Shadow, Love and Pride

IV

Expected Surprises

Bellz stood there awaiting what she expected was to be a harsh punishment. The mistress then spoke, still sitting, not turning around to look at Bellz. “I made my decision before you even arrived. I knew you'd fail. You are to bring me and your sisters a meal our kind has yet to enjoy in more than a thousand years. It is time to put our training in the art of shamanism to the test. Magic is the weapon that has kept us from rising. But now we are immune.”

“Are you certain mistress? Will it work now?”

“No. I am not even certain you will return. You may even be turned to stone like that joker Discord. But that is why you are a test subject. And you won't face just any magical source. The most formidable. You will hunt the wielder of this power.”

“Yes, I will. Where am I to go mam?”

“Ponyville.”

ZZZ

A pool of blood. A body that is barely recognizable, dismembered and soon to be abandoned. The weapon, a knife, in his hand. Like the floor and knife, he is also crimson color. Not his decision to be dirty, but because the victim decided to fight her inevitable fate. It was an all too familiar scene but it didn't make it any easier, he still felt shame.

He woke up. Kido dozed off and the first thing he see's when stops daydreaming is a frightened little pony in front of him. He's sitting next to her on a bridge holding a knife in his right hand. “This is what I will use to protect Ponyville when the time comes.”

“So it's for the bad people?” Asked Derpy, still feeling nervous. “I got scared.”

“Very true. It is for the bad people on their way. I plan to scare them into leaving everypony be.” He puts the weapon away in it's sheath. “And I would never hurt you Derpy. I consider you a friend. But I have failed. Protecting the town will require a high end of compromise.” He takes a deep breath. “The town is under Canterlot guard. There are wanted posters of me. Well... actually of my cloak not my face. I have yet to show my face to anypony, but the town will be vigilant for none-pony creatures such as my self. I was foolish to think I could trust her.”

“Who told on you?” Asked Derpy. Concern in her voice. She decided to dismiss Kido's confession of being wanted by the guard, believing his side of the story.

“Twilight Sparkle. To lay my trust in her hooves. Expecting her to warn the light of shadows to come. She believed I was the caster.”

Derpy looked confused. Kido realized he started talking like himself again. He cleared his throat. “I trusted Twilight Sparkle to warn the princess of the bad people who want to hurt Ponyville. But she thought I was the bad guy. She didn't let me explain.”

“I like Twilight she's always been nice to me. You should see her. I know she will hear you out.”

“That so?”

“Yep. Twilight and her friends are so nice they have saved Ponyville twice using the Elements of Harmony” Derpy smiled.

“I know. Nightmare Moon and later on Discord.” Derpy nodded. Kido started thinking on what his next move will be. “Tell you what? I will trust you and take my chances finding her to explain my side. But on one condition.”

“You got it..”

“If I am arrested, or turned to stone like Discord. Would you visit me?”

“Pinkie Promise” Derpy said as she poked herself in the eye.

“What!?”

ZZZ

Twilight and her friends were close to Ponyville now. By Flight it took no more than an hour to reach the town from Canterlot. Twilight was still pondering over her encounter with Kido at Sugarcube Corner. Why did she trust him? Is he truly the enemy? They were starting to land now in the middle of town. As soon as they landed the first thing to stand out were the wanted posters and how deserted the town seemed except for guards patrolling or speaking with residents at the doors of their place of business or homes for clue's on their fugitive's whereabouts.

“The guard sure did start fast.” Said Applejack.

“I know there is a search but what's going...” Twilight was interrupted.

“Stop right there you criminal scum!!!” Three guards approached them. “You are breaking the orders of the princess. This town is on lock-down until further notice. Now return to your homes.”

“Excuse me! First we just got here. And second were here to protect Ponyville using the elements of harmony.” Rainbow Dash quickly replied.

“Likely story. There is a dangerous fugitive on the loose. Were not taking any chances. This is for your safety. Detain them.” Said the middle guard.

“Why I never... Unhoof me you brute.” Rarity said indignantly. One of the guards attempted to begin detaining the girls and started with Rarity.

“Now hold on y'all. We ARE wearing the Elements.” Applejack pointed to her necklace. The other five girls pointed their own and Twilight to her crown.

“The princess did not inform me of you six being an exception to the lockdown. So until further notice you are to be treated no differently. Return to your homes this instant.” Answered the guard in charge.

“Why I should...” Rainbow Dash made a challenging gesture.

“Rainbow it's okay. We'll go to my place and send a letter to the princess.” Twilight stopped Rainbow by getting in her way. They girls all agreed and headed to the library.

“You got lucky.” Said Rainbow Dash before heading on her way.

They reached Twilight's tree and were greeted with a bombardment of questions by Spike. “Twilight the guy you were talking to is a wanted felon! Who is he, I read he carries around knives!? It's like the whole Canterlot guard came to search for him, they made everypony in town lock themselves in their homes. Are those the elements of harmony? What gives?”

“Calm down Spike. I first need to send a letter to the princess, then I'll explain everything.” Twilight answered to Spike. He reluctantly put aside his curiosity and grab parchment and quill to write. Twilight proceeded to say what she wanted written. She politely asked to be an exception to the lockdown, arguing how it will be near to impossible to protect the town if herself and her friends are forced to be locked into their individual homes, since the elements only work when they are together. She also questioned her the means for a lockdown and how it would cause a panic to everypony. “... signed your faithful student Twilight Sparkle. Send it Spike.”

Spike blew his green fire on the letter, sending it on it's away. “All right, now what's goin' on?”

“Okay.” Twilight and her friends went upstairs and sat in a circle, sharing their experience when they went to see the princess. How they discussed how Kido was a possible threat, the princess decision for them to carry their elements and so on. “So she summoned for guards to come and patrol Ponyville but we didn't expect anything like this. What happened?”

“It was pretty fast really. The guards just flew in and started herding and ordering everypony into their homes. Were pretty much stuck here until they catch this Kido guy.”

“But  I can't stay, I have to go home and tend to all the animals.” said Fluttershy.

“I know we each have our own responsibilities. But right now the town needs us to protect it.” Twilight said.

“She's right. If one of us isn't in the group the elements won't do their shiny magic.” Pinkie agreed.

“The magic is more than just shiny Pinkie. It's the best chance we have. If indeed Ponyville is in danger we may have to stop Kido or who or what ever it may be.” Said Twilight.

“Well let me understand. You are still under the impression it may still be something else threatening Ponyville and not this knife carrying, cloaked dark... thing you met earlier today?” Asked Rarity.

“Oh for Celestia's sake. Twilight you still ponderin' that?” Applejack asked.

Twilight sighed. “Yes. If he himself was to cause harm to the town why would he tell me Ponyville was in fact in danger?”

“But he was always hiding his face and talked funny.” said Pinkie.

“That doesn't mean he's bad.” Answered Twilight.

“He was wearing that dreadful get up.” said Rarity.

“His looks don't make him guilty.” Answered Twilight.

“He was very... Um... intimidating.” said Fluttershy.

“He was assertive.” Answered Twilight.

“He carried around a million knives.” said Rainbow Dash.

“I only caught a glimpse and later assumed they could be knives.” Answered Twilight.

“He did lie about his name meaning something to the princess sugarcube.” said Applejack.

Twilight did not have an answer this time. He did in fact lie about the two things that made Twilight believe in him the most. Saying that his name would bring clarity on the situation and how he would answer all her questions when she returned. Even though he was wanted, why would an innocent run from the authorities?

Spike gave a big belch. Grabbing the letter that materialized and quickly reading. “You guys got the exception. The princess informed the guard that the bearer's of the elements are an aid to the protection of Ponyville.”

“Good. Now I say we make a plan of action and later take a night patrol.” Suggested Rainbow Dash. The girls all agreed. “Okay, now first we need armor that symbolizes our authority and above all awesomeness. Rarity get on that.”

“YAY we should also think of a name for our group...” KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!! Pinkie was interrupted by someone at the door.

“I'll get it.” Spike said. Headed to the door and opening fully expecting it to be the guard checking up on things. “Hel... lo?” It was a cloaked figure walking on two feet. Spike felt fear all of a sudden. He took small steps away from the door.

“Greetings.” Kido gave his usual greeting. His right hand in a fist over his heart and then giving a light bow. “May I inquire to the whereabouts of Twilight Sparkle? I have urgent matters to discuss.”

Spike was shivering now and didn't know why. “Twi... Twi... TWILIGHT!!!”

“Spike what is it!?” Twilight and her friends went quickly down to the first floor. She panicked at the sight of their guest. Spike quickly ran upstairs. Twilight decided to be brave, after all she had her friends and the elements at hand. “What do you want!?”

Kido sensed the hostility but remained calm. He was lightly amused by Rainbow Dash. Who seemed to be shadow boxing as a form of threat. “I have come to answer your questions as part of our agreement.”

“You lied about the princess knowing you. For all we know you're the so called shadow that Ponyville will face.” Quickly said Applejack.

“I don't know what happened but I assure I did not lie.” Answered Kido in his defense.

“Oh really... so why do you carry those shiny pieces of metal hidden away in your clothes?” Asked Pinkie. All the girls were staring him down now.

“Well, I see you're not interested in listening to my side so I will take my leave.” Kido made a gesture to turn around.

“Not so fast mister dark, funny talkin' and mysterious.” Rainbow said. “You're not going anywhere.”

“That's right if we have to stop you... we will.” Assured Twilight. Her friends stood ready as if to attack.

“I am not guilty of any crime yet you be so quick to judge? You will turn me to stone or whatever else on what grounds with your elements?” Kido stood his ground refusing to be threatened.

“I can't take the chance. Not with Ponyville or my friends. Please turn yourself in or I will turn you to stone until the princess decides what to do.” Twilight was holding back her anxiety now but stayed firm.

“No, I refuse to be punished for a crime I did not commit. Even less to be convicted without trial.” Kido stood prideful.

“Then I'm sorry. Girls.” Twilight and her friends began to activate their individual element. Kido didn't run or move as this happened. A beam shot from Twilight's crown element directly at Kido. He moved at the last moment only lifting his hand and stopping the beam. The girls all stood in shock and were quickly demoralized. As Kido seem to laugh impressed with himself.

“Well... guess I am immune to magic.”