//------------------------------// // Chapter [6] Strengthened bonds with final preparation // Story: Starting A Flame // by Star_Shade //------------------------------// “Well, they have arrived. I think the morale of the camp is considerably boosted,” said Shining Moon. “Yes. But let us not get distracted from our plans. Have those that have missions been briefed? Specifically Dasher?” asked Moon Melody “Most of them, yes. A few I will tell today, including Dasher, as things are being put into motion,” replied Shining Moon, getting up to begin his routine. “With the return of the old guard, I will need to re-evaluate our troops and systems. The General will be able to advise us on future actions, as well as help us with our endeavors.” “Good, and how is Comet doing? Has he and his ponies been taken care of?” continued Moon Melody, rubbing her hooves together. “I believe so, though it is amazing how they have been able to survive for so long,” said Shining Moon.   “Well, it takes more than the moon to remain in the sky to stop him. One does not simply remain in charge of the guard for fifty years for nothing,” said Moon Melody smugly. “And his connection with you probably spurred him on. I know he was thrilled to see you still alive and kicking,” Shining Moon remarked, smiling at the thought. “We have worked well together as a team before, and I plan on continuing to partner with him again. I believe he and I, along with most of the remaining guard, will be able to deal with our problems in the north,” said Moon Melody, eyeing Shining Moon. “And I plan on leaving in five days.” Shining Moon was speechless. His brain tried to grapple her words as they slowly sunk into his mind. He was so used to her company that the mere thought of her leaving him sent a shiver down his spine. “When were you going to tell me this?” he exclaimed. “I just did. Look, I know this is a bit sudden, but you and I both know the dangers from the north. Our scouts have confirmed that Sombra has returned and is amassing his own army of slaves. I have no doubt that he will join Nightmare Moon. Therefore, we need to launch an equal amount of power against him, and we need to act now,” explained Moon Melody. “But so soon? I don’t know if I will be able to lead alone,” said Shining Moon dejectedly, looking down.  “Then find others who can. That is why I have been putting so much pressure on ourselves to find a strong leader. There is somepony out there that we need,” said Moon Melody, comforting him by raising his chin with a hoof. “You and I both know this isn’t what we were cut out for. But I am confident in you, never forget that. I love you, Shining Moon.” “I love you too,” he responded, watching her leave with a frown. Dasher sat nervously. Their group had been told to sit and wait in one of the classroom buildings as their new teacher would be there shortly. Moon Nettle, who was sitting next to her, gave her a reassuring smile, which calmed Dasher’s nerves a little. Being here gave her flashbacks of flight school when she was a filly. Within her reflection, she also remembered meeting Flutter Moon. The corners of her lips dipped down..   However, she was quickly brought out of her stupor when a strange creature walked into the room. Those that had been talking lightly immediately fell into a hush, as all eyes were on the odd pony. The newcomer was dressed quite exotically, with golden bands along her neck and hanging from her ears. She also had a green mask, complemented by a green saddlebag with smaller pouches hanging from its sides. She had an air of authority around her.   “Hello and welcome to my class for apothecary. Now, many of you see me and may become wary. I would like to calm those fears, as I am a zebra, by the name of Arocez,” began the zebra. “This class shall be simple, as I teach each of you the basics for  brewing and survival. For I personally have lived on my own and learned what is vital. As some of you have your missions soon, this class shall be sped up quickly. Today, I shall go over the basics of foraging, a task you must master swiftly.”   “How are you so good at this?” whispered Moon Nettle, as Dasher easily recognized most of the plants and berries. Arocez had given each of them a list to memorize and then a test later, which Dasher had passed easily.    “My uh, friend was into nature. She kept a book of all the things she found. I had committed most of them to memory, which helps,” whispered Dasher in reply as she sorted through the dried herbs. “That's so cool! Do you think you could show me?” asked Moon Nettle. This made Dasher pause. Did she really want to show Moon Nettle all of Flutter Moon’s memories?  After a while, Dasher made a decision to end the habit of pushing others away. Moon Nettle was her friend now, a good friend, and she shouldn’t hold back. “Sure! Let me get it out,” she said as she began to rummage through her pack.  Retrieving it, she sighed before giving it to Moon Nettle. “Please be careful with it,” warned Dasher. “I will,” said Moon Nettle as she received the book. Holding it up gingerly, she looked at the scrapbook with awe, before tenderly opening it. Dasher turned back to Arocez’s lecture on the use of poison joke. An occasional poke in her side drew her attention back to Moon Nettle, followed by the mare asking about not only the nature pictures, but the photos of Flutter Moon as well. Towards the end of the day, Dasher was exhausted mentally, as reliving memories had been painful, yet she felt good. Moon Nettle sat beside her, gripping the scrapbook gently and listening to Dasher whispering the tales of her friendship with Flutter Moon.   “I am not too excited for tomorrow, I was never good at cooking, and brewing seems like a useless skill,” Dasher said to Moon Nettle as they walked out of the class. “Don’t let Arocez catch you saying that. She seemed nice, until poor Hazel accidently ate one of the poisonous plants. I never knew zebra’s could raise their voices that loud. I think Hazel may be a bit traumatized after today.” Moon Nettle giggled. “I just hope I don’t do something like that tomorrow. Sure, I know my way around a dandelion, but when it comes to putting stuff together and mixing… I might as well try and learn magic,” grumbled Dasher.   “Hey, cheer up. You helped me today, the least I can do is return the favor.” Moon Nettle winked.   “Yes, well, I am sure--” began Dasher, before a gruff voice got both of their attentions. “Excuse me, Dasher, if I may have a word,” called Shining Moon, standing in a doorway ahead of them.   “Uh sure, see you later, Moon Nettle,” called Dasher and waved to her friend, before following Shining Moon. They arrived in a simple room, with a table and two chairs facing each other.   “Sit,” commanded Shining Moon. Dasher complied nervously. “Look, if this is about the prank with Lieutenant Dodge, I just wanted--” began Dasher, before she was silenced by a raised hoof from the stallion.   “This is not why I am here, unless of course, you would like to confess to me all of your shenanigans,” he cut in, raising an eyebrow. “Uh no,” responded Dasher, blushing. “Why did you bring me here?” “I thought you may be interested in the mission that you would be taking in two days, so I have come to brief you of it. I do apologise for not telling you sooner, as things have been a bit hectic lately,” Shining Moon stated, a snort escaping him. “Anyway, your mission is in Cloudsdale and--” “Why Cloudsdale?” butted in Dasher excitedly. “Let me get to that… in Cloudsdale, we need you to talk with their leaders.  Communications with them have gone cold, and we need to assess whether they are still with us or not,” explained Shining Moon.   “That's… it?” asked Dasher, surprised. “What, did you expect us all to march over and try to beat the tar out of Nightmare Moon? Our goal as of now is raising support, then we can work on fighting the Lunar Princess,” said Shining Moon, a bit annoyed by her response. “Kind of, but that is fine. Why me though?” wondered Dasher. “Why not? You are pretty fast, you have done quite well in your studies, and as a pegasus, you won’t be questioned as much. Plus, you do have experience with dealing with their culture and politics,” praised Shining Moon. “Yeah yeah, ‘Control the winds, control the power of the gods. Through power, control the wills’ and blah blah blah. It’s a bunch of racism and pegasus supremacy. Are you sure you want their support?” said Dasher, tapping her hoof on the table. “You know just as well as I do the value of having pegasi on our side. Our forces are already stretched, and having fast scouts, messengers, or the ability to control weather is incredibly useful. If we can get around their ideologies, they could be incredibly valuable allies,” continued Shining Moon. “Fine. Who else will be coming with me?” asked Dasher. “Well… just you for now. Like I said, our forces are spreading out, and I can’t focus too many resources on one specific mission,” said Shining Moon sheepishly. “We will send a messenger in order to make sure everything is in order. I’ll send somepony to give you the proper phrases, and you can give the messenger an update on the situation. Just remember, if they choose not to support us, don’t make any enemies there.” “Got it. I just hope I don’t get recognized by any of my old acquaintances. News of my public dishonorment has probably reached them,” said Dasher awkwardly. “Being an outcast is hard, but that makes you all the better to work on this assignment.  You know the place better than most here. Get in and talk with the city’s leaders. They are on the edge right now, and we need them to fall on our side. I wouldn’t trust this assignment to anypony else,” said Shining Moon, placing a hoof on Dasher’s shoulder. “Do you think you are ready?” “Definitely!”  “So… what is your mission?” asked Moon Nettle. “I can't tell you. If I did, I would have to kill you,” replied Dasher, trying to keep a straight face, before breaking out in giggles. “Oh, come on. So where is it? Las Pegasus? Vanhoover?” continued Moon Nettle. “Cloudsdale,” said Dasher finally. Moon Nettle immediately scrunched up her face. “Why there? Don’t they know that the city is the most racist place?” said Moon Nettle, a bit disgusted. “Yeah, but we need the support. I am supposed to talk with their leaders and convince them to help the resistance,” explained Dasher. “Ah okay. I mean, it isn’t the worst place you could go. You could have gotten stuck dealing with… you know what? Forget it. Let's get to class,” said Moon Nettle angrily. “Huh? Did I say something?” wondered Dasher, surprised by her friend's anger. “It’s nothing. Come on, or we are going to be late,” huffed Moon Nettle as she turned her trot into a gallop. As they entered, Dasher's mood plummeted when she saw the many brewing pots scattered around the classroom. Arocez eyed them warily as they entered, but was still satisfied that they had arrived before the class began.   Taking her seat, Dasher braced for another long day of monologue, followed probably by an embarrassing moment. She felt confident enough not to accidentally burn herself on the cauldron, but actually cooking? In her opinion, it was a useless skill. She tried to pay attention, but she quickly got bored, getting distracted by the design of the pots. Once they had received their lecture, she tried to remember what she was just taught, but only came up blank. “Psst. Since you helped me yesterday, let me show you a few tips and tricks when it comes to brewing,” whispered Moon Nettle, noticing the distress of her friend. “You actually understand this stuff?” replied Dasher. “Yeah, it is quite easy actually. You just have to be patient, let me tell you how,” said Moon Nettle, happily. “The first thing you need to do is to make sure you have everything you need. Next, you take the berries between your hooves…”