Cuatro

by Dirty Bit

Capitulo Cuarenta

Celestia could not believe what was heard; According to her student's explanation, Cuatro had been forced to engage an elder dragon in a fight to the death with Ponyville on the line. It did not help that the fight was being held in the mountains that sat several miles away from Canterlot, but at least they weren't near the Gates of Tartarus. She held a solemn frown "I see. So he has no way out of this one, does he?"

Twilight frowned "That's the whole story. He attended to bring this to your attention of his own accord."

Celestia trotted towards one of the dining room's windows and looked out of it with a neutral expression "No doubt this will end in serious destruction if he fights for too long..."

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow "What do you mean?"

Celestia closed her eyes "Remember when I mentioned that I've fought Cuatro?" She turned to the group "I had dragged out our battle in hopes of drawing out his dark side so that I would contain it with an advanced mind spell. Yet in doing so, I've witnessed the full extent of his power..." She frowned "Combined with him fighting in a semi-conscious state, he'll continue to use it until his opponent is completely destroyed."

"Both times Cuatro had fought as such, he was able to stop so long as he heard the sound of somepony familiar to him, be it Fluttershy or Luna. Since this is a battle that will only involve himself, Goldoa, and a vast area for their duel, there is a large chance that Cuatro may fight to the point where not even the faintest whisper will bring him to his senses..." Celestia explained her last sentence in a grave tone.

Everypony grew worried from Celestia's statement. Applejack frowned "Is there any other way outta this? Anythin' t' keep Cuatro from goin' off th' deep end?" She asked hopefully.

Celestia paused before looking down "There is...one way..." She said hesitantly. Everypony in the room listened intently to what she had to say.

The moment she went to speak, however, the doors to the dining room opened to reveal Cuatro and Luna trotting into the room. Cuatro shut the doors with his magic as he stood idly with Luna "I heard word from one of your guards that you requested our presence...What do you wish to discuss?"

Celestia frowned at Cuatro "If I may, I'd like to speak with you to clarify this current matter brought up by Pinkie..."

Cuatro looked at a sheepish Pinkie Pie, grinning awkwardly and apologetically at him, scratching the back of her head with a hoof; her expression said it all. Cuatro looked back at Celestia "She inadvertently made mention of my deathmatch, hasn't she?"

Spike widened his eyes "Oh...You're good..." He uttered in an impressed tone as he pointed a claw at Cuatro.

Celestia nodded, and Cuatro continued before she could speak "To be perfectly clear, you're not to be involved in this...This is a choice that I've made on my own, and I must go through without any hesitation..."

Luna was breathless "Sir Cuatro..." She whispered anxiously "A deathmatch!? With whom?" Luna asked, worried for the life of her loved one.

Cuatro assessed Luna's reaction and nearly felt like harming himself in order to make amends for his mistake. He looked into her eyes "An elder dragon by the name of Goldoa...I wished to avoid it, but I was threatened with all of Ponyville being lost to the blaze he'll personally provide." He placed a hoof on his chest "Ever since you've dubbed me as the Moon Shield, I've made it my solemn duty to protect you and Ponyville from any danger, no matter what the cost. I'm sorry if this news will bring you trouble, but I do not wish to back down only to see all that I hold dear be taken away from my very eyes..."

Luna stared back at Cuatro, then dove into his chest, wrapping her forelegs around his chest and holding him tightly. She looked up at him with saddened eyes "Art thou not knowledgeable of the consequences if thou chose to go through with this?"

Cuatro returned the embrace with a forehoof over Luna's back "I'll do whatever it takes if it means that everypony stays safe...You included..." Luna stared before she smiled lovingly at him.

Rarity sniffled and dabbed a handkerchief over her eyes as she watched the two alicorns converse "This is just so heartwrenching to see them like this!" She mewled.

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs with a frown "You're telling me. This is like something out of a cheesy romance novel!"

Twilight smirked at Rainbow Dash "You know, it's funny when you say it like that..." She quipped in a teasing tone.

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight "What do you mean?" She looked over at Cuatro and Luna, then back at her smiling friend until the gears in her head were finally turning, causing her eyes to widen "Whoa...Wait, you mean?" Rainbow Dash darted her head over at the two alicorns "No way!" She zipped up in front of them "So you-" She said to Cuatro before turning to Luna "And you two are-...?"

Luna chuckled at Rainbow Dash's stammering "What thou assume is the truth, Rainbow Dash..." She nuzzled up to Cuatro "Sir Cuatro is our beloved. We find him to be the most wondrous and endearing companion."

Fluttershy gave a low gasp before smiling sweetly "Cuatro, that is so wonderful!" She proclaimed brightly "I never thought you loved Princess Luna!"

Pinkie grinned widely "I hear wedding bells~!!" She spoke in a singsong tone.

Cuatro flinched and looked away with a light blush. Luna saw this and laughed before smiling "It wouldn't be wise to think of such a thing right now, Pinkamena!"

Applejack nodded "Ah agree with Princess Luna. This is touchin' an' all, but we gotta focus on what's yet t' come!" She turned to Celestia "What did you say would work with Cuatro, princess?" She asked intently.

Cuatro turned to Applejack "Please, Applejack. I've already told you that you mustn't involve yourself with this..."

Applejack turned to narrowed her eyes at Cuatro "This ain't about involvin' us, Cuatro!" She looked crestfallen "Iffin' what Princess Celestia said was true, ya might be lost t' us forever..."

Cuatro blinked "About what exactly?" He turned to Celestia "What did you tell them?"

Celestia frowned "Your tendency to fight and what would happen if you continued for too long. I figured you would have thought about that when accepting Goldoa's challenge."

Cuatro stared, then looked down "Of course...You're right. This isn't just about protecting Ponyville and everypony inside of it..." He looked at his friends "It's about making sure my mind stays intact while doing so..."

Applejack nodded "An' we were jus' gettin' t' the solution t' that problem!" She smiled "Just think...Ya wouldn't have t' worry about goin' crazy ever again!"

Rarity grimaced "And to think this is all wrapped around a fatal duel..." She said to herself morosely.

Twilight looked at Celestia "I agree with Applejack. It's only best that we avoid any more danger in the near future! What's the best way to see that he won't lose control of himself?"

Celestia hesitated until she finally came out with it "The only way he is able to maintain his mind in battle, is by returning his memories to him..."

Pinkie grinned "That's perfect! Cuaty won't be left in the dark anymore AND he'll be able to fight without acting like a zombie! It's a win-win!"

"Not yet..."

All eyes were on the last pony they expected the answer from. Cuatro stared at his friends "So my past is the key to stopping my lethally somnambulistic nature...That is indeed excellent news. However..." He looked down "I'm not ready for my memories to return...not yet..."

Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped "Are you serious!? You're about to have your past hoofed over to you on a silver platter, which obviously is the best choice since it'll stop you from going all psycho on us, and you just say no!? What's gotten into you!?" She blurted out incredulously.

Cuatro held up a hoof "Let me explain..." He looked at his friends "I'm as eager about this as all of you are, but now is not the time..." Cuatro faced away from everypony "As I've come across fragments of my past, I found more...morbid details in my slumber..."

Luna frowned "Thou art referring to what was found in thine dreams?"

Cuatro nodded "They make me feel uncomfortable, especially that voice..." He said, thinking back to what was said in what he thought was his own voice.

"I shouldn't be alive..."

The strange alicorn gave an uncharacteristic shudder, then shook his head. He looked at his friends once more "Besides...I still wish to spend time with you all since we have the whole day to ourselves. Mind you, my battle isn't until tomorrow, so I want to use my time sparingly to think instead of just rushing in..." His friends shared mixed expressions upon Cuatro's explanation, but smiled in the end from his consideration.

Celestia stared at Cuatro, then nodded "I understand. In essence, it gives me the opportunity to speak with you once you have the time."

Cuatro looked at Celestia "What do you wish to talk about? I'll give you the time before I socialize with my friends since you've brought us here..."

Celestia took a deep breath "Cuatro, over the span of time you remained in Ponyville, I have made the mistake of giving Twilight the Elements of Harmony in fear of you possibly abusing your power, and have made matters worse by trying to quell any future problem you would make by myself. All of this was under the excuse of wanting to protect my dearest subjects, mixed with what I've seen from your past."

"In hindsight, after our battle with each other, I've realized that I was the one who made many mistakes in hopes of making sure Equestria would remain a peaceful nation through my own actions. I had forsaken the fact that you had many friends who would guide you with their own lessons and turn you into a better stallion, making a new life for yourself without having to remember your past." Celestia closed her eyes "I wanted you to start anew, but I've only hindered your growing progress; all because of what I've seen from your past..." She opened her eyes with a penitent frown "Can you ever forgive me?" Celestia asked in a repentant tone.

Cuatro was silent; everypony around him considered it was him taking his time and mulling over Celestia's forgiveness speech. After his moment of pause, he looked over at Twilight, who smiled back at him when their eyes met. He noticed that the rest of his friends followed suit. He looked back and faced Celestia "It would seem that they don't think any less of you since you've decided to open up to them after all this time..."

Celestia stood tall "I wouldn't be worthy of my status if I didn't..."

Cuatro nodded "Perhaps I was wrong about you, Princess Celestia...After all, during our fight, even I was nearly overwhelmed with my capabilities, even if I haven't entirely understood them...Your actions were nearly justified to a point." He shook his head briefly "But I digress...You're forgiven. It would be wrong of me to ignore the lessons I've learned from my friends..." He saw how Celestia grew a warm smile from his answer.

Pinkie hopped up and down "Woohoo!! Cuaty forgave the princess!! This calls for a party!!" She pulled out a small cannon from her mane while grinning widely.

Cuatro was easily baffled by the amount of disrespect Pinkie issued against the laws of physics "Pinkie...How long have you been carrying that?" He asked inquisitively.

Pinkie smiled at Cuatro "Oh, Cuaty! I know we're in Canterlot right now, but I NEVER leave home without my party cannon!" She said as she showed more disrespect towards physics by pushing down on the fuse as if it were a button instead of lighting it up, causing the cannon to trigger its mechanism and fire. Instead of a cannon ball, streamers and other various party favors sprung from the cannon's barrel. The fired ammunition reached the dining room table, decorating it into flamboyant and uplifting party favors.

Cuatro was impressed by Pinkie's creativity, though was not amused when she continued to fire more rounds all around the dining room until the scenery was changed to suit her mood.

Celestia chuckled "I suppose I'll send for the chefs to provide meals for us since this may turn into a party."

Luna smiled "Then this shalt be a party to remember no matter how small it may appear!" She proclaimed proudly. The whole group decided to go with Pinkie's idea and lighten the mood with her impromptu party and spend more time with each other. However, even if it was a joyous occasion, they were still bothered not only by Cuatro's match tomorrow, but his reluctance to return to his former self earlier.
_____

Later in the day, Celestia decided to let the group stay at the castle since the battle scheduled tomorrow would be held outside of Canterlot at a safe distance. The group separated into different parts of the castle after the party had died down; Celestia was found in her chambers, laying on her rug and jotting down another journal entry while contemplating over Cuatro's future. A knock came to her door, distracting her thinking "Come in!" She called out.

The door opened to reveal Twilight walking in and spotting Celestia "Hello, Princess Celestia. I was wondering if you're free to talk at the moment."

Celestia nodded "But of course, Twilight. You know you can talk to me if you wish."

Twilight shut the door behind her and looked down "I'm beginning to worry about Cuatro..." She spoke in a sullen tone.

Celestia stared "As far as him declining his memories back then?"

Twilight looked up at Celestia with a frown "I never thought he would just simply cast them aside when he's come so far to earn them. Do you think he might have reclaimed fragments of his past that conflict with what he's learned from us?"

Celestia nodded "Possibly so. As far as I'm concerned, his past is not something that should be spoken of or viewed by Equestrian eyes. Such images should be sent to Tartarus where they belong."

Twilight pointed a hoof "And yet you viewed it all through your unfinished mind spell." She stared curiously "Was there anything in his previous life that he grew attached to? Something that was taken from him to make his life full of despair?"

Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath "My faithful student, you must know that Cuatro's old world was not full of anything he could grow attached to." She opened her eyes to glance at Twilight "In fact, he had absolutely nothing; Nothing but lament for his existence that soon blossomed into unrequited loyalty."

Twilight blinked "To whom?"

Celestia looked away "He was an individual more powerful than Cuatro, and quite possibly more cunning than Discord, with the villainous background to go with it." She faced Twilight "His name was Sosuke Aizen..."

Twilight's eyes widened "Aizen?" She whispered, remembering back to Cuatro's list of memories. She decided to pry through more of his collected thoughts as she bristled with curiousity "Then what about Ichigo? Is that another being tied to Cuatro's memories?"

Celestia nodded "Indeed. In fact, he was technically the one who sent him here. He was a boy gifted with incredible power and a strong will named Ichigo Kurosaki."

More and more, Twilight grew more fascinated and curious with Cuatro's past, even if she hasn't reached the sad parts yet. Celestia frowned at this "I know you wish to know all about his past, but it is best that you wait for Cuatro to regain his memories..."

Twilight frowned deeply, but then shook her head "I understand. But why would he just hold off getting his memories back instead of accepting them?"

Celestia finished jotting down her journal entry and closed the cover "I was just as surprised as you back there, Twilight, but we must remember that he chose to wait in order to spend more time with you all."

Twilight thought to herself, then looked at Celestia "You mentioned that bringing back his memories could possibly change his mental outlook on all of us. Could that also be what was hindering him?"

Celestia shook his head "I cannot be certain, though I personally doubt he would have knowledge of that possible drawback to getting his memories back."

Twilight blinked "Possible? You mean that his change of mindset is only a possibility and not something set in stone?"

Celestia stared at Twilight "It wouldn't be wise to rely on that fact, but yes. Out of all of the times I've utilized my memory spell on other ponies, there were times when they would either go back to their former selves or simply mix their old lifestyle and past with their newly-acquired lessons learned through their amnesia."

Twilight grinned "That's great! Then we wouldn't have to worry about Cuatro acting so differently around us!"

Celestia frowned "Twilight, do you not remember what I've said?"

Twilight's grin vanished and she bowed her head "I'm sorry, princess. It's just...we've really enjoyed our time with Cuatro, and it wouldn't be great if his memories caused him to have a different outlook on us." She frowned.

Celestia shook her head "We can only hope for the best. If anything, I have confidence in his fight tomorrow, though it grieves me that he was forced into it."

Twilight stared "That's right. As far as the truce goes, Goldoa's just ignoring it just to flaunt his power. Wouldn't there be consequences if Cuatro were to be the victor?"

Celestia rubbed her chin with a hoof "I cannot say for the primary reason that elder dragons often live in solitude. Considering that Goldoa was the one that issued the challenge of his own volition, I think there is not much to worry about."

Twilight heaved a sigh of relief "Talk about a convenient loophole..." She felt her heart nearly twisting itself when she remembered that Cuatro was going to partake in a death battle. She shook it off and looked at Celestia with a pleading frown "Please, Princess Celestia. The way you've brought up the effects of Cuatro getting his memories back really has me worried! Is there any way to make sure he'll stay the same?"

Celestia looked into Twilight's eyes and noticed both her passion to keep her friend and the desire to see the goal through. She rubbed her chin with a hoof until she came up with an idea "I could teach it to you..."

Twilight blinked "Huh?"

Celestia rose from her position and looked down at Twilight "I could teach you my memory spell so that you may personally use it on Cuatro. Perhaps if he were to meet the face of his friends the moment his old memories return, it could boost your chances of maintaining his new ones."

Twilight beamed and hugged Celestia "Thank you so much, princess! I'm glad you're willing to help!"

Celestia returned the embrace with a warm smile "It's the least I can do, Twilight." They broke the embrace to look at each other "Knowing your aptitude and progression in your field of magic, this spell should be easy to teach you."

Twilight nodded "I'm ready to learn! I can't wait to get started"

Celestia smiled at Twilight's determination, and looked over at her clock to see that it was quarter to seven "I'm afraid you'll have to for the moment. I need to lower the sun..."

Twilight noticed the time as well and chuckled awkwardly "Oh, right!" She said with a sheepish grin. Celestia opened the door leading to her balcony and trotted outside with Twilight following her "Time really flew by today. Maybe we had too much fun earlier?"

Celestia smiled "If that were the case, then I'd say Cuatro's wish to spend his day in leisure with you and the others has been fulfilled quite well. He should remember to thank you."

Twilight looked away and smiled with a light blush, then looked over at the neighboring tower that held Luna's room and balcony to see Luna and Cuatro standing on the other side.
_____

Cuatro and Luna trotted out to the balcony in preparation for the raising of the moon. The strange alicorn felt his heart quiver in anticipation to actually witness the night take hold through the power of the princess that commands it. Luna turned to Cuatro with a smile "Art thou ready to witness our work, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro nodded to Luna "Yes...I look forward to this glorious moment..." He stated sincerely, albeit in his usual tone.

Luna's smile widened, and she turned to face the edge of her balcony. Before she could look up at the sky, she noticed Celestia standing with Twilight and chuckled to herself "It would seem that Twilight Sparkle wished to see our sister work as well!"

Cuatro looked over as well "I wouldn't blame her. Twilight is practically attached to her mentor, isn't she?"

Luna nodded "And vice versa. Twilight Sparkle is very dear to our sister." She looked up "But now is the time to welcome the night..." Cuatro remained silent and watched the sky as well. Luna closed her eyes as her horn began to glow, its brightness increasing gradually.

On her own tower, Celestia did the same, shutting her eyes as she activated her horn. In the sky, the sun began to lower at a faster rate as the sky soon gave way to the rising moon; the two celestial bodies moved together in graceful synchronization. But it wasn't the best sight to Cuatro's eyes. With widened eyes, he watched how Luna's body had levitated into the air and glew with the same brilliance as the aura on her horn; her regalia from her head to her hooves reflected from both her magic and the moon's light; Her eyes opened to reveal that they were glowing a white light; The many stars in her mane and tail glistened brilliantly and danced about in the force of Luna's magic. Cuatro could possibly stare at Luna and her enhanced beauty all night.

After she finished raising the moon, Luna descended back on the balcony's floor as the bright glow around her body faded. She held a satisfactory smile "Another good night for Equestria." She turned to Cuatro "Did thou enjoy our demonstration, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro snapped out of his trance "Y-Yes..." He answered tentatively.

Luna stared at Cuatro recovering after his reply and chuckled to herself "Perhaps the question wasn't needed. It fills us with great joy to have thee witness the night at our side."

Cuatro looked back at Luna "The feeling is mutual..." He looked up at the moon "An endless sky of stars and darkness resting above only to be purged by a mighty beacon giving off a pale glow...Such is the glory of the moon." He said in an intentionally poetic phrasing.

Luna smiled "Why, Sir Cuatro...If we didn't know any better, we would think that thou art trying to sway us with thy honeyed words..." Cuatro froze in his position after Luna's quip, and her smile widened "Could it be that thou wished to witness more from us?" She asked mischievously as she trotted up next to Cuatro and nuzzled at his neck while he tried to look up into the sky with a straight face "Or dost thou simply find it fun to keep us in good spirits?"

Cuatro began to shiver at Luna's touch "I wouldn't go so far as to saying that making you happy an idea of fun, but more rather an aspiring duty..." He managed to say in a straight tone as he continued to shiver.

Luna purred "Pray tell, what would thou hope to gain if we were more than pleased with thine efforts?" She asked curiously as she gave Cuatro a peck on his chin.

Cuatro twitched as his face gradually turned red. He began to sweat while Luna continued to tease him; he even felt his wings beginning to twitch.

"What do I say? What do I do?"

Luna saw that Cuatro had enough and ceased her fun with a hearty laugh "We've missed thee entertaining us very much, Sir Cuatro!" She examined him with a smirk "Of course, it intrigues us that thou hath not broken down whilst thou were standing."

Cuatro took a deep breath to calm himself down after realizing Luna was simply poking fun at him and turned to face her "I remember to prepare myself anytime you wish to have a mischievous venture. Not that I do not object to it..."

Luna gave Cuatro a lidded stare "So thou would welcome us pranking thee whenever we wish?"

Cuatro stared before looking away "Perhaps I need to think about that..."

Luna giggled to herself, but then frowned. Cuatro noticed this and stared at her. The look in Luna's eyes had shifted from mirth to sadness "Will thou be ready for tomorrow?" She asked in a quiet tone "The trial ahead of thee could be tedious..."

Cuatro felt uncomfortable with Luna's sadness, yet understood her feelings "I'm aware...This may be my greatest challenge, but I will not bow and I will not break."

Luna smiled "And we shalt wait for thy return. We're certain that thou would keep thy promise, Moon Shield." The two alicorns looked into each other's eyes as they stood under the moonlight.

Celestia and Twilight watched Luna and Cuatro on the other building; the former wearing an amused smile "It seems Luna is having too much fun with him." Celestia said as she turned to Twilight "We should get inside so you can be taught the spell."

Twilight nodded "Right. I'm ready when you are, princess." The two ponies went back into Celestia's chamber so that Twilight would be taught to use the memory spell.
_____

In one of the guest rooms, Applejack looked out the window at the moon and sighed "What a day this turned out t' be..." She said to herself as she looked at her reflection in the window "It felt like just yesterday when me an' Applebloom found Cuatro in a snowstorm." She said wistfully.

Pinkie held a chipper grin "I know, right? And the best part is that we'll have plenty more memories to make with him once we give him back his old ones!" She hopped up next to Applejack "You think he could be able to smile once he does remember his past?"

Applejack sighed "Ah ain't exactly worried about 'im gettin' his memories back, Pinkie. Ah'm worried 'bout him havin' t' fight that large dragon tomorro'." She turned to her friend "He ain't gonna be pullin' his punches fer his next fight. It's either gonna be him or Goldoa..."

Pinkie crossed her forelegs "Now who are we to think that Cuaty doesn't have this in the bag? He's got plenty of support! From us, Ponyville, the princesses, and even from folks we don't know!"

Applejack gave a small smile "Ah guess yer right. An' he even promised Ponyville he'd win, didn't he?"

Pinkie nodded "Yeppers!" She paused then groaned "Darn it! We should've made him Pinkie Promise to come back to us!" Pinkie then shrugged "Oh well, not much we can do now..."

The guest room door opened up to show Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike entering through the threshold "Hey, you two! We were just gonna go grab Twilight and see what Lover boy's up to with Luna. Wanna come?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack nodded "Sure thing. It's almost time fer 'im t' get his memories, isn't it?"

Pinkie smiled "I'm for it! Let's go!" The five mares departed from the guest room and walked down the halls, save for Pinkie, who merely pronked with a chipper grin on her face "I'm so excited to see Cuaty get his memories back! Are any of you excited, too?"

Fluttershy frowned "Actually, I'm quite nervous about all this..." She held a sad expression "In fact...I have a bad feeling about what might happen..."

Rainbow Dash arched an eyebrow "You mean when Cuatro gets his memories back? I wouldn't be too worried. I mean, what is he gonna do? Ditch us?"

Spike crossed his arms "I don't think he has a reason to. Princess Celestia would probably convince him not to do something like that. After she performs the spell that is."

"She won't have to!"

The group stopped to see a certain lavender unicorn standing a few feet away from them with a confident smile "You can leave that part to me!"