Shadow, Love and Pride

XXIII

Compassion and its Reward

“Are we ready to go deputies?” Kido came downstairs dressed in his patrol clothes. It was very much like his usual way of dress. Red boots, casual jeans, long sleeve black shirt, red gloves (that contained hidden blades each) and ever since his birthday he is wearing the piece of cloth given to him by Derpy across his scar. He was holding a box. “Bellz, this is for you my dear?”

“What is it?” She got close.

“Your badge. I give to you the tittle Assistant Deputy Guard.” From the box he took out a white six corner star and clipped it over Bellz's heart.

“But... I don't understand... You trust me?” Bellz was dumbstruck.

“I do. Bellz you may not realize it yourself but you can do so much good for the world and all it's inhabitants.”

“But you don't know me. I attacked your town, your friends, you don't know who I am. How are you even sure I'm not just a spy?” Bellz felt frustrated.

“I don't have any certainties. But I have faith.” He placed his hands on Bellz shoulders. “I have faith in you.” Bellz couldn't look him in the eye. This was the same wolf that was just acting like a fool a few minutes ago, the same wolf who wouldn't hesitate to make a joke if it meant to make those around him happy. Yet now acts like a forgiving and wise father. He let go of her and made for the door.

“Derpy are you packed?” Kido looked to Derpy.

“Yep.” Derpy walked out as her boss opened the door. He then looked to Bellz.

“Are you coming Bellz?”

“Me?” Bellz asked.

“Yes, as a guard you must take patrols, our office hours are done.”

“But boss I attacked the town, the residents will despise me, hate me even.”

“Bellz you are the one who asked for a different life. I did not say it was easy. You must face those you have hurt. Face them with compassion and understanding.”

“But what if they still hate me?”

“Give them time. Endure the looks. Endure the insults. True strength does not come from the power of your muscles or that of your magic, even less by your ability to kill. True strength comes from the will to make the right choices.”

Bellz reluctantly exited the station. Derpy looked at her confused.

“I thought sunlight was bad for you?” Derpy asked.

“Fuck no. I'm no faggy vampire, I'm a bat. And I don't sparkle either.” Bellz answered.

“OH CELESTIA!!! SOMEPONY CALL THE GUARD!!!” Bon Bon yelled when she saw Bellz.

“I'm here good citizen.” Kido casually said as he finished closing the door.

“The bat is back!” Lyra who was next to her yelled.

“Indeed she is.” Kido now spoke to the surrounding ponies and pointed at Bellz. “Bellz here has surrendered herself to the guard and to pay off the damages she has done, she will serve the town of Ponyville.”

“What in tarnation? You're trusting that monster? I trust you Kido but this is too much!” Applejack arrived from the crowd forming. She pushed Applebloom behind her.

“Say that to my face you B...!” Kido raised his hand to silence Bellz. She calmed down.

“Applejack my dear. Bellz wishes to do what's right and face her sins, offer her that chance as you did for me.”  Kido said to his friend.

“This is too much, she should be locked up!” Applejack remained firm.

“YEAH!!!” The crowd started demanding Bellz's head.

Bellz felt angry and frustrated she wanted to claw her way out of the situation. She was just about to when...

“Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone!” Kido yelled to the crowd with some anger in his voice. “I asked this forsaken spirit to sin no more and seek redemption for her past. She has... and she's here to humbly ask for your blessing and a chance. Doesn't she, like everypony here, deserve a second chance!? Speak now or shun me as well!” Kido picked up a stone and threw it slowly at Applejack's hooves, he then walked in front of Bellz as a sign that he will protect her.

Applejack frowned and went on her way, the rest of the crowd followed. Bellz and Derpy couldn't believe her eyes.

“Shall we go now my friends?” Kido looked to them as if nothing happened and smiled.

“Wolfboss... where did that come from?” Derpy asked.

“Remember the book I told you about? The one where it says to “Love your enemies”. The little speech I just gave was from that same book.”

“Sounds like a good book.”

“Yes my dear it is. Now come along we have a town to protect.” He looked to Bellz. She followed quietly.

They went to their first complaint of the day, a jewelery store that had been robbed. The owner, a sophisticated looking unicorn, was outside hammering planks of wood over the broken window.

“Greetings... Mister Craft?” Kido asked politely. “Derpy you know what to do.” Derpy took out her notebook to write.

“Yes, thank you for coming...” He looked at the mysterious bat next to the wolf. “I take it this is the new recruit that's caused all the fuss.”

“Indeed she is. You've heard about that?”

“Whole town heard of it in less that two minutes. Hear you can give quite a speech too?... I'm not one to judge.” He looked to Bellz. “Miss the night you came you broke my windows. Last night a good for nothing stole one of my most priced pieces. You get me my piece back, you're okay on my book.”

“You are most kind, and Deputy Bellz will of course help. So this thief went directly for this piece and nothing else?”

“Left everything untouched except for that one piece and my window. It was one of a kind, a solid gold flower, an antique that a prince many years ago wore trying to enchant our very own Princess Celestia into being his bride, he failed of course. But it is still a piece of history and rich ponies love antiques with a story. Darn thief broke in using a rock.”

“Do you still have this rock?”

“Right there.” Mister Craft then brought to Kido's attention a single rock next to the broken window. Kido walked to it and picked it up to smell it. “By the Goddess.”

“Caught the thieves sent boss?” Called out Bellz.

“Yes, I recognize it. Lets move before he makes his next move. Bellz before we go...” He whispered something in her ear. Bellz walked to Mister Craft.

“Mister Craft. I'd like to thank you for the chance to aid you and your fair business. I will do my best to return your property.” Bellz said humbly.

“Well I guess as long as you don't attack the town again and keep your nose clean, you'll be fine young lady.” Mister Craft answered.

The three guards went on their way to the thieves home. Kido got on all fours and sprinted, the girls had to start flying to keep up. They arrived at a humble looking home. Kido took a deep breath and knocked on the door, the girls at each of his sides. A teenage brown color male earth pony answered the door.

“Oh hey Guard Badtower. What's up?” Said the teenager.

“Don't flatter me Sneaky. You know why I'm here.” He presented Sneaky the rock from the crime scene. “You stole before and I went easy on you.”

“Hey you can't prove anything.” Sneaky became defensive.

“Like hell he can. This rock has your sent and so does the store.” Bellz reacted. Kido lifted a hand, Bellz calmed down.

“Okay fine!” Sneaky went inside and from his back pack revealed he is in illegal possession of the gold flower and he handed it to Kido. “Deputy Derpy file this as evidence.”

“So what now? I keep doing community service for a longer time?” Sneaky said in a confident manner.

“I'm afraid not young pony. You committed breaking and entering, burglary, both in the first degree, and broke the terms of your probation. It is out of my hands now. You are hereby under arrest and will be judged in a court of law. Deputy Bellz if you please, as I taught you. Nice and easy.” Kido said.

“Wait! No I can't go to jail! MOM! DAD!” He yelled as Bellz started to chain his hooves.

“Don't make me charge you with resisting arrest!” Said Bellz as she stood.

Two concerned looking ponies arrived at the door. Sneaky's parents, the father holding a shotgun.

“What are you doing to my baby you monster!?” Yelled the mother.

“Let go before I blow you to kingdom come!” The father aimed the shotgun at his sons arresting guard.

“Sirs your son is under arrest. If you intervene there will be consequences.” Kido said standing in the shotguns way. The father dropped the gun.

“But guard... he's been doing his community service. He's been a good boy.” Cried the mother.

“Mam, Sneaky broke into a local jewelery last night, he will now have to face a court of law. You may tomorrow come to the station, post his bail and receive his court date to support him.”

“WHY YOU LITTLE SHIT!!!” The father yelled in rage at his son. “We supported you. Gave you everything! I begged the guard to go easy on you!” Tears were now in his eyes. “Maybe jail will straighten you out.” The father looked to Kido. “Guard, do your job.” and with that he picked up his gun and went inside his home.

“NO! Please don't take my baby!” The mother panicked.

Kido did feel remorse for making the caring mother suffer. But her son was a repeat offender, he had no choice. He signaled his Deputies to follow him. Bellz nudged Sneaky to walk.

“Mom! Please! I'll be good!” Sneaky yelled to deaf ears.

Sneaky tried to fight a couple of times on the way to the station but eventually they arrived. It was five thirty in the afternoon. Bellz was coming out of the holding area to the lobby.

“You tired Deputy?” Kido asked from his desk. Derpy was at her own organizing the case file.

“Hell no! Just pondering somethings is all.” Bellz said.

“Have a seat and share.” Kido pointed to the chair in front of his desk. Bellz sat.

“Well you arrested a boy for burglary today, but you gave me community service for attacking the town. What's up with that?” Bellz asked.

“Two different cases my dear. You see, I think of the first offense, well as long as it isn't a violent crime, as a freebie. I give the offender the chance to ask for forgiveness and redeem him or herself. Sneaky was a repeat offender. He didn't regret what he had done and did not appreciate the chance I gave him, he took advantage of the mercy I demonstrated when I was moved by his fathers dedication to help his son.”

“But my crime WAS violent.”

“But you regretted your actions and apologized to Twilight. By Twilight not pressing charges, your punishment was up to me and not a court of law.”

“So Twilight helped me out more than I realized.” Bellz made a sad expression.

“She did Bellz. Don't throw this opportunity away. Embrace it and do the best you can.”

“I will boss. Hey what if nopony appreciates my efforts what if they continue to hate me? What's the benefit of being good then?” Kido then stood.

“The righteous path is not a simple one. Find happiness in compassion, you will realize it's reward in time... Well it should be six soon. I must be off.” He started to make for the door.

“Another case?”

“No. Going to visit a friend. You guys keep everything under control. I'll be back soon.” He left.

“Where's he going?” Bellz asked Derpy. She was still working.

“Wolfboss visits the children in the psychiatric area of the hospital everyday...” Derpy continued to tell Bellz about the case against Filthy Rich.

“And ponies call me a Monster. I've hurt others before. But your own daughter?” Bellz said.

“I don't think you're a monster Bellz.” Derpy closed the cabinet and sat back down.

“Really?”

“I do however think your a slut.”

“Why you little b...”

“HELP! HELP! HELP!” The Mayor came in screaming. There was a crowd of ponies behind her.

“What happened!?” Both Deputies asked at the same time.

“City hall is on fire! Children are inside! Firefighters can't get to them!” Mayor was in such panic she didn't notice or mind Bellz.

“Were on our way! Lets go Deputy!” Bellz quickly took action.

“Shouldn't we call Wolfboss?” Derpy asked.

“The fire will spread!” They ran out the door and took flight. From just a few feet in the air the huge fire was visible. Bellz started sucking up as much air as she could.

“What are you doing?” Derpy asked.

“WULD NAH KEST!!!” Bellz shouted. In front of Derpy's eyes the bat disappeared.

The ponies watching the burning building all heard a sudden whistle getting closer when... BOOM!!!

Bellz hit the floor causing a small crater, she quickly got up and approached the fire fighters. One was pumping the device that made the hoses squirt water with high pressure. Two others were handling them. The captain was planning and giving orders. Nearby there was an ambulance with some ponies and fillies receiving attention. Bellz went to the captain.

“What's the situation on the children?” Bellz asked, the captain had heard the rumor about her. He saw her badge, she was legit.

“We got most of them out but one isn't accounted for...” He explained and was interrupted.

“SAVE MY LITTLE GIRL!!!” A female pony was yelling as two other ponies held her back.

“She the mother?” Bellz continued.

“Yes. We can't go in. If we're right she's right in the middle of it all... WAIT!!!” The captain tried to chase Bellz as she went inside running.

Bellz couldn't use her shouts. The place was crumbling around her as it is. Using her wings would cause the fires to spread more. She had no choice but to look the old fashion way. But she had one trick up her sleeve. Her supersonic hearing. She closed her eyes and started to scream in several directions waiting for the sound waves to bounce back. On a higher level she sensed a small figure, it could have been debris but she had to take the chance the particular shape was the filly.

She used her wings as an umbrella for the falling debris and later to reach the floor where she sensed the movement. The smoke was thick and was taking it's toll on her. Despite her healing ability this did not make her invincible, there is a limit and that limit is constant damage. Too much time in the smoke will end her. She tried her senses once again and was now certain of the location and made her way. It was a filing room. But she heard it among the chaos. A faint heartbeat. She made to grab the little filly, cradled her in her arms and covered her with her wings. She ran for the window. She couldn't shout, the smoke had deteriorated her lungs. No choice.

As the building was falling, Bellz jumped out crashing through debris, she fell from a third floor and at the last second she opened her wings and safely landed, she quickly ran to the ambulance to have the filly treated. The medics took the filly and laid her on a transport bed giving her oxygen. But the medic touched her neck and then he shook his head. The other medic removed the oxygen mask.

“NO YOU FUCKERS!!! She has a heartbeat!” Bellz yelled and approached the lifeless filly.

“She has no pulse, she's de...!” Tried to respond the medic.

“FUCK YOU!” She then pushed the medic aside taking the oxygen mask from the ambulance and placing it on the filly. “Give me the epinephrine, point five CC's!”

“There's nothing we can...” Tried the medic again.

“I'll find it myself!” She looked hectically for the syringe she needed. She found it and injected one of the fillies legs with a very small dose. The heart started beating faster. She heard the mother's yells behind her. From the corner of her eye she saw a small group trying to take her by surprise. “GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!!” The ponies ran off in fear. She touched the fillies neck, a light pulse. But still wasn't breathing well. She started CPR. “BREATHE!!! I ORDER YOU TO BREATH!!!” She practically punched the little filly in the chest.

The filly gasped for air, coughing as she did. Bellz felt relieved. The mother fought the two ponies holding her, they were distracted by the filly that escaped death's grip. Bellz backed up to give them some space.

“Mommy?” The little filly said weakly as her mother held her.

In that precise moment Bellz realized everything Kido tried to teach her about the reward in helping others. All her life, fighting and risking ones own life was a means of conquering and gaining power. She's never risked her own life to save another living being before. Bellz didn't know what came over her when she received the news that children needed help, it felt like instinct to help. But seeing the mother who had lost all hope, reunited with a loved one, made it all worth it. If she was arrested for disobeying the fire fighters and the medics, she wouldn't care. Derpy put a hoof on Bellz's back and smiled, she smiled back. It was a job well done.

Kido arrived and was approached by the chief of the medics and fire fighters. Bellz over heard them telling her boss how she disobeyed direct orders putting her life in danger running into the building and then treating the filly.

“Don't worry Bellz. You did the right thing. You gonna check yourself for the burns?” Derpy assured her new friend noticing she was covered in severe burns.

“Tell that to the bureaucracy. And these will just heal soon, I'm fine.” Bellz felt defeated. And was now feeling worse when she saw Kido come closer with a serious look on his face.

“Boss I'm so sorry.” Bellz said. She stayed quiet for a few seconds and then turned angry. “You know what? Fuck you! I'm not sorry. Fuck the rules and Fuck protocol. I saved that little girl. If you're gonna arrest me, I regret nothing.” She began to sob, tears in her eyes. “It was worth it. I couldn't let that little girl die...”

Kido hugged her tightly. He caught Bellz by surprise. Derpy just smiled expecting this. He then let go still leaving his hands on her shoulders looking at her in the eyes. Kido had the type of smile a father would have when speaking to a daughter.

“I am so proud of you.”