//------------------------------//
// Capitulo Veintiuno 
// Story: Cuatro 
// by Dirty Bit 
//------------------------------//


Capítulo Veintiuno


Request


Cuatro trotted in the halls of the castle and thought to himself after having an audience with Celestia. He never thought that some of his ill thoughts towards her would vanish with what she had told him.

"Making new memories, and a new life...It is a profound action to go by, but what of my previous life? Where could I have been before I made friends with the Elements of Harmony?"

His moment of befuddlement was drowned out when he remembered what he had promised after his meeting with the princess. Cuatro looked around the halls and wonder where Luna remained.

"Perhaps she is in her chambers?"

Cuatro hesitated for a moment, not knowing exactly where Luna's room resided according to interior. He only had the opportunity to come inside through the balcony two nights ago. Moreso, it would be very suspicious and unwise to just go back in and ask Celestia where her sister is. This was much too much for Cuatro to think about as he trotted into the halls leading back to the vestibule.

"Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn looked behind him to see Cadence looking at him with a friendly smile "Need help with anything?"

Cuatro turned to face Cadence "Actually, yes...Do you know where I can find Luna?"

Cadence looked towards the hall opposite from where Cuatro entered in "Through that hall and up the stairs, you'll find her chambers there. But what for? I figured you just wanted to talk to Princess Celestia today." She looked up at Cuatro with a tilted head.

Cuatro stared at Cadence "I have...other plans..." He spoke hesitantly.

Cadence felt as awkward as the alicorn in front of her as she looked away with a forced grin "I see..." She uttered as she pawed at the floor with a forehoof, trying to keep up the conversation despite how Cuatro portrayed his dispassionate background. She looked back at him and spoke with a polite tone "May I ask why?"

Cuatro replied instantly, as if there was nothing holding him back "Me and Luna planned to spend the day together as friends. I would find her after my meeting with Celestia..."

Cadence gave a friendly smile at this "Well that's nice to hear!" She then frowned "But wait...When did you two become friends?" The princess asked inquisitively.

Silence. That was all that mattered to Cuatro after the question was asked.

"I shouldn't lie to her...Nor should I say that I unofficially invited myself to the castle that one night..."

Cadence blinked and winced at Cuatro's sudden pause "Are you okay, Cuatro?" She asked with mild concern.

Cuatro, realizing that he could not come up with an excuse, decided to trot away from Cadence "I should go now. I don't want to keep her waiting. You probably have duties of your own to attend to..." He felt a new feeling as he distanced himself from Cadence. Was this some kind of embarrassment different to what he had faced when he danced with the Cutie Mark Crusaders?

Cadence watched Cuatro leave in confusion 'There's something about that alicorn that Celestia's not telling me...But what is it? He seems pretty fond of Luna, even labeling her as a friend...' She looked down in thought and hummed to herself "Maybe I should ask her for myself. She has been rather distant lately..." Cadence trotted towards the throne room as she continued thinking to herself.
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Cuatro went up the flight of stairs that led towards Luna's chambers, which were guarded by two ponies that were entirely different to the guards commonly seen around the castle. The guards standing at the doors were decorated in indigo-plated armor, and had bat wings just like Cuatro, only they were purple. Their coats were grey, and their eyes were yellow and catlike. The more he stared at them, the more Cuatro began to think that there was more about Luna than he knew.

"Could I have been born around Canterlot? Is it possible to find Aizen or Ichigo here as well?"

His train of thought was interrupted when both guards noticed his presence and narrowed their eyes as they held out their wings and crossed as they made sounds of swords being drawn. The guard on the left leered at Cuatro and spoke "Halt!" The second guard added with "Who goes there?"

Cuatro was not intimidated by their glaring or the fact that they were even soldiers as he replied "I wish to seek Princess Luna. Is she in her room?"

Both guards narrowed their eyes to slits as they only responded with grunts. The strange alicorn only stared back and thought to himself.

"These guards must really value Luna to remain so hostile...Why have I not seen more of them when I visited here last time?"

Cuatro spoke again "Did I come at a wrong time? Or is she not here at the moment? I would be pleased with either answer if you do not desire my company..." He spoke politely, albeit his usual tone.

The left guard replied "And what is your business with Princess Luna?" He barked authoritively.

Cuatro instantly replied, as if talking to a friend "I came to socialize with the princess at her request...Can you let me pass?"

The right guard growled before he held a gaze of realization "Wait a minute...Are you the one called Cuatro?"

Cuatro nodded "I am..."

Both guards perked up simultaneously and looked at each other in mild shock. They turned to Cuatro with a nod as the left guard rapped on the door "Your majesty! The one you've referred to us is at your door!" He called out.

After a moment of pause, the doors opened to reveal a smiling Luna trotting out of her room as her guards on both sides instantly bowed in genuflect at her appearance "Ah, Sir Cuatro. How hath thou fared with our sister?"

Cuatro almost found himself entranced by looking into Luna's eyes, but was lucky to respond "It was an endeavor, but I've managed to keep my promise and remain patient with her throughout our talk. In fact, I believe I may have overanalyzed what I wanted most out of Celestia..."

Luna tilted her head "Oh? Art thou saying thou art actually content with her answers?"

Cuatro nodded " I realized that in order for me to figure out what a heart is, I should spend more time with my friends back in Ponyville and forge new memories while finding my old ones..."

Luna smiled at this "A wise decision, Sir Cuatro. Surely, with the help of Twilight and her friends, thou art sure to reclaim thy memories easily!"

Cuatro could not take his eyes off of that smile. It began filling him with warmth the more he looked at it.

"...Luna...how are you able to do this? How is it I feel this way whenever I look at you like this? Is it because you're powerful?"

Luna giggled "Thou would issue us the silent treatment?"

Cuatro flinched and shook his head "No...That was wrong of me. Please forgive me, Luna. Shall I escort you out of here?"

"Was that anxiety I just felt? Granted I was apologetic in the past, but this is new..."

Luna held a warm smile "Thou may." She turned to her guards "We'll be sure to return, so there is no need to be concerned for your princess!" The guards nodded automatically, as if programmed to do so. Luna then looked back to Cuatro "Let us depart from this room, Sir Cuatro! There is much for thou to see!" The two alicorns then trotted away from Luna's chambers and went downstairs, reaching the vestibule and going out of the main entrance.
_____

Celestia thought she was hearing things "What?"

Cadence nodded towards her aunt with a solemn frown "That's what he told me himself. They're going to spend the day together right now. But I also came here to ask why you're so distant around Cuatro. I'm beginning to think you're hiding something from us with how you've been acting lately!"

Celestia sighed "That, Cadence, is something I cannot bring myself to share with you just yet..." The image of the pale figure conversing with an orange-haired woman went through her mind "As for what you told me, I should thank you. It's not like Luna to just brush off her royal duties for the day without telling me..." She rose from her throne and trotted down the carpet.

Cadence blinked "You're going to stop them? By yourself?"

A profound thought indeed, but after the conversation between her and Cuatro, Celestia wondered if her words actually sunk into the strange alicorn with how he bowed respectfully towards her earlier. Not even that, there was the fact that he considered Luna a friend 'Could this have something to do with how Luna seemed so happy back then?' She closed her eyes in thought until she finally turned and looked out the window "I'll give her time until she is needed for the next meeting..." She answered reluctantly. The solar princess began feeling conflicted with how Cuatro was progressing. The conflict grew when another image came into her head: The winged figure fading from existence with a somber expression while looking back at the orange-haired woman, who felt the same way.
_____

Luna and Cuatro trotted around the royal gardens. Cuatro looked around at the glorious flora around him, then turned towards Luna, who held a serene smile as she walked with him. He inwardly flinched when she returned the glance and chose to speak "Where shalt we go first, Sir Cuatro? We would be delighted to show thee around Canterlot if thou feel lost!"

Cuatro faced away from Luna and looked around "I am uncertain as to where we should go next...I have not really done something like this before, or so I recall..."

Luna tilted her head "So thou art considerably asocial?"

Cuatro nodded "Supposedly...But I wish to make you happy by figuring out how to spend the day..."

Luna chuckled "Quite dutiful on thy end, Sir Cuatro." She spoke in a half-teasing tone.

Cuatro looked around at the many structures that made up of Canterlot while coming up with an idea.

"What would be best for Luna? I cannot fathom what she desires most...or even myself, for that matter..."

Cuatro looked back at Luna "I would like for your guidance on a good area so we could perhaps talk. I know not of any other place to be at the current moment..."

Luna hummed "Well, we cannot spend too much time out here..." She looked out at the city of Canterlot and smiled "Perhaps a change of location is in order!"

Cuatro blinked when he followed Luna's gaze "You mean in Canterlot? Are you sure about this?"

Luna raised an eyebrow "Thou would go against our judgement?" She asked in a low and inquisitive tone.

Cuatro flinched and went to bow, until he heard a fit of giggling from the princess of the night. Luna stifled her laughter when she had enough "Tis but a jest! We understand thy hesitation, Sir Cuatro!"

The strange alicorn blinked "I was actually more worried about you if we both chose to wander Canterlot...Not that it's entirely my concern, but what if Celestia were to find out?"

Luna huffed "We're most certain that our sister knows how we act when it comes to royal business! If we're to be summoned, then our session shalt be postponed..." She smiled "Besides, if we're to spend the day as friends, then thou should at least consider new experiences, right?"

Cuatro kept silent as he looked into Luna's eyes. Realizing that he stalled, he nodded "Yes...Forgive me, Luna..."

Luna chuckled at this "Thou art forgiven, Sir Cuatro. Though, we should remind thee not to be so hesitant when answered to."

Cuatro nodded "Yes, another mistake on my end...Truthfully, I cannot fathom why I do. I hope you understand..." He said as he looked away slightly.

"This doesn't make sense...I see Luna as a friend, but these constant reactions say otherwise...What could this mean?"

Luna beamed "Indeed. Come, let us stroll into the city!" The two alicorns made their way out of the castle, reaching the front gates, and trotted out into the streets of Canterlot.

As they trotted, Luna led Cuatro towards a donut shop. They both entered inside, Cuatro being chivalrous enough to open the door for Luna. Behind a counter with a line of stools, a light amber unicorn stallion wearing a white shirt and hat was wiping the counter with a rag using his magic. When he noticed the two alicorns, he perked up with a smile and took his hat off in greeting, revealing his brownish orange mane "Hello there, Princess Luna!" He looked over at Cuatro and jumped a little "Wh-Who's he?" He asked in a frightened tone.

Luna smiled "No need to be frightened, Donut Joe. Tis a friend of ours visiting Canterlot!"

Cuatro stepped up to Luna's side and spoke "My name is Cuatro..." He gave a curt bow with his eyes closed "A pleasure to meet you..."

Donut Joe calmed himself and examined Cuatro's features "Never seen you around here before! Where are you from?" He could not take his eyes off of Cuatro's whiplike tail.

The strange alicorn looked upon Donut Joe and replied "I'm afraid I cannot recall...I suffer from amnesia..."

Donut Joe frowned at this "That's a doggone shame. Hope you get better soon! Amnesia's not really a good thing to keep around, you know?"

Luna held up a hoof "We're doing our best to help Sir Cuatro as of late. Currently, he is learning the Magic of Friendship through living with the Elements of Harmony."

Donut Joe nodded in comprehension, before smiling again "Well, knowing you, I doubt you came here just to talk! What'll it be today?"

Luna smiled as she sat down on a stool "The usual for your princess, Donut Joe..."

Donut Joe gave a mock salute "Got it, your majesty!" He turned to Cuatro "How about you, big guy?"

Cuatro blinked before he realized he stood in the middle of a donut shop. He sat himself down and thought to himself.

"I've only seen what a donut looks like at both of Pinkie's parties...I never really had the intention to try one..."

Cuatro looked back at Donut Joe "What do you recommend?"

Donut Joe beamed at this "Well, I have fresh donuts topped with a strawberry glaze, if you're willing to give it a try!" He spoke in an encouraging tone.

Cuatro wondered about the coincidence in Donut Joe's sentence before he nodded "Very well. I'll take two..."

Donut Joe chuckled "Alright. You two sit right there while I get your orders ready!" As Donut Joe trotted off, Cuatro watched him leave before realizing that he had no money on him.

Luna turned to Cuatro with a tilted head "Art thou holding second thoughts?"

Cuatro turned to Luna and bowed his head "Forgive me, Luna. I came here without any bits to pay..."

Luna laughed "Thou mustn't worry about it, Sir Cuatro! We have the payments covered easily! For a moment, we thought that thou dost not favor the luscious texture of a donut!"

Cuatro replied "Well, I've yet to actually try one...With the way you put it, you seem to like them a lot..."

Luna smirked "We're not afraid to deny it. Although, it is not just us who contains guilty pleasures towards sweets now and then! Our sister, Tia, is rather fond of cake!"

Cuatro stared into Luna's eyes "I see..." He was lucky to listen while he was slowly being captivated into her glance.

Luna blinked at Cuatro's staring and hummed to herself as she poked her chin with a hoof while staring back. As if running an experiment, she nuzzled Cuatro's right cheek without warning.

Cuatro, caught off-guard by this action, uttered a light grunt as he felt blood rush into his cheeks again. He was now confused by this.

"Why did she-...?"

Luna drew back and studied Cuatro's features before drawing a conclusion to her 'experiment' "Thou art blushing..." She spoke in a low tone.

For once, Cuatro felt his entire being tremble against his will "But I-...I can't be..." He forced out through his shaking.

"Impossible, yet at the same time...interesting..."

Luna leaned her head in and smiled with narrowed eyes "Thou art verily blushing!"

Cuatro could not understand how he was feeling this way, but he managed to focus his body to stop shaking, though the red on his face took its time to fade "I'm sure it was just an inconvenience..." He spoke as if it were absolute truth.

Luna frowned and hummed to herself. After a moment of silence, she finally voiced herself "Really? In that case, we would like for thee to fulfill a request, Sir Cuatro...Would thou be willing to comply?" She spoke with a calculating glance.

Cuatro blinked as the rest of his blushing faded "Of course...I wouldn't turn my back on you considering you are a fair and noble ruler, as well as my friend...You even paid for my meal..."

Luna held a look of respect for Cuatro "Thy compliments are appreciated. Now, Sir Cuatro..." She held out her forelegs "Hold your princess..." Luna spoke in a regal tone.

Cuatro sat completely still as he heard the words come out of Luna's mouth. Normally, he would have the small reactions towards the princess of the night, but somehow, the request presented to him almost made him feel weaker than a sick pony.

"She wants me to hold her...But why? Is there something she is trying to tell me?"

Slowly, Cuatro held out his own forelegs and gently took Luna in his grasp. Luna closed her eyes and smiled as she leaned her head on Cuatro's shoulder while he kept a small hold on her. The strange alicorn could already feel his blush gradually returning as he did so.

"This is only a request from a friend...These reactions are growing worse while I'm making physical contact..."

Luna looked up at Cuatro and smiled mischievously while she felt his heart beat fast 'Sir Cuatro, thou art most amusing...' She cleared her throat "Thou may cease thy hold, Sir Cuatro." Luna said, trying to sound regal while containing her inner mirth.

Cuatro was willing to oblige to Luna's request, yet at the same time, he did not want to let go. He took a deep breath and tried to focus on the priority of Luna's request over his inner feelings and carefully released Luna as she sat straight on her stool, giving a playful smile at Cuatro "Did thou enjoy our request, Sir Cuatro?" She spoke in a teasing tone.

The strange alicorn brought down his forelegs and instinctively nodded "Yes...Thank you for your-" He stumbled in his sentence as he looked down "your request..." Cuatro uttered in a near-whisper.

Luna chuckled "A good impression of Fluttershy, if we do say so ourself!" She heard hoofsteps and turned to see Donut Joe return with two plates levitating on both of his sides.

One plate contained three donuts coated in the darkest chocolate ever seen, adorned with white sprinkles almost similar to an array of stars seen in the night sky. The other plate contained two regular donuts both topped with a brilliant pink strawberry glaze. Donut Joe placed the the two dishes in front of the alicorns and smiled "Bon appetit, you two!" He looked over at Cuatro and his smile vanished "You alright?"

Luna giggled as she levitated a donut "Give him time, Donut Joe. Sir Cuatro is...overwhelmed from a simple favor..."


To be continued...