• Published 10th Jan 2018
  • 820 Views, 9 Comments

Age of Equestria - EdofJville



The world is vast, but among its many inhabitants and nations, the pony dominated land of Equestria is experiencing a golden age. But while the tale of Princess Twilight and friends is well-known, the story of Ethereal Divide is just beginning.

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Confronting Inhibition

It had been hours since he had first joined the group of mares and little dragon at the dining table, and since then, Ethereal Divide had been treated to a scrumptious breakfast consisting of fluffy strawberry and cream pancakes and several slices of buttered toast with a tall glass of cold iced tea. It was yet another delicious, home-cooked meal prepared by the young chef Spike. While Ethereal was enjoying his food, Twilight Sparkle and her friends had regaled him with tales of their interesting lives and the events that they had jointly experienced together. They were definitely not ordinary ponies in the sense of what they had already accomplished in their young lives.


Ethereal was thoroughly impressed by their deeds of heroism and entertained by each of their own, individual struggles and ordeals. From Twilight's first day in Ponyville where she met all of her friends and together helped to bring back Princess Celestia's long banished sister, Luna, from a corrupted state called Nightmare Moon with marvelous artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony, to confronting a deity of chaos and eventually reforming him, and most recently doing battle with a power hungry monster named Tirek who almost single-handedly destroyed all of Equestria after having stolen all of the magic in the land from ponies everywhere, even the princesses.


But at the same time, these mares were also quite normal with the rest of the issues they faced over time. The country farmer Applejack struggled with her stubborn nature and receiving help from others, while Fluttershy often tried to overcome her fears and shyness. Pinkie Pie once met a donkey who refused to be happy and be her friend until she discovered the source of his grumpy attitude and internal emotional baggage. Rainbow Dash always idolized the elite athletic flying team, the Wonderbolts, and even saved Rarity once from plummeting to her doom from the pegasus city of Cloudsdale when artificial wings given to her via magic from Twilight burned off in the sunlight during a competition.


Rarity herself was an up-and-coming fashion designer and aspiring businessmare who's generous nature has sometimes been either taken advantage of or been unappreciated by others. She also apparently adored Spike in a very platonic way, while Spike himself seemed to view it in a very opposite way. It also turned out that three of the school ponies that Ethereal had seen yesterday morning when he was woken up were younger sisters of Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, although in the latter case, it wasn't blood-related.


It was a lot to take in for Ethereal, having been told so many stories and facets of the mares around him. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity had all saved Equestria from dangerous threats several times over the course of the past several moons, and yet they continued to live their own, individual lives full of mundane everyday activities while still remaining good friends and making great strides in their own pursuits of their different goals and dreams. Despite this, he had never heard anything about them and their exploits in any of the towns he had traveled through in the past. Why was this? How could he have missed such stories in the news? Granted, he was mostly alone and isolated from society, yet he figured he should have at least heard gossip of these events somewhere along the line. Then again, he only found out that Equestria had four princesses instead of just three yesterday. He was definitely under-informed, to say the least.


"All of that aside, I only just became a princess recently, and I'm still trying to get fully acclimated with that fact", stated Twilight. "In fact, this very castle that we're in right now sprouted up two weeks ago after we defeated Tirek and gave away our enchanted objects to unlock the chest from the Tree of Harmony. It was then that I came to the realization that I did have a purpose as a princess in my own right. I am the Princess of Friendship, and my goal, along with my friends, is to help spread and foster friendship and good will across Equestria."


"Its been a mighty fun and crazy ride to get to this point" inserted Applejack, as she adjusted her stetson hat and smirked. "Regardless, I wouldn't have had it any other way, for the most part".

"Well, I wouldn't change anything about it!" Rainbow Dash chimed in. "Its been pretty awesome and action-packed! Plus, you girls are the coolest friends anyone could ever have". She grinned after that statement.

Everyone smiled at that and even Ethereal himself felt a twinge of happiness as a small smile managed to form on his face too. The genuine sense of true friendship and togetherness being displayed here was infectious and heartwarming. He had never really experienced something like this among a group of ponies before. It felt quite special, and somewhere deep down inside his heart, he longed for a connection like this to somepony else.

Pinkie Pie passionately echoed the same sentiment as she bobbed up and down in her chair. "Of course! I love you girls more than anything, even more than all of the cakes and muffins in the world!"

"We all share the same mutual feeling for each other obviously" Rarity added. "When you've been through as much as we have together, its practically impossible not to forge strong bonds with one another. I know you all have my back when the cards are down and times are tough".

"We've all come such a long way since we first met" said Fluttershy. "I'm still amazed at how much bolder I am now compared to before. Its because of all of you that I've grown this new level of confidence in myself".

Spike stood up as he spoke his turn. "And let's not forget that I saved the Crystal Empire from danger twice. I even have a crystal statue dedicated to me in the center of the kingdom!" He then walked over beside Twilight who was sitting in her chair and playfully elbowed her side. "I'm also the best personal assistant ever. Just ask Twilight". He smiled smugly and Twilight chuckled and nodded.

The others reacted to this with chuckles of their own and sarcastic gazes. "You're all amazing" interjected Ethereal as he glanced at all of them. "I've never met ponies like you before with such deep connections and fulfilling lives. I mean, I haven't met many other ponies in my life, yeah, but I can tell what you all have is special. And.... to be honest... I envy it."

The jovial atmosphere around the table shifted as the mares and little dragon eyed him with curiosity. "Wait, you don't have any friends?" inquired Spike. "I know you're used to traveling by yourself to places, but I figured you at least have some friends back home where you grew up or whatever."

At that, Ethereal couldn't help but frown and look down at the floor. He knew the conversation would eventually shift to him and his background, but he dreaded it all the while. He had never told another soul about his life and past in full, let alone felt comfortable in attempting it. But here he was in front of these friendly and caring ponies who had welcomed him into their inner circle so quickly. The spotlight was now on him and there was no avoiding or redirecting it.

"Is everything alright darling?" asked Rarity with a tone of concern.

"Ethereal?" probed Twilight.

"I-I'm fine". Ethereal fidgeted with his hooves awkwardly, trying to figure out what to say in response to the inquiries. He managed to eventually look at Twilight, then Rarity, and finally Spike before speaking again. "No Spike, I... don't have any friends... or family, for that matter. I've been living on my own for most of my life. Its...complicated." He winced a bit.

A brief but profound silence filled the dining hall. It was quite tangible while it lasted. Fortunately, it wasn't long before Twilight spoke. "I see. If you don't want to talk about it, its okay. We won't push you. I don't know what you may have been through in the past or why your circumstances are the way they are. What I do know is you are among friends now. I'll be your friend if you're open to the idea. We'll all be your new friends. Nopony should be all alone. Everyone deserves a chance at friendship." She gave him a warm smile. The others did as well.

He was on the verge of tearing up. This was too much. Why were these strangers being so kind to him? He had just met them over the course of a day, yet they were embracing him already with their genuine offer of friendship. It was such a departure from everything he had known up until that point in his life. The very idea of having friends, of having anyone other than himself caring about and watching over him, was revolutionary.

He mustered a smile then. "Thank you Twilight. Thank you everypony. I'm at a loss as to what to say. This is new to me. I accept though. I'd like to have friends for a change. Just give me some time and space to adapt."

"Certainly. There's no rush." Twilight replied as she levitated a tissue to Ethereal.

He blushed, ashamed that his suppression of tears was so obvious to her and the others. He grabbed the tissue all the same with his hooves and casually wiped the corners of his eyes before tossing it into a nearby trash bin.

This didn't go unnoticed either as Spike asked another dagger of a question. "Why didn't you levitate the tissue with your magic by the way? I'm trying to change the subject, ya know."

Ethereal almost glared at Spike for another uncomfortable question, but he restrained himself, knowing for all of his intelligence and certain degrees of maturity, Spike was still a young kid. "I can't use magic. I never could..."

Faint and restrained gasps could be heard from Twilight and Rarity, while everyone else looked visibly shocked but remained silent. "That might be the reason why I don't have a cutie mark as well." Ethereal continued. "I can't say for sure though. But ever since I can remember, I've never been able to use magic. I'm not proud of it, but I try not to think much about it either. I've made due without it somehow over the years, so I'm not completely helpless. Just different."

Applejack then asked a question out of the blue, looking pretty solemn. "You said you have no family either. Does that mean no relatives whatsoever? I'm sorry to pry like this, but I find it a mite hard to believe that you really have no one blood-related to you somewhere in the world."

Ethereal locked eyes with her for a few seconds. "I have no family anywhere that I know of. You see, my parents.... they died when I was very young. I barely remember it... outside of dreams, that is." He broke eye contact after his answer.

Applejack had a pained expression on her face for some reason. It almost seemed like she sympathized at some internal level, as if she could somehow relate.

"No cutie mark and no magic, despite being a grown stallion. How curious..." Twilight voiced thoughtfully. She appeared to be analyzing the situation and thinking out loud. "Hmm... I've never heard or read of such a case scenario before. Ethereal, what would you say if I offered to help you figure out why you can't use magic? Who knows, maybe I can help you find answers. I have experience in magical studies. My cutie mark is all about magic. I went to Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns and graduated with honors before moving to Ponyville and becoming a princess. I'm sure I can find a way to help you." She got back on her hooves and approached him, outstretching a hoof in a shake gesture and eyeing him intently.

He didn't know how, but for some reason, he believed her and felt compelled to accept her proposal. Maybe she could help him. Twilight Sparkle was unlike any pony he had known, and she kept surprising him again and again. Her friends were equally unique in their own rights. It might be wise to give her the benefit of the doubt and see what she can do. The very prospect of solving his lifelong mystery of lacking magical ability as a unicorn was enticing to him. "Alright, yes. I'll appreciate whatever you can do for me. Thank you so much, Twilight. I'll owe you big time for this." He smiled and shook her hoof confidently.

"Nonsense, Ethereal. You don't owe me any return favors. I want to do this. Both for your sake and admittedly, out of pure scientific curiosity on my part." She beamed in pure joy and excitement. "We'll start things tomorrow, bright and early. I think an appropriate place to meet for it would be my new library on the second floor, next door to your room. I'll make sure to unbox and set up all of my books in there between now and then. There's no time to waste!"

"Well, there goes the rest of the day." muttered Spike. "I'll go and get the boxes of books unpacked and help carry them upstairs so you'll have a headstart, Twilight." He then walked off out of the dining hall to fetch the aforementioned books. "Bye guys, see you around". He waved to the others.

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Twilight's going to be busy for the rest of today with this. Book sorting is serious business for her."

"Indeed it is. I suppose I'll get going for now and tend to some leftover orders at Canterlot Boutique" Rarity commented as she got up from the table and trotted out the hall. "Goodbye girls. And good luck Twilight. I wish you the best too, Ethereal." She booped him on the snout and smiled as she headed out.

Ethereal twitched a little bit at the odd touch but said nothing. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy all got up from their chairs and trotted out, taking their leave and saying goodbyes to Twilight and Ethereal. Pinkie added in a bear hug for Ethereal, much to his dismay, before she left as well.

Twilight turned to face him again. "Don't worry, trust me. We'll figure this out. You have my word."

"I trust you, Twilight. You've given me no reason to doubt you." He gave her one last smile before she headed off to deal with the boxes of books and library configuration alongside Spike, who was already making his way with a box up the stairs. Ethereal thought that he should help them with the chore, considering it was all being done to help him find a sense of closure, but at the same time, he felt like he needed to be alone for a little while to unwind from so much socializing and opening up about personal matters.

He let out a heavy sigh, then slowly wandered off into the rest of the castle and back to the main hall, in its unfurnished and empty glory. He could hear shuffling noises coming from upstairs and Twilight and Spike conversing with each other as they worked. Debating on where to go and what to do, he hesitated for a bit in place before eventually deciding to go outside and get some fresh air. As he opened the front doors and trotted down the entrance stairs to the open road ahead of him leading to town, the bright sunshine and gentle breeze of a beautiful day eased his nerves.

He found himself aimlessly moving about Ponyville, taking in the sights and sounds around him. There were ponies shopping, buying food, and little colts and fillies running around playing. It was a weekend, so school was out. As he wandered around, he spotted three fillies who looked familiar. A yellow earth pony with a red mane and tail and a bow in her mane, a white unicorn with a pastel purple mane and tail, and an orange pegasus with a dark toned pink mane and tail. From the conversations he had earlier with Twilight and company, he recalled their names were Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. But what really caught his eye was who they were talking with. She stood out among the crowd like a tree in the desert. It was a zebra. Her striped black and gray body was a dead giveaway, even from a mile away.

Just then, the filly trio, also known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, spotted him and pointed excitedly before running towards him. Ethereal thought about running to avoid them, but relented and stood his ground as the fillies got to him. They motioned for their zebra friend to join them. "You see, Zecora!? I told you he was real! That's the cutie mark-less stallion I was telling you about! We saw him yesterday sleeping outside of school!" exclaimed Applebloom.

"Yeah, we saw him go inside Twilight's castle too! I bet Twilight was interviewing him for a research paper!" Scootaloo shouted excitedly.

"Isn't he interesting!? I didn't know adults could be blank flanks too! He's like an enigma or something!" remarked Sweetie Belle.

The zebra named Zecora chuckled and smiled. "You lot calm down, you'll cause him to frown. My name is Zecora, forgive the aura. These three mean well, if you cannot tell."

Her voice seemed familiar somehow. He couldn't place it, but he was sure he heard her voice once before. Her tendency to rhyme was more amusing than annoying, though he wondered if it was intentional or a part of zebra dialect. "Hello. I'm Ethereal Divide. I'm visiting Ponyville for a few days while Twilight Sparkle tries to help me with something important."

This peaked the curiosity of the CMCs as well as Zecora, although the fillies were far more vocal about it. "What's Twilight helping you with, if ya don't mind me asking?" inquired Applebloom. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo listened intently.

Ethereal was about to answer, but Zecora interrupted him. "Do not fret, Ethereal Divide, for I can tell you care not to reveal the reasons just yet. These fillies can wait, its not too late." She gave him a wink, as if to say, its okay to run away and take a break.

"Aw come on, Zecora!" cried the fillies in unison. "We just want to know a little more about him" Sweetie Belle expounded.

"Sorry girls, I have to get going. Twilight might need me back at the castle. I don't want to keep her waiting. See you around!" Ethereal bolted away as soon as he finished talking, not giving the CMCs a chance to reply. He was a terrible liar though, as he galloped in the opposite direction of the castle, as the fillies groaned and huffed in the distance behind him. He could also swear that he was being eyed carefully by Zecora. She had seemed oddly unperturbed by the fact he had no cutie mark, despite how unusual that is at his age.

He spent the rest of the day milling about town, exploring the different stores and venues that were open to the public. Sometimes, his presence would elicit stares from some ponies, who noticed his bare flank. Each time, he'd run off, covering his posterior with his tail. Gradually, the sun set as he circled around the massive farm that is Sweet Apple Acres and passed by a cottage at the edge of the Everfree Forest before heading back to the castle. Night had fallen as he arrived back and went inside. He trotted straight up the spiral staircase to the second floor towards his bedroom. On his way there, he passed by the library room, where Twilight and Spike were still organizing books on the many shelves, chatting here and there to each other. He was too tired to stop and listen or even say hi, plus they didn't seem to hear him pass by.

He entered his room and quietly closed the door behind him as he plopped himself onto the bed. He pulled the blanket over himself and quickly dozed off. As per usual, the dream reared itself again. A bedtime story. Sweet dreams. Noise and commotion afoot. Father barges in and takes me out of the house, only to find mother cornered by them. We get separated. I have to escape and run. The hooded ponies chase me as I run for my life. But, I trip and fall over. As I stumble up, I'm surrounded by many hooded figures. No! NO! DON'T TAKE ME! LEAVE ME ALONE! WHERE'S MY MOTHER AND FATHER!? WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM!? Struggling to get away, I look up at the full moon. There it is again! That face! Its not supposed to be there. Its not part of my... dream? My past though.... Wait... I'm... dreaming? And self-aware? HOW? I don't understand this. I'm still a colt... but.... I'm lucid. Ethereal Divide. Who's there? You must confront your past. You've made the first steps toward doing so today. But there is much left to do to find answers that you seek. Stay the course, and you shall find closure that you so desperately seek. Who are you!? How do you know who I am!?

One of the hooded ponies that still surrounds me moves. She is the one speaking to me. I cannot see her face, but I see her mouth move as she speaks to me. She reaches out her hoof and touches my horn. A strange sensation. Your answers will come in due time. Magic and all. My horn grows hot and burns. What is this feeling? Palpitating... its searing. Not painful, but all the same intense. She stands before me, cloaked and all. Ethereal Divide. Wake up. Huh? Wake up. What do you mean? WAKE UP! How? WAKE UP ETHEREAL!! WAKE UP!! A sudden burst of something shakes the area. WHOA!

"Ethereal! Wake up! Its time to start!"

Ethereal is jolted up by a strange tingling sensation around his body, opening up his eyes groggily to see a visibly concerned Twilight Sparkle waking him up with a dose of magic. She ceases the magic wake-up call, causing Ethereal to lose his balance and fall off the side of the bed on his head, banging his horn against the wall and bed frame. "OWW!" He slowly regains his composure and gets up, massaging his aching cranium. "What in Celestia's name was that for?"

Twilight flashed a nervous grin before apologizing. "Sorry, sorry, sorry! I had trouble waking you up because you were in a deep state of sleep and dreaming. Magic was my last resort." Then, a look of childish anticipation came upon her face. "Never mind that, though. Its time! Get ready, Ethereal, because today's the day we begin the process to find your magic!"

Author's Note:

Ooh boy, this chapter was a bit of a doozy. I'm late to the keyboard this month, but I still managed to put out another chapter before April is over, keeping my minimum goal of publishing one chapter a month consistently for this story. Maybe in future, I'll attempt two chapters in one month, but who knows. Life is busy for me thanks to a fulltime job and getting ready to transition hopefully to a new computer for gaming. We'll see how that pans out.

Dialogues between characters is more challenging for me than writing descriptions, inner thoughts, or action sequences, especially long, drawn-out instances of multiple characters talking to each other such as in this chapter. I'm glad its done now. We had a healthy inclusion of the Mane Six here as well as appearances from the CMCs and Zecora making her debut. How about those completely improvised rhymes, huh? Not bad. Twilight is channeling a little of her old-fashioned pre-season 3 science obsessiveness here wanting to find out why Ethereal Divide can't do magic as a young adult unicorn stallion.

Sure, he trusts her, but does he know what he's getting himself into? And what role might Zecora have to play in this research process? And who is the one mysteriously communicating with Ethereal in his dreams as of late? What does the change into lucid dreaming portend for him? Why is Ethereal a blank flank? Why can he not use magic? How long will he stay in Ponyville? Will he resume his travels again, and if so, how soon and where to? Like the prophetic and cryptic dream speaker says, answers will come. The road ahead in the future is filled with new friends, new revelations, new mysteries, and possibly, even new dangers and enemies.

Stay tuned as Age of Equestria continues in the months ahead!