Cuatro

by Dirty Bit

Capitulo Veinte

Cuatro opened his eyes and looked upon the three glowing javelins he had conjured up while his mind was laced with thoughts of both a foggy memory and Luna. They floated around him, just waiting to be used in a fight either as a melee weapon or a magical projectile. Cuatro was pleased with the results, but he knew what he had to do.

"My beam from two nights ago was too powerful despite me aiming it up into the skies...No doubt that these javelins could be just as destructive if I decide to use them..."

He looked at his javelins and studied their features thoroughly. Trying to focus on the shady thought that was triggered before making them, he deduced that he could make them disappear the same way he made them appear in front of him. His horn glowed, and one-by-one, the javelins instantly winked out of existence. With a deep breath he trotted towards a window and examined the snowstorm taking place outside.

"...I may not be able to visit tonight, but I have until tomorrow..."

All the strange alicorn can do was wait. He could go to sleep with his friends, but a part of him felt restless. The fact that he was going to Canterlot tomorrow was a part of this reason.

"Luna...Is this what excitement feels like?"
_____

The next day, the snowstorm had passed by, leaving copious blankets of white in its wake. Many ponies begrudgingly started their mornings by clearing up the mounds of snow that decided to cover their homes, while others relished in the wintery splendor, namely the little fillies and colts.

Cuatro watched the morning unfold in the comfort of the library, having woken up around the crack of dawn as he has since he stayed. He trotted back towards the sofa and picked up a book to read. Instead of it being a spellbook, it was a book that based itself around Equestria's history, from how it was founded to how the Elements of Harmony defeated Discord.

"So now all that remains is to wait until the afternoon to go to Canterlot...Unless..."

It had occurred to Cuatro that he did not have to arrive around the afternoon, but rather ahead of schedule with how easily he can perform his Sonido. He decided to go to Canterlot after finishing up the part of the book where Equestria was founded by the three pony tribes.

"Good morning, Cuatro."

Cuatro turned to Twilight, who held a nervous smile on her face while she greeted him. He studied her expression while he returned the greeting "Good morning to you as well, Twilight...It's not like you to wake up the way you are feeling..."

Twilight shook her head "I wouldn't worry too much, Cuatro. This is nothing at all!" Cuatro stared at Twilight with his usual expression, but the lavender bookworm could easily tell he was unconvinced as she heaved a sigh "I'm just worried about you visiting Princess Celestia today..." She admitted in a defeated tone.

Cuatro closed the book and set it down on the table "Oh? And why is that?"

Twilight frowned "I'm aware of your opinion towards the princess, and I'm sure you're probably not all too keen about this visit. I just hope you find the answers you seek from her during your time there..."

Cuatro nodded "With any luck, it will be entirely different than my last visit there with you and your friends. And to be truthful, a part of me is looking forward to going back to Canterlot..."

Twilight blinked in surprise "Really? Is it because Celestia could possibly have another method of restoring your memories?"

Cuatro shook his head "Far from it...I want you to know that I plan on arriving at Canterlot a little early..." He rose from the sofa and stood on the floor "I shall try my hoof at brewing some tea before I leave."

Twilight held up a hoof at Cuatro's chest and smiled "Not so fast, big boy. You're a guest here, and Spike's still in bed, so I'll get you your tea. It does sound good to have right now, actually."

Cuatro gave a curt nod in appreciation to Twilight's gesture as she trotted into the kitchen. The strange alicorn looked around and then turned to the door leading to the basement.

"What could be beyond that door? I've never actually went through the entire library..."

He heard steps and turned to see Spike waddling down from the stairs as he rubbed his eyes. Cuatro watched the purple dragon as he reached the base of the steps and nodded to him "Good morning, Spike..."

Spike yawned and stretched before showing Cuatro a tired smile "Morning, Cuatro. What's up?" He muttered as he rubbed his eyes.

Cuatro turned to the door he was curious about "Nothing really, but I wonder what lies behind that door over there..."

Spike followed Cuatro's gaze while waking himself up "Oh, that's just the basement. Twilight keeps her machines down there for experiments and stuff."

Cuatro was instantly intrigued when he looked at the door.

"A laboratory? I was aware Twilight was an intellectual, being Celestia's personal student, but this is amazing...Perhaps I should see for myself..."

Wanting to see the laboratory for himself, Cuatro trotted towards the door while Spike waddled into the kitchen. He noticed Twilight brewing tea, and the lavender bookworm smiled down at her assistant "Good morning, Spike!"

Spike smiled as he finally woke himself up "Hey, Twilight. Making tea right now? That's a first..." He said as he rubbed a claw on his chin while inspecting the pot.

Twilight nodded "Cuatro and I thought about having a cup before he heads to Canterlot. It might be a couple of minutes, though..."

Spike shrugged "I'm sure he wouldn't mind, seeing how he's already occupied at the moment. He's on his way to check out the basement!"

Twilight instantly widened her eyes as she noticed Cuatro nearing the door "The basement!?" She parroted anxiously as she zipped past Spike and quickly came between Cuatro and the door before he could open it. Twilight forced a grin as she spoke up "S-Sorry, Cuatro. The basement's off-limits right now..." She said in the most collected tone she could muster.

Cuatro stared at Twilight "Are the machines downstairs out of order?"

Twilight kept her grin as she shifted her eyes away "Umm, you COULD say that! Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't be all that impressed with what's down there!" She looked back at Cuatro.

Cuatro blinked at Twilight's actions "Is there something you're not telling me, Twilight?"

Twilight began to sweat until she turned to the kitchen, allowing her an easy excuse. Her horn lit up as she made the stovetop burner grow more intense, startling Spike as the kettle began to whistle "Only that the tea's about to be done! Why don't we grab you a cup before you leave?" She said in a rushed and nervous tone as she grinned at Cuatro.

Cuatro stared at Twilight blankly "...But I-"

He then found himself lightly scooted by Twilight's forelegs as she guided him into the kitchen "Nonono, please! I insist! You said yourself you were in a hurry, right?" She said in a tone that feigned innocence. Cuatro stared at Twilight while he was trotting into the kitchen with her.
_____

Twilight, Spike, and Cuatro were busy enjoying their cups of tea, and the strange alicorn finally finished his cup as he set it on the table and rose from his seat "That was exquisite tea, Twilight. Thank you...But can I ask why you seemed adamant about blocking me from the basement other than your machines not functioning?"

Twilight perked up and darted her eyes around, thinking up another excuse. She was not the best liar, but she had to say something in order to keep Cuatro occupied, even if she would feel guilty afterwards "W-Well...I only use my laboratory on important occasions. Basically gathering data for experiments and stuff. And since the machines aren't working properly, there isn't much of a point to go down there other than putting away extra stuff that shouldn't sit around in the library. You understand, right?" She asked with a hopeful smile.

Cuatro stared at Twilight while she did the same back at him, and wondered about her hesitant tone.

"I can feel her anxiety flowing from her expression...Why is she acting like this all of the sudden? Then again I musn't pry at my host..."

Cuatro gave a nod to Twilight "I understand. Please forgive my curiousity..." He turned to the door "I should probably get going now."

Spike tilted his head "Wait a minute. But didn't the princess say she wanted to see you in the afternoon? What's making you want to go early?"

Cuatro paused before answering "I have my reasons..." He said as he trotted towards the door "I'll be back later."

A part of Twilight felt hesitant to let Cuatro go out on his own, but she realized that the strange alicorn meant well, especially since he admitted his full trust in her over Celestia. However, she still felt guilty for hiding the truth about the Elements of Harmony sitting in the basement. She smiled and waved at Cuatro "Have a good day, Cuatro!" When she saw the strange alicorn leave the library and shut the door, she instantly shot a stern look at Spike.

Spike noticed and leaned away from the piercing glare he was receiving "H-Hey! What did I do!?"

Twilight replied "Spike, Cuatro shouldn't go down into the basement when you've already hidden the Elements down there! If he somehow found them while looking around, he could get the wrong idea about us!"

Spike realized his mistake and looked away "Sorry..." He then looked back at Twilight "But then again, what should we be worried about? Didn't you say that Cuatro wasn't the problem when you looked for him that one night?"

Twilight paused as she remembered her words, then looked down with a sigh "I-...I still don't know what to make of Celestia actually giving us the Elements while Cuatro's sitting under our roof. But he still shouldn't know that the elements are here, even if he hasn't done anything wrong!"

Spike crossed his arms "Looks can be deceiving that way...I mean, look at the changelings!" He then gasped "What if he's-"

Twilight gave the purple dragon a warning glare "Spike..."

Spike grinned sheepishly "Just a thought..." He spoke in a quick tone.
_____

Cuatro trotted outside in the snow and turned to face Canterlot sitting in the distance. He unfurled his wingspan as he set his sights on his destination and activated his Sonido.

Soon, he found himself hovering over Canterlot once more and decided to land in the middle of the city, trotting his way towards the castle with plenty of time to spare. He looked around and noticed that the many noble folks of the city instinctively flinch and bow in genuflect to his appearance, not too fond of the attention he was receiving.

"...I'm not a king...or even a prince..."

He finally made it to the castle and noticed two guards standing at the gate. They noticed his appearance as the right guard spoke "Hello, Cuatro! The princess was not expecting you for a couple of hours!"

Cuatro nodded in greeting "I only wished to stop by of my own accord, even if I had an appointment with Princess Celestia...May I step inside?"

The guards nodded as they opened the gate and stepped out of Cuatro's way. The strange alicorn made his way inside, reaching the door leading to the castle's vestibule as he looked around.

"They must be in the throne room, if not somewhere around the castle...Maybe if I look around..."

As he trotted up the stairs, he noticed Shining Armor and Cadence having a conversation on the upper level while staring into each other's eyes. He blinked at their expressions; how they both had smiles on their faces and how their eyes were half-lidded.

"Hmmm..."

He decided to approach them and make his presence known "Excuse me..."

The married couple flinched at his words, but turned to see Cuatro and regarded him with embarrassed smiles. Cadence spoke first "Hello, Cuatro! Are you here on business?" She asked politely.

Cuatro nodded "Yes, actually...I came to meet Princess Celestia, but so far I've found you here...Is she in the throne room, by any chance?"

Shining Armor looked down the left hall "Yes, she is. But Luna's nowhere to be seen at the moment...She must be off fiddling with her favorite abacus again." He chuckled "Her majesty really admires that tool sometimes, but I suppose its a good hobby to study up on arithmetic! Just look at my sister!" The couple shared a laugh while Cuatro stared at them.

Cuatro hummed while Cadence and Shining Armor laughed, but then looked down the hall "Thank you for your words...I should probably find Princess Celestia now so my questions can be answered..." He said as he trotted past the two while they ceased their laughter and watched him go.

When he was out of earshot, Shining Armor sighed "It's bad to see him look so depressed all the time."

Cadence nodded with a sympathetic frown "Maybe he's downcast about his amnesia. All we can do is wait and see if he'll change his demeanor the moment he gets back his memories."

While the married couple talked, a shadow on the ceiling quietly breezed into the same hall Cuatro advanced into.
_____

Cuatro trotted further into the halls, thinking to himself.

"What does Celestia see in me? Granted, I have killed according to a fragment of my past, but is that the entirety of it?"

While he thought, he felt a breeze around him and froze in his tracks as he shifted his eyes to look around.

"A presence...and a very quiet one at that..."

He stood perfectly still to wait for the next move as he took in his surroundings. Cuatro then felt another breeze as he looked to his right, only to find nothing.

"Does Celestia have hired assassins lurking about in her castle?"

When he felt a presence on the ceiling, he turned to see the faint glimpse of a shadow disappear. This made the strange alicorn tense as he looked forward.

"Is she testing me? If so, then perhaps I should move forward..."

As Cuatro trotted, his tension slowly grew and began to shroud his mind with a familiar background, as if he had been through this kind of situation before. While he progressed, a shadow creeped behind him and drew near with both forelegs stretched out.

The strange alicorn then instantly looked behind him to find nothing there. His tension stayed, thinking that this could be some kind of possible mind game.

"This presence moves in mysterious ways, as if trying to place my train of thought in a state of disarray...I musn't succumb to this test of hers..."

He stared at the blank spot in front of him before turning back to trot further, only to find a midnight blue alicorn smiling mischievously at him "Boo!"

Cuatro stared for a moment before he confirmed what was going on "Luna...were you the presence that followed me?"

Luna held a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggled as she nodded "Verily. Salutations, Sir Cuatro! We trust thou art in good spirits today?"

Cuatro nodded "In a way, yes..." He answered, feeling comfortable around Luna. He thought to himself as he stared at her smiling face.

"It's happening again...This feeling whenever I am around Luna..."

Luna's smile left as she spoke "Thou seekest our sister, correct?"

Cuatro managed to snap out of his trance as he replied "Yes. I only want to know what a heart is out of Celestia's own experience, and if-"

Luna looked saddened "We read thy letter, Sir Cuatro..." She said in a sympathetic tone. Cuatro silenced himself while she continued "It was uplifting to see thee write thy first friendship letter, but..." She took a step forward "Why would thou write such a thing?" She asked in a concerned tone.

Cuatro was silent before he sighed "I was serious in all I have written...She may be unable to restore my memories, but I at least want her to answer my questions. Not only is it crucial to my past, but it will also allow me to see what else your sister thinks of me, seeing as how she does not trust me and vice versa..."

Luna huffed "But did thou really hath to make it where you seemed as if you were some kind of monster?"

Cuatro's eyes slightly dilated as he stared at Luna.

"Am I...a monster?"

With what Luna had said, Cuatro felt another feeling: His spirits gradually lowered, and made it seem as if coming to Canterlot was a mistake. His small memory of killing made it worse "I-..." He tried to speak.

"She could not see me as a monster...could she?"

Luna noticed his unease and frowned "Sir Cuatro, please forgive our rash statement. We were only worried about how thou consider thyself to be heartless! And while thou wish to obtain a proper response from our sister, we consider thee to hold a heart of thine own! Thou should not think thyself so lowly, especially since thou art learning the Magic of Friendship so well! Thou art better than that, Sir Cuatro!"

Cuatro listened to what Luna had said, and he felt his spirits return to his body, feeling rejuvenated from the bad feeling before.

"Just like Fluttershy, she shows much compassion for my well-being...But it is as if her opinion is more comforting..."

This much was true. When Fluttershy comforted Cuatro, he appreciated her words, but he did not think them to be encouraging. Whereas with Luna, it was as if he had been given another chance to redeem himself when he needed it most. He looked at Luna and nodded "Thank you very much for your words, Luna...It means a lot to me with how you think I have a heart."

Luna smiled at his words and replied "Tis nothing to worry about, Sir Cuatro. We only wish for thee to excel in thy lessons while reclaiming thy memories. And besides, we're friends, are we not?"

Cuatro remembered what was said the other night and nodded "That's true...You've been a good friend to tell me this."

Luna giggled "We art envious of thy nature and how thou can keep such a straight face when conversing! Could we perhaps enjoy leisure throughout the day if thou art available afterwards?"

Cuatro stared for a moment as he contemplated the choice.

"...I said I would be back later...I didn't specify the time, at least..."

The strange alicorn nodded, earning a grin from Luna "Excellent! We art looking forward to our day together, Sir Cuatro!" She gave Cuatro a brief nuzzle on his cheek, causing him to feel weak in the legs for a short time.

"Her gesture is appreciated, but my body wishes to react differently on its own...This could prove to be a hindrance..."

He could only understand how he acts around Luna anytime he is with her. When he remembered what he came for, he looked down the hall that lead towards the throne room, and felt his heart harden with what he had to do. He looked down at Luna after she ceased her nuzzle "I would wish to continue this further, but I'm afraid I should meet your sister..."

Luna noticed the look in his eyes and nodded in comprehension "Very well. We understand what thou intend to do next..." She smiled "But we'll be waiting for thee soon."

Cuatro trotted past Luna and made for the throne room, ready for what he has to face past those large doors.

"Sir Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn stopped and looked back at Luna, who held a small frown as she looked at him "While we're aware of thy qualms with our sister, we beseech thee to be most patient and collected when talking with her. It is asking too much from thee, but we would be most grateful if thou would comply to our request..."

Cuatro stared back at Luna, but nodded "I shall try...For your sake, of course. I would not be a friend if I were to turn down a small favor from you..." He noticed Luna smile and his heart quivered. He uttered a light groan to himself before he approached the throne room's doors.

"These reactions are very troublesome..."
_____

While her guards stood by her in the throne room, Celestia sat on her throne and looked out the window to see the distant town of Ponyville, her expression unreadable 'My faithful student...My little ponies...Please be safe...' An image containing a winged figure conjuring and throwing a glowing green lance came into her mind. The lance caused a massive explosion that made the solar princess shudder 'Perhaps I am growing too worried over this...' Celestia heard the doors open, and looked forward to see her expected guest trot calmly down the red carpet leading to her throne 'He's early...' She then rose from her throne and smiled down at the strange alicorn "Hello today, Cuatro. I never expected you to arrive like this."

Cuatro looked up at Celestia "I have my reasons...You could say I'm practically eager to hear what you have for me in terms of answers to my questions..." He looked behind him at the doors for a moment.

Celestia's smile wavered at his response, but she nodded as she trotted towards him with regal grace "That's right. You seek answers regarding your friendship letter. I must say that I am both pleased and surprised with what you've written to me..."

Cuatro stared at Celestia, trying to make out her expression as he spoke "I trust you have a proper answer for me? Aside with what I've stated in my letter, it was not so much me asking what you think of me, but more of what you think of what a heart is yourself. Seeing as how you've lived the longest in Equestria, only you could give me the answer..."

"Her years of experience show with how I can't seem to point out her current feelings..."

Celestia stared back at Cuatro as her mane and tail flowed in a nonexistent breeze. She then turned to her guards "Leave us..." The guards complied without a word and made themselves scarce from the throne room. When only Celestia and Cuatro remained, the solar princess spoke "You want to know what a heart is, right, Cuatro? And you also want to know what I think about you?"

Cuatro remained composed "More of the former...In a way, I think I've already deduced what you think of me...A part of me wishes to know how your memory spell 'failed' the day I first met you..."

Celestia closed her eyes in a pause 'He's catching on...I would expect this kind of clairvoyance from Twilight...' She looked back at Cuatro with her neutral gaze "Cuatro, what if I told you that you already knew what a heart was before you met any of us?"

Cuatro blinked "You would answer my question with a question? Especially since I have no recollection of my past aside from certain fragments?" He was slightly confused at what Celestia had said, wondering if there was more to his memory.

"I remember wanting to know what a heart is, yet she says I already know it?"

There was a glint in Celestia's eye before she responded "I say this because even the most rational ponies in Equestria know what a heart is exactly, Cuatro. Your curiousity is noted with how you want a firm explanation on the matter, but rest assured, you've gathered enough information from Twilight and her friends..."

Cuatro replied instantly "And I've told you that while their own explanations were sufficient, they were not enough...Would you deny me my answer for other reasons?" A new feeling up welled inside Cuatro as he spoke with Celestia; as if he wanted to cast his newest spell and use it on her without hesitation.

"...No...Whatever this is, I must remain patient for Luna in this conversation no matter what..."

Celestia saw the look in Cuatro's eyes and hummed "You're obviously not satisfied, but I can answer your second question with what I think about you..." She took a deep breath "Cuatro, you're perhaps the most mysterious sight seen in Equestria. There was no record of any other alicorn in existence other than myself, my sister, and my niece...And I have to say that your demeanor is most unique, if not intriguing to other ponies. While you may not think it yourself, you have a heart of your own, and once you know how it works for yourself, then you will have more of an understanding than you already do. I'm sorry, but you're taking the concept of the heart too seriously to think you do not understand it entirely or claim you don't have one at all..." She said with a patient tone.

Cuatro looked down as he took in the information. He then looked back at Celestia "Then answer me this..." He took a step forward "Before I came here, before I've met you all in Equestria...Was I without a heart then?"

Celestia remained silent as Cuatro waited for an answer. The silence was only outweighed by the growing tension as the two alicorns looked each other in the eye. The solar princess contemplated on what to say before finally reaching her answer "I cannot say for certain with how I've only met you the other day, Cuatro. But if you really want an answer to give you satisfaction, I would say that while you bear a heart, you do tend to act like an empty shell of a pony..."

Cuatro's pupils slightly dilated as he heard those words.

"She was telling the truth that time...So that feeling of emptiness that seemed so familiar...Was I truly without a heart at the time?"
_____

Applebloom looked confused "If ya say you'd gladly help us, why do ya look so down?" The strange pony shifted his gaze to Applebloom with what she perceived as a quizzical glance "Ya look so down, so sad! So..." She frowned with a small pause "empty..."
_____

Granny Smith drew her head back with a raised eyebrow "Ya alright there? Ya sound like somepony jus' came in and nabbed yer soul!"
_____

Rainbow Dash hovered in the air "Hollow World? That explains why he looks like a zombie!" She flinched before she grinned awkwardly at the strange pony "N-No offense..."
_____

"Hearts? You humans are always talking about hearts. It's as if you have them in your hand. But my eye sees everything...Nothing can escape it. What it doesn't see doesn't exist...That's how I've always fought."
_____

Cuatro remained frozen as his mind processed what has been said. He then sighed as he looked at Celestia with his normal dispassionate expression once more "I suppose your answers are as much as I can get since you choose to ignore my question about a heart..."

Celestia looked undeterred at Cuatro's supposedly bitter response "The heart can be explained differently by anypony and in many a book, Cuatro, but there are some things that a pony should discover for themselves so that they have their own knowledge of the matter. Experience is the best knowledge, and you should try to forge new memories if you so truly wish to understand the concept of the heart."

Cuatro stood as he took the information in. While he did not trust Celestia, her words seemed to be plausible to his ears as he understood the meaning of personal experience. Moreso, it would seem he is having a rougher time regaining his memories as he has not come across another fragment ever since his recent one involving a heart.

"Then should I pay more attention to my friends? To a new life before coming to terms with my old life?"

After a moment of silence had passed, Cuatro had finally rested on his decision. He looked at Celestia, and strangely felt some of his distrust towards her slowly vanish "Thank you for your enlightening wisdom, your majesty. Perhaps I should take this opportunity to know that I have friends who are willing to help me through my problems, and that I should cherish each moment I spend with them...You've helped me today, and I am grateful..." He bowed to Celestia out of respect.

The solar princess smiled "You're very welcome, Cuatro. I believe this conversation has drawn to a good close. Think about what I've told you today while you spend time with your friends. You're dismissed." Cuatro rose and gave a curt nod as he trotted out the doors.

When he was out of sight, Celestia frowned 'It was a rough conversation, but hopefully he actually takes my advice to heart...I would not want anything bad happening to my subjects.' An image of the battle-worn pale figure held up a hand towards an injured man on the ground and quickly jabbed his hand into his chest. Celestia narrowed her eyes 'Twilight Sparkle...I hope that you and your friends can handle him as he lives with you...'