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


Capitulo Treinta y Nueve


Remorse


The train ride to Canterlot was expected to be silent due to the grave situation Cuatro was placed in, but with his request of wanting to spend his last moments with his friends, they all talked to each other, sometimes recalling the small, but fond memories they had made ever since they've come to meet the strange alicorn.

Pinkie was the most talkative and optimistic, often telling jokes to her friends to keep them laughing, save for Cuatro; Applejack stated how quiet it had been at her home despite the outside work that needed to be done; Rarity brought up her latest successful dresses that sold a hefty amount of bits; Fluttershy talked about how some of the animals accepted Cuatro even though he hasn't visited the cottage; Rainbow Dash subtly tried to convince Cuatro to teach her how to use Sonido, but to no avail.

Rarity poked a hoof to her chin "So what do any of you think that Princess Celestia wishes to share with all of us? Knowing her, it must be very important!"

Twilight looked down in thought "I can't be certain..." She turned to her friends "Whatever it is, she asked for our forgiveness after hearing her out." Cuatro shifted his eyes to Twilight.

"Hopefully Celestia will be forward about her explanation..."

Spike scratched his head "The better question is, how would she react to Cuatro about to fight an elder dragon by tomorrow?"

Cuatro turned to Spike "You may leave that explanation to me. You're all my friends, but this is a matter that only I should deal with."

Applejack frowned at Cuatro "Come on now, sugarcube. There ain't no need to be distant about this. We're all worried about you, y'know." She added in a sullen tone.

Rainbow Dash nodded "Yeah! You might be taking this Goldoa jerk on your own, but you still have us!"

Fluttershy fidgeted her forehooves "Oh, but what would the princesses think knowing that you're involved in something so dire? Something tells me they won't be happy..."

Cuatro stared at Fluttershy, then looked down in realization; What would Luna think of him and his situation? Would she support him or grieve for him much like his friends? He sighed "That much is true...But I'll wait until it feels right to tell them."

Everypony went silent for a moment until Pinkie broke it easily "Chin up, everypony! Cuaty's right when he said we gotta make our time together as happy as can be!" She stated in a chipper tone with a grin to match.

Twilight smiled and turned to Cuatro "She's right, you know. You're the one who said it after all."

Cuatro turned to Twilight with a nod "Indeed..." He turned to one of the windows and noticed that they were at the tunnels near the mountain of Canterlot "We're getting close..."

Twilight looked out the window as well "Yup..." She said in a neutral tone. Her thoughts were currently wrapped around Princess Celestia and what she would impart to her and her friends.
_____

At Canterlot Castle, Celestia looked down from the balcony of her room to see the Friendship Express approaching the station. She took a deep breath over what she had to do now: Explain what she had done in secrecy and hope that her subjects would look at her the same way again. A knock came to her door, snapping her out of her train of thought as she looked back and called out "Come in!"

The door revealed itself to be Luna, trotting in with a calm expression "Good tidings, sister..." She said as she stopped next to Celestia, looking down the balcony with her "Art thou ready to confess to them?" She asked after a brief moment of pause.

Celestia nodded "As I'll ever be. It's only best that I own up to my mistakes." She closed her eyes "I don't think Cuatro would be so quick as to forgive me..." She said with a frown.

Luna chuckled "Thou would be surprised. Thanks to thee letting Sir Cuatro stay with Twilight Sparkle, he hath learned about the Magic of Friendship quite well." She smiled as she watched the distant silhouette of Cuatro and the group departing from the cart "We're most pleased to hath ever met him to begin with..." She trailed off in a charmed tone.

Celestia turned to Luna staring down at Cuatro, and looked away with a sigh "I'm sorry for what I've caused between you both, Luna..."

Luna frowned and closed her eyes "Thy reason is understandable, but save thine apologies for Twilight Sparkle and her friends..."

"Yes, of course." Celestia replied. She turned and trotted away "We should get ready then. Shall we, Luna?"

Luna gave a curt nod and followed her sister out of her room and into the hallway. The two regal sisters then trotted down the stairs and reached the floor leading to the castle's vestibule, waiting patiently for the arrival of their desired guests.

The front gates opened to reveal the element bearers, Spike, and Cuatro. Celestia wished to smile at her subjects in welcome, but could not bear to do so knowing she had to come clean to them. Luna, on the other hand, beamed at the sight of Cuatro, who stared back with his usual expression, though felt just as happy to see her.

Celestia nodded "I'm glad you all could make it. If you would all follow me to the dining hall, I wish to speak with you all for the moment..." She said as she trotted away, signalling the group to acknowledge her request and follow her. When they reached the dining hall, she shut the doors and looked around to make sure that no guards were around. When the coast was clear, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath "Everyone...I come to you all with a heavy heart with what I'm about to impart to you..."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Why so down, princess? Is this something that's been bothering you for a while?"

Celestia opened her eyes to look at Rainbow Dash with a sad expression "More than you all would know..." She looked over at Cuatro, who stared back at her with faintly detectable disdain 'I'll be certain to speak with him in private...' Celestia cleared her throat "Before I begin..." She turned to Twilight "Do you remember me issuing you the Elements of Harmony?"

Twilight nodded "Yes. As of five nights ago." She looked down shamefully "I've kept them hidden from my friends until Rainbow Dash found them before I came back to Ponyville."

Rainbow Dash perked up "Yeah, what was that all about exactly? None of us ever thought you'd just give Twilight the elements without letting us know!"

Celestia maintained a calm background as she replied "You all were bound to find out eventually. I've only gave them to Twilight for safe keeping..."

Rarity frowned "But they're only used for an emergency that involves the fate of Equestria, aren't they? Why would you give them to us now?"

Celestia gave one more look at Cuatro, hoping he could see the regret in her eyes, then confessed "The primary use for the elements were...for Cuatro." The element bearers and Spike gasped, much to the anticipation of Celestia. Cuatro did not show any reaction as he continued to stare in silence "There's more to my explanation, and I only hope you all would understand my intentions..."

Luna looked over at Celestia feeling crestfallen over what's yet to come from her words, and over at Cuatro, who still felt uncomfortable with her sister's presence. She felt it was best to set him at ease as she spoke up "We wish to step outside for the duration of this conference. If thou would excuse us..." Luna trotted away, passing by Cuatro as her tail lightly brushed against his side, instantly earning his attention as she smiled at him "Sir Cuatro, can we request thee to escort your princess?"

Cuatro stared before he nodded in reply, trotting out of the dining room with Luna. While they distanced themselves, Luna looked back and winked at Celestia, who looked back with hidden gratitude before facing the others while the doors closed "Forgive the minor interruption, but now I can continue...I have given the elements to Twilight for all of you to use on Cuatro if he were to go out of control or act unaccordingly to the choice of him staying either here or Ponyville."

Twilight frowned "I was nearly drawn to that conclusion when he practiced his magic the night you've given me the elements..." Her friends looked over at Twilight as she spoke "In fact, I was entirely convinced back when he defended us from certain death."

Spike nodded "Yeah! We would've been toast for sure if Cuatro hadn't shown up!" He then fidgeted his claws "But he was so scary that time..." He muttered fearfully.

Applejack shook her head "He was a whole different pony back then...None o' us liked it one bit."

Rarity shuddered "He had that hollow look in his eyes...I dare not look back at such a spine-chilling memory!"

Pinkie scratched her puffy mane "Speaking of hollow, it kinda takes me back to when Cuaty said he was from this 'Hueco Mundo' place, which means Hollow World!" She looked at Celestia "Do you know anything about that, princess?"

Celestia looked down "That and more..." She sighed "Cuatro is not the pony you think he is...In fact, he is from another world." Celestia rose her head to take in all the looks of surprise on everyone's faces "And knowing he is an alicorn, his power is incredible, which brings me to my next confession..."

Fluttershy shivered "D-Does it involve why he acts so differently when he's fighting?"

Celestia nodded "Partially..." She felt a lump in her throat, but she knew she had to continue "I...I know about his past..."

Twilight's jaw dropped "No..." She whispered.

Celestia frowned "Both the way he acts and fights are tied to his past...He is more adept than he actually looks. I do not wish to go into full detail for your sake."

Applejack was devastated "Ya mean t' tell us that y'all knew about his past th' whole time and ya didn't give 'im his memories!? That's just cruel!"

Celestia knew this particular response would be directed towards her from her actions, but she had only herself to blame for letting it go for so long "His past is more bleak than any depressing event witnessed in the history of Equestria. That was one of the reasons why I denied him his memories..."

Rarity frowned "Then why would you simply let him live with us if that were the case?" Twilight remained entirely silent with a blank expression while she listened to her mentor's explanation.

Celestia sighed "Because while his past was bleak, he was without his memories at the time, and thus he was considered innocent to me and worthy of a chance to start a new life..." She closed her eyes "But the many images of his past that I've gathered from my unfinished memory spell had clouded both my judgement and morality from that point on. I was lucky to have given him the choice to live wherever he pleased without having to resort to any harsh decisions..." She opened her eyes "I was able to hold off on doing anything else with Cuatro knowing that all of you would guide him on the right path, but it changed when I caught wind of his folly in battle. It boosted my worry tremendously and I couldn't bear to see him repeat his actions without anypony there to stop him, which led to a regrettable decision on my end..."

"You fought him..." Everypony turned to Twilight, who had her eyes narrowed at Celestia "He told me about how he harmed you, and in turn harmed Luna as well in a figurative manner."

Celestia dreaded this moment as she locked eyes with her student "It's true...but I wished to-"

"He told me himself." Twilight interrupted tersely "Not the entire story, but that part alone. I'd say it was luck that he went back to us and not to parts unknown while he was in his state of despair." She stomped her hoof "I'd understand you trying to help Cuatro, but you've caused more damage than he ever could by himself!" She snapped fiercely, as if scolding a child. Her friends were uneasy over Twilight's newfound anger and seeing her yell at the princess.

Celestia knew exactly why she was angry, and sighed "I was fully aware of that the moment I was staring death in the face..." Celestia thought back to looking into the strange alicorn's eerily yellow eyes. She looked back at Twilight, who was close to hyperventilating "I've caused a great deal of grief to myself and all of you as well, and that is why I ask for your forgiveness from the bottom of my heart." She hung her head penitently "I've deceived you all, my dearest subjects; my little ponies. All of this had happened the moment I tried to help a pony in need, and I was too blind to realize I couldn't handle this problem entirely on my own...For that, I owe you all the deepest apology."

Twilight continued to glare at Celestia, but then hung her head as she tried to take deep breaths to calm herself. Applejack trotted up to her side and laid a hoof on her back "Easy, sugarcube. Ah know it's a lot t' take in an' all..." She spoke in a comforting tone.

Rainbow Dash lightly groaned in frustration as she rubbed her temple with a hoof "You're telling me! This is all so mind-blowing!" She looked at Celestia "Why couldn't you have told us about this sooner, princess? We would've understood you right then and there!"

Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash "Now, Rainbow Dash, this isn't something you can simply assess with a clear mind at the get-go." She frowned "In fact, even I don't know what to make of this situation! This is indeed mind-blowing!" Rarity exclaimed to herself.

Pinkie frowned "So wait...is Cuatro our friend? Or our enemy?" She cringed and shivered with a frown "Pleaseletitbefriendpleaseletitbefriendpleaseletitbefrie-"

"Pinkie!" Twilight barked as she lifted her head, startling her friends. She then took a deep breath before turning to Celestia, her glare softening "Princess Celestia, now I understand why you wanted to be forgiven for all of this." She looked at her friends "I should ask the same for keeping this all away from my friends." Twilight turned back to her mentor "But it shouldn't be just us you need to apologize to..."

Celestia held up a hoof "He's next to know about all of this; I promise you all."

Spike frowned sympathetically to Celestia's task "Even the bit about his past?"

Celestia nodded "Especially that." She looked down "Though I doubt it will be an easy feat..."

Fluttershy frowned at Celestia's sadness, then trotted up to her to place a hoof on her chest, gaining her attention as they looked at each other "Princess, I know you had your reasons, and it was very nice of you to share that with us now." She smiled "I'm certain Cuatro will understand as well once you bring it to his attention."

Spike shrugged "I'm with Fluttershy! I don't think Cuatro's the type to hold a grudge for too long. All he has to do is hear you out!" He crossed his arms and held a thoughtful glance "Although, I guess that'll be PRETTY  tough since you kind of put him through a lot..." Fluttershy glared sternly at Spike, causing him to flinch and look away as he whistled innocently.

Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile "Hehe, it's true...I mean, he even managed to look the other way after me and Pinkie tried to prank him so much. He was pretty ticked off at me that time!"

Pinkie snickered "He sure was!" She and Rainbow Dash shared a laugh together at the fond memory.

Rarity smiled "Your majesty, this may all have been one hectic endeavor to go through with on your own, but we're not so quick as to think ill of you since you've decided to come clean to us!"

Applejack nodded "Ah'm with Rarity on this. While Ah ain't too happy 'bout this whole thing involvin' Cuatro's past, yer still good t' us!" She smiled at Celestia, then turned to Twilight, hoping she would think the same way.

Twilight looked down in thought before she held a thin smile "I guess the others are right..." She trotted up to Celestia next to Fluttershy "You had a lot on your plate and you didn't know who to turn to, didn't you?"

Celestia never expected Twilight to be so understanding like this after she lashed out at her earlier, and bowed her head "I couldn't risk you all having to make the same mistakes that I've made. This whole time, I wished to keep you all safe..."

Twilight nodded "You tried to do your job as a princess, but it had been so hard knowing all about Cuatro." She frowned "But you really won't give him back his memories?"

Celestia looked down at Twilight "It would take a serious effect on his mental outlook. For all we know, he could very well disregard the time he has spent with you all. I cannot go through with it...I'm sorry."

Pinkie hopped up to the princess "Oh come on, princess! You should at least give him his memories back since he's about to go head-to-head against an elder dragon!" She instantly covered her mouth with both hooves while everypony darted their heads to Pinkie with widened eyes.

Rainbow Dash hissed "Pinkie! Not now!"

Celestia was surprised "What are you all talking about?"

Twilight winced in worry before she hung her head in defeat "Allow me to explain to you, Princess Celestia, since you've already explained so much to us..." She said in a somber tone.
_____

Outside the snow-covered gardens, Cuatro trotted with Luna in silence on a paved trail; sometimes, their sides met as they carried on through their stroll. Cuatro, while enjoying the feeling, could not help but think about Celestia and what she would say to her friends. He looked up at the castle while he went along the gardens.

"...I hope Twilight will be in good spirits once this has all passed..."

Luna noticed Cuatro's glance and frowned "Thou art worried about our sister?"

Cuatro turned to Luna "More rather with Twilight and her reaction to Celestia's explanation..." He looked away "If she really is telling the truth..."

Luna narrowed her eyes "Come now, Sir Cuatro! Our sister may hath wallowed in a pit of lies after looking into thy memories, but that doesn't mean she would back away from the truth after what hath transpired between the both of thee."

Cuatro looked down "I'm sorry...I shouldn't act this way, but I am still worked up over her giving the Elements of Harmony to my friends to fend me off and goading me to fight her only to have it all blow out of proportion. If she really is telling the truth to them, what would Twilight think of her?"

Luna took in Cuatro's question and thought it over before glancing back at the strange alicorn "We suppose that thou carry a point. She is Tia's most faithful student, after all." She nearly felt worried herself over Twilight's reaction, but tried to change the subject and enjoy her time with Cuatro. Luna smiled at him "It is great to see thee again ever since thine dream..."

Cuatro stopped with Luna to look into her eyes "Likewise...I'm glad to have ever met you, Luna..." He stated sincerely.

Luna chuckled and shared a quick kiss with Cuatro before looking up at the falling snow "Did we ever explain to thee how much we enjoy the season of winter?"

Cuatro blinked at Luna before gazing up at the snow with her "Not really...What do you favor most out of it exactly? Is it just the snow?"

Luna smiled nostalgically "Actually, that is one of the reasons...Thou art not the first pony to have favored our night and make a large impact on our life." She looked down with a sad frown "We miss her already now..."

Cuatro detected the sadness in her voice and focused on her "Was there a tragedy that I should know about?"

Luna looked up at Cuatro and shook her head "No! No tragedy whatsoever!" She then smiled "In fact, it was but a miracle..." Luna activated her horn and caught one of the snowflakes "Look closely at this, Sir Cuatro. What dost thou see?"

Cuatro did as he was told and inspected the snowflake in front of him "A snowflake...But is there a deep significance behind it?"

Luna nodded "Verily...This is but one of many descendants of a long line of creativity that hath been started by one small filly centuries ago..." She let the snowflake drop and watched it with a frown "Her name was Snowdrop; a pegasus that was born with blindness, but was gifted nonetheless. She hath favored our night, and modeled the very snow that fell after the stars in the night sky. Ever since then, many of the pegasi did the same and made these very snowflakes for generations." She heaved a saddened sigh "Sadly, she is not with us to this day..." A tear rolled down her eye "We miss her so..."

Cuatro did not hesitate to comfort Luna by draping a wing over her back and embracing her with a nuzzle "My condolences for your loss...I'll see to it that you'll remain happy no matter what the cost..."

Luna wiped the tear from her eye and smiled at Cuatro as she returned the embrace "We're well-aware that thou would go far to please us, Sir Cuatro. But we thank thee kindly for comforting us in our time of need..." She moved her tail and wrapped it with Cuatro's; his long tail had coiled many times around Luna's.

While they stood together for what seemed like an eternity, hoofbeats were heard, and the two alicorns noticed a royal guard galloping up to them and bowing "Princess Luna! Both you and Cuatro needed back inside the castle by the request of your sister!"

Luna stared "Hm...She must have concluded her explanation and wishes to see us." She looked up at Cuatro "Art thou ready to speak with our sister, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro nodded "If I must. I have something to share with you and her once we meet up..." The royal guard took point and escorted the two alicorns back inside to find and talk with Celestia. Cuatro was lucky not to be tensed up when he thought back to his challenge.

"...I cannot back down from this fight...Not when I have so much to discover between my friends and Luna..."


To be continued...