Chapter 7
The Journey Begins
A pale glow surrounded the ship as it pulled backwards out of it's docking station. Clashing Swords had each unicorn of Grey Squad stationed at strategic points on deck. Strong Horn stood at the bow the of the ship directing his squads' magic. Two more ponies were stationed midships and the last two were stationed with him in the wheelhouse. Silver Squad had taken positions in the rigging of the foremast and the main mast. Some climbed the rigging and some had taken flight, fluttering from place to place. Braveheart sat in the crow's nest keeping watch. Last but not least Black Squad was spread out checking the lines. The explorer ponies wandered the deck trying to stay out of the way.
"Sir," A black unicorn with a white mussel, hooves, and mane addressed him. "The chart indicates that there are flanking sand bars at the port channel, "He have to get this right or we'll maroon before making it out to sea." The stallion gave a small laugh and turned away, revealing the crossed rifles that was his cutie mark.
Clashing Swords eyed The Falling Stallion, even though he wasn't a squad leader, he was his second in command and Clashing Swords knew from experience to heed his words. "Don't you trust me," he said jokingly.
"No sir, I don't." The Falling Stallion said almost too seriously.
"Ahhhh, that hurt my feelings." Clashing Swords smiled.
A jokingly smug female voice interrupted before The Falling Stallion could say anything, "You have feelings?" Lighting Flicker stood to the pairs' left, furthest from the door.
Clashing Swords was never one to be startled easily, but her voice caused him to jump. He swung around with great speed, Lightning Flicker didn't even have time to flinch before a red see-through claymore sword was pressed up against her throat.
Lightning Flicker looked down as much as she could and eyed the sword. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." She smiled. "But it is kinda cool to know that you really do specialize in sword magic."
Clashing Swords pulled away, despite his calm demeanor, he was trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. "Don't ever do that again! I could've seriously injured you!"
She tilted her head to the side, "Could have, but you didn't."
Clashing Swords charged forwards and shoved his face into hers. "I could've killed you! Don't you get it!"
He pulled away leaving her chin tucked to her chest, his anger deflated as he saw her blink away some tears. "Yeah so, I know, but my point is you didn't." Her voice quivered a little but she didn't cry. There was a flash of light and she was gone.
The Falling Stallion shook himself and chuckled. "I guess we know why she's called Lightning Flicker. Who would've guessed a pegasus that can teleport."
Clashing Swords came to his senses and walked to the window. "Well, technically all the ponies of Equestria can use magic, it's just limited for Earth and Pegasi, just because they don't have a unicorn's horn." He could see her running up to Midnight Secret.
The wheelhouse door swung open with a heavy thud as Shining Star charged through. "I heard screaming! What's wrong!"
"Nothing, Stallion and I were having a contest. Return to your post, liberty isn't until later today." Clashing Swords tried his best to sooth her anger.
Shining Star's brows pulled together and she frowned. "May, I remind you that we are no longer at the barracks. We're on a real mission now."
Clashing Swords' temper flared and he was forced to grind his teeth to keep from sounding too harsh. "Our missions at home were just as real and dangerous as this one. I am not a child for you to scold, now return to your post."
"hmmhn, if you don't want to be scolded then don't act like a child!" She grabbed the door handle and slammed it shut behind her.
"What's wrong with her?" The Falling Stallion asked.
"I don't know." Clashing Swords sighed. He turned, focusing on the channel, his red magic surrounded the ship's wheel and turned it on his command. The radio set Lightning Dash had made for them, buzzed in his ear as a voice came over the com. "Sir, I am ordering Grey Squad to release their magic, we are now on a straight shot for the channel."
"Sir, Silver Squad is unfurling the sails now, the wind is perfect." Braveheart called over the com.
"Thank you, Strong Horn. Thank you, Brave Heart. You and your ponies take a break." To the entire platoon he said. "Once we're out on the ocean everyone we will get into mixed squad teams of five and take two hour shifts ponying the ship. Stallion will assign which team gets which shifts. Once you settled in on your team, report in with your team color and who's on your team." He said as he fine tuned the ships course between the Baltimare's port gates.
Dragon Flare's mane wiped into her eyes as the wind pushed the ship forward. She could sense Sky Spell as he turned his face to the wind. "What kind of Dragons and new magic do you think we'll find." She excitingly leaned over to join him.
"I don't know" Sky Spell said as his ears swiveled to take in the sounds around him. He could hear Lightning Flicker talking to Midnight Secret and Iridescent Walk was talking excitedly with a cute Night Hawks Stallion. Lightning Dash's voice resonated loudly from above as he talked excitedly at Silver Squad. The Night Hawks themselves were busy ponying the ship.
"I wonder if there will be new types of Dragons to discover like storm dragons or ice dragons or what if we meet sea dragons! I can't wait!" Dragon Flare's smile widened.
Sky Spell smiled and turned to the sound of approaching hooves. "Hey, Midnight Secret. Hey, Lightning Flicker."
"Hey, Flicker got herself in trouble, again." Midnight Secret explained.
"Hey!" Lightning Flicker slapped Midnight with her wing. "No, I didn't."
Sky Spell took on a jokingly father tone, "What'd you do this time."
"Nothing" she smiled slyly.
"She pissed off our guards." Midnight Secret rolled her eyes.
"Not all of them, just one." Lightning Flicker exclaimed defensibly.
"Flicker," Dragon Flare asked, "Which one?"
"The Commander," She stated.
"Why are you team leader again?" Iridescent Walker had just joined them, having heard the conversation from afar.
"Cause for some reason you guys leave the decision making up to me." Lightning Flicker retorted.
The explorers sat in silence for a moment, they sported a combination of confused and thoughtful looks. Lightning Flicker shoulders were slumped and she bore a grumpy demeanor. Suddenly Lightning Dash dropped out of the sky. He plopped onto the deck with a thud. "Hey ponies, what's up?"
"Nothing much." Lightning Flicker brighten at chance for a distraction. "Hey when did we get through the Sea Gates?"
"A while ago, you just weren't paying attention." remarked Iridescent Walker.
"Alright forget it, I'm going below decks to explore." Lightning Flicker turned quickly trying to leave the others behind.
"Hold on lovely, I want to come to." Midnight Secret called after her.
"Well, we might as well all go." Iridescent Walker said beginning to follow.
"That's ok, Dragon Flare and I will join you later." Sky Spell said turning his face into the sea breeze.
The wind whipped her mane once more as Dragon Flare joined Sky Spell. The "Morning Light" no longer hugged the coast and headed straight to sea as the currents carried her.
