HIGHER

Chapter 1: A Request

(Oh, just to clarify, anything italicized is showing a certain character's thoughts.)

It seemed like just another day in Ponyville.  The sun, as usual, was shining, no storms had been planned by the pegasus ponies, and everypony was going about their everyday business.

"So, Applebloom, what are we trying today?" inquired Sweetie Belle.  The Cutie Mark Crusaders were meeting yet again in the Crusader Clubhouse.  Last time they met, in an attempt to get their animal care cutie marks, they had visited Fluttershy's cottage and terrorized her numerous pets.  Fluttershy hadn't had the heart to ask them to leave, so they kept at it until a particularly large bear chased them off.

"Well, we've tried almost everything ah can think of at the moment, but...."  Applebloom trailed off.

"What, is there something you don't want to tell us?" Scootaloo was ready to burst with excitement.  Another day of Crusading was in front of them, if only they could think of something they hadn't tried yet.

"Ah was thinking, maybe.... maybe we'll have to try things that the other two can't do.  Ah mean, you're a pegasus pony, Scootaloo, and you could get a cutie mark in flying!  And Sweetie Belle, you're a unicorn, and you can channel magic through your horn!  Ah'm sure you could find a cutie mark that involved magic!"  Applebloom's apprehension had all but disappeared, and she was now explaining her plan eagerly to the other Crusaders.

"Come to think of it, I've always dreamed of having a cutie mark for flying, just like Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo imagined what it would be like to best her idol in a flying race, and then quickly snapped back to the present as Sweetie Belle began to speak.

"And my sister Rarity is always using magic for her work!  But, Applebloom, what will you do? You're an earth pony.  You don't have magic or wings."

"That's why ah didn't want to mention it.  Ah suppose ah could just try helping Applejack, but besides that, ah can't think of anything special for me to do.  Maybe ah could come and watch you gals try?"

"I don't see why not.  I think I'll ask Rainbow Dash if she'll help me learn to fly.  I can only hover for a few seconds at the moment."  Scootaloo had been wondering whether she should ask Rainbow to help her, and now she had an excuse!  She vowed silently to herself that she would train with Rainbow Dash, no matter what it took.

"Ok!  How about we all go and get started, and we can meet back here in about an hour.  Do we have a plan?"  Sweetie Belle chimed in, hoping to end the meeting so that she could go and talk to Twilight Sparkle, who was an expert in the field of magic, even if she was a bit of a brainiac.

"Deal! Ah'll see you gals later, because Applejack needs my help with something." Applebloom tore out of the room, and was shortly followed by Sweetie Belle.  Scootaloo trotted out a moment later, already pondering what Rainbow Dash would say.

When Scootaloo finally found Rainbow Dash, she was, of course, napping.  Thankfully, she had chosen to take her nap near the ground, as opposed to in the sky.  Scootaloo called up to Rainbow, hoping that she would get a positive answer.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash, will you help me learn to fly as fast as you?"

"Yeah, sure thing, kid...." Rainbow was still mostly asleep, so she wasn't fully aware of what she was saying.  She quickly woke to the squeals of delight coming from the orange filly on the ground, and, realizing what she had just said, responded, "Wait, I changed my mind!  I don't have time to teach you to fly, squirt."

"But you just said you would!  And besides, how can you not have time if you have enough spare time for naps?"  Scootaloo was indignant at this stubborn cyan pegasus.

"I was still asleep!  That doesn't count.  Besides, I need the time for naps because life as a member of the Weather Patrol is hard, and I need to conserve my energy."  Rainbow was rapidly thinking of excuses as to why she shouldn't have to be this kid's babysitter.

"But you're the most amazing pony alive!  You're never tired!  You have to teach me!  Pleeeaaaase?"  Scootaloo was practically begging at this point, desperate to be taught by the pony that had always been her hero.

"Look, if I help you for a few minutes or so after my daily nap, will you leave me alone?"  Rainbow had realized that trying to get this filly to back down would be like trying to get Pinkie Pie to calm down and actually make sense.

"Yes, Rainbow Dash, I will, I'll never wake you up from your nap again!"  Scootaloo had begun to literally jump up and down in excitement. Her hero was going to teach her to fly! It was a dream come true!

"Fine. I'll teach you, but only for a little while.  I don't have the time or energy to help you for longer than that."  Rainbow had, at this point, resigned herself to the fact that she would have to teach Scootaloo.

"YES! Oh, uh... I mean, thanks, Rainbow Dash!  I promise I won't let you down!"  With this, Scootaloo happily wandered off, leaving Rainbow to her nap.

Rainbow watched her leave, wondering how she was sucked into this.  I can't believe I have to teach this squirt!  I'll just deal with her for a few minutes each day until she leaves me alone.  Besides, she'll NEVER be as fast as me.  Hah!  What a joke.  When Scootaloo had faded off into the distance, Rainbow gave a sigh of relief and returned to her nap, falling asleep almost instantly.