//------------------------------//
// The Assignment 
// Story: Cutie Mark Crusaders: Legend Hunters 
// by Unicorncob 
//------------------------------//

It was a particularly chilly autumn morning in Ponyville. The sky was overcast with light grey clouds, orange leaves fluttered from steadily bearing trees onto the ground, and ponies were seen sporting padded hats and jackets as they opened up their shops and went around the square and marketplace on their rounds. Many may have been convinced winter was already coming, had it not been for the fact that Nightmare Night was just around the corner.
The upcoming holiday hadn’t gone unnoticed, however. Everypony in town was in high spirits, with houses and shops becoming covered in decorations and posters hung up around town for the annual Nightmare Night town party. Arguably the most excited for the holiday were the foals in town, finding the fun of the games and the frights of Zecora’s ghost stories really exciting.
Among the excited foals were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Fillies, best friends, and Cutie Mark Crusaders. Not to mention the only ponies in Ponyville to sport matching cutie marks. And while they were excited for Nightmare Night, it wasn’t the town party they were buzzing about to each other on the way to their last day of school before their autumn break.

“How awesome was it of Rainbow Dash to let us go with her?” The orange Pegasus chirped, her little orange wings fluttering with excitement. “Apparently the Hollow Shades Horrrorfest is the best Nightmare Night party in Equestria!”
The white Unicorn, Sweetie Belle, let out a quiet, tired yawn. “We know, Scootaloo. You’ve been telling us every day for the past week.”
“Well it is really excitin’,” added the yellow Earth Pony, Apple Bloom. “Ah’m mostly surprised Applejack’s lettin’ me go. I was expectin’ her to make me stay and help with the corn maze.”
Scootaloo snorted into her hoof. “Maybe she finally realised going to a week-long Nightmare Night party is more exciting than a bunch of corn?”
Apple Bloom shot her friend a look, but she didn’t say anything back. Mainly because she was right; going to a party organised by a town with arguably the most Nightmare Night spirit in Equestria was much more fun than doing the corn maze again.
She turned her gaze to Sweetie Belle. “Y’all think Rarity’s done with our costumes yet?”
The Unicorn nodded, grinning ear to ear. “Yup! She said we can come by after school to try them on, in case she needs to alter anything.”
“Have ya seen them yet?” asked Scootaloo.
Sweetie Belle shook her head, then raised her chin up. “What fun is Nightmare Night without the surprises, darling?” she said, in an exaggerated impression of her sister’s voice, and other foals nearing the Ponyville Schoolhouse turned to give confused looks at the Crusaders as they howled with laughter.

Miss Cheerilee ushered her students into the Schoolhouse and they all got to their seats, talking excitedly to each other about what costumes they’d be wearing for Nightmare Night, or what they were looking forward to most in the town party. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were boasting about the princess dresses they had ordered especially for the night. Despite no longer being the class bullies and being much nicer than they used to be, they still had a bit of a haughty attitude.
The Crusaders almost felt disappointed, since they would be out at Hollow Shades for Nightmare Night so they wouldn’t get to see these special costumes of theirs.

“Alright everypony, settle down,” Cheerilee called over the muttering, and smiled once the foals had quietened down. “I know you’re all excited to get your autumn break started, but we still have one more day of school first. Before we start though, I have an assignment for you all to do for the week you’re off.”
She rolled her eyes at the resulting groans.
“But it’th Nightmare Night!” complained Twist.
“Surely our work can wait until we return?” Pipsqueak suggested.
“I’d be fine with no work at all,” snarked Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon nodded agreement.
“Now now, you all will have a week before Nightmare Night even starts,” Cheerilee pointed out, her tone suggesting she had rehearsed this a hundred times in her head. “Plus, it’ll be a fun one. I want you all to make a report on scary legends of Equestria.”
That seemed to get everypony’s attention, and Cheerilee had to fight the triumphant smirk trying to grow on her muzzle. She even allowed them a chance to resume their excited murmuring amongst themselves.

“Wow, something interesting to do for school?” Scootaloo muttered to her fellow Crusaders. “What put Miss Cheerilee in a good mood?”
“Maybe it’s because she gets a week off work too?” suggested Sweetie Belle.
Apple Bloom shrugged. “Either way, sounds mighty fun!”

“Now then,” Cheerilee went on over the foals, who quietened down to listen, “all of you can join up in groups or work on your own. You can research whichever legend you like, but make sure to show a lot of research. Quality over quantity.”
While the class were asking each other who would like to team up, the teacher went behind her desk and, with a bit of effort, lifted a stack of hardback books onto the tabletop with a thump.
“If you’re all grouped up,” she continued, “one of your group come up here and collect a book. They’re filled with scary folk legends that should help you decide what to make your report about!”

The Crusaders exchanged excited glances, already looking forward to this assignment. Getting to write about spooky stuff on the week before Nightmare Night? They were sure they could get it done, even if they were going to Hollow Shades for the week.