I've always believed that with enough dedication and practice, you could achieve anything. Even though all the other ponies laughed at my research in Canterlot, I still believe. Even though Shining Armor dismissed my concerns as a waste of time, I still believe. Even though I was shunned by the Princess, I still believe. I will always believe, no matter how many times i'm knocked down, humiliated, left alone in the dark, something good will come out of this. I will continue practicing, researching, questioning everything that just doesn't fit. Even if nopony takes me seriously, even if I become a complete shut in, I still won't give up.  There is a way to fix all of this, somepony just has to find it.

Twilight Sparkle continued to run her hoof along the ancient pages of the book she'd been looking for. It was an extremely detailed novel concerning the Legend of the Sun. Although it was considered a filly's tale, many authors would create books such as this, in order to show ponies what might of inspired the original creator, whose name had long since been forgotten. She continued to ponder the thought Celestia? It must be related to the princess somehow. She placed the book back onto the ground as she levitated the crown back over to her, examining it once more.

"This crown certainly isn't common jewelry, but I have to make sure that colt's judgement can be trusted."

She then levitated a small backpack over towards her and slid it over her shoulder, placing both the book as well as the crown inside. She took a deep breath before trotting hesitantly towards the door. She gulped peering down towards the lower left then lower right, memories of the outside weren't that great. SHUT IN SHUT IN, MAD SCIENTIST, COOCOO, she recalled being called such things throughout her entire life, she took in a deep breath then exhaled, a determined expression on her face as she shook herself. "Alright, calm down, you can do this Twilight, it's just Ponyville, nothing too bad." she gulped once more before pushing open the door, last time she'd been out here was to pick up food for her stash 4 weeks ago.

As she took a few steps outside she had a bored expression on her face. She went up to a small metal contraption located at the side of her house, pushing a button that deactivated the barrier surrounding it. She then looked forward, the path led straight into Ponyville, once again that hesitant expression appeared on her face as she lowered her head and proceeded to trot straight into town.

As she walked a steady pace, she could feel the stares of all the other Ponies around her, she lowered her ears, trying to block out the constant gossip that was going on. "Isn't that Twilight Sparkle, Probably just going to pick up more food, It hasn't been a month though has it?" She tried her best to ignore them, but it was harder than it seemed. As she trotted, trying to keep her cool, she accidentally bumped into somepony OOF they both said upon impact as Twilight raised her head to face the pony she'd bumped into.

The mysterious figure lowered it's hood as it was none other than Zecora the zebra. "Oh! Why Twilight Sparkle? Isn't this a surprise!" Twilight sighed, as she just attempted to walk past Zecora with an irritated expression. Zecora raised a hoof grabbing Twilight by her tail exclaiming in curiosity "Now hold on Twilight Sparkle! An event such as this is truly unique, to bring you out here, there must be something that you seek!" Twilight rolled her eyes with a grunt "I don't have time for your games Zecora, let me go!" Zecora let go of her tail, but still wasn't finished with Twilight.

"If that is your wish, I will abide, but I really must know what is it you hide?" Zecora eyed the backpack specifically as Twilight's eyes widened, a panicked expression on her face as she bolted off away from Zecora deeper into town. Zecora called out to her as she ran "I wish you luck Twilight Sparkle, may the infinite night bare you no trouble!" As she continued her sprint she scurried into a small cramped alley between two houses, sliding off the backpack hugging it against her chest. She breathed heavily checking to see that the crown and book was still within. "I gotta keep these a secret, who knows what the lunar guard would do if they found o-" suddenly a small voice cut in "Whoa! Look who came out of the cave!" Twilight shrieked in surprise, jumping middair then landing back on her flank.

The soft yet raspy voice chuckled "chillax, i'm not gonna hurt you or nothin!" Twilight blinked rubbing the top of her head muttering "ouch," readjusting her glasses as she looked at who she'd bumped into this time. There standing on a scooter was a short little filly, accompanied by another filly. "Names scootaloo" she exclaimed as the other chimed in "And i'm Applebloom!" Twilight sighed grabbing up her things and putting on her backpack. "Listen here little filly's it's nice to meet you and all but I have really important business to attend to." Scootaloo and Applebloom merely stared as Twilight readied herself to get on the move again as Scootaloo shrugged "So what's in the bag?"

Twilight uttered in discomfort "Ugh, it's, it's none of your concern!" her voice began to trail off as she muttered to herself. "It's always about the bags, bags bags bags, can't i just be going for a stroll for pony's sakes, yeesh!" she exclaimed as she continued walking. Scootaloo and Applebloom just stared at each other for a few more seconds then shrugged.

As Twilight continued moving towards her destination she took in a deep breath. Looks like things are finally looking up, nopony bothering me, sure i'm still getting a few stares but i should be there in no ti- suddenly a large boom rang out, a siren echoed all throughout Ponyville. Twilight's eyes snapped wide once again as she rushed to the nearest hiding place, a wooden porch leading into a house, she hid beneath it cloaked by the shadows. Oh no, a checkup? Now!? she stayed hidden under the porch as everypony else scurried about, majority of them forming up near the center of town.

Suddenly descending from the sky were squadrons of lunar guards. They all flew down to the pathway, standing firm and in formation side by side. Majority of the ponies of Ponyville gathered up near the fountain as two citizens whispered to each other "Least it's not like fillydelphia, I heard they have these like everyday." the other nodded as suddenly somepony yelled out. "Form up you ponies!" all the citizens immediately stood in place, looking straight ahead. From the sky descended a large white stallion adorned in black armor. He had the tiniest wings and a small military cut to his mane. He was extremely muscular, almost humorously so, he spoke in an intimidating tone "APPLEJACK! STEP FORWARD!"

Exiting from the formation of Ponyville citizens, Applejack stepped forward, an annoyed look on her face. As she continued her march towards the large commanding stallion she grunted "Present Sir," The large stallion placed two hooves behind his back, trotting left to right with his lower lip puckered and a serious expression on his face. "Report!" suddenly a panicked PinkyPie launched herself midair waving her arms "I KNOW NOTHING!" landing back onto the ground as the stallion blinked a bit, confused. Applejack rolled her eyes continuing with her report "All Ponies present and accounted for sir, anypony else is sleeping." The stallion continued "And what of the energy supply?"

Applejack nodded "We could use more energy sir, many ponies are running out of magic supply, it's getting cold and the crops could use more fuel." the stallion laughed "It's only been a few months, how is it you're all running out of power already?" Applejack looked highly upset "Everypony has been doing their best to preserve as much energy as they can but its getting cold and ponies need the heat." The stallion grunted in discomfort "You know the rules, Applejack!"

Twilight remained hidden beneath the porch as she just blinked, eavesdropping on the situation. "Fine! We will voice your concerns to the princess but don't expect any special treatment! DISMISSED!" With that the large stallion flew off as the lunar guards soon joined him following behind. As they left everypony remained in place for a few moments longer, as Applejack was approached by a sad Applebloom. "Applejack, you think the Princess will help us?" Applejack looked off into the distance for a second, seeing the flickering lights from the lamp posts, the luminescent glow all across Ponyville, powered by pillars of strange magic. She then turned to face the citizens as she put on a smile, rubbing the top of Applebloom's head "Course she will sugarcube, the Princess always comes through for us in the end, now hurry along now."

Applebloom smiled softly at her sister then rejoined Scootaloo on her scooter, everypony else had also started to dismiss themselves going about their usual business. As Applejack stood there for a few seconds Pinkie Pie soon bounced over to her chuckling "I knew you wouldn't break silly!" Applejack looked at her confused "What you talking about Pinkie?" Pinkie nudged her playfully "About us being spies now duuuuuh." Applejack just rolled her eyes as they walked on ahead.

Eventually they passed by the porch Twilight was hiding under, Twilight eyeing them as they passed. "We aren't spies Pinkie, we don't even know if that whole second princess thing means something." Pinkie Pie gasped then smirked at Applejack "Oh! I got ya, keeping a low profile huh?" Applejack just sighed as they walked on. Twilight cocked a brow from beneath the porch wondering where'd that little colt go? As they passed she crawled from beneath the porch patting herself off. She then continued walking either way I have to get this to her, she can confirm any doubts i might have.

Twilight had already been walking for a good hour or so, she eventually would arrive at her destination. Finally, she thought to herself as she looked upon the large peculiar home. The house was large, and didn't even look like a house in a way, more like a giant carnival tent. Twilight proceeded inside as the pony she sought was there, sewing, although at the moment concentrating on her sewing machine she spoke out "Hello~ who is it?" Twilight remained silent, an impatient look on her face as she approached the counter the pony worked. "Rarity, I need your help." Rarity's eyes widened at the sound of that voice. She gulped before turning around, seeing Twilight she shrieked in absolute horror "EEK! S-Stay back! I want nothing to do with your experiments!" she backed herself up against a wall before grabbing a broom stick pointing it at Twilight.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a humored expression "I'm not going to experiment on you."

Rarity's teeth chattered as she kept the broomstick fixed on Twilight's position. "D-Don't be daft! I've heard the rumors! What other reason would you come to me?" She gasped "Unless you want to ponynap me! Twist me into one of your dreaded horrid creations? It would be the perfect scheme!" Rarity fell to her back talking to herself in an overdramatic tone, she'd raise a hoof to her head "Ponynapping I, one of the most beautiful, perfect ponies in all of equestria. It's brilliant, of course only you would be able to-" Twilight couldn't help but interrupt "I came because of this."

Rarity looked at Twilight lower the bag onto the ground. Twilight using her magic, hesitating before opening it, then hurriedly rushed to Rarity. She pressed her nose against Rarity's with a serious expression. "This remains between us, got it?!" Rarity squealed in fear nodding. "Nopony else can know about this, not your sister! Your parents! Your closest closest friends, only me and you, alright?" Rarity nodding once more in contempt as Twilight sighed, backing away from her and levitating the bag in front of her, lowering it to the ground.

Rarity kept her eyes fixed on the bag as Twilight flung it open. Rarity rolled her eyes with a bored expression "I can't possibly imagine what can cause such a big deal, I mean really what is there-" Twilight lifted the crown from within the bag as it's shine gleamed across the entire room. Rarity's jaw dropped as she practically drooled at the sight of it. She scurried to her hooves and over to Twilight snatching the crown from Twilight, a small monocole poofing over her right eye. It was just like when Twilight had first seen it, Rarity examined every aspect of the crown in disbelief.

"Where could you have acquired such a fine piece?! This, this, is beyond words, too beautiful to describe!"

Twilight nodded with a pondering expression. "I agree, I was hoping you could fill me in on its origins?"

Rarity laughed pointing to herself "Aha darling, you certainly came to the right pony! If I can't deduce this little escapade of yours, then nopony can!" Twilight smiled a bit rolling her eyes muttering "mhm," Rarity continued examining the crown.

"This is certainly royal craftsponyship, whoever this crown belongs to was most certainly royalty!" She continued raising the crown over her head as she seemed to be pondering many ideas. "I have seen pictures of kings and queens of old, there is no piece unfamiliar to me yet, this one is?" Twilight would lower her back hooves sitting on her flank listening to Rarity as she continued to attempt to deduce the origins. "Whoever wore this was most certainly a larger mare, it's shape does not match the style of any kings." Twilight smiled realizing she certainly did make the right choice.

Rarity continued "As for why she is likely large," Rarity dropped the crown over her head as it easily slipped through swinging around her neck. "I'll let that speak for itself," Twilight nodded approaching Rarity with a smile "Thank you Rarity, I wouldn't have been able to confirm these things without you." Rarity looked at Twilight as if surprised by her behavior, she looked down a bit with a somewhat guilty look then smiling back at her "o-of course darling, anytime!" She closed her eyes giving a firm smile looking upward. Twilight's eyes widened "Oh! I almost forgot, could you also explain this?" Twilight pointed at the center gem with her hoof, Rarity stared at it, focusing on it with her monocle. "No, sadly i cannot, I have never seen a gem such as this before, if i must take a guess i'd have to say it came from the land of dragons."

Twilight's eyes widened at the sound of this, she then slowly took the crown from Rarity before placing it back into the bag. Rarity stared at the crown go into the bag with hungry, craving eyes. "Sorry Rarity, can't let you have this, very important I continue my research." Rarity understood, sighing then looking to Twilight "but still, darling you never answered, how did you come into possession of such a thing?" Twilight headed towards the door as she looked back to Rarity with a sly smile "A little pony let me borrow it!" with that she was gone. Rarity cocked a brow then smiled softly to herself. She most certainly did not match any rumors i've heard. I wish you luck, Twilight Sparkle.

Rarity had certainly provided Twilight with more than enough information to please her. As she trotted back into Ponyville Twilight wasn't afraid to pull out the book she'd been carrying all this time. She continued to trot while flipping through the pages of the book, looking for something in specific. I'm now certain this crown belonged to a queen of sorts, but that colt couldn't have just stumbled upon this, i'll certainly have to ask him about it next time i see him. OOF Twilight shook her head looking up as her book skidded across the dirt, in front of her stood a large black stallion, a lunar guard in specific. "Watch where you're going citizen!"

Twilight in a hurry levitated the book over to herself, then shoving it in the bag. "oh uhm! Yea, sorry about that, clumsy me, haha definitely my fault!" The lunar guard had an angered expression "Is that supposed to be a joke?" Twilight shook her head with the cheesiest smile. "N-NOPE! NO, not at all, sorry for bumping into you, if you'll excuse me i really, gotta, gooooo~" She bolted off into the distance once again breathing heavily as the lunar guard just watched her run off, shrugging.

Twilight slowed her pace as she lowered her head. "Gosh what was a lunar guard doing here, wasn't the checkup over a long time ago?" She calmed herself down before opening the book once again. "Rarity said that the gem likely originated from the land of dragons, according to history books Princess Luna defeated the tyrannical dragons single hoofedly, of course we all know that's where her crescent moon was likely crafted but" She continued flipping through the pages. "That doesn't explain this crowns gem, there was no pony royalty in the land of dragons." Twilight sighed, the more I learn the more I realize a second princess must be real. Yet how does one track down a princess whose practically been erased from existence!?

Twilight had a frustrated look as she searched for any clues in the book. It had been around 3 hours since she told the other ponies to return to her home in 10 hours. She's now convinced there is certainly another Princess, but still isn't certain whether that Princess had any relation to the legend of the sun or Nightmare Moon. That word Celestia, also wasn't much help considering the fact there was no mention of what Celestia even was, just a page with the sun. Twilight sighed heavily looking at the ground placing the book in her backpack, she trotted muttering to herself "I can't expect to head to the land of the dragons, so where?" She sat on her flank, contemplating her next move.

"Hmmm, wait, Celestia, obviously in relation to Celestial" Twilight gasped "Of course!"

She cheered in delight as she pulled out that same book. "Celestia, obviously in relation to the sun or another word for being the sun but that's not what's most important." She flipped through the pages "Everypony considers the legend of the sun a simple filly's tale, but if you look at it from a completely different perspective" she went to a particular page with the sun and moon side by side. She recited the words in her head And so the sun would share the sky with the moon, ponies would gather around to witness the spectacular sight. At the Castle of Filly, in The Tower of Mane, from The Trees of Everfree, everypony would see, the setting sun festivities. Twilight would smirk realizing her next clue as she hugged the book. "of course, the answer has been in front of me the whole time!"

She hurried back home as she gathered more of her things. She was stuffing multiple items into her backpack, vials, potions, books, food "Everything is connected, the colt's word rings true, i can just ask him when they return about how he acquired the crown but now I even confirmed it's related to a princess somehow." Twilight squealed in delight "This is so exciting, what an adventure, I know where we must go to find the next clue, I just have to wait." Twilight smiled looking up slightly, speaking to herself in a soft tone "Oh, second Princess, whoever you are, if you truly do hold the power to bring the sun, I promise, we'll find you."

Twilight smiled looking in the bag at the crown and book "I certainly won't give up now."

As time passed, Applejack and Pinkie Pie would meet in front of the inn. Applejack would look to Pinkie with bags under her eyes as she yawned raising a hoof to her mouth. "Aye, Pinkie did ya get much rest?" Pinkie also looking dreadfully tired, her head lowered as she looked towards the ground. "Not enough," they both looked towards the entrance of the inn. "So wheres the kid?" Applejack yawned shaking her head "don't know, but it's almost time to go see that Twilight." Pinkie let off a moan of discomfort at the thought, soon none other than Eden would appear with a smile on his face obviously having rested quite a bit. "Hey guys," he laughed a bit seeing how tired they were as they weren't entertained by his humor.

Applejack merely yawned "Alright you two, let's get this done and over with then." They trotted to Twilight's house, apparently Pinkie could sleep walk seeing as she followed the two of them with her eyes closed while snoring. As they arrived they noticed that false barrier had been deactivated, Applejack prepared to knock as Eden just decided to do it for her. No more then a few seconds later an excited, anxious Twilight rushed to answer the door "There you guys are! I thought i told you not to be la-" she blinked noticing both Applejack and Pinkie were sound asleep while standing, Eden giving her a cheesy smile "Eheh."

As he noticed Twilight with a large sack of Items he couldn't help but ask "where are we going Twilight?" Twilight smiled at the colt before putting the backpack over her shoulders, struggling a bit in doing so "We, are mmph! Going to the Everfree Forest." she said as she fastened the large bag over her shoulders. Eden cocked a brow "The Everfree Forest? What could possibly be there?" Twilight merely chuckled pushing up her glasses "Our next clue of course!" with an excited expression she made way for the door. Eden laughed "Uhm Twilight, what're we going to do about these two?"

Sleeping in a corner was Applejack and Pinkie, sound asleep, muttering and snoring. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes as she trotted over to them, levitating a large pile of books over them then dropping them. As the books crash landed on the two ponies Applejack jumped in surprise "CHOCOLATE MILK?!" Pinkie rising right after, peering left to right "WHERE?!" Twilight had an annoyed look as she sighed. "Comon you two, this trip is far too important for half the team to miss it." Applejack yawned once more looking at them both "You'll have ta forgive me ya'll I guess i needed some more rest." Applejack climbed to her hooves as she nudged Pinkie who kept falling in and out of consciousness. Pinkie said in a exhausted manner "Can't we just hold this off for a couple more hours, pleeeeease?"

Twilight looked up sighing heavily "No you two, this is one of the most important tasks, we've wasted enough time already." Eden nudged Twilight with a saddened look "It doesn't look like we might have much choice in this matter." He pointed to the two ponies who had already fallen back asleep. Twilight groaned as she lowered her bag "I hoped to save these for later, but i guess we'll have to sacrifice two!" She pulled out two large vials of an amber colored substance. She walked over to Pinkie and Applejack, nudging them once more waking them up "Here you two, drink this, it'll wake you up." Applejack smiled grabbing one of the vials "Thank ya kindly," Pinkie snatched the other from her hooves "Orange Juice!"

As they both chugged it down, there was a silence in the room. Both Applejack and Pinkie had looked completely lost as Eden couldn't help but ask "They gonna be okay?" Twilight blinked unsure of what to say "uhm, I think so."

Applejacks eyes snapped wider than ever, her pupils dilated as did Pinkies. She burst to her hooves, practically bouncing all over the tree house. "What in tarnation are we sitting around here for?! We got a trip to make don't we! YEEHAW!" She burst out the front door as Twilight and Eden merely blinked with shocked expressions. They cringed at the thought of what Pinkie would become as they looked back to see how she was doing "She's gone?" muttered Eden. Twilight cocked a brow as suddenly Pinkie called out from behind them "Nope here I am!" They turned around quickly as when they did she was gone once again. "Wha-" suddenly she called out from behind them again "What'cha ponies staring at!?" Both Eden and Twilight embraced each other from the surprise as Pinkie moved at such speeds it looked like she was teleporting.

"On second thought, now i'm not so sure," exclaimed Twilight with a nervous yet cheesy smile.

As the lunar guards formed up in Canterlot, practicing their march in front of the black citadel, Nightmare Moon was busy in her throne room. She stood, surrounded by large panels of decorated glass. The glass was etched with peculiar designs, some would assume these were meant to be key events or places in the Princess's life. She stared at one glass panel in particular, it depicted a large black mare with striking resemblance to the Princess, standing over what seemed to be a large pool of complete darkness. She gritted her teeth somewhat, this was not what irked her, what upset her was the fact that also in the glass panel was a small yellow piece. It had a circular shape to it and rested in the center of the dark pool, Nightmare Moon squinted her eyes at this, as she suddenly heard somepony approach.

She shouted in her loud intimidating voice "Who dares disturb me?!"

The visitor showed no fear and wore a cowl to mask her appearance. When she spoke, it was obvious she was female "Forgive me for disturbing you your highness but, my sources tell me there are four ponies in particular heading for the Everfree forest. It was my judgement that this would be something you wished to know."

Nightmare Moon squinted her eyes as she'd raise a brow. "Four ponies? Ponyville locales?"

The visitor continued "Two of them yes, although one is actually from here." Nightmare Moon questioned her in surprise "Oh here? I know of all my subjects, which one is it?" The visitor grinned "Twilight Sparkle, your highness."

Nightmare moon gasped "Twilight Sparkle?! And tell me, what of the fourth?" she demanded.

At this point the mysterious visitor shook her head. "I know nothing of this fourth pony your highness, he must come from a land quite far from here."

Nightmare Moon shook her head "No matter! My student, I want you to follow these four ponies into the everfree forest, I have taught you much, if they find anything-" the visitor revealed as a student of Nightmare Moon cut in. "I know what I must do, thank you for this privilege your highness," she bowed "If i find anything of your concern i'll be sure to take care of it." Nightmare Moon sighed before shooing off the mysterious mare "Very well then, now begone! I have much business I need to attend to." The mysterious mare nodded, leaving the room.

Nightmare Moon continued to stare at the giant glass panel, a hint of discomfort in her eyes "Whatever it is you've planned, it will not work, dear sister." She trotted over to the balcony, staring off into the distance once more "Twilight Sparkle, to think she'd show her face after such an event." The princess chuckled softly to herself "either way, she best hope I do not become personally involved in this matter, that would be quite, unfortunate."

Meanwhile as they were approaching the entrance into the Everfree Forest, one could hear the chattering of somepony's teeth. Twilight first looked to Applejack and Pinky Pie up ahead "YEEHAW! LET'S ROCK!" Applejack yelled as she rode on top of Pinky Pie, who paced like a dog as her flank was continually whacked with Applejacks hat. Twilight then shook her head looking behind her, Eden was cowering as he looked into the everfree forest, his teeth chattering.

"Hey, nothing is gonna happen to you, not while i'm here," she exclaimed with a smile. Eden nodded "Alright, I just don't do so good with large, dark, creepy forests." Twilight laughed "there are much worse things to be scared of little pony." She nodded as she continued down the path, as did Eden, trailing behind Applejack and Pinkie Pie who were already further ahead.

Not far behind them stood the mysterious mare, the student of Nightmare Moon. Her face was still concealed by the cowl, she grinned as she watched the four ponies descend into the dark forest. Without saying a word, she vanished, disappearing into thin air, as if she were never there at all.

Next Chapter: Chapter 3: A Shining Example Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 9 Minutes