Deeper than What Appears

Chapter 3: Cave Dweller

           They flew away from the clearing, it wasn't really flying though, more of a lazy glide. Rainbow Dash just wasn't in the mood to fly properly.

Must keep flying...

            Rainbow Dash was having trouble keeping her eyelids open. Every few seconds she would have to catch herself from falling asleep. She fell asleep for half a second and was jolted awake by the scratch of a tree branch. She yelped and soared upward high above the clouds.

"Wow Rainbow Dash! That was so cool!" said Scootaloo excitedly

"What? That? That was nothing! It was just a simple maneuver!" said Rainbow Dash

"But it was so cool! I wish I could do that!" said Scootaloo

"In time you will, maybe I'll teach you soon." said Rainbow Dash "Does that sound fun?"

"Yeah! I can't wait! This is going to be so cool!" said Scootaloo

"Yeah, I can't wait either..." said Scootaloo

           They flew onward, lazily drifting over the clouds. It was a nice temperature, in the mid 70's, and both of the ponies were in high spirits. Suddenly Rainbow Dash moved swiftly below the cloud layer to take a look at the land below. The Mountains to the east cast daunting shadows over the forest below.

'Hey look! The mountains!" Scootaloo shouted as she pointed excitedly.

"Yep! Wanna go in a for a closer look?" Rainbow Dash said

"Sure!" said Scootaloo

           Rainbow Dash made a sharp turn towards the mountains. The winds were more fierce here and Rainbow Dash was buffeted around by the strong winds.

"Scoots, I don't think I can fly much long-AUGH!"

            Rainbow Dash had lost control, she was at the mercy of the winds now. They were thrown against the mountain side viciously.

"Scoots! I need to you to climb up to that cave! Hurry!" shouted Rainbow Dash over the howling winds.

             Scootaloo began dragging herself up the cliff face and eventually pulled herself into the cave. A few minutes later Dash hauled herself over the side.

"Well... It looks like were stuck here until the winds die down..." said Rainbow Dash "Well its getting late, I'm going to go hit the hay... you should too Scootaloo."

"Okay Dash"

              Scootaloo trotted around for a while trying to find a comfortable spot. At last Scootaloo curled up and went to sleep. Dash laid down next to her and promptly fell asleep.

               A few hours had passed when suddenly a noise echoed throughout the cavern. Rainbow Dash sat bolt upright.

"Ursa.... URSA!"

               Rainbow Dash vigorously shook Scootaloo until she was awake.

"Common Scoots! The winds have died down you have to go now! I'll hold the Ursa off! GO! GO!" shouted Rainbow Dash

"But... I can't fly..." whimpered Scootaloo

"You have to try! You only have to glide 10 feet to get to the next ledge! You can do it! Just go!" shouted Rainbow Dash urging Scootaloo to hurry.

                   Scootaloo ran out and looked down. Scootaloo was afraid, more than she'd ever been. She gritted her teeth and took the plunge. She spread her wings, but this time was different from all the others. She didn't even open her eyes until her feet touched the solid earth of the next ledge.

"I did it.... I DID IT!"

                    Meanwhile Dash was facing off against the terrifying Ursa.

"You want to try hurting me! Come at me!" shouted Rainbow Dash

                    Just to show that it was intent on hurting Dash it took a monstrous swipe at her, missing her by inches. Rainbow Dash rocketed into the air and sped right at the incoming Ursa. With all of her strength she kicked the Ursa right in the face which sent the beast reeling in pain. But that was the end of Dash's luck. The beast charged at Dash with incredible speed.

Oh Buck Oh Buck Oh Buck

                    Rainbow Dash rocketed towards the exit with all of her speed. She rocketed out of the entrance at full speed. The Ursa tried to follow only to be stopped the force that was gravity. The Ursa tumbled down the cliff side and fell into the ravine below, killing it instantly.  Rainbow Dash was elated to see Scootaloo standing on the ledge.

"Scootaloo! You did it! You flew!" said Rainbow Dash who was grinning from ear to ear

"I know Dash! This is the best day ever!" said the elated Scootaloo

"I don't think so, we still nearly died." said Rainbow Dash "Maybe the mountains were not the best option..."

"Well we better get out of here" said Rainbow Dash "I don't want anymore Ursa's trying to kill us, I've had enough of that for one day."

                      Rainbow Dash picked up Scootaloo and took off into the air. Just for the fun of it she performed a sonic rainboom sending a wave of color across the landscape.