Shadow, Love and Pride

XXV

Evaluation Day

“I can't believe this, it's been a more than a week now and she won't talk to me.” Kido was pacing in the living quarters. It was Wednesday morning.

“Boss relax. She probably has stuff going on.” Bellz said from her hammock, trying to comfort him, but she knew all too well what happened. Kido was too emotional to notice his girlfriends scent coming from the station door that night when he told Bellz about his dark past. But Bellz knew she heard. She was beating herself up over it, for not stopping Kido from telling his story.

“Bellz if that were true she'd tell me. She would always ask to come over here, or ask me to go over there even if it was just for a few minutes just to see each other. What happened?”

“Boss we really don't have time for this. We all have to get dressed in our fancy get ups for our evaluation... Well except for Derpy... she's always naked.” She looked over to Derpy putting on a small guard vest on. “Right sexy?”

“Don't look you perv.” Derpy said.

“Why do ponies look more naughty with clothes on. I don't get it. Hey Derpy I want you to put a volleyball uniform on.”

“Leave me alone. And get dressed, Wolfboss had Rarity make you a uniform like his.”

“I'm going. I'm going. Boss you too, our ride will be here soon.” Derpy looked to a still pacing Kido.

“Bellz you don't understand, I wanted Twilight and her friends support on this.” Kido said.

“We'll be fine. We got results and efficiency on our side. We solved some cases this week, and were still working that arson on city hall. Why haven't we made any progress on that by the way?” Bellz asked.

“Bellz I thought I made that clear. I already know who caused it. And it's the same reason I haven't made any progress on finding Blueberry's mother. I don't have access to the Canterlot prison.”

“I remember you mentioned the guy who did it is behind bars already.” Bellz started taking off her clothes in the middle of the room, Derpy was surprised but remained silent and looked away. Kido had his back turned.

“Yes. That's why I need today to go perfectly. We will be in front of the most powerful ponies in Equestria, presenting our worth as part of the Guard. Bellz don't misunderstand, I like having you here, but I lost some points by allowing you to work here... GODDAMMIT!!!” Kido turned around and saw Bellz naked.

“What?” Bellz casually asked.

“Bellz your naked.” Derpy stated.

“But you're always naked.” Bellz argued.

“It's not the same. You...” Derpy got shy all of a sudden.

“Come on. It's no big deal. See? Tiny boobies. I can't even make 'em jiggle.” Bellz held her A cups in her hands and started bouncing.

“I”LL BE GETTING READY IN THE BATHROOM!” Kido took his clothes from his wardrobe and locked himself in the bathroom.

Derpy and Bellz headed downstairs and waited for their boss to get ready. Derpy was wearing a simple vest with the white six sided star symbol in the front. Bellz was wearing a formal military uniform similar in appearance to Kido's, except it was adapted to her feminine figure and smaller, since she's a foot smaller than her boss. They heard foot steps coming down the stairs.

“About time... “ She stopped when she saw her boss dressed in his uniform and his usual red cloth covering the scar over his right eye. She had known him for several days now, and they even lived together. But seeing him dressed like this, looking so proud in his uniform, it made her blush.

“I'm sorry. I had to do to the final stitching on these.” Kido pointed to some stripes he added to the side of the sleeves in his arm. “Did our ride arrive?”

“Nope.” Derpy answered.

“Bellz?... Is there something wrong my dear?” Kido asked the still speechless Bellz.

“What...? No... Just... you need to straighten the neck.” Bellz approached to adjust her boss's neck. She had never been this close to him before, nor has he ever allowed her to get this close. Bellz trusted him but she felt he always kept her at a distance. “There.”

“Thank you...” He paused and lowered his voice. “Bellz I never thanked you for that night.”

“You don't have anything to thank me for.” She lowered her voice. She also didn't notice her hands were still around his neck.

“Despite knowing what I've done...” He stopped for a second. “You've been good to me.”

“Well if you're really grateful maybe we should...” Bellz said teasingly but was interrupted by the sound of incoming trumpets.

“There is our ride. Lets go deputies.” Derpy and Kido rushed out the door. Bellz was left alone in the lobby.

“Fuck.”

The three mounted a flying carriage and were on their way. The trip seemed short due to how they had one of their usual controversial conversations where they end up cussing at each other. They soon arrived at Canterlot and headed directly to the court room where they will be, by all means, judged. Kido stopped his friends at the door and faced them.

“Before we go inside. I'd like to say it has been an honor to aid Ponyville along side you both. Derpy, you went beyond anything anypony could expect of you... Bellz, despite all the disdain, you chose the righteous path. I'm very proud of you both.” Kido said placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Boss nothings gonna happen, so stop the drama.” Bellz said.

“The slut is right wolfboss. We'll  be back to protecting Ponyville in no time.” Derpy said smiling.

“Who are you calling a slut...?” Bellz was interrupted.

“Girls today could determine if we remain as part of the Guard... Worst case scenario Bellz and I could be exiled, maybe more.” Kido said nervously.

“Hey you're the one who taught us to always have hope.” Bellz said in confidence.

“No hope, no future.” Derpy said. Kido calmed down and smiled.

“Very true my friends. We shall face this head on.” Kido then turned to the door and pushed it open.

Inside they witnessed an enormous round room beautifully decorated. It was a house of representatives and politicians. As the three young guards made their way to the middle, the ponies surrounding them stared. They reached the middle and stood in a circle. All around them there were ponies sitting in wooden benches as if they were about to watch a sporting event. Kido faced his judges in front of him with his friends at his sides.

They now faced a podium with desks at its sides. Princess Celestia stood at top of the podium. Princess Luna and Princess Mi Amore Candenza at Celestia's sides. At the further edges of the tables stood Captain Shinning Armor, on the other an elder pony, General Knight. These were the five most influential beings in Equestria and they took the time to personally handle this evaluation. The room suddenly turned silent as Princess Celestia began the proceedings. Everypony present bowed in respect to the princess, except for Kido, Bellz and surprisingly Derpy as well. The three limited themselves to lightly bowing their heads.

“Before we begin, I'd like to thank everypony for participating in this evaluation. The purpose of this meeting is to address the great concern towards the decision to allow a none pony, a werewolf to be exact, into the guard. I would like to point out that the decision to welcome Private Badtower into our ranks was not mine alone. Princess Luna supported my recommendation as did Captain Sinning Armor. The five of us will ask our individual questions by order, to which Private Badtower and his associates will answer and if need be defend themselves. When this process is done, we will cast a vote based on the information presented today on what will be the next course of action. General Knight, you expressed you wished to begin.”

The aged pony cleared his throat. “Certainly your highness. I would like to first point out the arrogance displayed by Private Badtower and his associates by not displaying the proper respect deserved by our honorable princess by bowing on at least one knee. What say you private?” General Knight pointed a hoof at Kido.

“We have the greatest of respect for Princess Celestia. Us three simply have a different opinion on what she represents.” Kido calmly answered.

“Explain yourself.” The general pushed.

“Princess Celestia is viewed by ponies as a Goddess. Therefor they bow. To us three she a figure of authority, one to be respected indeed and who also very much does deserves our respect, but not a Goddess. I personally believe in the Wolf Goddess Lupus Mater. Assistant Deputy Guard Derpy is studying theology as she is for now uncertain on what to believe is the truth of the universe. Assistant Deputy Guard Bellz believes in the Goddess of the night, which is in our presence this moment.” Kido lifted a hand to Princess Luna.

“So your influence has caused one of our own to stray from viewing our Princess as a true Goddess. Is your purpose to cause some sort of revolution private?”

“As I said General. Derpy just doesn't view Princess Celestia as a Goddess, but still follows her laws and respects her position as ruler, as do I.”

“I very much doubt that. You defied the law the moment you set paw off Tartarus.” The crowd started speaking amongst them. Princess Celestia called for order.

“General my kind was vanished to Tartarus for being uncontrollable monsters who lived only to hunt, kill and breed. Millenniums have passed since the decision was made by the leaders of old to imprison them. Behind the gates today, the werewolf kind is now the dominant species, not only because of their strength but because they evolved to have intelligence. Most of my kind is still in a tribal mentality, still holding on to ancient grudges, they need more time to realize the potential for peace. I understand your concern more than you know, thus the reason I escaped alone and did not open the gates.”

“And your point?”

“My point sir... That if I was a truly a threat to order and peace, would I be standing here right now following due process and the Princess's request for me to be here?... And on that note, perhaps I shouldn't have aided in Princess Luna's escape.” The crowd was again in an uproar. Princess Celestia called for order to then address the statement. She looked at her sister.

“Princess Luna, is this true?” Celestia asked.

“Yes Princess Celestia.” Princess Luna sighed. “Since the day on the attack on Ponyville you have asked continuously concerning how I knew Private Badtower long before my escape from the moon. The truth is, he aided in my escape, he is the one that made it possible.” The room fell silent.

“I must ask why. Private Badtower if you please?” Princess Celestia looked to him.

“Certainly your majesty... Around two years after my escape I started noticing a pattern of violence in several towns. I investigated and ended up having a suspicion of a cult awaiting her, Princess Luna's, return, they worshiped her as their only true Goddess. I was never certain but I suspected they might be Bat Witches at the time. They are nomadic and would leave some relics or artifacts that depicted a dark colored alicorn. After sometime I caught on to a certain ritual to communicate with their Goddess. I successfully managed to pull it off and from that day I was in communication with Princess Luna.”

“If you knew this was the Goddess of these violent creatures, why did you proceed to then aid her?” Princess Celestia asked.

“I deceived him. I told the story of why I was sent to the moon but I told him I was ashamed and desired nothing more than to return home and amend for my wrong doings. ” Princess Luna added.

“And you took it upon yourself to release her?” Princess Celestia said looking to Kido.

“It was the right thing to do your majesty.” Kido said firmly.

“Explain then, how taking justice into your own hooves... in your case hands, was right?”

“Princess Luna was incarcerated for the attempt to commit a serious crime on pony kind. Emphasis on “”attempt””, from what I studied on Equestrian law, the punishment of murder, torture or rape, the worst possible crimes, is a life sentence per conviction. Princess Luna served ten for an attempt.”

“And you didn't consider the consequences of releasing her?”

“I did. And I was more than ready to stop her. But the wielders of the Elements of Harmony beat me to it. But in the end you can't simply condemn somepony to an eternity of incarceration for what might happen. We release from prison many guilty of crimes everyday in hopes they learned their lesson. Didn't our princess deserve the same justice?”

Celestia thought long and hard about what to say next. The wolf's arguments were compelling to say the least. “I am inclined to agree, General you may continue your line of questioning.”

“Thank you your majesty. I would like to hear more about this so called immunity to magic,if this is true, you would be near to unbeatable yes?”

“Far from it sir. If you cast an elemental spell, such as fire for example. I will feel the flames.”

“Excuse me, if I may.” Captain Shinning Armor intervened. Princess Celestia gave him the go ahead. “Back when we first encountered you, I used a lighting spell yet you still stood.”

“You could say I have a high tolerance for pain captain. But I can only take so much, I will succumb to my wounds if your attacks had persisted.”

“Then what good is immunity to magic?” Shinning Armor asked.

“Some spells won't do their intended effect. I can't be teleported, barriers won't work, can't be stunned, or be sent to the moon for example.” Kido looked towards Princess Celestia. She remained calm.

“I see... I'm done your highness.” Shinning Armor looked to the Princess.

“General, you wish to continue?” Princess Celestia looked to her general.

“Yes... It's been brought to our attention you welcomed the same Bat Witch that attacked the town you swore to protect into your ranks. Care to explain your actions?” The General continued.

“My list of duties included to be the preliminary judge towards cases, stating amount for bails, determine if the criminal may only serve community service and conditions of probation. More serious crimes are to be handled by a higher court of law with a jury here in Canterlot...”

“We know your duties well guard. Get to how and why you made a criminal who, from what I heard, intended to EAT the inhabitants of Ponyville, a guard.”

“Neither the assaulted guards, Twilight Sparkle nor I stepped forward to press charges. But due to the severity of the crime she, Assistant Deputy Guard Bellz, is under heavy probation and long term community service.”

“You play the advocate all too well Guard Badtower. Be careful where your cunning may lead when you think you know the system.” General Knight turned to Celestia. “No further questions your majesty.” General Knight didn't continue to ask further into the subject of Bellz, since the case was handled by the book. Kido's actions were all withing his power.

“Princess Luna, your turn to question if you please.” Princess Celestia gave her sister the floor.

“Private Badtower aided in my release from the moon with the best of intentions. Were it not for him I wouldn't be here today. The Bat Witches had all that was necessary to release me except for one ingredient. Blood from a pure creature of shadow.”

“Excuse me? How did he provide such an ingredient?” Celestia asked.

“I used my own your highness.” Kido said.

“What the fuck boss?” Bellz whispered.

“I've never... you know...” Kido whispered back.

“But what about the boy when you were a teenager? And you said you got tired of sex without love.”

“Guess it didn't count. And I've never been with a female and I read that view on loveless sex from a book. Now shut up!”

“I see... Carry on Princess Luna.” Princess Celestia said.

“As I was saying...” Luna continued. “I have the greatest of confidence in Private Badtower's abilities and his sense of what's right and wrong.”

“Princess Luna's view will be considered.” Celestia said. “Captain Shinning Armor, will you take the floor?”

“Yes your highness.” Captain Shinning Armor cleared his throat. “My questions were to be focused on Private Badtower's immunity to magic and his views towards his own kind. Those questions were answered earlier. My remaining question is about his escape off Tartarus. For thousands of years creatures of high intellect such as Warlocks and Necromancers remained behind it's walls. How is it that one young wolf escaped.”

“It took me a year of planning.” Kido took a deep breath. “It was actually a ridiculous plan.” He chuckled. “Tartarus is protected by unbreakable barriers of magic and high ninety degree walls. But you see... I became immune to magic, so then only the walls remained... I couldn't climb, so I dug. I dug underground almost everyday for a year. When I came out to the other side, I left nice parcels of black powder that destroyed my work.”

The crowd became silent, a pin could be heard.  Shinning Armor finally spoke after a minute.

“Are you saying that it was that simple?”

“The right answer is usually so awfully simple.” Kido said with obvious confidence in his voice.

“No further questions your highness.” The Captain finished. The crowd started to murmur.

“Order. Order.” Princess Celestia proceeded. “Princess Cadenza, will you take the floor next?”

“Yes your highness.” Cadence held a grudge with the wolf that attacked her husband. “From what I have read, werewolves are aggressive hunters who get a thrill from the killing, so do Bat Witches. This is most true, as was demonstrated, in the event when this same calm wolf standing before us, suddenly snapped and attacked the Captain of the Royal Guard. What say you monster?” The crowd started to yell accusations agreeing with Cadence's accusation. Princess Celestia had to ask for order.

“Perhaps your husband himself may be kind enough to speak for me concerning my rash decision to attack him.” Kido said lifting a hand aimed at the Captain. Shinning Armor sighed.

“The night we encountered Guard Badtower I attacked without considering possible collateral damage. My lighting attack spell struck a pony near him as well, the pony who got injured is his personal friend, Assistant Deputy Guard Hooves who stands at his side this very moment. The attack on me not only showed me a capable fighter but also a warrior who will face any obstacle for those he cares for. Therefor I agreed to welcome him into our ranks that night.”

“If I may add.” Kido then spoke. “Deputy Bellz has been a resident of Ponyville and a fellow protector for a few weeks now. We sleep in the same building. If she wished us harm she had plenty of opportunities. I have full faith in her.”

“No further questions your highness.” Cadence felt defeated since her own husband protected his attacker. She had to now wait for the voting.

“Guard Badtower, would you care to add anything further?” Princess Celestia said.

Kido took a deep breath and took a step forward. “This council is merely repeating what I've been saying for the past three years.”

“And what is that Private?” Celestia asked confused.

“The Reapers are coming!”

Everypony and Bellz was shocked at what Kido said and discussed it among themselves. Celestia asked for order.

“General, Captain! Your defenses and army are a JOKE! In a royal wedding, a full scale invasion happened right under your noses! And when you had to protect a small town thinking I was the threat you had no concern for the citizens well being, leading to my friends harm!” Kido said in a challenging tone.

“Now wait just a second...” Shinning Armor tried to speak.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!” Kido continued. “You wish to be taken seriously as a leader!? Do something other than portray weakness, wishing for peace without the price for freedom!” Princess Cadenza was shocked, holding back her tears and indignation.

“Princess Luna!” He pointed a finger at Princess Luna. “I released you, I hoped you'd be a strong leader! Yet you merely stand in the shadows afraid of being shunned and disliked! Stand your ground for what is right despite what others may think!” Luna looked ashamed.

“And the worst of all. Princess Celestia herself!” Kido practically growled in anger.

“THAT IS ENOUGH OF YOU MONSTER!!! GUARDS!!!” General Knight called for Kido's arrest but his order was halted by Princess Celestia herself, who lifted a hoof. She then made a gesture for Kido to continue.

“Your highness your people view you as a Goddess!” Kido continued. “Prove yourself worthy! QUIT BEING COWARDS ALL OF YOU! Instead of sending enemies to an unbreakable prison for eternity based on the possibility of wrong, offer them mercy and a chance! Power does not make one evil, it is ones decisions!”

“But power does corrupt.” Princess Celestia said. “But can one mortal wolf speak about handling great power?”

“I can!” Kido made to grab for the stripes on his arm. He threw them and five yellow thin blades landed near the five leaders in front of him. Kido had added metal stripes to his uniform. Everypony except Princess Celestia was shocked. “Things must change for the better. Give me a chance to prove I can help. Give me a chance to prove there is hope for all living beings, even those you shun as monsters. Give yourself a chance to prove you deserve to be called a Goddess your highness. ”

The large room became silent, guards moved to arrest Kido. He didn't pose any resistance and willingly put his hands on his head surrendering. Derpy and Bellz tried to move to help him, but Kido told them to be at ease. Princess Celestia broke the silence.

“I move to have Private Badtower promoted to Sergeant and aid us in the growth of Equestria for the benefit of all who inhabit it. Not just Pony kind.” She lifted a hoof, then her sister did as well. Despite disagreeing with such a sudden and great promotion in rank, Captain Shinning Armor knew the guard needed to be stronger, he lifted a hoof. “Motion passed.”

The guards who had detained Kido released him. “Thank you your highness.”

“Sergeant Badtower, along with a rise in pay you now carry more authority to handle cases and have access to a number of areas. You shall receive specific instructions in writing that explain your new responsibilities and liberties. This evaluation is adjured!”

Everypony started to scatter, leaving the large room. After a few minutes only Kido and his deputies remained. He remained still, Bellz walked towards him.

“Boss you did it. I have no fucking idea how... but... So what now?” She asked.

Kido turned to face them, a mischievous smile on his face.

“Now... the fun begins as planned.”