Shadow, Love and Pride

XVI

Innocent Guilt

“You can't do this. My family found this town. I'M FILTHY RICH!!!” Protested Filthy. Kido escorted the abusive father to the holding cell. He had to practically push him in.

“Sir you have the right to remain silent and by the Goddess please use it.” Said Kido as he locked the gate. Filthy kept yelling, which made Kido glad he took the time to make the holding area sound proof. There were no windows and to escape it will take nothing short of a massive explosion to break the walls or industrial power tools to break the bars. Princess Luna aided in the construction providing the resources. At the far corner there was a snow cloud, that Kido tapped to get it blowing, it functioned as an Air Conditioner. Kido then walked to the door and locked it behind him, ignoring the abuser's yells. Kido then went to Derpy.

“What now Wolfboss?” The young deputy asked.

Kido sighed. “The notes please.” Derpy quickly handed her notebook over. Kido then read quickly. “Good job deputy, nicely detailed, this will be vital to our case. No comic book this time.” He handed the notebook back to Derpy, she grabbed it put it away. “All right, our next step is to gather evidence. Due to our culprit's financial situation and influence he will certainly weasel his way out somehow. So our notes and the child's testimony will not be enough to get a conviction.” He turned to Diamond Tiara who was still standing in the same spot crying. Kido wanted nothing more than to embrace her and tell her she is safe, but he feared the contact will be unwelcome and make her nervous. “Miss Tiara I will like to talk to your mother. Could you lead us to your home?”

Diamond turned. “Yes. I'd like to see mama.”

“Then we shall.” Kido looked to Derpy. “Deputy call us transport.” Derpy nodded and headed outside. He turned again to Diamond. “Come along, I'm right by your side.”

They exited the station, Kido locked the door behind him. Derpy called a taxi. The three mounted and Diamond told the stallion pulling the address. They were on their way. Diamond rested her head on her protectors arm. Kido took the risk and placed his arm around her like a father would, like a father should, to make his children feel safe. She wasn't crying anymore, she closed her eyes as if to sleep.

They arrived at the mansion. “Please wait for us, official guard business. If you'd like keep the meter running. Derpy her mother is a potential witness you know what to do. Miss Tiara...” Kido was surprised to find the little filly was asleep, it was only a ten minute ride. He lowered his voice to a whisper and shook her lightly. “Miss Tiara, were here, let's go see your mother.” The little one opened her eyes. Kido gave a smile. He became happy when Diamond smiled back. “Let's go.”

The three walked to the big door and Derpy knocked. After a about a minute a voice spoke from the inside. “Yes? Who is it?” Kido looked at Diamond.

“Mama it's me.” Diamond said. The door opened almost immediately.

“Diamond.” The mother, a gold colored mare with light brown hair embraced her daughter. She then saw her surroundings. “What happened?”

“Mama... I'm sorry. I went to the guard... I got daddy arrested.” She sank her head into her mothers chest. She didn't cry. Her mother brushed her mane comforting her daughter.

“No no no my little Diamond. You were scared. It's all my fault. I never should have let you get hurt. I'm the one that's sorry.” Tears were coming out of her eyes. She looked at the monster in front of her. “You must be guard Badtower, I saw you in the newspaper. What happens now?”

“The case is ongoing Misses...” He asked. He signaled to Derpy to start writting

“Amulet. Emerald Amulet.”

“Misses Amulet, first of all this isn't your fault, the guilty one is behind bars. But as I said, the case is ongoing. Your husband has been arrested on charges based on the testimony from Miss Tiara.”

“So he will be gone for good? We're safe.”

“I'm afraid it's more complicated. Filthy Rich is a very wealthy and influential business pony. Once at the Canterlot court, I'm certain he will find a way to escape justice.”

“What?... What can we do?”

“We must build a stronger case. You are also a victim.” Kido noticed the mare's injuries. A black eye and bruises around her neck. He also noticed that for such an enormous mansion there was no help. No maids, butlers, gardeners. “You and Miss Tiara are the key to this case.”

“Anything. I won't let my baby suffer again.”

“I'm going to need you both to come with me.” Kido turned and headed to the taxi. Derpy put away her things and followed. Emerald and Diamond soon followed after the mother closed the door. The four mounted the taxi.

“Driver to the hospital please.”

ZZZ

Twilight was at the library humming with a huge smile on her face. She had a book in front of her but she wasn't reading. Spike approached her and shook his claw in front of her face to get her attention. Nothing. He sighed and went to another room. He decided to give up. Twilight's been in this trance all day. The door slammed open.

“HEEEEEEEEEELLOOOO TWILIGHT!!!” Pinkie entered along with Rarity. Rarity wanted to say hello next but she noticed Twilight didn't even noticed them. The two friends shrugged shoulders at each other. Rarity then got closer.

“Hellooooo. Twilight dear.” Twilight finally noticed.

“Oh hey guys.” Twilight stood . “Didn't see you come in? What's up?” She had a smile that just wouldn't go away.

“You didn't notice Pinkie's... vibrant entrance?”

“No not at all.”

“Very well. Have you finished your chores? I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me along with Pinkie on a project of mine?”

“Oh I finished hours ago. I mean doesn't such a beautiful day like this just fill you with energy?” Twilight walked outside and took a deep breath. “I mean, just look at the sky and the birds.”

“Oooooooooooookay. Twilight are you all right?” Pinkie asked as she headed outside as well, as did Rarity.

“I'm just great.” Twilight looked at her friends smiling.

“TWILIGHT!!! What's wrong with you!?” Pinkie started shaking her friend frantically. Twilight just kept smiling not minding the shaking at all. “Were you poisoned? DON'T WALK TOWARDS THE LIGHT!?”

“No Pinkie, I just feel... Everything is just great.” Twilight got loose from Pinkie's grip.

“I know what's going on?” Rarity said smiling mischievously.

“Aliens?” Pinkie asked.

“Heavens no. Our little Twilight likes someone.” Rarity said.

Pinkie gasped heavily. “Twilight how dare you not tell us?” She said indignantly. “We're your best friends.”

“Now now. I'm sure that she'll tell us all about it on our way to the spa and during.” Rarity said.

“I thought we were going to help with a new dress your making?” Pinkie asked.

“But this is a special occasion.” Rarity claimed.

“Actually girls, I'd like to keep this to myself. At least for now. But I'm up for joining you at the spa.” Twilight said still smiling.

“But dear, how ever will we help?” Rarity asked.

“I'll be fine. Should we be on our way?”

ZZZ

It was dark now, the waiting room at the hospital was empty except for Kido and Derpy. Kido had his eyes closed waiting patiently. Derpy was reviewing her notes, this case was important to her, but she noticed her wolfboss was sweating and trembling.

“Wolfboss are you okay?”

“No my dear Derpy. I will talk to the doctor after this I promise.”

“Please do.” At that moment the hospital doors opened, it was the taxi driver. Kido stood to tend to him.

“Kind sir I apologize...”

“No need guard. I know you were helping that poor girl and her mother.” He sighed. “Terrible thing.”

“You suspected what was going on?”

“Yes, for some time actually. I'm such a coward. I would often drive Filthy Rich and his family to their elite social parties. I couldn't miss the miserable expressions on the ladies faces when they exited the house and on the drive. I once asked Misses Amulet about it, she told me to mind my own business, I then tried the Canterlot guard anonymously, nothing happened. Sure am glad you came along.”

“I understand. I'm sorry for abandoning you. How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing guard. If you ever need fast transport I'm your stallion. Quick Ride at your service”

“You are most kind Mister Ride. May I ask that you give a testimony about your past suspicions to aid our case?” Kido heard a door open, the doctor came out looking for him. “Wait here please.” He walked to Derpy. “Derpy, Mister Ride is a witness. Question him.” Derpy got up and followed her bosses orders. Kido then walked to the doctor. The doctor was a white unicorn mare.

“Guard Badtower. Per your request here's our report concerning the measure of the two patients injuries, what in my and another doctors professional opinion was the cause and also the psychiatric evaluations. All the reports are signed by the staff in charge and the victims so they may be used as evidence in your case. I was authorized by Misses Amulet to answer any further questions concerning the case.” She magically handed Kido a heavily tightly packed folder.

“Thank you. Doctor I'd like to hear it from you personally. What did you find?”

“The mother. Had many untreated injuries. She will be staying with us for a while, we must treat several cracked bones including some ribs that have yet to heal. I don't know where she gets the strength to even walk. A femur has severe swelling. She will be healthy enough to leave in less than a week but frankly I'm more worried about the emotional scars.”

“And the little one?”

The doctor heavily sighed. “Several untreated wounds including cracked bones as well. She's young they will heal in no time. But the worst...”

“By the Goddess no.” Kido was no medical professional but he has enough knowledge to know the consequences of a young little girl being penetrated, especially by force, by a full grown adult.

“She had internal bleeding in the area and we needed to do surgery. The procedure will likely leave her unable to bear children when she's an adult.”

Kido fought to keep his professionalism. “Thank you for your precious time doctor. I have something more to ask you. Personally.”

“Go on.”

“I'm a recovering alcoholic...”

“I thought as much. When did you quit?” The doctors trained eye noticed Kido's trembling and sweating as they talked.

“Last night. I need to be at my best to do my job doctor.”

“I won't judge, especially after what you've done for this town and that little girl. Just get clean and I won't have to report you. For now I'll give you a cocktail to fight the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. Give me a minute.” The doctor went back inside and came out in less than a few minutes with a small paper bag and a piece of paper. “There you go. The anti-depressant, take in the morning, it's to manage the symptoms during the day. The anti-psychotic, take right before you go to bed, so you can get a good nights rest. And this.”

The doctor handed the paper bag and paper to Kido. “Oh... AA meetings. Guess I'll come Sunday mornings. Thank you again doctor. Would be willing to take the witness stand in court.”

“Certainly. And thank you for helping our town.  And feel free to come to me with any questions. Also the ladies asked to see you, room 108, as I said they have to stay here till their injuries heal. The little one maybe more.”

“Psychiatric help. I understand. Would I be able to visit?”

“The mother will have to sign off on it. So I think I'll see you around.”

Kido placed the folder on a seat next to him and turned to Derpy who was sitting in the waiting room. “Deputy I'll be back soon, take this evidence and guard it.” Derpy saluted. He entered and looked for room 108. He entered.

“GUARD BADTOWER!!!” Diamond yelled happily. Kido noticed she wanted to jump off the bed so he hurried to her, sitting on a side of the bed.

“Miss Tiara, it's so good to see you smile. And you may call me Kido, we are friends.” Kido said.

“My name is Diamond. Will you visit me? They said I have to stay forever.” Diamond pouted. Kido looked towards her mother, who was also laid in a bed to see if she agreed. Emerald nodded smiling.

“Of course. I'll visit as often as I can.”

“You're crying.” She noticed tears in his left eye.

“Oh I'll be okay. You just get well, now rest little one.”

He tucked her into her bed. Diamond turned to her side and closed her eyes. They didn't know this, but Diamond wasn't able to sleep the past two nights. Kido got up and headed to the door and stopped in front of Emerald's bed. She was crying while looking at her daughter holding back her screams.

“Misses Amulet, It wasn't your fault. The guilt is not yours to bear.”