//------------------------------//
// Chapter 12: The Blue Moon Ball Part 1 
// Story: Misty Morals 
// by Dragonfire2lm 
//------------------------------//

Today was one of Mist's Bad Days. A headache pounded away in her skull, her chest was sore, and her intestines ached on-and-off from a tortuous amount of gas she'd suffered through the night before. With none of the chairs on the ship able to give her the support she needed, Mist was forced to lay on her back in bed, wings open limply, and with only the music from her radio to keep her company. 

She heard her bedroom door mechanically hiss open and she sat up, her mane draping itself around her face, and watched as Right lugged an armchair into her room.

"Don' mind me, a few well meaning idiots nabbed this for you on the last mission," he said, moving the pony sized chair next to the bookshelf. He glanced back at her. "So, 'ow many pillows do you need?"

It took her a moment to answer. "A pillow for back support, one for my bony as hay butt, and a triangle pillow to keep me from hunching over..." she wracked her brain, trying to remember the details for the most recent mission. "Didn't Dave volunteer as lookout for last night's robbery?"

"Yeah, did a decent 'nough job. Better off with a desk job though," Right commented. "Can't fault 'im for wantin' to give fieldwork a go, most of the crew 'ave a crack at it sooner or later."

Mist moved her long mane to splay out above her on the pillow as she flopped back onto the bed. "Tell the group I said Thanks, I'll worry about pillows later..."

"You doin' alright?" Right asked as he crossed the small room to look down at her.

"My intestines are pitching a fit, I have a headache, and it sucks." she deadpanned. "It'll take me another couple of days to recover, so I won't be moving around much."

"Want some company?" Right asked.

"Anything is preferable to this right now." Mist replied and scooted over as Right kicked off his boots and sat cross-legged on the bed, his back against the wall.

"Reginald still running around like a headless chicken?" she asked.

"Still tearin' through my wardrobe," Right said with a nod. "Best to jus' leave 'im to it and check up on 'im later."

Mist hummed in agreement. "So, what have you been up to?"

Right sighed, removing his hat, and looking fed up. "... Been tryin' to stop the crew from gossipin', it's interfering with work..."

Mist was sympathetic, as much as she ignored them, things still reached her thanks to a few Toppats that were just as sick of the rumours as she was. She could tell from the slight frown and furrow of his brow that Right was uncomfortable.

"Hey, it's okay," she reassured him, ignoring her body's protests as she sat up, and flicked her mane out of her face. "I know it's weird but I'm sure they don't mean anything by it."

"Reg's like a brother to me. An' hearin' that sorta bullshit from the younger Toppats doesn't sit well with me," Right stated, staring down at the blanket they sat on. "I dunno 'ow Reg can jus' laugh it off like it's nothin'."

"I know, you heard the stuff going around about me?" Mist asked and Right nodded.

"S'not fair to you, or Reg. I dunno what's up with them but, it's like they're ignoring who you are an' how you think... You're not interested an' they don't get it," Right stated. "An' now the Chief is bein' a bloody idiot takin' the ball seriously..."

"Don't remind me..." Mist groaned with an eye roll. "I literally just need him to hang around me and look imposing, I lost count how many times I've told him he doesn't need to go through all this trouble! And the crew are no help whatsoever!"

Mist sighed. "...Do you think we could get away with an announcement?"

Right blinked, smirked and handed her his hat. "Knock yourself out."

The two of them smirked as Mist put on Right's hat, a little bit big for her, and held the attached microphone in a wing.

"Attention all crew members! There have been rumours floating around about myself, Right Hand Man, and The Chief. Stop. If you don't know what demisexual means, look it up!" Mist stated.

She continued. "Please just stop assuming I'm romantically involved with either of my superiors, failure to comply will be met with an overnight stay in the brig. This is your only warning."

She ended the announcement and gave Right his hat back just as Reginald walked into her room.

"What was that all about?" the Toppat Leader asked and both Right and Mist looked at him expectantly. "...What? What's wrong?"

"The crew're bein' morons." Right huffed.

"We got sick of it." Mist added.

"I... I didn't think it was that bad..." Reginald said, taking a seat in the armchair.

"It's embarrassing is what it is!" Mist said. "For goodness sake, the crew has a betting pool about who I'm dating! And that's putting it mildly!"

Reginald looked over at Right. "You've never worried about this sort of thing before..."

"Bit of a different story when it's rumours about your best mate sleepin' with your brother." Right deadpanned. "The rumours 'bout me an' her are bad 'nough..."

Reginald looked uncomfortable, face red as he cleared his throat. "W-well, hopefully that sets everyone straight. I apologize, I wasn't aware you two were so bothered by it. You have my permission to uphold the punishment if anyone tries to get away with it in the future."

"So... You gonna chill with going with me to the ball?" Mist asked flatly and her boss flinched.

"I only want to help..."

"I don't need a date Sir, I need a guy who will follow me around and keep any suitors off my tail," Mist explained. "I could always have Right go with me if it makes things easier for you." 

Reginald waved her off. "No, I should go with you, someone needs to represent the clan and I'm more than used to navigating these sorts of events. Right will be with us as our bodyguard for the evening."

Right nodded. "I'll keep an eye out for trouble, that'll leave you two free to make a good impression."

"Cool," Mist agreed. "At least now I can focus on resting up for the ball."





Right sat next to Reginald as the pony-drawn carriage took the trio to their destination. The Chief was dressed in a pair of jeans, a white shirt, his signature necklace, and one of Right's old leather jackets. With his brown hair slicked back with gel, Reginald matched Mist's own bold appearance perfectly, the mare sitting in the seat across from them in her own jacket with gold bands around her ankles and clasped around the base of her wings.

"Everyone know what their doing?" Mist asked and Right nodded as Reginald replied.

"Our goal is to impress Lord Sombra and this Moon Witch. Who exactly is she?"

Mist was pensive, about to lean forward when she caught herself, forcefully correcting her posture. "The Moon Witch is old, older than recorded history. It's said that while the Sun Queen became the guiding mother of mortals, The Moon Witch turned her gaze to the eternal races. She created Penumbra, taught the descendants of Lycaon to embrace their cursed bloodline, and advocated safe useage of necromancy... She's the goddess of the Hidden Kingdoms," Mist said. "She's the one who has the final say in whether I'm accepted or not."

"So, you gotta impress her?" Right asked.

"I still need to not make a foo of myself in front of Lord Sombra, if I fail, he has every right to deny me access to the institutions he's set up to help vampires. Too many use vampirism as an excuse to be the monsters they've been portrayed as, so I understand why Sombra is so strict," the mare stated. "I need to prove I'm not going to abuse what I'll be given."

"And I presume I simply... Follow you around?" Reginald asked and Right smirked as the pegasus sighed.

"If you wanna drum up business for the clan, go for it, I just need you to be there you know?" she said. "I'm the one who has to pull this off..."

"Nervous?" Reginald asked.

"I've never met The Moon Witch, she's only recently returned to her duties after a thousand year absence," she said. "I'm more worried her Enforcer will be there..."

"I've met him, The Dark Djinn, The Enforcer. He's the one that The Moon Witch sends to handle more destructive magics, keeps things in balance." Mist said and Right could feel the weight of her words, how the mare both feared and respected this Enforcer.

The atmosphere felt heavy as Mist recounted a childhood memory.





Ponies aren't built to handle stress, we lose control of our magic... That's the sort of a big deal when you're essentially a hornless unicorn with a talent in weather magic, that's what a Sky Caster is when you get down to it.

I was a young teen, halfway through my first year living with my grandparents, going to a new school... Six months after losing my Mum. I wasn't raised as a noblemare, but I was expected to fall into line like a good pony. Add the bullying from other students at school, the emotionally manipulative pony I called my best friend and I...I broke. I hated myself, a seemingly never-ending spiral of hopelessness and self loathing that led to me crying into my pillow late at night where I wouldn't be scolded for it.

To lose control of my magic in that moment felt like my power, my talent, had gained a life of it's own. I created the worst storm in Canterlot's history and I couldn't understand why. I was upset, terrified, and when I got out of bed to go get help, there he was.

An alicorn as tall as Princess Celestia in a black robe with teal markings and hooded black cape, his face shrouded in darkness with only the tip of his horn and long orange-red mane visible under the hood. You could feel how powerful he was, his presence demanded attention like a force of nature as he stood silently.   

I don't remember what was said, I was terrified I'd be taken away, but he cast some sort of spell, drew a rune in the air with his horn. Something flew out of his robes and when it hit me, it felt like something clicked into place.

I still hated myself, I was still upset, but I had hope that the next day would be better, that I'd be better.

And when I had calmed down, he left me with a warning that my heart was tied to my magic... And it that was fragile. 





"After that I dug through old tomes and pieced together what I was capable of from fairy-tales, myths, and legends about pegasus that could do what I did with that storm. I didn't want to risk hurting anyone accidentally," Mist concluded. "I met The Dark Djinn again around this time last year, when I first got sick..."

Mist was mentally kicking herself. "He offered to help me with his magic... I declined because I didn't know what the problem was at the time, I thought there might be a cure or something..." she looked at her friends, her tone serious. "The Dark Djinn isn't someone you should mess with, I've done my damndest to keep myself out of the public eye as a Sky Caster because of the way modern society treats my talent, but I'd be stupid not to realize the damage I could do. Unintentionally or not, I've caught the attention of one of the most powerful mages to walk the world, The Enforcer has destroyed kingdoms, corrupted countless hearts and has irreversibly impacted how magic has been taught and used long before the kingdoms that founded Equestria even existed."

"I have no doubt he'll be a part of my trials somehow, we just need to make sure The Moon Witch sees reason tonight, and hopefully The Dark Djinn won't be involved just yet." Mist said.





Sapphire City was built on a lake of glittering stardust, tall white buildings, towers, and spires with dark blue roofs cut through the darkness of the perpetual night sky. Dream catchers hung above the entryways of buildings and shades of blue in everything from curtains to shop signs added to the dream-like atmosphere. The citizens, bat ponies of various dark colours, gave the trio a wide berth as they walked towards an awe-inspiring silver palace adorned with sapphires.

"The City of Dreams," Mist explained as the palace guards, ponies in shiny steel armor, led them through the doors and into the halls of the palace. The blue carpet and moonlight streaming in through large windows settled her nerves. A small rush of glee putting a spring in her step as she saw Reginald looking around in wonder and Right calmly observing, already on guard. "The vampires here practice dream walking and astral projection, the city itself has a reputation as one of the most relaxing places in all of the hidden realms."

Mist led the way into the lavish ballroom, tables laden with plates of food were up near the edges of the room. Ponies in extravagant suits and gowns danced in pairs near the middle of the room while a small orchestra played a classical waltz. Several different races stood in groups at the buffet tables or sat at tables set up outside in the open balcony at the back.

Mist discretly pointed out several horned and antlered canine-like creatures in fancy suits and flowing robes. "Don't give your real names to them, they're Woodsmane Fairies from the southern forests. It's more respectful to use aliases when talking with them as names have power in their culture," As the two men nodded, she brought their attention to the finely dressed changelings and the Changeling Queen in the green gown that towered over them. "That's Queen Chrysalis, ruler of the Equestrian Changelings, they eat love and lust so stay with me. She won't want to be anywhere near me because to her, I'm practically useless."

Lord Sombra spotted them, the stallion broke away from the group of wolf-like bat ponies he was conversing with, and walked over to them. 

He inspected Mist's outfit with a critical eye. "So, the tales of your rebellious nature have some truth to them after all..."

"Your Lordship, I was not born into nobility, I was dragged into it against my will," Mist respectfully stated. "I doubt the petty lies spun by heartless fools are a reflection of my character."

Sombra nodded, amused. "Indeed, I have preferred to have a person's actions speak for them and your reputation as Bluebird is impressive. However, we shall see what Her Radiance makes of you."

"Of course Lord Sombra, I hope you pleasant evening." Mist said with a bow.

"It will be an interesting evening at any rate." Sombra said as he left.

The trio kept to the edges of the room, people watching. Guests were more interested in striking up conversations with Reginald, and Mist smiled as her boss spun daring tales of the clan's success, listened to the latest gossip, and endeared himself to his audience.

"Bluebird, a pleasure to see you again." Mist looked over at the brown furred wolf with deer antlers, gold eyes and in a simple yet tasteful black suit.

Mist accepted the offered handshake with a hoof. "Sir Wolfe, how's the Family?"

Wolfe chuckled. "Busy, Her Radiance is working hard to bring the different Fae Families out of disarray, The Velvet Court in Neighpon is still in quite the pickle," he smiled ruefully. "My kin can only do so much, but that is a matter for another day. I've heard rumours of your plight, such a shame you are yet again let down by your kingdom."

"Equestria is no more my kingdom than it is yours," Mist said plainly. "I'm a Terralian first and foremost."

The fae barked out a laugh. "Good, good! We see too many newcomers from Equestria at these functions, their blind faith in The Solar Queen has soured many a otherwise perfect ball..."

Mist looked around and could see several mortal ponies mingling with othe guests. She looked at Wolfe, very much confused. "Are they potential citizens?"

"Nothing of the sort, Representatives for The Solar Queen, apparently she wishes to foster relations with the hidden realms..." he explained, expression shifting into a look of disappointment. "As well-meaning as her intentions are, she is a fool if she thinks this will work... There will always be darkness, be it in nature or in the hearts of the living."

"To smother it is to empower it, to ignore it is to invite disaster, to incite it is to court chaos, and to quell the light that stands against it is to bring despair," Mist quoted. "If Celestia thinks she can undo thousands of years of history, she's delusional."

"Well said, but let us talk business, would you and your friends there require any of my Family's services?" the wolf fairy asked kindly.

Mist welcomed the opportunity, nodding. "I have a large order for you, we need two hundred of each type of change form badge you produce."

"T-Two hundred? Of each?" it took a second for Wolfe to compose himself. He cleared his throat. "Goodness... That will cost small fortune, if you have the coin I can put the order through..."

Mist signalled Reginald, who excused himself and joined her.

"Sir Wolfe, this is the Leader of the Toppat Clan, he'll be more than happy to discuss payment for the badges."

Reginald looked intriguinged. "Those nifty little things?" at Mist's nod he beamed. "Perfect! John Smith of the Toppat Clan, a pleasure to meet you Sir..."

Mist tuned out the following business talk and scanned the room. She spotted a familiar Saddle-Arabian pegasus as part of the wait staff and signalled Right to keep an eye out as she wandered over.

"Guard duty?" she asked as Gabriel politely dipped his head in greeting.

"Naturally," her mentor replied, straightenning and handed her a glass of water, talking discretely. "Stay vigilant, Tempest is here."

"Any idea who her target is?"

"It could be anyone," Gabriel mused. "Do be careful."

Mist walked back to Reginald, passing Queen Chrysalis on the way. The changeling queen scoffed. "I have no idea why Sombra's interested in a mare like you."

"Her skills speak for themselves Chrysalis, a Sky Caster is a valuable ally," Sombra spoke up, having heard the changeling. "Unlike you, I do not accept citizens based purely on their use as broodmares."

"Spare me your preaching..." Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

Sombra ignored her, the Vampire Lord turning to Mist. "Her Radiance wishes to talk to you privately in the throne room."

Mist thanked him, left her drink at a table, and was escorted by one of the guards. Uncertainty coiled in her gut, senses on high alert at this unexpected change. She firmly focused on the here and now, a mask of neutrality slipping into place.





Right watched Mist leave the ballroom. He glanced over a Reginald, standing not too far away and engrossed in what was quickly turning into a long-term business deal between the Toppat Clan and the fairy Mist had spoken with prior. 

The Right Hand Man remained vigilant, on the lookout for potential threats, and shared respectful looks with the myriad of bodyguards, hidden or otherwise, he noticed around the room. Something flashed in the corner of his eye, he turned around and immediately took note of the mare in the black bodysuit with a broken horn. She was looking around the room for someone, her broken horn sparking dangerously. She caught sight of him looking at her and the cold glare he received was met with a blank stare of his own. 

Right casually moved to stand a bit closer to Reginald and supressed a smirk as he noticed the other bodyguards in the room saw his actions and subtly shifted their stances. He kept a close eye on the mare with the broken horn as she made another pass around the room.

She was waiting.





Moonlight streamed into the white throne room through floor to ceiling windows. Torches lit with blue fire hung on the white walls, their flickering light reflected on the polished black marble floor. Ahead of Mist, seated on a silver throne, was The Moon Witch.

An alicorn mare garbed in an airy white dress, with fur as black as coal, an ever moving mane and tail of shimmering starlight, and green eyes that peered into the pegasus' very soul. The Witch lacked the elegant regalia of royalty, and instead wore a set of silver slippers and a simple circlet with a circular diamond in the center.

Mist bowed.

The Witch's voice rang clear and sharp. "Rise Lillian Meadows, I wish to speak with you."

Mist stood up as the alicorn conjured a chair for the pegasus and motioned with a wing for her to use it.

"Your reputation precedes you Lady Meadows, theft, blackmail, breaking and entering. You wear your crimes as a badge of honor and yet you seek the help of my subjects," The Witch said. "Furthermore, your allegiance to the Toppat Clan has many of my subjects worried, I may turn a blind eye to your acts in my sister's domain, but the hidden realms and their inhabitants are more than just a hideaway for criminals and thieves..."

"The Toppat Clan is interested in forming positive relations with the hidden realms and nothing more, if you wish to negotiate, talk to the Clan Chief, not me," Mist countered. "Your Radiance, I am here for my own reasons, to prove I am worthy of vampirism to cure me of a food intolerance and other conditions that has ruined my career, sent my physical and mental health into a nosedive, and ruins my quality of life despite my attempts to manage it."

"I am aware, yet I seem to recall my Enforcer offered you his aid a year ago," The Witch mused. "You would reject his assistance yet now seek aid?"

"I thought this could be fixed without his help, I know I would have to pay a price regardless, and it is only after exhausting all other options that I stand here before you. It's either this, or living with it and being a burden on others."

The Moon Witch was silent as she gazed down at Mist, her eyes cold and calculating. Seconds seemed to drag and a glimmer of compassion and understanding appeared on the alicorns face.

"... You have the potential, indeed you would do well as any race of my domain, but," The Witch raised a hoof. "A mare of your talents must not be taken lightly, further trials await you after this night, so I shall withhold judgement until they are completed."

"I understand, Your Radiance." Mist replied respectfully.

The Moon Witch rose from her throne and gestured for Mist to follow her. "I have heard you are a Sky Caster yes? Come, I would like to see a demonstration of your craft."

The comment caught Mist off guard and she blurted out a bewildered "Uh, okay sure" as she followed the intimating mare back to the ballroom.