//------------------------------// // Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen: The Knight of Rainbows // Story: Trixie and Maud: Heart of Stone // by TheCrimsonDM //------------------------------// Heart of Stone Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen: The Knight of Rainbows Written by TheCrimsonDM Trixie walked slowly with her legs cuffed together and a chain hanging from her neck. Red Velvet and Wind Rider walked next to her in much the same condition. The red cloaked unicorn tugging them along walked briskly and with purpose. The long stone corridors stood imposing and dark, ponies in cuffs slowly worked at the walls with pick axes. Trixie had worked with the tool before, she was familiar with how heavy they were. These ponies were bruised, beaten and sick looking. There weren’t any guards in the mines, but yet these ponies kept toiling away with fearful eyes. Something was wrong here. “Where are the guards?” Trixie asked in an almost silent whisper. “They don’t need them. The ponies who have enough free will left to even think of freedom know what’s keeping them here. They know the deep one is here, along with its ilk. They don’t want to face the consequences,” Red Velvet explained. “Silence, you three will see soon enough what lies before you,” the cloaked mare said. They complied and walked silently. After awhile they stopped seeing the workers and only half empty carts of deep purple ore, scattered tools, and dark whispers surrounded them. It only took a few more minutes of travel before they began to hear moaning. The cloaked mare picked up speed, dragging the three ponies behind her. Father in the tunnel two ponies were seen lying on the ground, they were the source of the pained sounds. The cloaked mare nearly took off in a gallop before reaching them. The two stallions on the ground had patches of fur missing, replaced by scales, their legs were deformed with muscular growths in odd places, and their hooves cracked and stained dark red. Trixie’s first response upon seeing them was fear and shock, then she saw their faces. Her heart sped up, and blood raced. For a brief second she wanted to turn and flee as fast as she could in the opposite direction, but then she steeled herself and faced them. The lemon one’s eye was swollen shut, but the brown stallion glared at Trixie. Their breathing was ragged, and wounds covered their bodies. Despite how horrible their condition was, and how scared she was to see them again, Trixie simply couldn’t help but to grin as she found herself enjoying their pain. “What are you smiling about play thing?” The brown stallion asked bitterly. “You’re next. You deserve it you know, trash like you.” He coughed violently and wheezed. The yellow one moaned and shuddered as a long stretch of skin alone his leg opened up and black ooze poured out. He mumbled something incoherent and his eye rolled back. “You two are in terrible shape,” Trixie said almost gleefully. “Why don’t you come here and make me feel better than?” The brown one said. Rage ran hot through Trixie and she reared up. The stallion smiled as Trixie brought down the full weight of her hooves onto his leg. She heard the sicking snap and watched as his face contorted into an exquisite grimace.  He didn’t scream. “You,” he said between heavy breaths. “Think that, will, hurt me? I’ve, been here, for a while.” He closed his eyes shut tight and screwed up his face. “At least you didn’t piss yourself this time. If you did that a third time, I think I’d scream.” Trixie opened her mouth, ready to scream at one of the stallions who had ruined her. What they had done nearly killed her by itself, and the after effects made her wish for nothing less than the sweet release of death itself. It was their fault that she was so screwed up, so broken. She was going to make him pay. She was. A teal colored bolt of energy shot out and went cleanly through the stallion’s head. Another one went through the yellow one’s head, and Trixie watched as his painful expression relaxed until he looked almost like he was sleeping. She turned on the cloaked mare, raised her hooves , chains or no, and took a swing at her. The mare somehow managed to dodge out of the way and Trixie fell forward and onto her chest. “YOU! WHY?” Trixie screamed at her. The hood was tossed back and Starfire looked down with sympathetic eyes. “Because you were wasting time here. You were not going to kill him. I can see it in your eyes, you’re still innocent. It doesn’t matter what that sick bastard did to you, you can’t kill.” “Yes I can!” Trixie shouted. “You’ve never killed before, how do you expect to kill Ash?” Starfire asked. “I… I don’t know! I’ll use magic or something,” Trixie retorted. Starfire looked at the bodies. “They were being turned into deep ones. They did need to die… but you shouldn’t be the one to kill them.” “Why?” Trixie cried. Starfire shook her head. “You’re angry, in pain, and lonely. I know what that’s like. Don’t let those dark feelings rule over you. You need to find the light inside of yourself, something that you can always count on, always hope for.” “Darkness is my life,” Trixie said in a whimper. “It doesn’t have to be that way,” Starfire said sadly. “If we had the time, I’d stay here and talk about this. I’d help you find that light. Maybe one day I will, but we have an important mission, and I’m afraid we are running out of time.” Her horn lit up and Trixie’s body was lifted off the ground and placed upright. Starfire threw the hood back over her head and began walking forward. The chain yanked Trixie forward and forced her to walk. With her face hidden inside the cloak, Trixie had a hard time seeing Starfire’s eyes as she looked back at her. “I promise that things will improve for you.” Trixie huffed and ignored her. Things hadn’t gone well so far, there was little chance of them ever getting better. The walk continued in complete silence after that. Every now and then Wind Rider would look at Trixie with pity in his eyes. Starfire didn’t look back at her, and Red Velvet seemed distant. The tunnels slowly grew brighter until they reached a large open area with a boarded up door leading to the snowy tundra. Everypony stopped. “Where is the guard? Where are the deep ones? Where is Red?” Starfire asked in rapid succession. For a brief moment everypony stood in silence. The only sound in the room was the slow and steady sound of hooves walking. If they weren’t walking, than who was? The sound was growing steadily. Starfire’s horn lit up and the chains all vanished in an instant. Together they ran to the doorway and Red began pulling the boards off with her magic. “Damn it,” Starfire cursed. “This was a trap.” A dozen large muscular ponies walked out of the various tunnels leading into the mines. Scales replaced fur, razor sharp teeth and black shark eyes all stared at her. In unison their voices like black ichor painted the world around them. “So you have come to this, our final refuge. This will be the last time you interfere with us, Guardian.” Starfire took a step forward, Wind Rider took his place by her side. She looked back at Trixie and Red Velvet and nodded toward the exit. “Go get Ash, stop him now, stop this now. We’ll hold these things off.” Trixie looked at Red and then Starfire. “No.” A red aura surrounded Trixie and she was lifted effortlessly off the ground. Red Velvet looked back with a glowing horn. “We will.” “Good luck finding yourself… always seek the truth, Trixie,” Starfire said.  Starfire faced the deep one threat and popped her neck. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good fight.” Red Velvet began trotting away, into the snow and the open and cold environment. Trixie was dragged along for the ride as she floated in the air. All she could do was watch. Starfire’s horn lit up, her mane became a blaze of fiery wrath. She shook her body violently and Trixie watched as two flaming wings sprouted from the mare’s back burning through the cloak. Fire began pouring freely from her horn, consuming the deep ones in its path as she screamed, “I am the Princess of Fire, the Guardian Heart, and she whom makes the sunset shimmer! You think you can stop me? Well you’re wrong! Not even Twilight Sparkle could stop me!” The last thing Trixie saw was Wind Rider taking flight over Starfire’s flamethrower and a bright flash. After that the exit collapsed and all Trixie could see was the cold around her. Snow whipped about them violently and Trixie screamed as loudly as her lungs would let her. “Save your strength, Trixie. We still have to walk to Ash’s lair, and there’s a snowstorm about. We very well might freeze to death before reaching it,” Red Velvet warned. Trixie glared down at her. “Starfire is one of the Guardian Hearts, her destiny isn’t over yet. Not only can she use power beyond what you or I could believe, but her destiny is to inspire the next generation, her time cannot be over yet,” Red Velvet explained. Trixie opened her mouth to retort, but found no words to say. She wanted to go back and help Starfire, but there was nothing that she could do now. They had just left their allies to die, her new friend. Even if it hurt, she realized that Starfire had put her faith into them. It was up to Trixie to make sure that her sacrifice wasn’t in vain. Ash was going to pay for this, he was going to die. *** Pain shot through Trixie’s chest as she rolled over and off the bed. Normally her hooves would have caught her, and she would have been able to stand. Usually she wasn’t suffering from injuries. She stumbled and began to fall. If it wasn’t for Maud catching her, she would have landed on the floor, hard. Instead she just limped against Maud, tried her best not to cry and slowly stood up again. This time she held her weight and walked, with slow, deliberate movements. She had rested long enough. Maud only watched with worry clear in her eyes, the rest of her face however had returned to the stoic rock like nature that Trixie found so endearing. It gave Trixie a sort of strength seeing her lover stand tall and strong against any hardships. Seeing her break down like she had… that was difficult. If Maud can be strong, so can I. A simple enough task for Trixie, even injured. Valiant walked one on side of Trixie, Maud on the other. Should she start falling, she was determined to aim toward Maud, the filly obviously couldn’t catch her, even if she tried. After getting a drink of water from downstairs she realized where she was, this was an inn. The bottom floor was filled with injured ponies. The cool water did wonders on her throat, and made breathing a little less painful. The image of Elizabat slowly looking at the fallen pony with a tearful eye flashed before her.  These ponies were caught completely off guard for such an assault, and if it hadn’t been for Rainbow Dash’s suicidal attack on the ice dragon, the village would have been lost. Trixie had a lot of questions about this situation, but since the danger was past she decided to try and take things slowly. As one of the royal authority’s she was given a task. She could have whined and moaned about it while lying down in a depressed lump in her bed. Since this involved Rainbow Dash, she decided she’d at least get up long enough to help. Just outside Trixie found a carriage with two bat pony guards, stallions, ready to pull it at her word. It took a little help from Maud, but she got on. Valiant was next, followed by Maud. With a nod, the guards took off toward the mansion that Trixie had seen earlier. The densest part of the town surrounded the mansion. Old dirt roads lead up to it from a few different angles. As Trixie passed various businesses she saw a slight increase in the wealth. They passed by a few wealthy looking homes, though they did not have the largest of yards, she glimpsed inside their windows and saw the exquisite furniture and servants. So the rich ponies all live closest to the mansion. Figures. To call this thing she saw a mansion, was to call a diamond a hard piece of coal. That is to say that although it was an accurate description, it was wholly inappropriate. If Castles could be made of wood, this would have been it. Far as Trixie knew, castles could only be made out of stone, marble, or crystal. Essentially pretty things. Wood was not inherently pretty, but it was pleasant to look at. The courtyard was a virtual park in itself. As they pulled into the front, the stallions came to a halt. Maud got out, helped Valiant down, and then Trixie. the stallions stayed in wait as the trio walked up to the front steps where an old gray bat pony servant stood, his purple mane had long since grayed out and his orange eyes looked on with a pleasant, but studious look. “Princess Trixie Lulamoon, the lady Maud Pie, and lady Valiant Heart,” He said with a bow. “We have eagerly waiting for your appearance. I hope you do so enjoy what our little town can offer.” Trixie was taken aback by his words. First of all, I don’t deserve such respect. Second of all, Valiant Heart a lady? She’s a child, a stubborn, super intelligent, and eerily intuitive child, but a child none the less. Maud smiled. “Thank you.” Trixie stammered to keep up. “Y-yes, thank you for your hospitality. Forgive me my… surprise. I am still healing from my injuries.” “You did a brave thing for my people,” He said kindly. “You would be forgiven a great many things for your bravery. If you would, please follow me. I shall take you straight to the Princess.” He led them into the mansion, and Trixie marveled at the inside. The lobby alone was enough to make Valiant Heart gasp. The halls were filled with servants; the bat pony maids had an exotic and dangerous, yet somehow friendly look in their eyes. Trixie nearly keeled over when she saw one lick her lips while staring at her. Maud took note of that and gave the pony a stare that sent chills down Trixie’s spine. The mare quickly vanished. They followed the servant all the way to a large study where Princess Luna was sitting in wait with a box of donuts by her side, a cup of coffee and a letter held aloft by her bright aura. Once inside the room, the princess spoke, “Please leave us alone. Tis a private matter that I wish to discuss.” The stallion closed the doors behind himself as he left. Princess Luna laid the letter down and smiled at Trixie. “Please, take a seat. All of you.” They did just that, and Trixie couldn’t help but to ask, “Are we really knighting Rainbow Dash?” For a brief second her smile faltered, she fixed it and tried to smile more. It looked like a real smile, but Trixie got the sense that she wasn’t happy. “Does this bother you?” “Not… really. I’m just a bit confused by this. I mean, I know a little bit about this stuff but not as much as I’d like to, as much as I should,” Trixie admitted. “After Rainbow Dash’s assault on the dragon, the town has grown in favor of her,” Luna said. “I was not the one who suggested the idea of knighting her. All I wanted to do was give her a larger role in Equestria.” “Like what?” “I wanted to make her captain of her own team, a team that I’ve wanted to build for awhile now. I would call them the Shadowbolts,” Luna said. “They would be like the Wonderbolts, of the night.” Trixie relaxed in her chair. Spied the open donut box and attempted to grab one via magic. Fire flared up inside her horn, and a few sparks flew from the top. She gave a sharp yelp of pain and surprise. “Did you want one?” Luna asked as she shoved the box over to her side of the table. “Go ahead, take as many as you like. I have three more boxes of them.” Trixie looked down and picked one up with her hooves. Valiant tried to grab at the box, and Trixie hoofed her one of the donuts. The smile the filly gave her lit up the entire room. Luna smiled at the filly, this time Trixie knew it was real. “I am sorry about your horn. It should recover in a few days, no?” Trixie nodded. “A few days rest and I’ll be using magic again. I’ll be okay, I went a year without being able to lift a pencil, a few days is nothing.” “Again, thank you for your service. I must admit that I had my doubts as to whether you could handle such responsibility, but now I am certain that you will make a fine princess,” Luna said. She was quiet a moment before asking, “So let me ask you. Do you think that Rainbow Dash would make a good knight?” “She’s already fought dozens of monsters in Equestria’s name, fought unwinnable odds and even made a few valiant sacrifices,” Trixie said. Valiant’s ear twitched at hearing her name, even if by accident. “But she can be so arrogant, selfish and rude. I dare say that she is one of the rudest ponies I have ever met,” Luna said. “When she’s not doing that though, she is a competent pony. I’ve seen her risk her life to defend those around her, and even if she knew she couldn’t win she put everything on the line to save me. On a few occasions,” Trixie said. “She’s broken the laws of our land, on a number of occasions,” Luna said. “She’s not perfect,” Trixie admitted. “Just like anypony she can go a little crazy, and make mistakes. When things get tough though, that’s when her true strength shines. I have never seen her run away from something if somepony was in danger. Putting her in charge of a team, one that can help defend Equestria from threats, especially if they are threats that the Wonderbolts might be too… shiny to touch. It would be a good idea.” “Shiny?” Luna asked. “You know, because they spend so much of their time in the light. They don’t know anything about darkness, or the night. There are things they would not be able to handle because of that. Rainbow Dash on the other hoof is more than capable of doing those things. She is more likely to break the rules, but I don’t think that it’s always a bad thing,” Trixie said. “She’s probably the only one other than Twilight who could do some real good for the country… so long as somepony is keeping an eye on her.” “That job would go to me,” Luna said. “But do you think that this… free spirit of hers hurts her position for knighthood?” Why is does she sound so stuck on the idea of Rainbow being a knight? Trixie eyed Luna. “Why are you asking me?” “Because the laws state that two princesses must agree on the subject of a pony becoming a knight. One of the old laws from when me and my dear sister ruled Equestria as near equals,” Luna explained. “I have already made my choice, I am simply interested in what you would say.” That sounded an awful lot like she decided against Rainbow Dash’s knighthood. Well that sucks for her, but if I have to give her an answer I do have one. “I think that if anypony I have ever met should become a knight, Rainbow Dash would be it. I fully support her for knighthood,” Trixie said. For a long moment Luna simply stared into Trixie’s eyes. Her expression serious and her muscles tight. Trixie was almost certain that Luna was not pleased by her decision, and was trying to intimidate her to change her mind, Trixie however refused to budge. Rainbow Dash deserved it as far as she cared. Luna relaxed. “That’s wonderful! I had already decided that she should become one. I just needed your confirmation in order to push it forward. Both Celestia and Twilight have decided against this in the past, and Cadence no longer has any say in such things as she is ruler of her own land. Thank you, Trixie.” A smile grew over Trixie’s lips. “It’s no problem. If I can see my friend get something in return for all the suffering she’s taken for me, than its well worth any amount of trouble.” Trixie thought for a moment and added, “May I ask as to why Celestia and Twilight disapproved of her?” “With my sister there are two problems that she sees, Rainbow Dash is too young, and she has a criminal record. Some of which is unofficial, but we know of what she’s done. You know, things that could get the pegasus into serious trouble, but the kind that Twilight has sacrificed much to save her from,” Luna said. “And Twilight?” “Twilight does not believe Rainbow Dash is ready for such a position. Perhaps because it was Twilight who has… covered up some of Rainbow Dash’s larger mistakes. Perhaps because she only sees a friend where I see a champion. My distance from the Rainbow mare has given me an outlook that Twilight might never be able to see. Oddly enough, the same closeness that you share with Rainbow Dash has given you the chance to realize that she has earned it as well,” Luna said. “That’s… I mean shouldn’t Twilight have gone to seek an outside opinion about whether Rainbow Dash should be knighted?” Trixie asked. “Oh of course, but she went to her mentor for such a thing,” Luna said. Trixie let out a sigh. “Of course she would… and Celestia already said no.” “Don’t frown my dear. Today is a joyous occasion, for today Rainbow Dash shall be knighted. I have the perfect title as well, The Knight of Rainbows!” Luna said excitedly. Trixie smiled a little. “Well at least we know she’ll love it.” Luna stood up from her seat and quickly trotted to the door. “I shall begin preparations immediately. This morning we make history, together.” Then she was gone out the door. However she left the letter behind, and the little cat inside Trixie thought to take a look. She scooted over to the letter picked it up and began to read in silence. Ignoring the looks from Maud and Valiant was hard, but she knew Maud would stick up for her, and Valiant would never say a word about it. “Princess Luna, My dear sister I am troubled to hear that you were attacked on your holiday. We do have more pressing concerns. It wasn’t just your village which was attacked. Several townships and cities were attacked; we are still receiving reports on the matter. Twilight and I are going to investigate this matter right away, but please be careful. Keep an eye on our newest princess, she may very well be in danger knowing who the windigo general is. Your dearest sister, Sol.” “Sol?” Trixie said quietly. A cough alerted Trixie to the dark blue alicorn standing at the doorway. “Yes, that is what my sister calls herself in letters to me. Perhaps you understand the concept of a nickname as well as you do privacy?” “He he,” Trixie said. She mentally began shoving a cat into a potato sack. “So uh… how’s that whether? Crazy huh?” *** It was awkward to say the least, but after getting caught snooping through Luna’s mail, refusing a request from the night princess was a very bad idea. Friend or no, she did not trust the mare to not give her nightmares for a week as revenge. Her head was messed up enough, no point in making it worse. Speaking of messed up heads, she also disliked her new and too short mane cut. She felt a bit butch. That was supposed to be Maud’s role in the relationship. Trixie stood on the podium along with Princess Luna, far too short mane and all. In between them stood the smiling Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash faced them, but seemed to have no idea what was going on. The crowd surrounding the podium seemed more enlightened then her. Luna cleared her voice and then in a voice which rang forth like a roaring storm she announced, “Rainbow Dash, for your bravery I am here to offer you this kingdoms highest honor. You have repeatedly put yourself in the line of fire for the lives of your friends and the well being of Equestria. You have faced off against forces of Discord, Kind Sombra and even Lord Tirek. For these acts plus many more, I alongside Princess Trixie have decided to bestow upon thy, knighthood. Kneel, my beloved subject.” Rainbow Dash looked surprised, but she knelt before them. A dark purple blade appeared from… somewhere behind Luna. Trixie honestly had no idea where the sword came from, the only thing that was behind Luna was her own rear end… and they said Trixie was a stage magician. Next time it’s going to be a darned sofa. Come one, come all and witness the greatest magic trick in all of Equestria; the magical butt sofa. Held aloft in Luna’s glow, the sword pointed forward with a sudden quickness and softly tapped against each one of Rainbow Dash’s shoulders. “I dub thy, Rainbow Dash, the Knight of Rainbows. Sir Rainbow Dash, you may now rise,” Luna said with great authority. With Rainbow Dash’s head raised, Trixie saw something she never expected. The watery violet eyes stared forward with pride, determination, and a something a bit softer. Although she didn’t cry, Trixie could easily see just how affected Rainbow Dash was, and she could sense it. A sense of pride and honor so deep that it nearly made Trixie want to cry with her. The only thing that could possibly top this for Rainbow Dash would be becoming the leader of the Wonderbolts. Trixie didn’t mean to, but the thought was so powerful it must have reached out and touch her mind. Trixie heard Rainbow Dash’s thoughts, and that was the thing that made tears flow down Trixie’s face. “I hope you’re watching dad, I hope you’re proud.” “Lulu,” Maud whispered quietly from behind Trixie. “Are you okay?” Trixie nodded but stayed silent. She wiped a hoof across her face and dried the tears. If there was nothing else she could relate to with Rainbow Dash, that one thought was it. Trying to make one’s long passed father proud. This went one step further in helping Trixie understand just who Rainbow Dash was. “Thank you,” Rainbow Dash said, her voice choked for a second. She cleared her throat and finished with clarity, “Princess Luna, this honor is… I don’t deserve it. So thank you.” Luna smiled. “You do deserve it.” Trixie nodded. “She’s right, you do.” Maude cleared her throat and in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper she added, “Rainbow Blaze would be proud.” A few tears rolled down Rainbow Dash’s cheek at the words and she bit her lip. Rainbow Dash bowed quickly one more time and Luna bowed back, along with Trixie. When Luna rose, her voice rang out clear and loud for all to hear. “All rise for Sir Rainbow Dash.” The crowed rose tall, and a wave of energy washed over Trixie. Bright, colorful pride filled the area. Each of these ponies not only respected and honored anything Princess Luna said or did, but it would seem that Rainbow Dash had earned a similar kind of fellowship from them. “You two are nightkin now,” Luna said quietly. “You better treat your bat pony brothers and sisters well. You’ve both earned their respect, and trust me when I tell you that it is quite difficult to do that.” Trixie nodded in understanding. These ponies were nice and friendly, but that did not mean that they trusted outsiders. By fighting at their side during the battle, not only did they earn their respect, they earned their kinship. To them, both Trixie and Rainbow Dash were bat ponies, at least in spirit. Trixie would never forget this moment.