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


Capitulo Treinta


Confession


Cuatro opened his eyes to see that he was back in the lifeless desert of white sand from before. He looked around to see that nothing was off prior to his last visit.

"...Why am I here again?"

The strange alicorn decided to trot about the desert, and just like last time, stumbled across what he had assumed to be Las Noches in the distance, standing with grim majesty in the pale moonlight.

"I've done this before..."

He stared at the large palace, then looked away when he felt himself being robbed of his memories in Equestria. Cuatro wondered if there was significance to the feeling he had faced when he chose to look at Las Noches.

"I'm not sure if I want to do it if it means abandoning the Magic of Friendship..."

Cuatro had a choice to make: Either venture into the unknown by viewing the distant building, or stay in the dark while standing around in the desert. He almost considered the first choice, until that same warbled roar was heard. The strange alicorn darted his head to look back and see the monster from before standing a few feet away from him; He even felt the same amount of fear from his last encounter.

"It has returned...But why? Why is this monster haunting me?"

His thoughts came in the form of the monster preparing for the same attack as before, blasting the energy beam from its horns towards Cuatro as he stood still. There was no way he could escape the attack with how fast it traveled towards him, but it did not matter when Cuatro's fears vanished the moment the beam closed the distance. He regarded his fate with his usual stare.

"...Do it..."

Just like before, the strange alicorn was engulfed in a devastating blast of red energy and faded into oblivion.
_____

Cuatro quickly rose into a sitting position on his bed as he woke from his repeated nightmare. There was no need to confirm that he was back in the library with how the same scenario had played out in his slumber.

"It happened again...That nightmare...But what does it mean?"

He looked out of the window to see that it was morning outside. It was comforting to know that Cuatro had earned enough sleep as opposed to his previous night. He quietly got off of his bed and chose to go downstairs to study his collected memories.

The strange alicorn sat down on the sofa and went over his list and everything that was on it. From 'Aizen' to 'Cero Oscuras', he tried to see if he could piece together more of his past. As he skimmed through his list, he thought about his nightmare, and it somehow led him to look upon the third term on his list, staring at it intently.

"...Ichigo..."

What was the connection between the monster from Cuatro's nightmare and Ichigo? Were they one in the same perhaps? The more he thought about it, the more it began to bother his mind. Feeling it would be wrong to repeat another mistake, he set his list down and chose to ponder on the matter another time. Cuatro looked around and made sure that he would not be met with more hallucinations of the monster in his nightmare.

"Good...So now I won't have to visit Zecora again..."

The strange alicorn wondered what to do next now that he was up. He remembered that he had to travel with Twilight to Canterlot today, then remembered who would be waiting for him there. Cuatro gave an uncharacteristic flap while maintaining his usual expression at the thought of meeting Luna again.

"...Luna...Hopefully, you can accept my love when the time is right..."

Thinking about Luna was just what Cuatro needed to ease his mind of his troubles. Moreso, it could also help him kill time and wait for Twilight to wake up and get ready for today. He decided to sit down and mull over on how he would try to confess to Luna; there was the thought on if he would just come out with it, or if he needed to make his moment of confession special.

Could he perhaps try to buy her a nice gift? Or a boquet of rare and elegant flowers? He hoped for a chance to see what Luna really enjoyed in her life so that he could go the distance to find it for her and present it as a token of his affection. Just the thought of seeing Luna burst with happiness brought warmth to Cuatro's heart.

The sound of hoofsteps was all it took for Cuatro to cease his brainstorming, and he looked to see Twilight descend from the stairs with a tired look in her eyes "Good morning, Twilight..."

Twilight managed a small smile upon hearing the strange alicorn "Good morning, Cuatro." She replied as she made for the kitchen. Cuatro decided to follow his host and sit with her knowing she was going to make breakfast and that they are about to leave soon.

Much to Cuatro's curiousity, Twilight appeared to be as quiet as himself while she made breakfast. He figured she needed proper concentration for making breakfast, but all she had done so far was place two slices of bread in a toaster. She pulled out strawberry jam and a carton of orange juice from the fridge and placed it on the table before going to get the silverware.

Cuatro watched Twilight and how she had a frown on her face. She did not seem to be tired upon closer inspection "...Do you need any help, Twilight? I would not mind lending a hoof..."

Twilight stopped and turned to Cuatro, shaking her head at him "You're fine, Cuatro. This is no trouble at all." She answered in a somber tone before going back to collect plates, glasses, and a knife.

This was all the proof that Cuatro needed to know how Twilight was acting. He rose from his seat and kept his gaze on the lavender bookworm "You're worried about today..."

Twilight stopped again and looked at Cuatro "Huh?"

Cuatro approached Twilight and looked down at her "Normally, I would consider you to be ecstatic upon meeting Princess Celestia, but you must be focused on something else to act this way around me. This is entirely different from how I usually see you in the morning..."

Twilight stared up at Cuatro, then set her collected items on the table as she looked away "Please, Cuatro, it's nothing. Just sit back down so I can make us breakfast."

Cuatro was beginning to think there was more to Twilight visiting Celestia in her current mood rather than just a simple personal matter between master and pupil. He pressed on for the sake of trying to cheer her up "Remember that I'm here for you if something is bothering you...I hope I'm not the cause for your depression..."

Twilight frowned at Cuatro's response; not because of him refusing to let his concern go, but because of his words altogether. She was willing to accept Cuatro as the friend that she and the others made him out to be, but when he considered himself the cause, it made her heart sink to depths unknown. The lavender bookworm could not ignore Cuatro's conflict with the dragons yesterday, and she wanted answers on how to act upon a similar situation in the near future. All she can do is talk to Princess Celestia and see what she can find.

Twilight looked down with a sigh and shook her head "Listen, Cuatro...I'll try and do my best to curb my mood once I've settled things with the princess, but right now, I just need time to think." She responded in a near-urging tone.

Cuatro was disheartened to have his questions avoided, but he knew that it was out of his hooves to convince Twilight to open up now. He closed his eyes "Very well...If that is what you desire..." He went back to his seat and waited for his breakfast. The toaster popped up the two pieces of bread, and Twilight prepared a small breakfast before their depature.

The two ate in silence; consumed by their own thoughts on what to do once they reach Canterlot.
_____

Later, Twilight and Cuatro left the library and trotted towards the train station. Cuatro had a mind to use Sonido for transportation to save time, but Twilight insisted, wishing to spend time thinking on the train. The strange alicorn became bothered by Twilight's change of behavior. If Princess Celestia had something to do with this, he had a mind to help Twilight out and set things right.

"What is Twilight not telling me? Granted, it's a personal matter, but she is becoming more distraught by the minute..."

They reached the station, and Twilight paid for two tickets. Lucky for them, the train for Canterlot was about to leave the moment they arrived. Just like at the library, both Twilight and Cuatro kept silent with nothing but their own thoughts to keep them company, save for the small amount of stares from fellow passengers directed towards the strange alicorn. At times, Cuatro would shift his gaze towards Twilight, who sat at the window seat and looked out at the moving scenery with distant eyes as they rode along. He wished to try and cheer up Twilight again, but chose to hold back knowing his effort would be for naught.

As time went by, the train slowed to a stop as a loud hiss of steam was heard. The north door in the cart Twilight and Cuatro were in opened to reveal the conductor trotting in with a collected smile "Attention, passengers! We have just arrived at Canterlot Train Station! Please gather your luggage and depart from your exit!" Twilight and Cuatro complied to the conductor's words and rose from their seats as they made their way out of the cart.

There was a slight breeze when the two stepped out, but they did not mind it as they trotted into Canterlot. Cuatro was pleased to see the many citizens not bow upon seeing his appearance like his last visits. As he spotted the castle merely a stone's throw away, he remembered what he had to do once he arrived.

"...I hope both Twilight and myself will be successful in our tasks..."

The guards instantly acknowledged their two visitors and granted Twilight and Cuatro entry into the castle's vestibule. From there, they ascended the flight of stairs near the entrance and advanced towards the throne room down the hall. They pushed the gates open and noticed Celestia and Luna in their respective thrones. Cuatro stole a glance at Luna from where he stood.

"There you are...Now all that remains is to find the exact moment to confess myself..."

Luna was the first to speak while Celestia maintained a neutral expression "Ah, Twilight Sparkle and..." She trailed off when she got a look at her friend, then beamed with a light gasp "Sir Cuatro!" The princess of the night rose from her throne and eagerly trotted towards Cuatro with an ecstatic grin on her face. Cuatro's heart nearly fluttered upon seeing Luna happy.

Celestia followed her sister with a calm trot as the two regal sisters closed the distance between them and their guests. Celestia's expression was unchanged "Hello to both of you. It's nice to see you today." 

Twilight gave a curt bow and looked up at her mentor "Princess Celestia, I'm glad you were able to find time for me and you to meet. I just wanted to come here and clear things up between us. Hopefully you understand."

Celestia nodded "I do, Twilight. But remember that I can only be as concise to you as I possibly can on what you wish to talk about..." She looked over at Cuatro, who stared back in silence.

Twilight and Luna noticed the faint tension in their stares, and Twilight managed to break it up "I'm aware of how you can be with explanations." She looked at Cuatro "I know I brought you here and all, Cuatro, but I want this conversation between me and the princess to be alone."

Cuatro nodded to Twilight "I understand. To be truthful, I wish to spend time with Luna..." He looked over at the aforementioned princess.

Luna giggled "And we art pleased to say the same upon witnessing thy arrival! Come, Sir Cuatro! Let us trot around the castle and converse with one another!" She smiled up at the strange alicorn.

Cuatro stared at Luna's bright smile for a moment before finally responding "I would like that..." He turned around and looked back at Luna "Shall we, Luna?" The two alicorns made their way out of the throne room as they trotted side-by-side. When they left, the doors were enveloped by a yellow aura and were closed by themselves.

The glow on Celestia's horn faded, and she looked down at Twilight with a small frown "Can you please specify on what you wished to talk about??"

Twilight looked up at Celestia 'Why would she say that?' She took a deep breath "I figured my letter to you would be fully descriptive. I want to talk about Cuatro and why you gave me the elements." She said in a collected tone.

Celestia stared down at Twilight, then sighed as she turned and trotted away a few steps "Please understand, my faithful student...There are things I can tell you and things I cannot. You will have to choose wisely on your questions and try to bring up as many important points as you can."

Twilight replied "I can't be left in the darkness forever, princess. There's something you're not telling me about Cuatro! Does anypony else know about it as well?"

Celestia looked back at Twilight, then faced away "No, and it's wise to keep it that way. But can I ask why you choose to talk about this now? Even when I told you not to question me giving you the elements?"

Twilight frowned "Because something happened recently that involved Cuatro, and it's been bugging me ever since. As for the elements, I haven't given them to my friends yet. When you delivered them to me, I didn't know what to think! Ever since you tried to restore Cuatro's memories, you've been acting differently, and I want to know why!"

Celestia turned again to face Twilight as they stared at each other "I'm afraid that if I tell you, you would choose to act rashly based on what you hear, or even disbelieve what I have to say to you."

Twilight stood tall with determination in her eyes "I'm willing to listen to you, princess! Especially if it means setting Cuatro straight!"

Celestia regarded Twilight with a forlorn look in her eyes, but quickly hid it as she spoke "Before I begin, can you tell me how Cuatro has progressed with his memories?"

Twilight looked down "Well, he gained three terms as of last night. I was unable to check on them, but one of his earlier terms were just as mind-boggling. According to what he collected, Cuatro remembered living in this place called Hueco Mundo, which obviously could not be found anywhere in Equestria. Unless it is nothing but mindless muttering, I can't exactly figure out Cuatro's origins!"

Celestia stared at Twilight "I see...What if I told you that the very place Cuatro spoke of actually exists, though not in Equestria?"

Twilight looked back up at her mentor with wide eyes "Then could Cuatro have actually emerged from-"

Celestia interrupted with a chuckle "No, Twilight, he did not come from Tartarus..." She gave Twilight a reassuring smile, though inwardly frowned 'He actually comes from a place far worse than that...'

Twilight gave a sigh in relief, but was still tensed about Cuatro "Well, then can you tell me where this Hueco Mundo is located so we could perhaps help Cuatro discover himself?"

Celestia shook her head "I'm afraid it is out of my hooves, Twilight. While Hueco Mundo technically exists, Cuatro is unable to return to it..."

Twilight frowned sadly "But why? Was he banished? Did something happen that I should know about?"

Celestia sighed "It's more complicated than you can imagine..." She thought back to the winged figure fading away with a look of sadness in his eyes "As for how I've acted, I was only trying to give Cuatro a second chance after I've failed to restore his memories..." Twilight stared as she continued "I had faith in you and your friends to guide him in the right direction to a better life. But to approach me like this in dire need of answers was unexpected."

Twilight approached Celestia with her focus undivided "That's because after what happened the other day, I figured you could possibly help me out and come up with a way to handle Cuatro in the future. It involves how he acts so empty around other ponies!"

Celestia looked down at Twilight "Are you referring only to his emotionless nature, or something else?"

Twilight looked down and frowned "...Yesterday, when I sent Cuatro to learn about kindness from Fluttershy, Ponyville was attacked by dragons..." Celestia felt her heart stop at the mention of dragons "They were young, but not Spike's age. In fact, that was the reason they arrived. They wanted revenge on Spike by trying to kill him AND my friends for standing up to them in the past..."

Some tears dropped down from Twilight's eyes as her head was hung "Then Cuatro came at our time of need, trying to protect us and the rest of Ponyville from certain doom. He tried to reason with them, then ended up fighting them outside of town. When me and my friends caught up to him..." She trailed off as she tried to fight back more tears. Celestia went to inch a comforting hoof towards her student, but she threw her head up "Cuatro nearly slaughtered them without hesitation! He had an entirely different look in his eyes when he held one of them by his tail and went to kill!"

For the first time, Celestia's eyes went wide at the description of Cuatro's attack. An image invaded her mind of the winged figure performing the same tactic, only his victim was a worn and wounded boy with orange hair who hung limp in the figure's grasp as he was shot in the chest. She inched her head down towards Twilight "Did he carry out his action?"

Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes and shook her head "No, Fluttershy managed to snap him out of it...He claimed he was unaware about nearly killing the dragons as he fought with them, even apologizing to them and us. Also, Cuatro managed to make the dragons leave, though they were sore from their defeat..." She then looked up at Celestia with slightly narrowed eyes "Which brings me to my question involving the elements! At first, I was beginning to think that there was something sinister about Cuatro, but his conflict from yesterday raises further suspicion! I want to know what I can do to avoid this in the future!"

Celestia stared at Twilight's sadness and closed her eyes in thought 'So...a part of him wakes up in the midst of combat? That much is to be expected...' She opened her eyes and looked at Twilight "My faithful student, you were wise to bring this to my attention...What you've just mentioned to me was nothing short of an unexpected turn of events. Moreso, this could have taken a serious toll if Cuatro actually disposed of the dragons that invaded Ponyville. Need I remind you of the truce we have between the ponies and dragons?"

Twilight sighed "That's the other reason why me and my friends were so worried." She said in a lowered tone "I never expected Cuatro to just lose himself in the heat of battle...And if he went along with this, he would've ended up fighting even more dragons afterwards! We can't lose him like this, princess...I want to help Cuatro in any way I can..." She looked up at Celestia with a deep frown.

Celestia noted Twilight's plea and thought to herself 'So thus far, it was only times of conflict that would draw out his true self...But aside from that, he seems to be better off learning from his friends if it means actually granting him a second chance before his memories return...However, if he were to engage with other ponies...' She placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder and spoke "Twilight, what I can tell you about the elements is that you will need them when a more serious situation will arise. I will not tell you when to give them to your friends, but I will say that you must keep them with you at all times."

Twilight replied "But for what situation? Unless we end up actually fighting dragons, I don't know what to do with them! You don't honestly expect us to use them on..." She trailed off, feeling her heart reach her throat at her latest thought 'No...I can't...I don't want to!!' Twilight faced away from the princess "You wouldn't actually expect that from me when you said you gave him a chance...would you, princess?"

Celestia closed her eyes, not surprised to see her own student catch on so quickly "I expected you to understand when Cuatro chose to fight..."

Twilight darted her head back to Celestia "But why wouldn't you have told us sooner!? Why couldn't you have brought up the fact that Cuatro could be a potential threat to Equestria if he were pushed to the edge!? I didn't want this! None of us did!!" She snapped at her mentor as new tears formed in her eyes "What will even happen once Cuatro even gets his memories back!? Will we end up using the elements then!?"

Celestia examined Twilight's frustration "I suppose your reaction is a large price to pay for what I've kept a secret...But know that while I have given you the elements for that specific reason, I was also serious in granting Cuatro a second chance by learning from you and your friends. This could be all he needs to try and avoid recklessly unleashing his power towards anypony within his range. So far, with what he has shown me in his letters, Cuatro is making wondrous progress under your's and your friends' tutelage." She smiled "I'm almost certain that the elements won't be needed."

Twilight huffed at the last statement "You're making this sound like reforming Cuatro is some kind of test that involves the fate of Equestria as a passing grade! I didn't want to make it seem like I was keeping a monster in my own home when you gave me the elements that one night!"

Celestia's smile vanished with how right Twilight was. When she had given Cuatro the choice to live in either Ponyville or Canterlot, she was entirely nervous with housing a potential threat herself and end up risking everything she held dear to make sure Cuatro was properly subdued "I am very sorry for that...It is just that while I tried to restore Cuatro's memories, I detected an incredible source of power from him that nearly seemed different from the magic we hold in ourselves. I needed to take as much precautions as I possibly could while not causing a panic to you or the rest of my subjects."

Twilight went to retort, but understood Celestia's position. But now she had the thought of Cuatro possibly rending Ponyville apart at the wrong time in the distant future. Before it could take over her, she shook it off when she remembered that she had the support of her friends and how well they were teaching Cuatro about life in Equestria. With a final sigh, she looked up to her mentor "Be that as it may, this is all new to me and my friends, princess. It'll be hard to teach Cuatro all that we can about friendship while making sure he doesn't cause any trouble..."

Celestia nodded "As much as your friends are involved, you must give me your word..."

Twilight stared at Celestia inquisitively "About what?"

Celestia gave Twilight a firm stare "Twilight, you asked to know about Cuatro, and I was able to give you all the information I can muster...But that also means that I trust you to keep this conversation between us and nopony else..."

Twilight frowned "But why? We can't keep everypony away from this knowledge if it means protecting their lives! What will I say to my friends if they find out about the elements? What if-"

Celestia raised a hoof to silence Twilight as she spoke "We're already protecting them...YOU'RE already protecting them. And you're doing a pleasant job so far with your endeavors." She trotted towards a window peeking out at the rest of Canterlot; Twilight followed after her to look outside at the small amount of noble ponies trotting in the snowy streets "Spreading the news about Cuatro and his immense power would place all of Equestria in jeopardy. And it could be more trouble if there actually existed a pony capable of taking advantage of Cuatro's power..."

Twilight stared down at the passing ponies as she took in Celestia's advice. She shuddered at the thought of Cuatro actually being under somepony's control "So, I have to be as discreet about this as possible?"

Celestia replied without looking at Twilight "This could be asking too much of you, but it's all we can do to ensure both Equestria's protection and Cuatro's progress. I believe you and your friends will make sure he becomes a whole different pony soon enough."

Twilight gave one more glance out the window, then approached Celestia in a small embrace "Thank you, princess...I'll do my best."

Celestia smiled as she returned the embrace by leaning her head down "I know you can do it, my faithful student."

Twilight sighed to herself after their talk had concluded 'Cuatro...' It was still hard to imagine the strange alicorn as an enemy to all of Equestria, but she had a job to do and a promise to keep. She looked up at Celestia "I'm gonna go find Cuatro so we can wrap things up and leave soon...Thank you once again for your time, Princess Celestia."

Celestia nodded and opened the doors for Twilight "Go on ahead. I'll need some time to myself..." Twilight made her way out of the throne room in search of Cuatro. When she was gone, Celestia thought to herself 'Could there be a way to tame his passion for battle and make sure he does not harm anypony that is innocent?' A thought came to Celestia, and she began to delve into it as she looked out at her subjects in Canterlot.


To be continued...