To her most esteemed royal majesties Princesses Celestia and Luna,

After many months of intense research I have finally been able to compile an adequate account of the recent “Great Hunt” (as it has now been labeled). This is, to my knowledge, the most accurate account of said “Hunt” to date. You see, it all began in a dressmaker’s shop of all places…

Chapter 1: The Message

Rarity, a magnificent white unicorn with purple hair as majestic as the sea, was hard at work piecing together another of her fabulous dresses. A recent burst of creativity had left her sketch book full of brilliant new designs. She turned to glance at the open book, lying on a nearby table, and then back at her half finished dress.

“It needs something more…” mused the fashionista. “Oh! Diamonds should do the trick.”

She turned toward her jewel box. Only one gemstone kept it from being completely empty.

“I shall have to find some more jewels soon. Opal, remind me to grab some jewels tomorrow.”

Opalescence, Rarity’s pet cat, purred gently as she napped in the sunlight. The unicorn’s horn glowed with magic and a similar shimmer encased the beautiful crystal.

“My last diamond,” pouted Rarity, “but it shall look splendid on this dress.”

She put the gemstone snugly on the unfinished gown.

“It’s perfect!” she squealed happily. “Now where did I put that ribbon?”

The unicorn spun in circles looking for her missing cloth when the diamond started to glow again, but not by Rarity’s magic.

“That’s peculiar,” pondered Rarity, who leaned in closer to the shimmering gem.

The diamond began to hum and then to spark as the glow surrounding the jewel grew ever brighter. A sudden flash of light from the gemstone caught Rarity off guard and she jumped back with a high-pitched squeal. From within the diamond appeared a small, three-dimensional image. It was the picture of a yellow unicorn stallion with deep brown hair. He appeared to be elderly, and yet sturdy on his feet. On his back was a cloak which shimmered as invisible light bounced off of its rich red, blue, and gold threads. The image was almost transparent, but could be easily seen at the same time.

“Hello,” spoke the stallion, looking at nowhere in particular. “I am Sun Cloak and if you’re receiving this message then perhaps Equestria is finally ready for what I have so longed to give it. Please, do not be alarmed at my sudden appearance; all of Equestria should be seeing the same thing, if my magic worked correctly. I have long since passed away, but will offer one final puzzle to those who remain behind. I, Sun Cloak, have hidden away my greatest treasure and it is available to any who would like to claim it. However, you must solve my riddles to find it. I am sure that many of you are wondering what exactly is happening, so I will give you twenty-four hours to perform research and look into these things before I offer the first clue. Good luck.”

The image sputtered and faded from view. Rarity stood transfixed in shock. Suddenly her shock gave way and the unicorn bolted from her boutique screaming, “M-Mayor! Twilight! Anypony!”

* * * * * * * * *

The entire village was gathered outside Town Hall to hear Mayor Mare speak. Ponies everywhere had seen the enigmatic Sun Cloak appear through crystals of all shapes and sizes to speak his message. Ponyville was in an uproar and order was hard to come by for the distraught Mayor.

“Settle down everypony! We have our best researcher looking into this mystery. Just calm down.”

The crowd would not be calmed however, and the Mayor was forced to keep shouting for the next few minutes until the brilliant unicorn scholar, Twilight Sparkle, came onto the stage. Instantly questions began to flood the air:

“Do you know what’s going on?”

“What are we to do?”

“Is there really a treasure?”

“Will my family be safe?”

Twilight silenced them quickly.

“Citizens of Ponyville!” proclaimed the purple mare and the crowd hushed to an uneasy silence. “What we have all just witnessed is unprecedented. A unicorn from many decades ago has left us a message about a hidden treasure. From my research, this unicorn was known in history as Sun Cloak the Gifted. It is said that he found a way to enchant jewelry in such a fashion as to allow even earth ponies to perform small feats of magic. However, he buried himself alive underneath a great mountain and his wisdom died with him. If this really is Sun Cloak and his message is true, then the treasure is assuredly beyond value. But be warned anypony who wants to search for the elusive treasure, for he was a powerful unicorn and the search for his treasure is sure to be highly dangerous.

Furthermore, from recent observation, it appears that Sun Cloak is able to communicate through gemstones. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in determining how this is possible. My recommendation is to wait the twenty-four hour period he assigned before anypony begins to freak out. Be at ease that Sun Cloak seems only to offer a treasure hunt and that nopony is in immediate danger. That is all the information I have gathered so far, but I will continue to look further into the matter.”

Twilight turned from the crowd and began walking away. Regrettably, the mass of ponies only became more clamorous after her announcement. The Mayor was left to organize Ponyville back to some sense of order, even though the task seemed hopeless. However, she was relieved to find that the mass was slowly dispersing, each leaving for their own homes to speak of treasure, the mysterious Sun Cloak, and to determine if perhaps they could seek after the prize themselves.

* * * * * * * * *

In the town library Twilight was pouring over old history texts as her young dragon helper, Spike, hovered over her shoulder.

“Anything new?” asked the purple dragon.

“Spike, you asked me that just five minutes ago.”

“I know. I know. But it’s too exciting! An ancient unicorn, buried treasure, and a full fledged treasure hunt!” Spike was practically bouncing off the walls.

“Urgh!” moaned Twilight as slammed the tome she had been reading shut. “All of these books say the same thing: A powerful unicorn, myth of enchanted jewelry, buried himself. I need more information!”

Twilight stamped her hoof on the floor right as a loud knock came from the library door.

“Oh no! Twilight, it has to be the townsponies! We need to get out of here quick, before they flood the whole library! ”

“Let’s see what they want first.”

“You already know what they want. They either want to know where the treasure is, if it exists, or who Sun Cloak is, but we don’t know yet! Send them away before things get out of control!”

Despite Spike’s insistence, Twilight calmly opened the door. Standing outside were all of Twilight’s best friends: Rarity, Pinkie Pie an earth pony as pink as her name, Applejack an orange farm pony, Fluttershy a yellow pegasus, and Rainbow Dash a cyan pegasus with rainbow hair.

“Hi girls! I called for you an hour ago. What took you so long?” Twilight beamed.

“Mass of ponies…talk of treasure…not a good combo,” was all Rainbow could breathe out.

“Well, come in fast! Before Spike has a heart attack.”

Twilight shut the door quickly and the friends gathered around to speak, but, before a word could be uttered, Spike’s eyes went wide and he clawed at his stomach. Seconds later he belched forth a pale green flame. The ponies watched in anticipation as a scroll materialized through the fire and dropped to the floor.

“A message from Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted excitedly.

She levitated the letter to her face and began to read aloud, “Twilight Sparkle and friends, I am sure that you are all aware of Sun Cloak’s message. Somehow his challenge has gone across all of Equestria and he has promised to speak again in only a few hours. Because of these recent events I am hereby calling you all to Canterlot where we may discuss these matters in private. Even as you read this, my charioteers are coming to pick you up. Please, prepare yourselves quickly. I want you all here before Sun Cloak’s next message arrives. Signed, Princess Celestia.”

“What?! Get packed for a visit to Canterlot with such short notice?” cried Rarity. “I shall have to work quickly. Goodbye girls!”

“Now wait, I think we need to-” started Twilight, but it was too late. Her friends had departed in an instant to grab their things. “-make a plan.”

“Don’t worry Twilight,” comforted Spike, “you’ll have plenty of time to plan on the ride to Canterlot.”

She sighed, “You’re right Spike. Come on, we need to get packed ourselves.”

The duo began to grab their things and stuff them into Twilight’s saddlebag as the clock ticked away. They knew that with each passing second the chariots were drawing ever closer to the small town of Ponyville.

* * * * * * * * *

“Everypony ready?” asked Twilight as her friends gathered around the large golden transports. A few encouraging nods told her that they were set. “Alright then, next stop: Canterlot!”

The six ponies and Spike boarded the chariots, manned by powerful pegasi, and rose quickly into the air.

“What do you think Princess Celestia could want us for?” Rarity asked Twilight.

“I really have no idea.”

“I don’t know about you all, but I’m up for a treasure hunt,” declared Rainbow Dash.

“Ooo! Ooo! I bet the treasure is really shiny!” said Pinkie happily.

“So, what would you guys do if you found the treasure?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I would make the finest dresses Equestria has ever seen! And I would never have to go out hunting for gems again,” declared Rarity exuberantly.

“I would throw a party!” declared Pinkie.

“Pinkie, is that your answer for everything?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Yup!”

“Right,” said the cyan Pegasus flatly.

“I know what I would do with it,” stated Spike. “I would eat it. I’ll bet gems that old have to be a delicacy or something.”

“I’m sorry to burst all your bubbles,” spoke Twilight, “but Celestia probably just wants us to get some research done and put any silly rumors to bed. Don’t get any grand ideas of treasure hunting and glory.”

Yet the ponies kept up their talk of treasure hunting and glory as the charioteers flew swiftly through the evening until they arrived at the famed mountain city of Canterlot.

* * * * * * * * *

Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna, had been patiently waiting for the small party to arrive. The doors to the Princess’ throne room were flung wide open and the group ran in.

“Welcome all of you,” Celestia began graciously. “Allow me to get right to it: Sun Cloak’s message has placed my sister and I in a tough situation. Ponies all over Equestria have heard the news of the treasure. Many will surely try for the prize and could be in grave danger if they attempt to do so. Luna and I have talked it over and have selected you all to hunt for it as our specially designated team.”

“Beyond this, I have created a glorious team name for thou!” Luna beamed brightly, “Thou shalt be the Royal Treasure Seekers!”

Twilight opened her mouth, but was cut off by Celestia.

“Before you speak I want you to hear us out. We have many brave guards willing to go, but I know that we will need them in the days to come. A nation wide treasure hunt will surely bring turmoil and the chaos will need to be reigned in before it becomes problematic. You all have proven yourselves to be brave, loyal, and true in the face of grave danger. We would be honored if you would accept and go as the Royal Treasure Seekers. This treasure must be kept from evil hands or else disaster could come upon Equestria. Are you all up to the task?”

“Are we ever!” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“Very well then, the resources of Canterlot are at your disposal. I suggest that you all get a good night sleep before the riddle comes tomorrow morning. We will meet you here at that time. Good luck, my little ponies.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 2: The Riddle Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 38 Minutes