The Shadow Shack

Rainbow Dash considered bringing Applejack, maybe even Pinkie Pie. But first, she would have to find out where Maretop was.

She searched the Ponyville and Equestria maps, but couldn't find anything. So, Rainbow Dash went out to look herself. She remembered

seeing a hill with a strange run-down looking house near the outskirts of Ponyville, so she decided to check it out. As it was daytime, she

was safe. If it was real. Sure enough, she found the house. There was a rusty old gate around the foot of the hill, and on top was the rickety

old Shadow Shack. Rainbow Dash knew it was the one; it just seemed to have a dangerous, haunting air about it.

After finding the place, Rainbow Dash took Twilight's advice and went over to Sweet Apple Acres to ask if Applejack could come help.

"Have ya'll gone crazy?" Applejack gasped, once Rainbow Dash had told her about the conversation she and Twilight had had.

"Twilight suggested that I bring help! Who CAN I bring, then, if not you?" Rainbow Dash complained.

"I don' know, maybe Twilight herself??" Applejack suggested.

"Can't, she has to meet up with Princess Celestia."

"Well... ok, fine. But we'd better get somepony else, too, for desperate measures."

"Rarity?"

"No, she'd probably be afraid of the dirt or somethin'."

"Right... hmm... Pinkie Pie maybe?"

"I don't know, maybe."

"Lets ask, at least."

At that moment, Apple Bloom came trotting up. "Heya, big sis! Howdy, Rainbow! Watcha talkin 'bout?"

"Definitely nothing for little fillies! Why don't cha go see if Granny Smith needs help with somethin for a bit?" Applejack said, hoping her

sister wouldn't get curious.

"Ok, then. Seeya later, I guess." Apple Bloom sighed, and turned to go back into the house.

After Apple Bloom was out of sight, Rainbow Dash turned back to her friend. "I'll go ask Pinkie. When you get some time, can you check

in with Rarity? But don't let word of this get to Fluttershy, I don't want her to freak out or anything."

Applejack nodded and Rainbow Dash flew off to Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie Pie had been baking a cake for a customer when Rainbow Dash came in.

"Hey, Pinkie... can I talk to you for a sec?" Rainbow Dash inquired.

"Sure! Let me just finish making this batter. I'll only take a couple seconds!!" Pinkie cheerfully called from the kitchen.

Sure enough, it only took a few seconds before Pinkie Pie hopped out, calling behind her as she went, "Please watch the oven for me,

Gummy! I shouldn't take long."

"So, what's up, Dashie?" Pinkie asked.

"Remember that scary story I told yesterday at Twilight's place?"

"Yeah."

"Well, listen, it may be real."

"Huh?" Pinkie tilted her head in confusion.

"There really is a Maretop Hill, and there's a spooky old house on it. Me and Applejack are gonna see if its real, but we're gonna need a little

more help."

"Ask Twilight, silly! I have things to do, but if she says no, I'll see if I can take a little time off and help."

"Twilight's visiting Princess Celestia. Otherwise, she would be coming."

"Oh. Eh, I have to ask Mr. and Mrs. Cake something anyways. I'll see if I can spare time off for tonight."

"Thanks, Pinkie."

"Your welcome!"

After Applejack had finished her daily chores, she headed over to Rarity's boutique. She was still certain Rarity would say no, but she

promised she would ask.

"Hold on, I'll be right out!" Rarity called when the door opened.

"Its me, Rainbow Dash wanted me to ask you somethin!" Applejack explained.

"Applejack!! Let me finish this last piece for a new dress, it'll only take a second!"

Rarity came out into the main room. "Now, what did you want to ask me?"

"You might say no, and its ok if you don't want to come, but Rainbow Dash has decided to see if that one legend of the Shadow Shack is true

or not. She said she may need help, and-"

"Say no more!" Rarity interrupted. "I may have some time off, and we wouldn't want our poor friend going into a possibly-haunted dump

house alone. I'm coming. When is she planning on leaving?"

"Tonight, I think."

"Oh my, well... I'll come. I still have some time left to finish my new line."