//------------------------------// // Chapter [7] Beginning the mission // Story: Starting A Flame // by Star_Shade //------------------------------// “Well, I guess this is goodbye for us. I am going to miss you, Moon Melody,” said Shining Moon, sizing up the mare’s furry, form-fitting jacket. “And I will miss you, my Shining Moon. Yet sadly, our duty is to our ponies. You remember the scrying spell? We can stay in touch through that.” Moon Melody smiled, laying a hoof on his withers. “Yes, of course. I will keep you updated on what is going on,” Shining Moon muttered sadly, gripping her hoof in his. “And I will do the same for you.” Moon Melody chuckled. “I love you.” She smiled and stepped back, and trotted out of the tent. “I love you too. Safe travels,” Shining whispered, watching through a crack in the flap as her swaying tail slowly vanished in the distance          Dasher was escorted out of the camp. They told her that it was for security, that if she got captured, she wouldn’t know where the rest of the main body was. She understood the logic, but didn’t like participating in it. She grumbled as they pushed her over the uneven forest ground, her hooves stumbling over the roots and vines. The blindfold chafed against her face. Eventually, she regained her sight, spotting that a single pony remained with her in an unknown clearing. The stallion proceeded to give her the final instructions. “You will meet here when your mission is complete, and your set of codewords and hotel address are in your pack in case you forget. Any other questions?” finished the pony. Receiving a head shake from Dasher, he disappeared into the tree line and out of sight. Checking her bags for the fourth time, and concluding she had everything she needed, the pegasus set out on her mission. Flapping her wings, she began her expedition to Cloudsdale.  Taking note of the clearing she had begun in, Dasher did a three-sixty in the air to gain her bearings. Commiting a few landmarks to memory for later use, she made off in the direction she believed to be her destination. The first few hours of her journey were boring, as she watched the countryside pass below her. Trying to find a way to pass the time, she tried counting clouds, hills, and houses, but eventually grew tired when she passed two hundred. Making sure she paced herself well, Dasher swept her gaze to the distance in order to find the best spot to set camp. Deciding to rest along the Unicorn Range mountains, Dasher increased her speed. Circling a few times, she found what she assumed to be a peaceful sleeping ground and descended.   Landing, she shuffled her wings and let her pack drop to the ground. Ears perked, Dasher trotted around the clearing, half-heartedly glancing through the dense underbrush and behind the gnarled trees. She shrugged, satisfied that no apparent threat was in the area. Kicking away a few branches and leaves, she  began setting up her makeshift tent. Just as she was about to place the final structural piece that would be the backbone of her humble abode, she spotted an ophiotaurus slithering toward her.    Groaning internally, Dasher placed down the pole, annoyed to find the past twenty minutes of her strugglings go to waste as her tent crumpled to the ground. Turning to face her intruder, Dasher looked up and down the large bull-serpent hybrid. She gulped, catching a glimpse of its sharp venomous teeth, pointy horns, and hooves that would crush her to a pulp with a single stomp.    Gritting her teeth, Dasher jumped into action. The beast flung itself at her. She dodged, rolling behind it. The ophiotaurus panted, its immense muscles creaking as it pulled itself upright. The mare ducked, barely avoiding an angry swing from its tail. Dasher grabbed it once it sweeped back, and the creature let out a deep hiss as she pulled its tail above her head. Hooves leaving deep gouges in the ground, the hybrid was pulled into the air. Dasher spun it around, clockwise and counterclockwise, the beast trashing in her grip. Finally she let go, sending the ophiotaurus flying down the mountainside.    Laughing and rubbing her hooves together in success, Dasher turned back to her initial task of setting up the tent. Once finished, she decided to have another look around. Doubling her search radius, she methodically checked every bush and tree for any more interruptions. Paying much better attention this time, she noticed a raspberry bush hidden away behind two trees. She swiped a few of the delicious berries with glee and returned to her camp. After eating a late dinner, which her grumbling stomach did not forget to remind her of, she finally retired for the night.   Waking up the following morning, without the annoyance of a bucket of water, Dasher happily stretched. Knowing the long day of flight, she resolved herself by enjoying a few more of the berries. Cleaning up the camp, she set off again.  She assumed she would have made the journey in about four days, if she hadn’t been through training. Because of her excessive exercise, she made it in half the time.  Finally, she reached her destination, or rather, the town that rested below the flying city. below her destination. It was a small settlement, by the name of Volantes, that welcomed most who travelled to Cloudsdale. The town was used to folk coming and going, and Dasher knew it to be the best place to catch information. Little shops that advertised cloudwalking spells, along with peddlers that sold trinkets and other accessories were scattered around. As she descended, the smell of cooked foods from a nearby store reminded her that she needed to find an inn. After asking an earth pony, Dasher was directed to the town's local tavern.  Entering, she found what she expected. Ponies of all tribes were scattered around, some chatting in boothes, while others were at the bar, drinking one shot after another. “Ahoi! You have a face that looks new ‘round these parts, can I help you with anything, ma’am?” asked an enthusiastic freckled colt, wearing a dark blue buttoned shirt.     “Uh yeah, I need to talk with the innkeeper for a single room for the night,” replied Dasher. “Right away, miss, I’ll get him now,” the colt said excitedly, nodding his head a couple times before he scurried off. Waiting patiently, Dasher looked around the tavern, gauging the crowd of ponies. A few paid her no attention, some met her gaze, and a couple stallions from the bar sent smiles her way.  “Hello, the name is Chipped Moon, but most ponies call me Chip, and I run the Chipped Mug. Tucker said you needed a room for the night? Is there anypony else, or just you?” introduced  a bulky pegasus as he hurried up to her.  “Just me, and yes, a single room for the night,” said Dasher politely. After haggling for a price, Dasher was directed to her room, which she put her traveling backpack in. Seeing as the night was still young, Dasher made her way back to the tavern’s common room. Fishing for local gossip, she decided to try her luck at the bar.   “‘Ello miss, you have the look of somepony that just had a long journey. Why don’t you come sit by me, and we can enjoy a drink together?” called one stallion. Sizing up the pegasus, Dasher decided that she could probably take him if he proved to be dangerous and sat down next to him. “Nothing much, just passing by,” answered Dasher, asking for a drink from the barista.  “Interesting times to be travelling alone. Not many brave the land on their own. What brings you to Volantes?” he asked. “I’m tougher than I look, and I am just passing by to visit a friend for a potential job opportunity in the big city,” replied Dasher, giving him a smile. “Oh I am sure, but where are my manners? The name’s Moon Cloud, but most of my friends call me Cloudy,” said Moon Cloud, scooting closer to offer a hoof. Dasher noticed the movement, but let it pass by shaking the offered limb. “A pleasure to meet you, Cloudy, my name is Rashed,” responded Dasher.   “Nice to meet you, Rashed,” said Moon Cloud, visibly happy by the use of his name. “So you said you were looking for work? I know a few ponies that are in need of strong ponies like yourself.” “Oh, thank you, but I would rather stick with my first choice,” said Dasher blushing. “I am just meeting a family friend for an internship with one of the local weather teams. She told me the pay was good, and so I made my way here.”  “Really? How interesting. I know most of the ponies up in Cloudsdale, but wasn’t aware of any new positions. What is the name of your friend? I may know her,” said Moon Cloud, slowly drawing even closer to her. “I think she wanted the position to mostly stay anonymous. Jobs in Cloudsdale pay pretty well, and she doesn’t need ponies flocking in and asking for jobs,” Dasher replied, shifting in her seat. “So... how is the big city?  It’s been a while since I was here.” “Things have been quite different with Queen Nightmare Moon in charge. She has been in constant contact with the leaders of Cloudsdale, and the city has grown with her support,” said Moon Cloud, drawing in even closer to whisper. “If you ask me, the ponies of Cloudsdale are growing more and more distant from the known lands. You are the first pony I have heard from that has been contacted by anyone in the city, and I am beginning to think they want to isolate themselves. They refuse to cooperate with us, or any city for that matter.” “Really? That is interesting,” Dasher remarked, doing her best to not cringe away from the smell of whiskey on his breath. “Yeah, if I were you, I would try and get my friend out of there. I tried warning my own friends, but they wouldn’t listen to me. The city doesn’t look to be going in the right direction in my opinion,” Moon Cloud mumbled sadly.   “I am sorry to hear that. I’ll definitely consider your advice when I go there, but I think the hour is getting late, and I am a bit sore from my journey,” said Dasher, beginning to get up.   “Well if you want, I may be able to ease your soreness.” Moon Cloud grinned, raising his  eyebrows seductively. “I think I am good. I have an early morning tomorrow and can’t stay here for too long,” said Dasher, flicking her tail dismissively. “Alright then, my offers still stand if you ever change your mind,” continued Moon Cloud as he resumed to nurse his drink. She just nodded and flew up the stairs. Walking back to her room, Dasher smirked at his attempts.