."
Ethan's brain raced, magic existed in this world?! That just might be his ticket out. If magic brought him here, there was a chance someone could take him back! Just now Navi said Starswirl was the most talented magic user! He HAD to find him!
"Well." said Twilight interrupting his thoughts. "Are you gonna help us find it?"
"What? Oh right, yes."
He and Spike looked through the bottoms of the shelves while Twilight levitated several books with magic. Ethan dropped the books he was looking through in surprise "Holy cow." he whispered to himself "Navi wasn't kidding about magic." First dragons and now magic. What's next? Griffons?
"Found it!" Twilight announced. She quickly began flipping through the pages.
"Well, what's it say?" asked Spike eagerly.
"Hold on give me minute..."
She continued reading the book and her eyes lit up for a second, but she kept reading until she reached the end of the book. Surprisingly, it didn't take that long. 'She must be a pretty fast reader.' Ethan thought impressed.
"Well, it's got something but, it's not much..." Twilight said levitating the book back into place. Still, it wasn't nothing, in his book 'The Stars of Magic' Starswirl mentions an 'Eden' who helped him with his studies."
"That's great! Where is this Starswirl?"
"He's been gone for like a thousand years...this is his autobiography."
"A thousand years..." Ethan's heart dropped. This Starswirl was the best chance he had and now he was gone.
"Wait a minute..." he said remembering. Eden helped out Starswirl and Celestia KNEW Eden. "That would make Celestia over a thousand years old!"
"Princess Celestia." Twilight reminded him tartly. "And yes, she is."
"But she looks so young...how old are YOU?!"
"Are you alright?"
Twilight looked at him strangely. He was asking questions that were pretty common knowledge, so it was no wonder he was standing out a bit.
"Navi?" he whispered quietly
"Princess Celestia is an alicorn. Alicorns have lifespans much longer than other ponies."
"So that's how it was..."
"Alright Spike, you can get back to your business. Anyway, looks like we're back at square one. Sorry we couldn't help you find out that much about Eden."
Ethan sighed.
"No, you tried to help me out with all of this. Honestly, you've really done a lot, thank you very much."
"You're welcome. Also, this explains why no one you asked had heard of Eden before. Come to think of it, how did you hear about him, you clearly didn't read 'The Stars of Magic'."
"Celes...Princess, Celestia told me." Ethan said correcting himself. Calling her princess was a bit of a pain. Twilight's eyes widened a bit
"You talked to her?"
"Yeah. She seemed to think I was this Eden guy that I told you about. That's part of the reason I wanted to find him."
"What's the other part?"
Ethan hesitated, there was no way that Twilight would believe he was from another world. Heck, HE barely believed it, but...it couldn't hurt to try...right?
"Before I talk about that, can I ask you some questions?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"Have you ever heard of magic being used to visit other worlds?"
"Uh...no." Twilight said getting a confused look on her face. "I can't say that I have."
"Do you think that it's possible?"
"I guess it's not possible since there aren't any other worlds out there."
"Yes there is!" He said, then immediately clamped his hoof over his mouth.
"I'm telling you, they don't exist." Twilight insisted.
"But, hypothetically...let's say one DID exist. What would you do if you met someone?"
The purple mare rolled her eyes but decided to play along.
"Okay. Assuming he did come from a completely different world and I believed him...then I guess..." She paused for a bit. "I guess I'd be very curious about that world that he came from."
Ethan shivered. Twilight's response was a completely normal one, but there was a reason for his fear. If an alien landed on Earth, it wouldn't be like the cartoons or movies where people accepted the alien or it became popular, or lead to peace with another species. No, realistically, the alien would be locked up, interrogated, and then later experimented on for the information that it held. Ethan doubted Twilight would cause that to happen, but there wasn't a reason to risk it if she didn't know how to help him.
"Ethan." Said Twilight "You've been silently staring into space for ten seconds now, you alright?"
"Ah! Yes, fine! I'm completely fine. I'm completely...normal."
"If you say so." she laughed, helping Ethan calm down from his previous thoughts. Twilight just wanted to help him.
"Okay, so maybe not normal." He said smiling "But I am fine. Thank you for helping me."
"Happy to help, and maybe you should try and space out a little less. Might run into less things while walking if you did."
"Ha ha okay then."
He left the treehouse and then Twilight remembered.
"Ah, I forgot to ask the other reason he was researching Eden."
She mulled it over for a bit.
"An old friend of Princess Celestia...interesting."