I've heard stories of a world before this one. It's a story that describes a world filled with vibrant colors, and a sun high in the sky. The sun would glow like the lamp posts scattered across the streets of manehattan. It could give life and warmth to all that basked in its presence. I'm not that fond of filly's stories, I see most just as a way to deny or run away from reality. This story in particular however, is different. I can't really explain why but whenever i imagined that bright yellow sun in the sky, illuminating the dark world around us, It felt real. It's a story that doesn't feel like a way of coping, it's a story that gives me hope, one i can believe in. It's a story of a world that actually existed, apart from the world I've known. It's a world without eternal night, and where all ponies can stand together in harmony, and love.

Eden's eyes shot wide open as he'd heard a loud screeching noise and the train came to a sudden halt. He'd look outside his window, noticing a large platform and station beside the train. "We're here," he muttered to himself, anxiously levitating his suitcase and making his way for the exit doors. Along the way he was shoved left and right by countless ponies, this wasn't uncommon since it was so crowded at the stations. As he made his way onto the platform, Eden took a moment to take a breath of fresh air and admire the scenery of the station. "Finally i'm here," he exclaimed as he began to approach the turnstiles that led to Ponyville.

"Thank you for riding with us on the Equestrian Express, we hope you had a pleasant ride and may the stars guide you on the rest of your journey."

Eden rolled his eyes and scoffed "Still as cheesy as ever." He'd heard that same intercom message countless times before, created by the Lunar Empire no doubt. He went towards a large booth not far-off from where he was, this was known as an exit booth. Ponies were required to check into these booths before leaving the station, to confirm they were at the right location and that their business was clear. He reached up as far as he could sliding his ticket upon the tall counter, greeted by a gentle mare.

"Why hello there little one, are you all alone?" he nodded "Yes, i'm here visiting some relatives ma'am."  

The mare didn't question the colt, seeing as he didn't seem suspicious and sent him on his way. As he passed through the turnstiles, Eden noticed pairs of lunar guards stationed at multiple sectors of the area. He sighed in disappointment, I guess its not much different from manehattan he thought to himself. He didn't want to stick around here any longer and walked the path to Ponyville, eager to finally get to the small town.

As he finally arrived he couldn't help but express pure joy. He was finally standing in Ponyville, so close to achieving his objective, or so he thought. As he finally finished taking in the situation, Eden continued his short trek towards the center of town, where a large magnificent fountain stood. He lowered his suitcase and relaxed, he was young and even simple levitation spells strained him. The sound of the water running through the fountain was calming, for a short moment just that simple sound made it feel like this entire trip was worth taking.

Ponyville was different from other parts of Equestria. It was a small town outside the interests of the Lunar Empire. The only reason most Ponies would ever visit such a place is to get away from everything, the rules and regulations of the big cities. Princess Luna otherwise known as Nightmare Moon had her grasp on practically all capitals of the world, and her ruling was harsh and firm. Nopony dared question her, and everypony made sure to stay loyal to her.

Eden realized these small facts about Ponyville, he cherished them. He looked off into the distance, relishing at the sight of lush forests, kept alive by the empires strange magical pillars. He then looked towards the rest of the town, no guards, gates, checkpoints, barriers, everything was so peaceful. Eden however wasn't here to just admire the scenery, and certainly not here to visit any relatives, but more like somepony in specific.

As he finally stood to all four hooves, he began levitating his suitcase once again. Time to move he thought, the staring from the locales was also getting him a bit uneasy. Even though it was the dead of night, the town was still vibrant with life, everypony was awake and going amongst their business. This was due to the fact night was eternal in Equestria, ponies everywhere tended to just head to bed whenever their bodies told them it was time to rest. It isn't a very fortunate process but they had no other choice. As Eden walked among the locales through the town, he was looking for an inn, however he couldn't help but cock a brow when he overheard somepony yelling.

"Wait a second Pinky! I said wait dang nabit!"

Eden couldn't help but be confused as he'd begin to turn to see what all the commotion was about. No other pony seemed to be looking in the direction he was turning, what was the big deal? As he turned to see who was causing such a ruckus his world suddenly went black OOF he tumbled and crashed, rolling into the dirt, his suitcase skidding and clanking off to the side. It took him a few seconds to regain his sense of direction as he blinked a bit, his eyes widened as he noticed the most peculiar thing pinning him to the ground. There was a giant pink mare on top of him, the amount of confusion Eden was feeling at the moment was indescribable.

"Uhm would you mind getting off me please?" The pink mare nodded "Sure thing Trixie!" Eden blinked "My name isn't Trixie."

The pink mare looked utterly confused by his response "Huh, you're not Trixie? but you have the colors, and, and-" The pink mare gasped "Of course you're not Trixie silly!" she exclaimed with a giggle as she crossed her hooves and closed her eyes. "Trixie doesn't have a suitcase!" shoving her off softly, Eden staggered to his hooves as he saw another pony clamoring towards the both of them in a hurry. He gasped, quickly levitating his suitcase over to him and keeping it close by his side.

This pony looked more organized and less frantic about everything. She wore a straw hat and had an orange coat as well as an apple cutie mark. "You'll have to excuse her sugarcube, she's a bit on the wild side." The orange mare would look at the pink one with an annoyed expression before looking back towards Eden. She continually pat him down, dusting him off before tipping her hat in a fair introduction.

"It's a pleasure to run into ya, names Applejack of the Apple Family." The pink mare would appear behind Applejack "and i'm Pinkie Pie!" she exclaimed. "Welcome to our neck of the woods." Pinkie Pie would look at Applejack as if she were confused "Woods don't have necks!"

Eden smiled at Applejack and Pinkie Pie somewhat nervously, looking to the lower left "I'm Eden Eclipse." Applejack feeling inclined to help visitors, continued to converse with the young unicorn. "So what brings you to Ponyville Eden?" Eden smiled up at her as he spoke in a soft tone "I'm looking for a unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle, perhaps you know of her?" Pinkie Pie immediately gasped as she bounced, pressing her face against Eden's, her eyes wide with horror. "You want to see Twilight? Nopony ever wants to see Twilight! She's crazy, loco, coocoo, a mad scientist!" Applejack grabbed Pinkie by her mane with a disappointed look, pulling her back "Now that's enough Pinkie."

Eden found this humorous, it was ironic to think Pinkie Pie could consider anypony else insane. He smiled looking specifically at Pinkie Pie "I've heard the rumors Pinkie, but i still want to meet her myself." Pinkie gasped raising a hoof to her face as Applejack stepped in for a second. She had a worried expression as she whispered to Eden "Listen here, Pinkie may be right about this one, Twilight isn't too kind to taking visitors." Eden looked at her lowering his ears "Well, I have to at least try right? It's all i came here for."

"Well if it's what ya wanna really do, i won't stop ya. I'm going to keep watch just in case though, case she tries any funny business, this way." Eden had a bright smile upon his face following close behind Applejack. Pinkie had a look of utter disbelief as she saw them walking off in the distance, she held out a hoof "Wait you two! You're not really going are you? Are you guys crazy!" she asked as she hurriedly trotted towards them, hesitantly bouncing along.

As they walked Eden looked up at the beautiful night sky, the stars overhead. He eventually turned to look at Applejack. They had already been conversing for a good hour or so, apparently Twilights house was further than expected.

"Hey Applejack, have you heard about the Legends of the Sun?" Applejack smiled at him. "Yea of course I've heard the stories! When i was but a lil'filly, i remember those stories clear as the night sky!"

Eden's expression lit up with excitement as he listened to her speak. "I remember just sitting on the barn, just dreaming of the day when something like the sun would come up. Where we earth ponies could tend to our farms in the vast light without no supervision of lunar guards or use of magic." Applejack's voice began to trail off as she finished. "I dreamed and dreamed sugarcube, but that's all they were, dreams."

Eden looked down, his ears lowered after hearing Applejack's response. He eyed his suitcase in particular. She took notice of this and immediately began to ruffle his mane "Hey don't let it get ya down, the lives we still have are good ones." Eden muttered "Yea," suddenly Pinkie shrieked in fear, obviously frightened by something ahead. She pointed at the large obscure tree house, adorned in strange metal contraptions and surrounded by a violet forcefield.

"Are, you, guys, happy now!?" she exclaimed. "whoa," uttered both Eden and Applejack as they stared in awe at the large fortress, home to Twilight Sparkle. "You guys seriously wanna go messing with some crazed pony mad mare?!"

Applejack had an extremely cautious expression as she held out a hoof, signaling Eden and Pinkie to stay back. Pinkie had no qualms about the idea as she hid behind Eden who rolled his eyes in response to her fear. As Applejack approached the barrier, she then proceeded to touch it with her hoof. Surprisingly it slipped right through, as if the barrier was just for show. Applejack stepped past the barrier then signaled the other two over "come on y'all!"

Eden nodded, quickly trotting over to join Applejack, diving through the barrier. Pinkie Pie extremely hesitant looked up to the sky "Oh why me, why me?" She then shook her head placing her hooves on her hips "No Pinkie! Now is your time to shine!" She took in a deep breath before letting off a mighty yell, jumping forward in a karate kicking position and tumbling through the barrier, crashing into some surrounding objects inside. Applejack simply placed a hoof over her face shaking her head as Eden stared in confusion.

As all three of them stood in front of the wooden door they all gulped in unification. "So whose gonna knock?" Eden and Pinkie merely bit their lower lips remaining silent, as Applejack rolled her eyes "Darn babies." As she prepared to knock a loud commanding voice echoed around the treehouse, although intimidating it was still soft and obviously female, this must've been Twilight they all thought.

"Who approaches my fortress? Speak your names or begone!"

Applejack decided to speak for everypony and responded "It's me Twi, Applejack, accompanied by Pinkie Pie and a young fella from manehattan, he's eager to speak with ya!"

"Manehattan? Who could possibly be looking for me from- uhm, fine! You may enter, but be careful!"

As the door slowly creaked open, Applejack once again signaled Pinkie and Eden to follow her. All three of them entered cautiously, watching their every step as they peered around from within Twilight's home. As all of them were a few feet within, the door slammed shut. Pinkie Pie overreacting as usual, jumped in fear so high that she clang to the top shelf of a large book cabinet near the door. Both Eden and Applejack sighed but were suddenly distracted by the appearance of none other then. "Twilight?" with a puff of purple smoke, and soon the clearing, there stood the violet mare.

She coughed slightly "Aheck! Aheck! Ugh, that's not supposed to happen, uhm, anyway what is it you want? Colt of manehattan?" She pointed dramatically at Eden as he cocked a brow, stepping forward.

Eden gulped, then speaking to Twilight, who wore a peculiar lab coat and had rounded glasses. "Uhm, you see, rumors of your wisdom stretch as far as even manehattan Twilight. I've come because you're the only one who'd be able to help me concerning the legends of the sun."

Twilight continued to dabble with multiple vials and potents, mixing chemicals as she came to a sudden halt. Pinkie blinked a bit as she landed back on the floor "OOF!" then stared at Eden as did Applejack who said with a sad tone "Hey now." Pinkie exclaimed "Like those old filly stories legend of the sun?" Twilight had an uninterested expression as she sighed continuing to mix her concoctions "It's as the Pink one says, that's no more than a filly's story. Now if you ponies don't mind i have lots of research to do."

"Wait," exclaimed Eden. "I know you don't truly believe that Twilight Sparkle, my pops also had sources, how do you explain the second princess?" Twilight's eyes snapped wide as she immediately poofed to the little colt, covering his mouth. "Be quiet," Eden merely let out muffled noises then nodded as Applejack looked confused and shocked. "Wha- What's this about some second princess?" Pinkie Pie yelled "Second Princess?! Where?! Can't possibly be as bad as our prin-" Twilight cut everypony off yelling at the top of her lungs.

"I said QUIET!"

Immediately Pinkie Pie, Eden, and Applejack sat like dogs following orders. She sighed taking off her glasses and levitating a few books over. "The Legend of the Sun is supposedly a filly's tale, but as he said i've questioned key points strange in the story. There are also many aspects to things that seem exactly like our world." She continued flipping through the pages "These things could be perfectly explained with the possibility of a second princess but that, that's just not possible, there is no physical evidence leading to such a theory." Twilight had an inquisitive expression as she pondered the thought walking back and forth. Eden smiled as he'd finally lowered his suitcase onto the ground, opening it. "Until today Twilight Sparkle."

Out of the suitcase he raised a golden crown, embedded with a royal gem. All the other ponies jaws practically dropped as Twilight's eyes glimmered from the sight, she immediately rushed over to the crown examining it, every aspect, every detail, she was practically speechless. "Where did you get this? This is royal craftsponyship the likes of which i've never seen! This, this is beyond words." Eden smiled "I've done my hunting as well Twilight Sparkle. How I obtained that piece, well it's a long sto-"

Twilight hurriedly rushed all three ponies out the door with a panicked expression. "You all gotta go go go go! Come back here in 10 hours time and I will have everything set up, don't be late! Stay away from lunar guards, and keep everything we've discussed here a secret! You got that?" They all nodded as she slammed the door in their faces.

"Told you she was crazy." exclaimed Pinky Pie.

Deep in the kingdom of Canterlot, there looking off into the distant lands from her castle, stood Nightmare Moon, the princess of Equestria. She stood on the balcony of her throne room, smirking at the sight of her beloved kingdom consumed by eternal night. She heard trotting from behind her, somepony approached. She turned her head slightly to see who it was as she then sighed looking forward once more. "Why it's just you shining armor, what of your report?" she said in her elegant tone. Shining armor now adorned in black plate armor saluted the princess before speaking, "Nothing out of the ordinary your Highness!" She looked at him with a concerned yet serious look "What of your sister?" Shining armor shook his head "Nothing strange, she just had a fan come visit who she kicked out soon after." Nightmare Moon looked ahead once more "I see, carry on shining armor." Shining saluted before turning around and walking off.

Nightmare Moon continued to smile looking off into the distance "Oh dear sister, if only you could have been here to see the world i've created. You claimed it was not possible yet here i am." She let off soft cackles before bursting out into pure laughter. Shining Armor took a quick look back, a contemplative expression on his face as he saw the princess filled with laughter, he looked ahead then just left the throne room.

Back in ponyville, Eden had finally made it to his inn. He smiled at Applejack and Pinkie Pie softly before departing "Thank you both of you, if it's no problem uhm, would you care to join me later as well?" Applejack tipped her hat with a smile "It would be my pleasure." Pinkie Pie responded just as quick "And mine!" bouncing around Applejack soon afterwords. The young unicorn smiled at them "Okay, then i'll see you both later." They waved farewell as he entered the building, he then went up the stairs and plummeted into his bed. As he laid there, old memories flashed through his head.

A younger Eden sat upon the lap of an old stallion. The stallion smiled as Eden said anxiously "Then what happened next pops?" The older stallion laughed ruffling his mane as he looked above. "You see, in his world, the sky was a vibrant blue, the clouds a puffy white like marshmallows. The stars would come and go, the sun would sit there in the sky, giving us the gift of warmth and the light of dawn." Edens eyes widened with fascination as he continued to listen. "And when it was time for it to go, it's closest companion the moon as we see now would rise in the sky for an equal period of time, it was a world of wonder and color, a world of equality this was the world he knew." Edens jaw dropping just at the thought. Then just like that, his flashback was over, Eden thought about such times a moment longer, before falling into a deep sleep. He was eager for the days ahead, whatever they may hold.

Meanwhile back at Twilights home, she was constantly rummaging through old stacks of books. She squealed in delight as she found one book in particular, the book was covered in dust and the pages looked ancient. As she flipped through the pages she muttered to herself "What was that other word for it, what was it! They called it," she paused running her hoof along the page "Celestia?"

Next Chapter: Chapter 2: Chasing Legends Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 30 Minutes