Capítulo Uno

Questions

There was nothing but darkness all around. Everything before this occurrence was a blur except for the feeling of vanishing into thin air. Then there was nothing but a new feeling all around as the darkness lifted.

"It's...cold...Who am I...?"

The vision was blurry, but slowly sharpened to focus as a blanket of white came into view.

"What am I...?"

The sound of a vicious gale coursed around the area. It felt heavy at first, but he lifted himself up. He then slipped and dropped down as he felt the blanket all over his body.

"It's cold...Am I...dead??"

Indeed it was cold, and it wasn't a welcoming sensation for wherever he was placed into. He picked himself up once more on all fours as everything became more vivid. When his vision came into clear form, he noticed he was inside of what appeared to be a vast forest decorated with snow and a horrible breeze to go with it. His vision blurred a little after he took to much time.

"I...I shouldn't be here...I need to go..."

He thought about lifting onto two legs, but somehow, being on all fours felt comforting for some reason. He could try to catch a glimpse of who or what he was, but he did not want to linger about in the horrid weather. The first step was taken with what he thought was his hand, and he looked down to see a long pale white leg in front of him. He took another step with his other hand to see the same one.

"What is this? I am confused..."

From there, he lifted one of his feet and moved forward with his hand. He started off slow, but he slowly picked up the pace into a decent walk on all fours. It was as if he was no stranger to walking like this.

"Where am I? What is this place?"

Wherever he was, he did not admire the cold too much. He walked further into the forest to see where he should go next. With the distance made, it was getting slightly darker through the forest and the cold grew worse. He looked down at the snow as he moved forward, not finding his voice as he trudged along.

"What is my reason for being here? What is my purpose?"

While his head was hung down, he accidentally bumped into something ahead. It was hard, but it wasn't a tree. He looked up and noticed an angered beast with wings that roared at him. He could feel his eyes widening from the sudden encounter, his body tensing up to the beast's form.

"A beast? Here?"

The large beast raised a claw and went to go swipe at him, but while he moved, everything around him slowed down. He stood confused as to why it was moving so sluggish while looking fierce.

"I don't want to get hurt..."

Taking the moment to avoid the suddenly slow pace of the beast, he took a couple of steps back cautiously. Then time seemed normal when the beast's claw swept at the air. It was confused as to how his attack was easily dodged, but went to attack again with its other claw. Once again, time slowed down. He stepped away from the second strike and a part of him beckoned to retaliate.

"I don't want to get hurt...and he'll only keep attacking me..."

He wondered if the nearest branch could prove to be a good weapon. But he hesitated when he examined the strange long legs in place of his hands.

"Hooves? Am I a horse?"

He felt he should act on instinct and see what would happen. Remembering the offensive capabilities of a horse, he planted his forelegs into the snow and awaited the beast to come near him. The beast roared indignantly before it attempted to pounce on the strange horse. When he felt the beast was near, he quickly launched his hindlegs into a bucking motion and knocked the beast away. His heart raced when he heard a loud explosion the exact moment he bucked the beast away.

Wondering if there was someone planting explosives nearby, the strange horse looked around to see nothing left or right of him. He stifled a gasp when he shifted his gaze behind to see a trail of fallen trees.

"...What happened to the beast? Did it run off?"

A part of the horse wanted to venture into the newly-presented trail in front of him, but another part of him dreaded he might run into the beast again. He then trotted away from it and went deeper into the forest.

While he traveled, his vision blurred again as he found himself staggering along his trail. Suddenly, it felt as if televised static danced in his head until a small shaded scene played in his mind.

"If you don-...-ever be over..."
"I won't do it!"
"Hmph...In the end, you still never do what I want..."
"Are you afraid of me...girl?"
"...I see..."

The horse grunted and placed a hoof on his head. He felt something on his head other than his mane, but ignored it when he felt a small migraine. He stopped to take some deep breaths.

"What was that...What did they not want to do...?"

He slowly felt his strength deteriorate and focused more on trotting out of the forest. At certain points in his travel, he felt his vision blur once more.

"I need to get out...This place is foreboding..."

It was strange to wake up in a snow-coated forest with a beast while looking like a horse. He mustered more strength as he pushed onward through the cold-ridden trail. It was excruciating to deal with a harsh cold area that sapped away at his strength while moving about bearing a minor ache in his head, but his troubles have been lifted slightly when he spotted light up ahead through the woods. He groaned again out of pain, oblivious to question why he did so instead of neighed. The strange horse then continued until he finally reached the light past the trees.

He peered outside to see that he was now caught in a fierce snowstorm, with everything around him being a fogged up grey aside of the large amounts of snow being carried by strong winds. It wasn't as welcoming as the forest, but at least he was out of there. Despite his current state of health, perhaps he could trot along the whitened landscape to ponder his existence. He took his first step into the deep snow, flinching at the feel, and pressed on through the land.

After a moment of travel, the strange horse regretted his decision as he almost felt himself being robbed of his life. Was he really dead? He toiled in his steps with the rising levels of snow, and felt that he should give up this pointless journey and let the snow bury him forever.

Until he saw it.

His eyes slowly widened when he caught the faint glimpse of a house near an orchard of trees.

"Shelter...I need shelter..."

With the new sight in his eyes, he felt some of his strength return to him as he marched through the harsh weather and towards the house. He felt some snow being brushed into his muzzle by the wind, but he shook it off as he carried on. The strange horse drew closer and closer until he finally reached the fence. He shakingly climbed over it when he felt his adrenaline fade away. From there, his vision began growing more blurred as he approached the front door.

"Almost...there..."
_____

Inside of the Sweet Apple Acres homestead, Applejack and Applebloom were enjoying their own mugs of hot cocoa while sitting in front of the fireplace. Winona was curled up beside Applejack as she slept soundly.

Applebloom took another sip of her mug and smiled "Thanks fer makin' th' hot cocoa, sis! It's really great!"

Applejack chuckled "T'ain't no problem at all! Nothin' like a good mug o' cocoa while the snowstorm's hittin' Ponyville hard! We're in fer a heep o' shovelin' come tomorro'!" She took a sip of her mug.

Applebloom frowned "Do ya think maybe we might need a little extra help 'round Sweet Apple Acres with all this snow?"

Applejack sighed "More hooves 'round th' farm would be a gift sent by Celestia herself iffin' we get plenty o' snow...No doubt our friends might be busy themselves, too!"

Applebloom looked down at her mug "Well, even though there ain't no shootin' stars...Ah wish we had some more help 'round the house! Maybe a new friend!" She said as she sipped her mug.

Applejack chuckled "Me too, Applebloom...Me too..." She went to go sip at her mug until she heard a faint rapping sound "Huh?" Applejack turned to the front door and stared for a moment before she heard the same sound again "Who in the hay would be here in the middle o' th' storm? Is it Pinkie Pie?"

Applebloom set her mug down and trotted up to the door "Ah'll get it, sis!" She innocently made her way to the front door and reared onto her hind legs as she turned the knob and opened the door with her forelegs. She slipped and fell when the door blew open and made way for the harsh outdoor winds "Ow! Consarn it..." She muttered as she picked herself up and shook her head, but her expression changed when she noticed a set of four long pale white legs sit in front of her. Applebloom looked up, and she gasped at the sight as her eyes widened.

Standing in front of Applebloom was the strangest pony she had ever seen. It was a tall, slender and pale white stallion with black bat-like wings curled up at his sides. His face looked down at her with what appeared to be soulless green cat-like eyes while his long wild black mane breezed in the wind. His horn on his forehead was both long and impeccably sharp and tail was just as strange, resembling a long and durable whip with a wild bush at the end of it. His cutie mark was a scary looking thin black '4'.

Applebloom was instantly frightened by his appearance, especially with how he was breathing, and backed away while she stared up at the stallion with her widened eyes.

The stallion kept his gaze on the yellow filly until he finally uttered his first words since his arrival into this world "...Help...me..." He said as he felt the world around him black out. The stallion fell unconsciously at Applebloom's feet, and the filly ran off. The last thing he heard before he blacked out completely was the sound of the filly calling out for her sister.

To be continued...

Capítulo Dos

View Online

Capítulo Dos

Welcome

The strange pony laid in front of the fireplace unconscious on the floor while Applebloom stared at him with intrigue, her past fears vanished. Applejack came back into the living room with a green plaid blanket in her teeth and carefully draped it over the strange pony. Applebloom turned to her sister after she looked long enough "Where do ya suppose he came from, sis? He definitely don't look like he's from around here!"

Applejack was just as confused as she examined the strange pony "Ya got me there! Ah don't think Ah've ever seen another alicorn 'round these parts, especially this'un!"

Applebloom trotted over and nudged through the blanket to examine his wingspan "An' jus' look at those wings! Ya think maybe he used t' be a part of Luna's Night Guard?"

Applejack scoffed "Don't bother him while he's sleepin'! Let's jus' wait fer him t' wake up. If it'll take th' rest o' th' night, we might as well hit th' hay and let this poor feller get his rest."

Applebloom looked down at the strange pony "Do ya think he'll be friendly th' moment he wakes up?" The yellow filly could only wonder the means of the strange pony's appearence while he laid unconscious.
_____

There was darkness once more in the strange pony's eyes, pure and simple. But slowly, a shape began to appear out of the endless abyss. It was a large white tree bearing many spines. Something about this tree seemed familiar, including the feeling of emptiness it exerted. Was he connected to this tree? The strange pony slowly inched towards it with curiousity and placed a hoof on the bark, only to sink into it. He was startled at first, but he slowly melted into it, finding comfort in its strange emptiness to where he closed his eyes. When he was close to becoming one with the tree, muffled voices caused the strange pony to open his eyes and look around. His vision was blinded by darkness again, his comforting feeling vanishing.

The darkness lifted once again to make way for blurry vision, only he did not find himself in the same white blanket of snow as before. He felt warmth over him opposite to what he had faced earlier, and his head felt very heavy. He heard voices around him while he did not find the strength to move.

"Do ya think he'll be friendly th' moment he wakes up?"
"Even Ah can't be sure 'bout that, Applebloom. All we can do is wait fer 'im t' wake up and ask why he chose t' come t' our door!"

Two feminine voices, both flowing with a southern drawl. Very unfamiliar, but it was comforting to know there were others around. He uttered a tired moan before he shifted his body inside whatever covered him.

"*gasp* Sis, he's wakin' up!"
"Is he? Give 'em some space!"

Were they expecting him to wake up this whole time? Whoever was there must seem very dedicated. He shifted a little more before a sharp pain dug into his head, causing him to instinctively grunt and place a hoof to his temple.

"Hang on now, partner! Don't try an' stress yerself!"
"Yeah! We only jus' found ya on our doorstep!"

Doorstep. He did remember finding a house and weakly rapping on the door to find a pony smaller than him gaze in fear. Was he able to make it inside the house, or was this another dream of sorts? He moved again, but more carefully this time as he shifted under the blanket. The strange pony uttered another tired moan before he instinctively rubbed his eyes and tried to clear his vision. He looked to see he was laying in a quaint wooden room next to a roaring fire. His focus then shifted to see the same yellow filly from before with a face of concern rather than one of fear. He only stared back with his seemingly cold and dispassionate eyes in silence, not sure on how to react.

"Nice t' see yer awake finally! What in the hay were y'all thinkin' movin' outside during a snowstorm?"

He heard a voice behind him. The strange pony looked to see an orange mare with a stetson hat with an expression of confusion mixed with concern. Her face quickly contorted into a wince when she got a better look at his eyes "W-Well, now that yer awake an' all that, what brings ya here, sugarcube?" Upon seeing this, it was safe to assume that the world he now resided in may be populated by talking ponies.

The strange pony blinked his eyes "...Sugar...cube? Is that my name?" He asked in a deep and monotonous voice.

The orange mare stood with an incredulous expression before she shook her head "N-No! No, forget Ah said that. It ain't yer name, trust me!" She offered him a sheepish grin.

The yellow filly trotted up next to the orange mare in the strange pony's sight with her head tilted "Sis, Ah think this alicorn might have..." She looked down in thought "What's th' word Sweetie Belle used..." She then perked up "Oh yeah! Amnesia! This pony has amnesia!"

The orange mare looked down at the yellow filly "Amnesia? That might explain why th' stallion don't remember his name..." She turned to the strange pony again "Listen, partner. Can ya tell us why ya came t' our home? We don't hate ya or nothin', but its just there's a horrible snowstorm outside scheduled by th' pegasi, an' Ah ain't never seen anypony have th' guts t' jus' walk out like that!"

The strange pony thought that he might have angered the orange mare. He shifted his body to where she faced her and gave a bow as he closed his eyes "My apologies...I woke up in a forest and fought with a beast..."

The orange mare's eyes widened "Y'all were in th' Everfree Forest!? An' ya fought with a beast? What did it look like?"

The strange pony looked at the orange mare "It looked like a lion, though I spotted wings on its back and a scorpion tail. It appeared to be dangerous, yet it moved so slowly..."

The yellow filly looked surprised "Ya fought with a manticore? That's amazin'!" She smiled in delight.

The orange mare looked unsettled "An' suicidal! Ah can't believe ya-Wait..." She arched an eyebrow "Did ya jus' say it moved slowly?"

The strange pony nodded "It looked ready to attack, but it was so easy to avoid...I believe it ran off after I managed to harm it. Forgive me for straying off topic, but who are you and who am I? What is this place?"

The orange mare looked saddened "Ya really do have amnesia, doncha?" She sighed before she smiled "Maybe we can resolve this issue with Twilight when we get th' time."

The strange pony stared "Twilight?" He questioned innocently.

The orange mare waved a hoof "A friend of mine y'all will have th' pleasure o' meetin', but that's not important now." She tipped her Stetson hat with a smile "Howdy there. Th' name's Applejack." She looked down to the yellow filly "This here's my sister, Applebloom."

Applebloom smiled "Howdy!"

The strange pony shifted his gazes between the two "I see...And I am?"

Applejack gave a sad smile "Sorry, partner. We can't really answer that one on account o' ya being new here an' all. As fer where ya are, this here's our home, Sweet Apple Acres, jus' near th' town o' Ponyville. Our apples are th' best in Equestria!"

The strange pony stared before he looked down with his near-expressionless face "So my name remains a mystery..." He then looked back up "You said we were near a place called Ponyville? Am I to believe there are several more ponies living there as the name implies?"

Applejack nodded "Eeexactly! My friends live there as well, and like Ah said earlier, y'all will have th' pleasure o' meetin' them!" She smiled warmly.

Applebloom chimed in "Yeah! An' maybe they'll help ya out an' get rid o' that amnesia!"

The strange pony was silent before he gave a curt nod "Thank you, both of you..." He looked down "But I cannot believe I am a pony. I do not think I have any capable attributes to serve my desire to rediscover my former self..."

Applejack chuckled awkwardly "Ya might wanna make a rain check on that note, sugarcube. Get up an' follow me!" The strange pony complied as he lifted himself up, a smooth feeling slipping off of his being. He then followed Applejack towards a nearby mirror.

The strange pony looked at it to see all of his visible features: His long and sharp horn, his mighty bat wings, and his strange long tail. Unlike his encounter with the manticore, he was able to take in his reflection with mild curiousity as he lifted a hoof to confirm his appearance. He then looked behind him at the strange '4' on his flank and his mind suddenly raced, giving him another migraine as he grunted and placed a hoof on his temple.

Applejack and Applebloom instantly gathered around the strange pony with concern as the farmpony spoke "Hey! Ya alright there now?" Sadly, most of the last sentence was muffled as the strange pony felt his vision randomize itself before another shaded scene played in his head.

"According to-...I'm the-...-ongest..."
"You have absolute-...-eating me..."
"A path-...-doesn't exist..."

After the mental scene had transpired, the strange pony wrested with his pain and took a deep breath. He stared at the ground.

"A path doesn't exist? What path?"

His vision of the floor was then obscured when Applebloom showed up under him "Are you okay, mister? That don't seem like a pleasant headache!" She frowned up at him.

The strange pony stared at Applebloom in silence before raising his head to gaze at his reflection in the mirror. He then noticed that Applejack was not beside him as he looked over "Where is your sister?" He asked in his monotonous tone, as if never born with feelings.

Applebloom frowned "She went t' get a damp washcloth fer yer head! Ya should make yerself cozy on th' couch over there since ya might be sick." She pointed to a nearby sofa, and the strange pony noticed it as well.

Other than trying to figure out who he was, he did not have much else to do. And he had been through so much ever since arriving at Sweet Apple Acres from the Everfree Forest. He trotted over and laid himself onto the sofa, waiting for Applejack to arrive.

Applejack came back with a washcloth between her teeth. She then placed it on the strange pony's head, though it was soaking up his mane much rather than his forehead. She then gave an awkward smile "Um...Ya think maybe ya can move that there washcloth with yer horn, mister?"

The strange pony looked up at his horn "...But my horn cannot move. And what if I impale it?"

Applejack blinked before she spoke again "Ah mean with yer unicorn magic! Do ya know how t' use unicorn magic?"

The strange pony looked back at Applejack, once again causing her to wince just by looking into his eyes "Magic?"

Applebloom huffed "Sis, he has amnesia, remember? He probably doesn't know th' first thing about unicorn magic neither!!"

Applejack sighed "Oh boy. This is gonna be a long shot. We're definitely makin' an effort t' get ya t' Twilight's place tomorro'..." She then moved her muzzle onto the strange pony's head and moved the washcloth with her teeth onto his forehead, where he felt its damp lukewarm touch. Applejack drew herself back and smiled "Better?"

The strange pony took a deep breath before he nodded, though he hadn't smiled since his arrival "Thank you..."

Applejack averted the pony's gaze as she sighed "Well, it won't do it any good t' ask ya questions since y'all have amnesia. So it's best that ya get some rest tonight, mister. We gotta have ya in good shape iffin' we're gonna get yer memory back!"

The strange pony only stared at Applejack before he looked away and shifted himself into a proper resting position on his back "Very well. Thank you for letting me rest here..."

Applejack smiled as she brought up the green plaid blanket and draped it over the strange pony again "Don't worry 'bout a thing, sugarcube! Jus' getcha some rest and we'll be off tomorro'!"

Applebloom looked outside "But sis, what about the snow outside?"

Applejack flinched and cursed under her breath for forgetting about an important matter. She turned to the strange pony with a smile "Um, beggin' yer pardon, mister. But before we can get t' Twilight's, we're gonna have t' take care o' all this snow! This might be askin' ya too much, but could ya lend a hoof with shovelin' th' snow tomorro'? It'd be mighty appreciated!"

The strange pony stared in silence. He had waken up in a large and possibly dangerous forest in the middle of winter, and managed to come into contact with his own kind (So to speak). And they would gladly help him reclaim his memory in exchange for a small favor. There could be no reason to turn them down, especially when they welcomed him into their home. He gave a curt nod "I will gladly help you out tomorrow with the snow..." His answer put a smile on Applejack's face.

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

The strange pony slightly shrank his pupils at the last word. It sounded more than significant to his ears.

"...Empty..."

Applebloom blinked at his changed expression until Applejack nudged her away "Jus' get on int' bed, Applebloom. We can talk about his mood in th' mornin'!"

Applebloom moaned in complaint "But it's too early, sis!"

Applejack continued nudging "Early t' bed, early t' rise! Now git!" She stopped when the yellow filly trotted up the stairs by herself with a mild pout. She then turned to the strange pony "Well, y'all sleep well tonight, mister. An' doncha worry 'bout a thing! We'll get yer memories back faster than ya think! Good night!" She said as she trotted up the stairs, the strange pony staring at her departing presence.

Now he was all alone in the living room on the sofa next to th pleasant fire at the fireplace. The comforting heat was enough to remind his body that he needed to rest. His eyes slowly closed until he finally found himself sound asleep. But before he fell asleep, he could not shake the significance of the one word that entered his mind.

"...Empty...Emptiness...Am I connected to this emptiness?"

To be continued...

Capítulo Tres

View Online

Capítulo Tres

Calling

"The orange hair...and the black bankai...Yes, he is our target-"
"But still...at this level, he is no threat to Lord Aizen..."

The strange pony woke up after more shaded scenes played in his mind as substitutes for dreams. The last one he witnessed struck him with curiousity "...Aizen..." He uttered to himself as he stared up at the ceiling. Who was this Aizen character that played in his mind? Did he bear as much significance as to what the strange pony had witnessed in his earlier scenes?

"Mornin', sleepyhead!"

The strange pony perked up and turned to see Applejack standing right next to him as he laid on the sofa "Was jus' about t' wake ya up. Did ya sleep well last night?"

He stretched a moment before he unveiled himself from his blanket and stood onto the wooden floor as he looked at Applejack with his emotionless face "Yes. I slumbered peacefully throughout the night. Am I to guess that it is morning already?" He spoke in his unchanged tone.

Applejack nodded "Sure is. We thought about tacklin' all this snow 'fore Ah take ya t' my friends! Come on int' th' kitchen so ya can meet m' family an' enjoy some Sweet Apple Acres family cookin'!"

The strange pony remembered his appetite at the mention of cooking. What was he to do to start this new day without proper sustenance? With a curt nod, he allowed Applejack to lead him into the next room, where Applebloom sat with two new faces.

Sitting across from Applebloom was a stallion as big as him, only he had nothing on him but a yoke and a laidback expression on his face. He regarded the strange pony with a nod. A green apple was seen on his flank, causing the strange pony to glance in curiousity. Cooking at the stove was an elderly green mare who was frying something in a pan with a smile on her face. On her flank was a pie in a tin.

At this point, he realized he had forgotten that while he and others were ponies here, they held pictures on their flanks. He turned over to look at Applejack's flank to see three red apples. The farmpony noticed and tilted her head in confusion "Ya feelin' okay, partner?"

The strange pony did not answer as he looked over at Applebloom. Strangely, she was the only one he had seen without any picture or mark on her flank. Then his eyes rested on his own flank, staring back at the strange '4' that covered it.

Applejack stared at the strange pony's movement until she made out his curiousity with a chuckle "Ya wonderin' about cutie marks, are ya? Well, maybe Ah can enlighten ya there!"

The strange pony turned to Applejack "Cutie marks? Is that what these marks on our flanks are?"

Applejack gave the strange pony a light nudge forward "Ah'll explain it to ya over breakfast. We got a whole day ahead o' us now!" With that, the two ponies found their seats and the elderly mare trotted over with a pan wrapped in her hoof.

She approached the rest of the table and scraped off flapjacks on each of the ponies' plates. She then looked over at the strange pony and her smile widened "So yer th' new feller Applejack an' Applebloom were talkin' 'bout! Good t' see ya, sonny!"

The strange pony stared back at Granny Smith with his unchanged expression, frowning at her in silence and confusion "...You regard me as a son...Are you my mother?" He almost flinched when he heard Applebloom and the elderly pony burst out in laughter. Applejack stifled her own laughter to avoid making him feel more uncomfortable "Why are you laughing?"

Applebloom's laughter died down as she replied "Granny Smith's not yer mother, silly!!" She couldn't help but laugh even more "She's our granny!"

The one called Granny Smith hummed "Applejack told me that y'all have amnesia, right? Mighty sorry t' hear that. But yeah, th' name's Granny Smith! Th' big one over there is my oldest grandson Big Macintosh!"

Big Macintosh nodded to the strange pony "Eeyup."

Granny Smith kept her smile "It's real nice t' know we'll have an extra set o' hooves t' help us with all this snow! Sure was a doozy last night, wasn't it! Even heard that y'all came from th' Everfree Forest, right?"

Applebloom nodded "Uh-huh! An' he fought with a manticore and scared it off!!"

Applejack raised an eyebrow "Ah'm startin' t' think th' whole 'manticore runnin' off' thing seems a bit farfetched. Them things 're ferocious! An' they won't quit til their prey's down an' out! Ya say ya scared it off after landin' one hit on it?"

The strange pony nodded "At the same time I landed a hit, I heard an explosion...Was there anything explosive in the Everfree Forest?"

Big Macintosh shook his head "Nnnnope."

Applebloom frowned "Dunno why y'all would think that. There ain't nothin' explosive in th' Everfree Forest! Are yer hooves made o' bombs or somethin', mister?"

The strange pony stared before he turned to investigate his hindlegs. They were the same as his forelegs: Long, pale white, and in a unique shape for a pony like him. He tilted his head as he looked at it "...I see nothing..."

Applebloom snickered at the strange pony's curiousity, but stopped it when her older sister shot her a look.

Granny Smith chuckled "Well, yer gonna need them legs fer after breakfast, sonny! We got some snow t' plow out o' our fields! Help yerself t' some apple flapjacks 'fore ya go outside. An' be sure t' bundle up a little! It's mighty cold outside!" She trotted to her seat and proceeded to cut into her flapjacks with a fork and knife.

The others did the same with relative ease, only serving to widen the strange pony's curiousity. How do they do it? He stared at their movement before he looked down at his own utensils and stared.

Appplejack finished a bite of her flapjacks before she turned to the strange pony in confusion "What's th' matter, mister? Are ya not hungry? Or are ya not a fan o' flapjacks?"

The strange pony did not answer, and he inched a hoof to reach for a fork. When he lightly pressed his hoof on it, it was only pushed a small inch away from him. He tried again with the same results and examined his hoof.

"This doesn't make any sense at all...Ponies have hooves, yet they are able to grasp certain objects with them?"

Granny Smith noticed the strange pony and tilted her head "There ain't no shame in usin' yer horn t' eat flapjacks, ya know. Is it that difficult fer ya t' use a fork?"

Applebloom turned to Granny Smith "He doesn't know how t' use magic, Granny. His amnesia's that bad" She stated dryly.

The elderly mare frowned "Well that's too bad. Ah hope he'll be able t' remember soon enough! Wouldn't want this feller t' draw too much attention t' himself!"

Applejack nodded "Already got it covered, Granny! Ah'm takin' him t' Twilight's when we're done with work!" She took another bite of her meal.

The strange pony stared at the utensils and then at his flapjacks. Not knowing of any other alternative for himself, he decided to lean his head forward and bite into the flapjacks without using a fork. He chewed his portion properly, enjoying the sweet taste of apples in his mouth.

Granny Smith watched with a chuckle "Well, that's another way o' eatin', Ah suppose. How is it, sonny?"

The strange pony gulped down his bite before he responded "It is delicious. Thank you..." He responded in his monotonous tone.

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

The strange pony slightly dialated his eyes at the mention of the last word. Then a migraine entered inside of him as another shaded scene popped into his head.

"What's with these guys? Why are they staring at me? Hey, I'm gonna go eat now!"
"Buaaah! Yuck!!"
"Of course. How can such weak souls taste so good?"

The strange pony held his head with a hoof while his eyes were clenched shut.

"Souls...Why is that familiar? And that last voice...Was that...me?"

It wouldn't help to think with his mental pain, but the strange pony recovered from his ominous headache, only looked to see the Apple Family stare at him with looks of concern. He replied to them to ease their thoughts "Forgive me. It was only a minor headache. I cannot be certain if this will be lifted any time soon, but I will still be able to help you work around the house..."

Granny Smith smiled warmly at the strange pony "Well ain't that sweet. Are ya sure ya can handle yerself out in th' cold again?"

The strange pony replied "Once I finish my meal..." He said as he took another bite of his flapjacks. He realized that he would indeed need all the strength he can get if he can carry out his promise to the Apple Family for their hospitality. He was unaware that the Apple Family was not entirely convinced at his words while he ate his meal.
_____

When his meal was finished, the strange pony joined Applejack and Big Macintosh outside while Granny Smith and Applebloom cleaned up inside the house. The cold wasn't welcoming as before, but it was more bearable thanks to regaining enough energy to act.

Applejack took point and led the group to a large red barn, opening it to reveal its rustic interior to the others. The strange pony took in his surroundings while he followed the Apple siblings further inside. Soon, they found themselves standing in front of three large green plows. They were all of the same design, bearing two large wheels on the back and a fabric roof Applejack turned to the strange pony "Ya know how t' work a snow plow?" The strange pony examined the plow before he turned to Applejack and shook his head, causing her to frown "Ah figured as much. But don't worry. Big Mac an' Ah will walk ya through it! C'mon, Big Mac!" She said as the two Apple siblings pushed out their plows into the snow before settling themselves into their proper positions. Applejack smiled back at the strange pony, who observed with intrigue "Jus' watch an learn, sugarcube!"

Both Applejack and Big Macintosh trotted out while working their own plows and began clearing out their own trails of snow in front of them. They seemed to be making good progress with their pace, and the strange pony wondered if he was capable of moving a plow himself. The Apple siblings demonstrated a good amount of their strength through hard labor in their years, and he could only hope to compare to them.

When enough distance was made, Applejack called out to the strange pony "Ya know what t' do now, right? Grab a plow an' join us!" She seemed to be confident in the strange pony's abilities despite them only meeting last night.

With a curt nod, he turned back and trotted into the barn to fetch his own plow so he could join Applejack and Big Macintosh in the snow. When he pulled it out and attempted to push it, it was very easy. It was as if he was pushing a firm, but light pillow out into the breeze. When he reached the barn's entrance, he settled himself into the plow and trotted out into a decent pace. It was a new experience to feel wet grass in his hooves other than snow. He continued pushing his plow, and he eventually caught up to Applejack and Big Macintosh, joining them as they plowed along Sweet Apple Acres.

Applejack smiled "Lookin' good, partner! Jus' keep up that pace with us an' we'll be done in no time!" The strange pony only replied with a nod, his face remaining the same as before. Applejack was slightly unsettled at how he managed to retain such a cold and dispassionate face while acting humble and polite 'Ah really hope this stallion will act well around my friends...'

An hour had passed, and the trio managed to get the snow around Sweet Apple Acres plowed up without much of a hassle. When they pushed the plows back into the barn, Big Macintosh regarded the strange pony with a respectful smile and a grateful nod before he chose to go back inside the house. The strange pony went to follow before he felt a tug on his whip-like tail. He looked back to see Applejack drop his tail out of her mouth with a smile "We're gonna take ya t' Twilight's, remember? We gotta help ya get them memories o' yers back!"

The strange pony turned to face Applejack when he realized her agenda "Of course. Will you lead me?"

Applejack trotted past the strange pony "'Course Ah will! Now let's get movin'. With how much Twi knows, Ah'm sure she'll get yer memories back no problem!" The strange pony followed after Applejack as they left her home and went into the town of Ponyville.
_____

Unlike the other night with the massive snowstorm, there were signs of activity in Ponyville. There were several ponies of different colors, each bearing their own certain marks while they trotted around town. Some ponies were seen wearing scarves, boots, or earmuffs to help them tolerate the cold weather. Little fillies and colts were seen having snowball fights at their own leisure. The older ponies were merely trotting about to their own destinations, be it business or home.

Applejack and the strange pony trotted through the streets, and the farmpony was less than surprised when she noticed that her houseguest had earned many different reactions from the townsfolk. He shifted his eyes to see different looks of curiousity and fear, some even bowing to him, then turned to Applejack "I don't think they like me...Are you sure it is a good idea?"

Applejack shook her head "Don't get discouraged, sugarcube! These ponies aren't used t' new faces now an' then. My friend Twilight will welcome ya with open hooves once we reach her place!" She looked away while they trotted 'Ah hope...'

They continued trotting along until they finally reached what appeared to be a house built inside of a hollowed-out tree. The strange pony looked on before he turned to Applejack "It's alive..."

Applejack turned to the strange pony in confusion "Beg pardon?"

The strange pony looked back to the tree "The tree...It's alive, yet it has been hollowed out...How is this possible?"

Applejack shook her head "If ya want my answer, Ah'm guessin' it's nothin' but unicorn magic! But now ain't th' time to stand outside." She trotted up to the door and rapped on it three times.

After a small moment, the door was answered by a small purple dragon. He smiled up at Applejack "Oh, hey Applejack! How's it go-WHOA!!" He looked behind the farmpony to see the strange pony gaze down at him with his cat-like eyes.

Applejack waved a hoof "Calm down now, Spike, he's friendly. Is Twilight home at all? We kinda need 'er fer this!"

Spike's gaze did not leave the strange pony as he slowly backed up "A-Are you sure he's friendly, Applejack? Who is he!?"

Applejack sighed "That's why we need Twi. This pony's got amnesia!"

Spike perked up "Amnesia? Him? That's really weird..." He backed up and opened the door to where they could enter inside. Applejack nodded to the strange pony and the two made their way into the tree.

The strange pony looked around to see many shelves bearing books. It was safe to assume that the tree was an adequate library for all ponies to use. Speaking of, there was a lavender unicorn with a cutie mark of six shimmering stars reading a book on her sofa.

"That must be Twilight...But why doesn't she notice me nor Applejack from this distance??"

Spike waddled over and nudged the lavender unicorn's side "Err, Twilight? Sorry to interrupt, but Applejack and..." He looked over at the strange pony and winced "some other pony are here to see you..."

The one called Twilight sighed as her horn began to glow. A bookmark wrapped in an aura similar to the horn's glow hovered over and set itself into the current page of the open book. Then, the book itself was wrapped in the same aura as it closed on its own. The strange pony watched in intrigue at the scene.

"I see...So that's unicorn magic...But how am I to channel it myself?"

He stared up at his horn, unaware that Twilight turned to regard her friend with a greeting. When she caught a glance of the strange pony, she yelped in surprise, snapping him out of his own thought. He stared with his unchanged expression while Twilight looked in shock "Wh-Who are you?"

Applejack chuckled "Take it easy, Twi. This stallion's basically th' reason Ah'm here. Y'see, he's-"

She was ignored as Twilight trotted over and examined the strange pony up close while he stared down at her in silence "What kind of alicorn are you?" The unicorn mare noted his features aloud "Strange eyes, a sharp horn, bat wings, a tail that's both long and thin, and..." Her eyes trailed over to his cutie mark, and she was instantly dumbfounded "A four? What kind of cutie mark is that?" She looked up at the strange pony and blushed in embarrassment "I-I'm sorry about that...What's your name?"

Applejack looked miffed for being ignored "That's what Ah was gettin' at! This pony has amnesia! Ah came here t' see if y'all or any o' our friends can do somethin' 'bout it!"

Twilight blinked before she looked down "I see. This really is the most random situation we've been in...And in the middle of winter to boot!" She looked up and examined the strange pony once more "To think there existed an alicorn like yourself is amazing! I'm very sorry about your amnesia, but I'll see what I can do about it for your sake!" She then perked up "I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself yet!" Twilight placed a hoof on her chest "My name is Twilight Sparkle. It is a pleasure to meet you today!" She smiled warmly at her visitor.

The strange pony only gave a curt nod "Likewise..." He finally responded in his monotonous tone.

Twilight's smile vanished after hearing his response. While she was fascinated about his appearance, she wasn't fond of the emotionless expression on his face. She wondered if the strange pony wasn't so socialable when he had his memories "Okay. Well, why don't you make yourself comfortable on the couch before I-"

The door suddenly flew open to reveal another visitor to the library. It was another mare like Applejack, only she was pink all over, with a darker pink mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a set of three balloons; Two blue and one yellow. A manic grin was on her face when she entered inside "Hi, everypony! I wanted to come by to see if any of you were up for hanging out today!" She looked around, and when her eyes fell on the strange pony, she paused before she gave a loud gasp.

The strange pony stared back before she turned to Applejack "Is she one of your-"

Applejack held a deadpan look on her face "Eeyup..."

To be continued...

Capítulo Cuatro

View Online

Capítulo Cuatro

Rebirth

The strange pony stood by and shifted his eyes at the pink mare while she quickly examined him all over at different angles, even invading his personal space. What was worse was how she continuously babbled "Wow, look at you! Another alicorn, and a male one, too! This is so super-duper amazing! What spells do you know? What's your special talent? How'd you get your tail like that? What's with your eyes?"

Twilight looked angry "Pinkie, give him some space! You're making him uncomfortable!"

Pinkie stopped before she grinned "Sorry, Twilight! You know how much I love a new face in Ponyville!" She stopped before she gasped "New face in Ponyville! This is so great! Now I can throw him a party!"

Applejack frowned "Simmer down, Pinkie. We don't know if he'd like that..."

Pinkie tilted her head in confusion "Who wouldn't like a party? Especially if it's for them?" She then smiled at the strange pony "What's your name, mister? Mine's Pinkie Pie!"

Twilight sighed before she enlightened the party pony "None of us know that. This alicorn has amnesia. He doesn't remember his name or anything else!"

The strange pony looked down in thought at Twilight's words.

"Alicorn...Judging by my horn and wings, I am a status above a unicorn...Am I more powerful than a regular pony? Hm..."

Pinkie frowned "Really? Is that why he's so sad right now?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow "What are you talking about, Pinkie?"

Pinkie pointed at the strange pony "Look at him! He's more down in the dumps than when I first met Cranky!" She looked him right in the eye, and she smiled when he returned the gaze with his emotionless face. Her smile left when she held a serious gaze "Hmmm..." She rubbed her chin before she made a face by puckering her lips together and making herself wall-eyed, making an 'Oooo' noise. She stopped to see the strange pony give no reaction, and then stretched her cheeks and stuck her tongue out as she made a babbling noise. Like before, the only results she received was the strange pony's unchanged face. She narrowed her eyes before she pushed her cheeks with her hooves, making a squished face as she made a 'wubwubwub' noise. When she stopped, the strange pony only blinked at her, causing her to frown incredulously "Wow, tough crowd..."

Spike sighed "Are you done yet, Pinkie? I don't think he finds your faces funny!"

Pinkie huffed before she smiled again "Not a problem, Spike-o! I love a good challenge!" She narrowed her eyes.

The strange pony stood "You would challenge me? On what grounds? Did I offend you?" He spoke in his monotonous tone.

Twilight stepped in between the two ponies and shot a look at Pinkie "Pinkie, don't give him the wrong idea! We need to
gather the others and see what we can do about this!"

Spike frowned "You think that's a good idea, Twilight? Sure, he might be around for a while, but I don't know if everypony else is willing to accept him! Can't you just use a spell for him to regain his memories?"

Twilight turned to Spike with a serious face "It's more than necessary, Spike. I don't have a spell that could instantly let a pony reclaim their memories!"

Spike frowned "But what about when you fought with Discord? You got your friends' memories back with THAT spell!"

The strange pony listened in on Spike's words to gather information for himself.

"Discord? Is he a threat to Equestria?"

Twilight sighed "That was because I was there with them most of the time, and they were only hypnotized by his power! And besides, I don't want to face trial and error with a spell over a pony with amnesia. It just wouldn't help!

Applejack looked at the strange pony and nodded in agreement "Ah'm with Twilight on this...Ah hope y'all don't mind, partner. Magic's some complicated stuff, y'know?"

They expected him to feel angry, outraged, or betrayed, but the strange pony only nodded "I understand...If it is that much of a problem, I will proceed with any other acceptable alternative in restoring my memory...I would not be happy if a critical error would occur through any magical process that would affect me negatively..."

Pinkie blinked "But you're already not happy!"

Twilight, Applejack, and Spike glared at the party pony and snapped in unison "Pinkie!"

Pinkie gave an embarrassed grin "Sorry..." She then smiled at Twilight "But if you're serious about rounding up the girls to get a better look at this pony, I can go get them for you!"

Twilight smiled "Thank you, Pinkie. And be quick about it. He'll need all the help he can get!"

Pinkie made a mock salute "Okie Dokie Loki!" She then opened the door to the library "Pinkie Pie away~!!" She broke into a determined gallop after she left. Spike waddled up to the front door and shut it with an unamused expression on his face.

Applejack turned to the strange pony with an apologetic smile "We're mighty sorry if Pinkie Pie bugged ya, sugarcube. She's always like this, especially around new ponies. But she can be one o' th' nicest gals ya ever met!"

Twilight nodded with a smile "When I was new, she would throw me a welcome party along with every other new citizen of Ponyville. I do hope you like parties. It's sort of a passion for Pinkie to do so."

The strange pony nodded "I see...But why did she make those faces at me earlier and want to challenge me afterwards?"

Spike waddled up to the strange pony "One of Pinkie's hobbies is making sure everypony around Ponyville has a good day, wanting them to smile or laugh and stuff. She said it was a challenge because you haven't smiled yet."

Twilight chimed in. "Almost nothing can get past her when she wants everypony to smile now and then. She does a good job at it, too, even though she does go a bit too far...I'm kind of surprised that none of her faces even got you to laugh or even smile! They usually work wonders on other ponies."

The strange pony paused before he replied "I don't see the point of it..." He earned the confused stares of the others "Her attempts are humorous to a fault around others, but not me..." He shifted his eyes away "While it's considered normal around here, I don't see the point in smiling..." The strange pony spoke in a distant tone.

Twilight craned her head back with a slight wince at the strange pony's words 'It's a good thing Pinkie wasn't around to hear that...' She then donned an embarrassed grin before she spoke up "Well, while we're waiting, would you like to read a book or two?"

Spike faceclawed "I don't think he's even a fan of reading, Twilight. If he doesn't smile, what makes you think he won't re-"

"That would be nice..."

The purple dragon looked over at the strange pony while he scanned the many bookshelves around the library "It would kill time, and I would incorporate more knowledge and fruitful information into my mind. Many ponies should read for the sake of understanding what needs to be figured out in their lives, including certain conundrums that plague their daily routine..." He turned to Twilight "It is in the equine nature to crave knowledge, is it not?"

Twilight stared slackjawed before she snapped herself out of her daze and beamed at the strange pony "Y-Yes! That's a plausible reason for reading! Feel free to look at any book you like while you're here!"

The strange pony gave a curt nod before he trotted up to one of the shelves and inspected the titles resting under each of the books' spines. Other than scanning through the periodicals and treatises, he did not move an inch.

Twilight and Spike were both confused at this before Applejack cleared her throat. They turned to see her looking embarrassed "He doesn't know unicorn magic..." She muttered to them.

Twilight frowned before she trotted over to the strange pony's side with a supportive smile "Need a hoof? I can gladly get down whatever book you choose!"

The strange pony looked at Twilight "Do you have any books on the spell you've demonstrated earlier with your own book?"

Twilight perked up "You mean telekinesis? Of course!" She turned to the bookcases and her horn glowed. One of the books in the 'B' section shifted out and hovered over to the strange pony.

He examined the title 'Basic guide to Unicorn Magic', and approved that it would benefit his cause. He went to grab it with a hoof, but hesitated when he remembered his fiasco during breakfast with the Apple family "Forgive me...But can you levitate the book onto the sofa so that I may try to read it?"

Twilight nodded with a warm smile "Sure. Anything to help you out." The two made their way over, and Twilight set the book down on the cushion after cracking it open for the strange pony. He sat himself down and began reading the first page to himself. It appeared to be some strange symbols, yet he could somehow understand them as he read along.

"Such a cryptic language...and yet I understand it. Perhaps I was skilled with magic before I lost my memory?"

Applejack watched the strange pony read his book in silence and turned to her friends with a chuckle "Looks like he found a way t' entertain himself. All that matters now is waitin' an' see if th' others'll accept him!"

Twilight nodded, and perked up when an idea came into her head "I should contact Princess Celestia and see if maybe his past is connected with her own! They're both alicorns, so they should know each other somehow!"

The strange pony stopped reading and turned to Twilight "Another alicorn, you say?"

Twilight smiled at the strange pony "That's right! Maybe if she's aware of your presence, we could piece together your memory with ease!"

Spike scratched his head "Uh, Twilight. If Celestia knows about this pony, don't you think she would've mentioned him to us? I mean, we haven't seen him even before we moved out of Canterlot!"

Twilight went to retort before she thought it over "You're right...He would have played an integral part of Celestia's life if we did know him. But he could be one of the many alicorns lost in Equestria's history!"

Applejack nodded "It's a possibility."

The library's front door opened to reveal a smiling Pinkie trotting in with three other mares "Hi, everypony! I came back with the others!"

Applejack was impressed with how Pinkie managed to gather her friends in a short amount of time "Well that was pretty fast! Nice t' see y'all, girls!"

A winged cyan mare with a rainbow mane and tail flew in with a scoff. "I think you forget who's the fastest out of all of us, AJ! But it's nice to see you, too!" She looked around. "We came here cuz' Pinkie was talking about an alicorn, right? Where is he?" She finally spotted the strange pony and gasped "Whoa!!" She zipped over at an amazing speed and stopped next to him to examine his wings "Check out these awesome wings!! I never seen an alicorn with bat wings before!"

The strange pony rose from the sofa and looked around at the new arrivals into the library. There was the cyan pony who shared as much spirit as Pinkie Pie among first sight and a white unicorn staring at him with an awestruck gaze. He didn't see anypony else until he noticed two quivering colors of yellow and pink behind Applejack.

Twilight waved at the cyan pony "Give him some space, Rainbow Dash. He already had to deal with Pinkie earlier."

Rainbow Dash hovered back with a chuckle "Sorry about that. I just take one look at you and I can already tell you're awesome!" She smiled, but it left when she looked at his emotionless face "What's wrong? Am I bothering you?"

The strange pony looked up before he shook his head "Not at all. Twilight Sparkle and Applejack told me that they had friends. No doubt you're one of them..."

Rainbow Dash looked away awkwardly "Riiight..." She then looked back at the strange pony with a confident smile "Well, as you heard from Twilight, my name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest Flier in Equestria!"

The strange pony replied "That explains your demonstrated velocity when you approached me...a pleasure to meet you."

Rainbow Dash smirked "Yeah, I get that a lot. But I wonder if you can keep up with me with your wings!"

The strange pony looked away "I would much rather study magic to my benefit...I'm not one for racing."

Pinkie appeared behind the strange pony with a frown "Not to mention smiling!" She then stretched his cheeks to show his teeth while he donned a makeshift smile from her hooves "When's the last time he ever smiled in his life?" She let go of his cheeks to show the strange pony frowning once more "It'll be tough, but I'll get you to smile somehow! I don't know where...I don't know when...but mark my words, mister: You WILL smile!!"

The white unicorn snapped herself out of her awe and glared at the party pony "For heaven's sake, Pinkie! Don't pester this...this..." She shuddered in delight "dashing rogue..." She spoke in an enticed tone. The white unicorn trotted up and curtsied in front of the strange pony "A pleasure to meet you, darling! My name is Rarity! Pinkie Pie has informed me that you have amnesia, and let me be the first to give you my condolences..." She offered a sympathetic smile.

The strange pony nodded "Of course...Much appreciated." He looked over to see Spike glaring at him and blinked to himself as he looked back.

"Is Spike angry with me? What have I done wrong? Is it because this Rarity seems infatuated with me at first glance?"

Applejack smiled before she looked behind her "Come on out now, sugarcube. Ah now he might look scary t' ya, but he's nice. Ya don't wanna hurt his feelings, do ya?" There was a pause, before another mare slowly showed herself from behind Applejack. Like Rainbow Dash, she beared wings, but she beared a yellow coat and a flowing pink mane. She shivered while she stared at the strange pony in fear.

The strange pony looked back at her in silence while she shivered, then trotted up to her, causing her to whimper "Are you...afraid of me?"

The shivering pony went to nod before Applejack interrupted "Don't mind Fluttershy, partner. She's jus' not as social as everypony else. In fact, this is how she reacts t' new faces mostly."

The strange pony regarded Fluttershy with another stare "I see...My apologies if I do fill you with fear...I did not expect to be born this way."

Twilight stepped up "Well now that everypony is here, we can get to finding a way to get the alicorn's memory back!"

Rarity smiled "Of course, Twilight. But what is the name of this gentlecolt? Pinkie did not mention it to any of us on the way here!"

Applejack sighed "He doesn't know his own name. His amnesia's that bad. But Rarity's got a point. We'll have t' give 'im a name to go by while we get his memories back! No point in callin' him mister all th' time!"

Twilight looked over at the strange pony "A great idea, Applejack. Considered that he's a whole new pony that appears nameless to us, we'll have to give him a proper alias to go by while he remembers himself step by step!"

Rainbow Dash inspected the strange pony's cutie mark and was instantly befuddled "What's his special talent anyway? Something to do with the number four?" She looked up at the strange pony "What kind of pony has a four for a cutie mark unless he's good with numbers? Where'd he even come from to get it?"

The strange pony was silent, but then he felt another migraine as an image played in his head. There was nopony around speaking, but the image contained a desert full of white sand, some leafless trees, and blackened skies. There was a large and pale cresent moon that hovered over the barren land as the wind blew. When the image faded, the strange pony uttered some words mysteriously.

"Hueco Mundo..."

Applejack tilted her head with a quizzical glance of her own "Hway-ka what-o?"

Pinkie gasped slightly before she smiled "Hey! That sounds like a place in Mexicolt! Maybe this alicorn's from Mexicolt!"

Twilight spoke up "While it does sound it, I doubt he'd be from there. The top reason being there isn't such a place in Mexicolt or the Equestrian atlas in general! Secondly, it translates into..." She beared a face that mixed thought with confusion "Hollow World..."

Fluttershy hid behind Applejack again at the mention of the words and shivered furiously "That sounds scary..."

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

Rarity frowned "Perhaps the poor dear's delirious. You've seen the mild headache he's suffered just now!"

The strange pony rubbed his temples with a hoof "You needn't worry, it is a common trait for me. I just want to have a name I can go by for the time being. I do not wish to be left in the dark..."

Spike raised an eyebrow "What comes to mind?"

Twilight examined him "I can't be sure, to be honest...I'm not one for naming such a unique pony, let alone an alicorn." She hummed to herself in thought before she smiled "How about Ivory the Fourth?"

Applejack smiled "Sounds like a classy name! It does suit how smart an' collected he appears!"

Rainbow Dash scowled "That name sounds stupid! I don't wanna see him as a snob in Canterlot, I wanna see him as a friend!" She examined the strange pony before she smiled "He looks pretty fierce with his features! How about Pale Fury?"

Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash "Rainbow, that name sounds barbaric! And it's nowhere close to what his special talent would be! I doubt he would agree to such a name!"

Rainbow Dash landed in front of Rarity with a glare of her own "I'd say the same for your own! Who'd wanna be named like that?"

Pinkie looked on at the strange pony while Rarity and Rainbow Dash argued. She then smiled as she spoke up "How about Cuatro?" Everypony turned to Pinkie at her suggestion "We gotta come up with a name that bears semblance to his cutie mark and special talent! And Cuatro means four in Mexicolt! Why not that?" She grinned at her friends.

Twilight paused at this before she turned to the strange pony "Do you like that name, mister?"

The strange pony thought this over. Pinkie was onto something given his strange cutie mark and what he unconsciously uttered during his latest migraine. It almost seemed familiar to him with how she brought out the name. After a small moment of silence, he nodded "I like it...From now on, until my memories return, I shall be known as Cuatro..."

Pinkie hopped up and down as she cheered "Yay! We got him a name he likes! This is great!"

Rainbow Dash did not mind that Cuatro agreed to his name, but she looked away with a slight pout 'Pale Fury sounded WAY better than that...'

To be continued...

Capítulo Cinco

View Online

Capítulo Cinco

Bonding

Twilight smiled "Okay, so now that we agree that his name should be Cuatro, now all I'll have to do is contact Princess Celestia and inform her about his presence!"

Cuatro stood "Is she a benevolent ruler? Or a tyrant?" He questioned in his monotonous tone.

Rarity gasped "A tyrant? My goodness, no! Princess Celestia is the greatest ruler to ever grace Equestria! And she's so powerful that she can raise and lower the sun in the sky!"

Pinkie smiled "Yeah! And Twilight's her personal student, too! She and the rest of us often write friendship reports to her from time to time!"

Cuatro blinked "Friendship letters? What role does friendship play in Equestria, if I may ask? Is it not limited to just simple camaraderie between other ponies?"

Twilight shook her head "I thought the same thing before I came into Ponyville, Cuatro. During my time here, Celestia wanted me to study the Magic of Friendship along with my other spells so that I can understand its concept more clearly! You'd be surprised at how strong friendship can be if you have good friends!"

Cuatro stood before he looked away distantly.

"So...I don't have any friends...Does that make me the weakest of them all?"

Twilight frowned "Cuatro? What's wrong?"

The strange alicorn looked back at Twilight "I'm weak..."

Everypony was instantly confused "Weak?" Twilight replied quizzically.

Cuatro nodded "I do not have any friends at the moment...And it was the same way before I met you all. Doesn't that make me the weakest pony alive?"

The ponies and Spike were still confused at Cuatro's words, trading glances to one another before Pinkie zipped in front of the strange alicorn "Horseapples! What kind of crazy talk is that? First of all, you're an alicorn, silly! You're like, the strongest kind of pony there is! Secondly, who said you DIDN'T have friends?"

Cuatro blinked "What are you-"

Pinkie smiled "We're your friends! Since the moment you met all of us! We're really happy to have you here, Cuatro!"

Applejack smiled and nodded "Me 'specially, since y'all helped me an' Big Mac around Sweet Apple Acres! Was mighty nice o' ya!"

Cuatro blinked "Does it actually work that way?"

Twilight giggled "You'll fall into it somehow. But I better write to Celestia now." She turned to Spike "Spike, take a letter!" Spike grabbed a parchment and a quill as he began to jot down on the paper while Twilight recited it while pacing back and forth professionally "Dear Princess Celestia...I'm writing to you to inform you about big news of the strangest kind. Here in Ponyville, we, or more accurately Applejack, has discovered another alicorn around her home. How you wish to handle this situation is entirely up to you, given that you may or may not know this particular alicorn. Hope to hear from you soon. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." She turned to the purple dragon "Did you get all that?"

Spike rolled up the parchment into a scroll "Start to finish like always!" He then opened a window and held the scroll vertically in his claw tips, took a deep breath, and blew out a stream of green fire that engulfed the scroll and made it disappear.

Cuatro saw this and slightly dilated his pupils "He burned your message..." He turned to Twilight "Are you not angry at this?"

Twilight shook her head "Nope. Actually, that's how my letters are sent to her every time! I'd be lucky to get an instant reply from her like this."

Rainbow Dash hovered next to Cuatro "So what do you think the Princess' opinion on Cuatro would be like? You think she might know him from somewhere?"

Spike waddled to the rest of the group "We kinda already covered that scenario. If she did know him somehow, we probably would have, too..." He looked over at Twilight with an unamused glance "Or maybe just Twilight..."

Twilight shot a look at Spike "What's that supposed to mean?"

Cuatro spoke up "I believe Spike is referring to your studious nature..." Spike and Twilight looked at him "Knowing that you live in what appears to be a library, you have access to all sorts of tomes to which you can gather knowledge from whenever you please. You are no doubt an experienced intellectual, are you not?"

Twilight paused before she looked away with a bashful smile while lightly blushing "W-Well, I haven't read EVERY book..." She never expected a compliment like this.

Rainbow Dash gave a friendly snort "How can we be sure you're close to that point yet, egghead?"

Applejack casted a stern look at the cyan pegasus "No need t' poke at 'er, Dash. Ah think we should figure out what t' do with Cuatro while we wait fer th' Princess t' respond!" She looked over at the strange alicorn "He don't have a place t' stay...An' he's already familiar with my family, so maybe Ah can have him stay home with me."

Rainbow Dash held out a hoof "Hold the phone, AJ!" She examined Cuatro "You said Cuatro has amnesia, right?" Applejack nodded "Let me take him to my place!"

Applejack flinched before she arched an eyebrow "Jus' what are y'all gettin' at, Dash?"

Rainbow Dash smiled at Applejack "I wanna reintroduce Cuatro into flying so I can see how far he can go! Knowing how smart he acts, he'll probably get it down in no time! He's gotta put those wings of his to work somehow!"

Applejack frowned "Didn't ya hear 'im before? He wasn't much fer racin'!"

Rainbow Dash scowled "Didn't you hear me? I said I wanna get him flying, not racing! He can do that whenever he wants while I make sure he flies properly!"

Cuatro stood while the two mares argued, and when he felt his tail moving on its own, he looked behind to see Pinkie humming jovially while using his tail as a makeshift jump rope. After a small moment, he lifted his tail up and Pinkie hung from it with her forelegs. She grinned at Cuatro before she spoke "Let me take Cuatro home!!"

Applejack and Rainbow Dash instantly stopped their arguing and looked at Pinkie "What could you do for him, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked inquisitively.

Pinkie dropped herself from Cuatro's tail and poked her chin with a hoof "Well for starters, I can pull out all the stops to make him smile! That, and I could teach him how to laugh afterwards! Then he'll be a hoot to hang out with! Or maybe since he's not much for talking, he could stay with Fluttershy!"

Cuatro shook his head "I refuse to stay with a pony that is fearful of me...I wouldn't like to do that to her..." He looked around the library before he spoke again "I would like to stay here, actually...I wish to know more about unicorn magic so I can be more self-sufficient."

Rainbow Dash frowned "You'd honestly stay in a library?"

Cuatro nodded "I can practice using my wings at any time, but I want to gather more knowledge about Equestria and see if there are any leads to my lost memories..." He turned to Twilight "I hope you do not mind..."

Twilight shook her head with a smile "Not at all! It's nice to know a pony with enthusiasm on studying!" She grinned.

Rarity huffed "A shame. I was going to offer Cuatro to stay with me as well, but I suppose it cannot be helped..." She smiled at the strange alicorn "But that doesn't mean we'll do whatever we can to re-obtain his memories!"

Spike went to speak, but his cheeks puffed before he burped out a stream of fire that receded to reveal a bound scroll with a strange seal. Twilight reflexively levitated it in front of her, unraveling the scroll and reading it aloud "Dear Twilight Sparkle, This comes as a big surprise to hear that you and your friends have discovered an alicorn in Ponyville. In an effort to better examine him for myself, you, your friends, and your mentioned alicorn are cordially invited for dinner tomorrow at the castle. I hope to see you all soon. Sincerely, Princess Celestia!" She smiled "Looks like we'll have plans tomorrow, everypony!"

Pinkie nodded with a smile "Good thing, too! I gotta get going for a bit, girls! Could you maybe visit later? Okay, super! Bye!!" She quickly dashed out of the library after her abrupt goodbye.

Cuatro observed before he looked at the others with his unchanged expression and tone "She seems very erratic in mind..."

Rainbow Dash laughed "Yep, that's Pinkie Pie for ya! But hey! Now we have some time to ourselves before tomorrow! What say we hang out for a bit and show Cuatro around Ponyville?"

Fluttershy, who remained silent for so long, finally found her voice as she spoke at a barely audible tone "Well, i-it would help him get a better look at where he'll be staying for the time being...Maybe there could be something in town that could jog his memory..."

Twilight looked at Cuatro "Do you want to walk with us, Cuatro? Or would you rather stay here?"

Cuatro replied "As much as I would like to study, it would be wise to have a clear grasp of my surroundings. Fluttershy's theory could prove to be helpful to my case if there existed such a thing in Ponyville..." He took a step forward "I will walk with you and see what I need to see..."

Twilight smiled "Okay then! Let's get going, everypony!" The lavender bookworm opened the door using her magic and the group made their way outside for a trip around Ponyville.
_____

The group of ponies, sans Pinkie, trotted through Ponyville over the shoveled paths. Spike sat on Twilight's back as they moved around town while Cuatro tailed the group and looked around to see everypony performing their daily routine. Twilight looked at her friends "Where should we go to first?"

Rarity smiled "I fancy a trip to the spa! It would help Cuatro improve his image around others!" She was unaware that Spike grumbled after her suggestion.

Rainbow Dash looked over at the strange alicorn while she hovered over the group "You think he would actually enjoy the treatment there?" She tilted her head skeptically.

Rarity looked up at Rainbow Dash "Why not? I'm sure some time at the spa is sure to give him a good reaction considering their undeniably satisfying sessions!"

Applejack hummed "Worth a shot. Cuatro here hasn't had much of a comforting experience other than sleepin' on a couch! Let's move 'im on over an' get 'im freshened up!"

Twilight smiled "Spa it is." The group then went down another shoveled trail.

More ponies regarded the group, namely Cuatro, with uncertain and curious stares. At least, to the strange alicorn, that they weren't showing any more signs of fear previous to when he first moved through Ponyville unless he actually chose to look over at anypony around him. Was he really one to be feared by others, though accepted by Twilight and her friends so well?

"Here we are!"

Cuatro looked to see a building with a luxurious atmosphere to its appearance. Twilight smiled at Cuatro "This is Ponyville's Day Spa. We usually come here if we want to relax ourselves."

Rarity trotted up to Cuatro with a smile "And don't you worry about who's inside, darling! They won't deny anypony proper service, especially if it's considered an emergency!"

Rainbow Dash inspected Cuatro's horn and poked it with her right hoof before she drew it back with a stifled gasp of pain "I think they can skip on the horn treatment with him, if you asked me..." She lightly shook her hoof.

Twilight pushed the door open "Let's just go inside and see what Aloe and Lotus can do with him. We can't be standing out here in this cold for so long." The group made their way into the spa and trotted up to the reception counter where Lotus sat and looked over her clipboard "Hello, Lotus! Do you think you can give a spa treatment for seven today?"

Lotus looked up from her clipboard and smiled "Of course, Ms. Sparkle!" She spoke with a light foreign accent "So that's for you, your friends, and..." She looked up and gasped at the sight of Cuatro "O-Oh my! An alicorn!? Here!?" The beautician stared up at him in surprise.

Twilight nodded "Him, too. He just arrived in Ponyville as of last night!"

Lotus looked concerned "But what about the snowstorm? It was horrible the other night!"

Cuatro spoke up "I trotted out of-"

Applejack instantly covered Cuatro's mouth with a nervous grin "He jus' trotted on over t' my place after a long walk is all! Was mighty bushed when he got there! That's why we figured he'd come here and relax fer a bit!"

Lotus stared before she nodded with a smile "Very well! Follow me to the next room!" She made her way out of her counter and led the group into another room.

Applejack released her hoof from Cuatro and followed as well. The strange alicorn blinked "Why did you do that?" He asked.

The farmpony looked back "Trust me...Ya do not wanna say that y'all came from th' Everfree Forest like it's normal." She murmured while they trotted into the next room.

There were different stages of common spa treatment, including mud baths, a large and ornate bathtub, and a built-in sauna. Cuatro looked around and hummed to himself, expecting anything in the room to help him with any familiarity whatsoever.

"Nothing...Perhaps coming here was a mistake..."

Lotus waved the group to a set of massage beds "Please be seated while I call for the others. Then we can begin your treatment!" She trotted away as the others did as instructed.

Cuatro examined his own bed before he made himself comfortable. Aside from his new friends, he was beginning to have second thoughts coming here when there was nothing of interest to him.

Rarity turned to the strange alicorn and noticed the sudden disinterest in his eyes with a frown "Cuatro, dear, don't be shy! This treatment is sure to get you going for this fine day!"

Cuatro shifted his eyes over to Rarity "While you did mention to improve my image, I came here for the sole purpose of finding anything that can bring up my memories. I am beginning to doubt that this visit is necessary..."

Rarity smiled at Cuatro "Pish Posh! This is more than necessary! For all we know, it could even lift your spirits!"

Rainbow Dash chimed in "Yeah! You wouldn't want Pinkie bothering you into smiling, do you?"

Cuatro stared before he looked away "I'll only do it for your sake. I am still skeptical about this particular visit..."

Lotus came back with her sister Aloe, along with three other beauticians arrived with certain equipment and stood in front of their customers. Rarity took a look at Cuatro before she called over to Lotus "Could you give my new friend a hooficure, please? His poor hooves are probably beckoning for a good shine!"

Lotus nodded and locked a metal hoof file in her teeth, inching towards Cuatro to prepare for the hooficure. He only stared back at her, then turned to see his friends' different reactions.

Rainbow Dash smiled "I wouldn't worry too much, Cuatro! You'd have as much guts as me if you're willing to sit through a hooficure!"

Fluttershy chimed in with her barely audible tone "It's not so bad...In fact, it's soothing in a way. You'll love the feeling." She donned a thin and reassuring smile to the strange alicorn.

Cuatro did not respond, but he turned to Lotus when he felt his hoof being tended to. The beautician worked at his left hindleg daintily and with a smile on her muzzle, making sure to cover every spot needed for the treatment. While she worked, she looked up to see if Cuatro was satisfied, and her spirits wavered slightly when she noted his somewhat cold and dispassionate stare bore into her own eyes. Feeling she wasn't doing well enough, she picked up the pace in her work, switching to his right hindleg when she knew she was finished with the left one.

The others could not help but watch in utter bemusement at this scenario. Fluttershy looked to her friends with a slight frown "Girls...I think this might have been a bad idea to bring Cuatro here..." She whispered.

Spike huffed "Gee, you think? He's not showing ANY reaction out of this!" He whispered incredulously.

Rainbow Dash looked over at Cuatro and tilted her head "I'm surprised he's still sitting through this. He might look like a zombie, but he knows when not to flinch!" She whispered respectfully.

Twilight hissed at the others "Be nice, all of you! We're trying to make him feel welcome here!"

Rainbow Dash huffed "You heard him earlier, didn't you, Twilight? Rarity was lucky enough to convince him to go through with this!" She hissed back.

Rarity whispered with them when her name was mentioned "Well, he needed this! I only wished for him to feel more fresh whenever he chooses to roam around town at his own leisure!"

Applejack deadpanned to the group "Don't any o' y'all think it's a bit pointless t' whisper considerin' we're right next t' him?"

The others instantly stopped their whispering and turned to Cuatro for confirmation on Applejack's statement. Lotus was just starting to work on his right foreleg, her smile beginning to falter while Cuatro stared at her. Rainbow Dash only snorted with a smirk "I don't think it's much to worry about, AJ. He's probably enjoying it but doesn't wanna show it!"

Twilight donned a thoughtful glance "Could be. He has been polite ever since we've met him..."

Rarity looked as well "Maybe a massage might loosen him up..."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes "If you want to ask him out THAT bad, Rarity, just say so!" She whispered.

Rarity and Spike glared and hissed at the cyan pegasus "Quiet, you!!" They said simultaneously.
_____

After the hooficure treatment, the group gathered in the bathtub. Cuatro and Spike were the only two that didn't go in, but were treated with back massages. The purple dragon moaned with tired pleasure while his voice was shaken by the hooves working at his back. He looked over and was not surprised to see Cuatro's expression. The only thing different was that his eyes were closed while he was being massaged.

While they were getting treated, Twilight looked around at her friends "Do you think we should head to Sugarcube Corner after this?"

Applejack nodded "Pinkie might be done with everythin' by now. We know how she is with preparations an' all."

Rainbow Dash chuckled to herself "Pinkie's gonna have a field day with Cuatro, I just know it! I wanna be there to watch!"

Rarity shushed "Not so loud...We were lucky that he wasn't able to hear us before..."

Fluttershy looked over at Cuatro and Spike and tilted her head "Do you really think that Pinkie would get him to smile somehow? He looks as if he was born with sorrow..." She looked saddened "I'd hate to know if that was his former life..."

Applejack frowned "Kinda didn't set well with my family neither...Maybe if we teach 'im more 'bout friendship, he could come around."

Twilight turned to Applejack with a smile "That's a great idea, Applejack! Maybe we can discuss it with Princess Celestia tomorrow!"

Rainbow Dash frowned "That's if he even treats her with respect. Would be nice if she somehow knew him in her life, what with how long she lived..."

Rarity looked down in thought "That does raise question...Do we even know how old Cuatro is?"

Twilight sighed "That shouldn't matter now. We'll just finish the treatment and head over to Sugarcube Corner afterwards. Knowing Pinkie's pace, it's no doubt we might have to end this tour early..."

When they were finished with their massage, Spike finally built up the confidence to try and chat with Cuatro, though he wasn't all too happy with his company "So, how are you enjoying Ponyville?"

Cuatro opened his eyes and looked at Spike "It is quaint...I look forward to arriving back at the library and learning more magic."

Spike chuckled "Man, you and Twilight can definitely get along if you like to study so much!"

Cuatro looked away "There is not much else to do when I am lost in this world...Without intelligence, or much rather you and your friends, I can only hope to survive by random chance. For that, you have my gratitude for letting me stay at your abode..."

Spike stared before he looked away sheepishly 'Gosh...He's not one for any kind of nonsense...And he's thanking ME when it was Twilight who gave him permission...' Spike slightly narrowed his eyes 'What does Rarity even seen in him anyway?'

"Do I bother you?"

Spike looked back at Cuatro "Huh?"

Cuatro kept his stare on Spike "Do I bother you with my presence, Spike? I am aware of your displeasure whenever Rarity chooses to regard me with certain conversations...I want you to be clear with me as I have been with you..." He spoke in his monotonous tone.

Spike looked away "W-Well...It's not that you bother me or anything. You seem to be a nice pony even though you don't look the picture..." He shifted his eyes back to Cuatro "No offense..." The purple dragon then looked away once more as he continued "But I just don't see how Rarity is so-...is so-" He gritted his teeth.

Cuatro interrupted "Infatuated?" Spike quickly turned to the strange alicorn "You must know, Spike, that while I am considered a new friend to all of you, that I do not bear the same feelings that Rarity somehow shares to me. I may have lost my memory, but I cannot simply return the same feeling towards her when we've only just met. If you, however, share that same infatuation towards her, I will not step in your way." Spike expected a smile from him, but the strange alicorn kept the same expression throughout his speech.

The purple dragon was beginning to think Cuatro really was some kind of zombie pony with his consistent look of profound sadness. But that aside, he was moved at how nice he was to him. Spike smiled at Cuatro and held out a claw "Thanks, Cuatro. I'm sorry if I did come off as jealous back there, but you're a really cool guy!" The strange alicorn stared at the claw before he went to grasp it with a foreleg "I'd say you're one of the nicest ponies alive behind that look of despair on your face!"

Before hoof met claw, Cuatro clenched his eyes shut and grunted as a migraine went through his head. He retracted his hoof and placed it on his temple while he lightly gritted his teeth. Spike was bewitched by the sudden shift of mood "Cuatro? Cuatro, are you alright?" The strange alicorn was unaware of Spike's presence as his voice faded. Soon, another shaded scene chose to unfold.

"Do you think I should give up...Just because you're stronger than me?"
"I've always known you were strong...Nothing I see now will change my mind..."
"...I will defeat you...Ulq-"
"Nonsense...Ichigo Kurosaki, those are the words of those who do not know true despair."
"So I will show you. This...is what true despair looks like."

When the scene ended, he uttered a word through his pain "I-Ichigo..." When the pain settled, he opened his eyes to see several looks of concern in front of him "Forgive me...They appear without warning. I am well..." He was satisfied to know that his friends were easing up. However, he could not shake the latest scene from his mind.

"Ichigo...Why does that name sound familiar?"

Cuatro took a deep breath and rose from his seat "I believe I have overstayed my welcome here...We should leave."

Twilight smiled in relief "Done and done. We were just about to head over to Sugarcube Corner. I think you will like what's there, Cuatro!"

Rainbow Dash huffed "That's IF he likes it...OW!" She rubbed the back of her head after she felt a hoof smack her. The cyan pegasus looked to see Applejack cast a stern gaze at her.

Cuatro nodded "Perhaps...I can only anticipate what shall happen next." For the first time, he was the first to go for the exit, but he stopped "Oh, and for the record..." He shifted his head back to look at the group "I heard every word of your conversation...Let's go..." He trotted towards the entrance and left behind a group of slackjawed ponies and a baffled dragon in his wake.

To be continued...

Capítulo Seis

View Online

Capítulo Seis

Merriment

Twilight took point with Spike on her back as she led the group towards their next destination: Sugarcube Corner. Strangely, there wasn't any pony in sight around Ponyville. While they trotted with Cuatro tailing the group once more, Spike whispered to Twilight "Hey, Twilight? What's an 'Ichigo'?"

Twilight turned to Spike with a befuddled glance "An Ichigo?"

Spike nodded "Yeah. Cuatro said it earlier while he had that headache of his. You think it might have something to do with his memory?"

Twilight looked ahead in thought "Not that I know of. I don't think he's really been showing any signals of memory acquisation towards us. Maybe we can talk about it later tonight."

Spike looked back at Cuatro and scratched his head "You think that maybe his headaches are connected with his amnesia? I mean, amnesia's a mental illness, right? Maybe the pain going through his head could be a sign of sorts!"

Twilight sighed "We can't just simply jump to conclusions, Spike! We'll talk about it later." She noticed a building that looked as if it was made of sweets and smiled "We're here!"

Cuatro looked up and tilted his head "Are you sure this is the place?"

Rainbow Dash chuckled "Trust us, C! This is exactly the place! In fact, you should definitely go first!" Cuatro shifted his eyes to Rainbow Dash and stared in silence, causing her to frown "Well, aren't you going in?"

Cuatro was silent before he replied "You're hiding something..."

Rainbow Dash flinched before she grinned nervously "C'mon, Cuatro! What do I have to hide from you?"

Cuatro replied instantly "Nothing that I know of for certain, but my senses tell me that you're keeping something from me. This doesn't have something to do with the conversation at the spa, does it?"

Twilight frowned 'Uh oh. I think we're making him uncomfortable with this...' She trotted over to Cuatro's side "Don't worry, Cuatro. We're at your side the whole step of the way! This may seem like we're hiding something, but we'll come with you and help you see it through! We wouldn't be friends if we didn't..." She gave a reassuring smile.

Cuatro stared at Twilight for a moment before he nodded "That much is true...Thank you for your support..."

Applejack smiled and nodded respectfully 'Nice save, Twi...' The group then opened the front door to reveal nothing but darkness "We're right behind ya, Cuatro. Watch yer step!"

When everypony was inside, Rarity carefully shut the door and caused everything to be pitch black "Just bear with us for a short moment, darling. Let me just get the light..."

The lights turned on, and it showed that the room was decorated in party favors and full of several ponies, Pinkie included, with smiles on their faces. The moment they were revealed, they yelled a big "SURPRISE!" in unison. Some confetti flew in the room while some party blowers sounded.

Cuatro only looked around when the noise died down, some of the confetti getting in his mane "I see...A surprise party, correct?"

Pinkie zipped up to Cuatro "Were you surprised at all, Cuaty? Were you? Were you!?" She flashed an expectant grin at his face.

Cuatro stared back at Pinkie after he shook the confetti out of his mane and responded "Not entirely. However, I did not think you would host a party like this...What is the occasion?" He looked around.

Pinkie huffed "Don't you get it? It's a welcome party! For you, silly!" She smiled "You're gonna have so much fun in Ponyville, and we'll make sure you do!" She held out a hoof "We're super glad to have you here today, Cuaty!"

Cuatro was not too keen on his newly-earned nickname, but he was polite enough to have his hoof meet Pinkie's. When he did, however, he grunted when he felt a shock throughout his body. He drew back his hoof and saw Pinkie giggling hysterically as she revealed a buzzer strapped to her hoof. The strange alicorn was instantly confused at this, not being fully aware of the item on Pinkie's hoof from the beginning.

"Why would she do that? Is this a joke?"

Pinkie ceased her laughter as she smiled up at Cuatro "C'mon, Cuaty! I'm sure you'd appreciate a good joke even though you don't look all that happy!"

Cuatro looked away "To be truthful, I was caught by surprise that time much rather than when the party had started..."

Pinkie giggled "I guess I'll take that one then!" She then tossed away her buzzer and pulled one of Cuatro's forehooves with both of her own "You gotta meet everypony since you're gonna be here a while! Let's go!"

Cuatro reluctantly followed while he was being pulled by Pinkie and looked back to see the others flash awkward smiles at his departure. Twilight mouthed the words 'Just go with it' before he stopped for a moment.

Pinkie placed Cuatro in front of a yellow mare with an orange mane and tail, with carrots for a cutie mark "Carrot Top, I'd like you to meet my new friend, Cuatro!!"

When she was looked at by the strange alicorn, Carrot Top winced and forced a smiled "Um...H-Hello?" She waved slightly.

Cuatro looked down and responded in his monotonous tone "Hello..."

Pinkie nodded "Good! Next pony!" She went behind Cuatro and began pushing him away from Carrot Top with her head onto the next pony. Soon, the strange alicorn found himself standing in front of a group of mares with flowers for cutie marks. Pinkie grinned "Cuatro, meet Daisy, Lily, and Roseluck!! They have the prettiest flowers!!"

Cuatro looked at the group as they backed away with visible fear. He then turned to Pinkie "This is pointless, Pinkie...They're only afraid of me..."

Pinkie perked up "Oh yeah, I forgot!" She turned to the group of mares "Cuaty here has amnesia, and he's VERY sad about it!"

As if enchanted by a spell, the mares' previous fear had vanished and they trotted up to Cuatro with 'Awwww's' and sympathetic smiles. Roseluck spoke up "You poor dear...I do hope you enjoy your stay here in Ponyville."

Cuatro went to respond, but was then pushed away from the group by Pinkie "Next pony!" The strange alicorn directed his gaze to Pinkie while she pushed him.

"She must seem very confident in having me accepted by the other ponies..."

Rainbow Dash watched Pinkie and Cuatro from the air with a barely-contained grin on her face as she descended to her friends "He's going through introductions pretty well!" She said with amusement in her voice.

Fluttershy frowned "Oh, I hope he doesn't feel bad around Pinkie..."

Applejack munched on a cupcake and spoke after swallowing a bite "Maybe he'll warm up t' her somehow. Ah'm more worried about tomorro', though..."

Twilight turned to Applejack "You mean with the princess?"

Applejack frowned "Sure he's polite an' stuff, but Cuatro hasn't shown a lick o' emotion with us at all! He even admitted that there wasn't any point for 'im smilin'!"

Rainbow Dash was dumbfounded "He SAID that? Looks like Pinkie's gonna have her work cut out for her..."

Twilight took Applejack's words into consideration and looked lightly stressed "You're right...What if his dispassionate background causes the visit with Princess Celestia to go awry? This can't be good at all!" She nearly shouted out her last sentence.

Fluttershy fidgeted with her hooves "Maybe she wouldn't mind it...I'm sure she could understand where Cuatro is coming from with how he acts..."

Rarity held a look of thought "What if I get him into a suit that dictates his character? He'll need to look his best if he's willing to make a first impression!"

Rainbow Dash sighed "He'll be fine without clothes, Rarity. This is about how he acts, not how he looks!"

Fluttershy cringed "Even though he does look pretty scary..." She murmured to herself.

Applejack sighed "Well, let's jus' hope Celestia knows Cuatro. Otherwise, we're in fer an awkward night tomorro'..."
_____

Applebloom smiled up at Cuatro while two other fillies, one unicorn and one pegasus, gasped up at his figure. Pinkie grinned "Hey Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo! Have you met our new awesome friend Cuatro?"

Applebloom nodded "Ah already met 'im, Pinkie! Though Ah never thought that would be his name..." She craned her head back in confusion before she looked up at the strange alicorn "How're my sister an' 'er friends treatin' ya, Cuatro?"

Cuatro looked down "Fairly well, Applebloom..." He spoke in his monotonous tone.

Sweetie Belle looked up with awe in her eyes "Wow...Another alicorn!"

Scootaloo grinned "And he looks so cool, too!!" She looked over at his cutie mark and her face contorted into confusion "What's with his cutie mark?"

Cuatro looked at his cutie mark and replied "I am not too certain myself...But it must bear significant meaning if that is what I was born with..."

Scootaloo's eyes then trailed over to Cuatro's tail "And how'd you get your tail like that? It's so long!" She galloped over and examined it up close.

Sweetie Belle trotted up in front of Cuatro and glanced at his eyes, tilting her head in confusion "You don't look too happy, Cuatro. Are you sick or sad?"

Applebloom came up to her friend's side "That's how he always looks, Sweetie Belle. It'll take some gettin' used to, but he's really nice!" She smiled up at the strange alicorn "Ain't ya, Cuatro?"

Cuatro paused before he looked away "I suppose...I musn't disregard those that have cared for me." He looked back to see Scootaloo feeling his tail. The orange filly noticed him looking and sheepishly trotted back to her friends.

Pinkie giggled "Okie Dokie Loki, Cuatro! Just a few more ponies and you can have some nice delicious cake! Let's get you moving!" She then pushed Cuatro off towards others.

Scootaloo watched in befuddlement "How does he live without smiling like that?"

Sweetie Belle watched as well "I don't know. I'm actually surprised Rarity likes him a lot!" She turned to Applebloom "Didn't you say that he has amnesia?"

Applebloom nodded "Uh huh! Don't know why he chooses t' act like that, though...Maybe he's sad that he doesn't remember much..."

Scootaloo smiled "Maybe we can help Pinkie into cheering him up! We could probably get a cutie mark out of it!!"

The crusaders looked at each other before they grinned and shouted in unison

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ENTERTAINING SQUAD! YAY!!"

With that, they zipped after Pinkie and Cuatro in hopes of lifting the strange alicorn's spirits.
_____

Spike held out his claws as he looked at his friends "So do any of you know what an Ichigo is? Cuz' I sure as hay don't!"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Ichigo? You mean that random word he said at the spa? No clue. What's gotten you fixed up about it?"

Twilight explained clearly "Spike has a theory that that particular word may be connected to his memories. At one point I'm willing to agree with him, but its sounds too farfetched to be connected with him somehow..."

Rainbow Dash deadpanned "You mean as farfetched as Hueco Mundo?"

Twilight narrowed her eyes at the cyan pegasus "Well that one didn't make any sense neither! I mean, have you ever even seen a place in Equestria called Hueco Mundo?"

Fluttershy held up a hoof "Maybe Cuatro needs some medical treatment?"

Applejack shook her head "No need. Ah could tell jus' by lookin' at 'im that he's 'bout as right as rain! Th' headaches 're a different story, though..."

Spike flailed his arms lightly "Don't you think THAT might be another thing connected to his amnesia somehow?"

Rarity looked concerned "Well, it musn't be so good to endure such pain on random occasions! But perhaps Spike is onto something, maybe?"

Twilight waved a hoof "Maybe I can talk with him about it after the party. Besides, there's that and trying to coerce his seemingly cold demeanor! Let's just have Cuatro enjoy himself for now and we'll see what we can do later."
_____

Pinkie narrowed her eyes in determined "Are you ready for this?"

The CMC stood, looking as determined as Pinkie as they said "Ready!" In unison.

Pinkie licked her lips "Prepare the instruments! This is ain't gonna be pretty..." She pulled out a goose feather with her teeth.

The CMC did as they were told as each filly held a feather in their teeth.

The group of mares kept a glare on Cuatro as he looked over at the snack table. Pinkie muffled between her teeth "Rea-ee..." The group planted their hooves in a pouncing position "Gu!" They then charged at the strange alicorn, the CMC jumping at him when they were close.

Cuatro looked at the food, but stopped when he heard Pinkie. He then looked to see Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo slowly approach him in the air with their eyes narrowed. Their speed was similar to when he was confronted by the manticore in the Everfree Forest.

"Do they wish to attack me? Why are they using feathers?"

Cuatro stared at the airborne fillies before nonchalantly moving a few paces to his left to avoid them trying to jump on him. They then fell onto the floor in a pile "You shouldn't be so bold as to attack during a party..."

Pinkie appeared behind Cuatro with a grin, her feather now in one of her hooves "A diversionary tactic!!" She then began stroking the feather on his left side "Gotcha! C'mon, girls!!"

The CMC then got up and took their feathers as they stroked them along different parts of Cuatro's body. Applebloom moved her feather up and down his right hindleg, Sweetie Belle stroked her feather under Cuatro's chin, and Scootaloo stroked her feather behind one of his wings.

Cuatro only stood and looked around at his attackers before he sweatdropped in realization.

"They aren't trying to attack me, are they?"

Pinkie held her devious grin "Double time, girls! He's sure to crack somehow!"

Sweetie Belle stopped and looked up at Cuatro's face before she frowned "I don't think it's working, girls..."

Pinkie picked up the pace in stroking her feather "Nonsense! If this doesn't work, I don't know what will!"

"It's not working..."

Pinkie stopped and looked at Cuatro's face to see that he indeed hadn't reacted to Pinkie's random offensive "Oh...You're good~!!" She squinted her eyes as if she thought Cuatro acted suspicious. The party pony then turned to the fillies "Fall back, girls! We need another plan!"

The group of mares then quickly fled away from Cuatro as he stared at them disappearing into the crowd.

"Along with Pinkie, these ponies are rather...strange..."

To be continued...

Capítulo Siete

View Online

Capítulo Siete

Smile

Later in the party, Cuatro was being blindfolded "What is the point of this?"

Pinkie was tying the blindfold with a smile "I already told you, Cuaty! This game is called 'Pin the tail on the pony'! It's pretty self-explanatory except you have to do it blindfolded!" She tied it tight and dusted her hooves "There! Now we just gotta get you your tail, then spin you a little!" She grabbed a faux tail with a nail sticking out and placed it in Cuatro's mouth "Okay! Ready, Cuaty?" The strange alicorn muffled something as he held the tail in his mouth "Alrighty then! Now we just gotta spin you and you can start!" She took Cuatro with both her forehooves, and rapidly spun him around.

Twilight looked worried "Pinkie, I think you spun him enough!"

Pinkie nodded and stopped Cuatro as he stumbled slightly "Okie Dokie Loki! Pin that tail, Cuaty!" She then lightly nudged him forward as he began a small pace "Okay, a little to the right!"

Cuatro complied and moved carefully over to the right. He still felt no fun in this game, even if it was a party favorite. "Good! Now move a tiny smidge-a-meter to the left!" Upon hearing Pinkie, he did as instructed and moved to the left slightly. As of right now, all he wanted was to go back and study magic for his own benefit "Whoops! Bring it back a little, Cuaty! You almost hit the wall! Now move a little more to the right!" He did as instructed. The strange alicorn even wondered if it was safe being around Pinkie with her hyperactive and random nature, especially if she wanted to make him smile at any cost. However, she considered him a friend along with the others, and according to Twilight, friendship can be strong "Almost there! You're getting warmer!" They also agreed to help him reclaim his lost memory. Sure, the ponies here were strange, but they are more than helpful to his cause. He leaned forward and felt the bump of the tail's nail sticking into the wall.

"Got it!"

Cuatro released the tail, craned his head back, and raised the blindfold over his eyes to show that he had pinned the tail exactly where it was needed. Other ponies cheered for him while he stared "Hm...So I did..." He then took off the blindfold and trotted away from the pony picture.

Before he could move further, Pinkie stopped in front of him with a grin "So did you like the game, Cuaty? Wasn't it so much fun?"

Cuatro stared "While I appreciate your hints, Pinkie...No, it wasn't. It didn't really pique my interest, so to speak..."

Pinkie's smile instantly vanished 'This'll be my toughest challenge yet! But I'm not gonna let this alicorn best me like this! This calls for drastic measures!' She then moved back and reared onto her hindlegs, her forelegs stretched in the air as she yelled "Everypony dance!!"

A white unicorn with purple goggles grinned as she levitated a record onto her turntables and turned on some music. It seemed to make up of electronic music in a fixed rhythm.

To Cuatro's invisible surprise, everypony began dancing around while he stood still. He looked around and almost felt the need to depart from Sugarcube Corner so he wouldn't have to partake in this.

Cuatro looked behind to see Pinkie nudging his flanks with her head "C'mon, Cuatro! Shake it! I just know you wanna dance!!"

The strange alicorn stared "Can you cut that out, please?"

Pinkie stopped and looked up at Cuatro "What'll it take to get you to smile, Cuatro!? You're really putting up a fight here!! I mean, I'm doing my super best!"

Cuatro blinked "The party is appreciated, and everypony is having a good time. I believe you've done your 'super best', as it were..." He looked away "I'm going to sit down and think. I'm not in the mood for dancing..." He trotted away, leaving Pinkie standing dumbfounded.

Pinkie shook off her stunned expression and looked down in thought 'He cares about everypony's feelings and said I did a good job. That's something, but it isn't enough! I need this stallion to smile! But how? How am I gonna-' She gasped before she beamed "That's it!" She said as she put on a snorkel and dove into the sea of dancing ponies towards the turntable.
_____

While Cuatro sat down, he tried piecing together what he was able to gather during each of the scenes that played in his mind. It was gnawing away at him, almost making his leads seem less aiding in his thoughts.

"Aizen...Hueco Mundo...and Ichigo...What is their connection?"

"Hey, Cuatro!"

Cuatro snapped out of his thoughts and looked down to see Applebloom and her friends grin up at him "Ah, Applebloom...Is there something you need right now? Or is this another attempt at trying to tickle me?"

Applebloom shook her head "Nuh-uh! We don't even have our feathers with us! Honest! We were jus' wonderin' iffin' y'all would like t' dance with us!"

Sweetie Belle took a step forward "Our sisters are dancing right now, so we figured, since you're their new friend and all, you would join them!"

Cuatro shook his head "Politely declined. I do not wish to dance."

Scootaloo looked incredulous "Who wouldn't like to dance? It's pretty fun, especially with Vinyl Scratch's songs!! Why don't you get up off that chair and join us?"

Cuatro stared down "I'm sorry, children, but my mind is made up. I only wish to sit here and watch."

The CMC all stared up at the strange alicorn with a frown until they huddled up and whispered to each other. Scootaloo stopped to glance at Cuatro before she huddled back up with her friends and whispered. They then stopped as Applebloom took a deep breath "Alright, Cuatro. Ya gave us no other option! Ready, girls?" They all stood before they looked up at Cuatro with three pairs of adorable and pleading eyes as their lips quivered in a pout.

Cuatro stared back in silence as they remained for a few minutes. When more time had passed, the strange alicorn sighed "Fine..." The CMC all beamed and cheered at Cuatro and hopped around him when he rose up and reluctantly trotted into the dance floor.

"...How do they do that?"

Soon, Cuatro and the fillies were at a vacant area of the dance floor as the fillies began dancing wildly. The strange alicorn only stared before he swayed left and right lightly, trying to pass it off as a dance.

"...How humiliating..."

Twilight and the others were dancing until she noticed Cuatro with the CMC at a short distance. "Girls, look!" She called to her friends as she pointed over to the strange alicorn.

Rarity gasped before she smiled "Isn't that just adorable? Dear Cuatro is dancing with Sweetie Belle!"

Applejack raised an eyebrow "Wonder how Applebloom convinced 'im t' dance...Ah'd figure he'd object t' such a thing!"

Rainbow Dash chuckled "If that's dancing, then I'd say he's in need of a teacher!"

Spike looked at Cuatro sympathetically "I'll say. He really needs to unwind!"

Fluttershy looked and smiled "Maybe he could do better if we dance with him and the crusaders..."

Twilight looked confused "Hey, that reminds me...Where's Pinkie?"

"Song change!!"

Everypony stopped for a moment to see Pinkie at the turntables "With the help of Vinyl Scratch over here, I got the perfect song for this part! Cuatro, this one's for you!!"

The party members all directed their gazes to Cuatro as he shifted his eyes around. The strange alicorn was instantly uncomfortable with being noticed on the spot.

"What is Pinkie's game?"

Pinkie placed a record on the turntable and held a microphone with a hoof "And a-one, and a-two, and a-one-two-three!!" A steady, calm, and uplifting beat was playing as some of the ponies began to dance again.

My name is Pinkie Pie,
And I am here to say,
I’m gonna make you smile, and I will brighten up your day!
It doesn’t matter now,
If you are sad or blue.
Cause cheering up, my friend, is just what Pinkie’s here to do!

Cause I love to make you smile, smile, smile! Yes I do~!
It fills my heart with sunshine all the while, yes it does~!
Cause all I really need is smile, smile, smile,
From these happy friends of mine!

Cuatro only stared at Pinkie's singing.

"She's lost it..."

I like to see you grin,
I love to see you beam,
The corners of your mouth turned up,
Is always Pinkie’s dream.

Vinyl Scratch and Pinkie shared a hoof bump "Hoof bump!"

But if you’re kind of worried,
And your face has made a frown,
I’ll work real hard and do my best,
To turn that sad frown upside-down!

Cuatro felt a tap at his side, and he looked down to see Applebloom pointing at her own smile as if to tell him to do so himself.

Cause I love to make you grin, grin, grin! Yes I do!
Busting out from ear to ear,
Let it begin!
Just give me a joyful grin, grin, grin!
And you fill me with good cheer!

Pinkie approached Cuatro's side with a spotlight as she frowned sadly and hung her head. The strange alicorn blinked at this.

It’s true, some days are dark and lonely.
And maybe you feel sad,

She then draped a hoof over his back as she smiled and continued.

But Pinkie will be there to show you that it isn’t that bad.
There’s one thing that makes me happy,
And makes my whole life worthwhile!
And that’s when I talk to my friends and get them to smile!

Pinkie trotted around Cuatro with a spring in her step as she sang into her microphone.

I really am so happy,
Your smile fills me with glee!
I give a smile, I get a smile,
And that’s so special to me.

Cause I love to see you beam, beam, beam! Yes I do
Tell me, what more can I say to make you see? That I do!
It makes me happy when you beam, beam, beam.
Yes it always makes my day!

Soon, Cuatro shifted his eyes around as everypony around him began to dance and sing in syncronization with Pinkie, even her friends.

Come on, everypony, smile, smile, smile.
Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine.
All I really need is a smile, smile, smile,
From these happy friends of mine!

It’s a perfect gift for me,
Is a smile as wide as a mile!
To make me happy as can be!
Smile, smile, smile, smile, smile!
Come on and smile!

Pinkie stopped in front of Cuatro with a wide grin "Come on and smile!!" When the song stopped, she waited for a reaction from the strange unicorn, as did everypony else around him.

He only stared at Pinkie, then everypony around him. Cuatro then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, causing everypony to lean in with expectant eyes. He slowly raised his forehooves, beckoning them all to lean in further with their mouths slightly open. After a moment of pause, he only did a halfhearted applause in front of Pinkie "A good song...You did well..."

In the crowd, Sweetie Belle popped up with an outraged expression "Oh, come on!!!" Everypony else traded glances and murmured at the strange pony's reaction, but thought he was sincere enough as they went back to enjoying the party.

Pinkie stood with her jaw nearly hitting the floor. Cuatro noticed this and spoke "I was being serious, Pinkie..." No response. He looked away slightly and thought to himself while she was frozen in her position.

"I might have hurt her feelings...It was her prime goal to see if she could get me to smile, despite it being almost impossible to accomplish...almost..."

For the first time, Cuatro had an idea, though his face did not show any reaction. He turned back to Pinkie and swallowed his pride as he took a deep breath "Would it make you feel better if..." He shifted his eyes away "It almost made me smile?"

Pinkie snapped out of her state as she looked with a twinkle in her eyes "Really?"

Cuatro looked at Pinkie "Yes...really..." He felt that he shouldn't have Pinkie feel so horrible that her song was a futile effort, even if he was serious in saying she put a lot of effort into it.

What he didn't expect was Pinkie cheering loudly as she crushed Cuatro in a hug "Alright!! Then that means there's still some possible way to get you to smile!!" She looked up at Cuatro "Here I thought there was no possible way in Tartarus that would happen, but you convinced me!! Now all I gotta do is step up my game!!" Pinkie gave Cuatro another hug, though lighter than the last "Thanks for the compliment, Cuaty! Enjoy your party!" She then zipped into the crowd, leaving Cuatro to stand still and contemplate his actions. The only thing that went in his mind was

"...What have I done?"
_____

It was nearing night, and the party ended with everypony was trotting back to their own homes, but not before waving goodbye to Pinkie and the emotionless guest of honor. Cuatro trotted towards Twilight and looked back at Pinkie with a curt nod "Thank you for the party, Pinkie...It was..." He looked away reluctantly "fun..."

Pinkie waved frantically to the strange alicorn "No problem-o, Cuatro! See ya tomorrow!" She trotted back into Sugarcube corner.

The others waved their goodbyes, and Rarity waved as she left "I better get going, Cuatro! Toodle-oo~!" She waved as she batted her eyelashes.

Sweetie Belle waved "Try to smile next time!" She received a light bump on her head as she traveled home with her sister.

Applejack patted Cuatro's back with a smile "Y'all be good at Twilight's, ya hear? Stop by fer a visit at Sweet Apple Acres sometime while yer at it!"

Cuatro nodded "I will..." He then watched the two Apple siblings leave.

Applejack stopped "Oh, an' while Ah'm not a fan o' lyin', you laid a good choice o' words earlier with Pinkie! Nice one!" She and Applebloom laughed as they left. Cuatro sighed to himself in exasperation, but then looked up to see Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash hovered over Cuatro with a smile on her face "I gotta say, C! I kinda envy those nerves of steel you got inside of you!"

Cuatro blinked "But I don't have steel..."

Rainbow Dash drooped at the response "Nevermind..." She then perked up "Hey! Try practicing those wings when you've mastered telekinesis! I wanna see what you can do tomorrow before we go to Canterlot! Night!" She then took off, leaving a prismatic blur.

Cuatro watched Rainbow Dash leave, and when he heard a small 'um', he turned to see Fluttershy look up at him with a small smile "Did you really like the party, Cuatro? I'd never think you would actually like something like this..."

The strange alicorn stared down at Fluttershy, her calm and demure demeanor almost affecting him like the CMC persuading him to dance "Pinkie has put in a lot of effort into this particular gathering...it would be disrespectful to think otherwise of a grand celebration..." He stated clearly.

"Even if most of it involved trying to get me to smile, apparently..."

Fluttershy's smile widened slightly "That's nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to consider you a scary pony back then. You could possibly be the best you can be with or without your memories..." She trotted away at a decent pace "Good night, Cuatro..."

Cuatro watched the timid mare leave, then turned to Twilight and Spike "Shall we? I would like to master at least one spell before meeting your princess..."

Twilight nodded "Of course! Let's go home!" The group trotted back to the library, where they settled in for the night. Cuatro did not hesitate to go over the basic guide of unicorn magic the moment they arrived.
_____

It was late at night, and Twilight rested in her bed while Spike was nestled up in his own, sleeping soundly.

While any other night would be easy to sleep through, Twilight could not help but think to herself as she laid in her bed wide awake and stared at the ceiling 'Cuatro has a long way to go...It's pretty sad to know he could be possibly born with that...that emotionless demeanor of his!' She clenched her eyes with displeasure at the thought 'But I musn't chastise him if he WAS born that way...especially since he's an alicorn. Perhaps his personality bears significant meaning to his lost memory...I just hope we can get him to think more brightly before his old life comes back to him...' She decided to lift herself a little to get a glance at the guest bed, only to see that it was empty. This caused the lavender bookworm to widen her eyes 'He's not here? Where is he?'

She hopped up from her bed and carefully trotted downstairs, not to disturb her assistant, and looked to see that her guest was not in the main lobby of the library. There only remained the closed book that he had read earlier tonight 'Did he finish it? Where could he possibly go so late at night!?' She decided to go outside into the cold air and look around as her hooves dug into the snow "Cuatro?" Twilight took more steps as she grew more worried "Cuatro, where are you?"

Twilight looked down despondently, almost under the impression that Cuatro left Ponyville at his own free will and leaving her and her friends behind. But then she noticed the shadow of her library with extra growth "Huh?" She trotted to examine the elongated outline, then looked up to the top of the library, only to see a silhouette with spread bat wings and a long tail and mane blowing in the breeze as it faced the glowing pale moon.

Twilight could recognize the shape anywhere as she took a deep breath and smiled to herself 'There you are, Cuatro...' Her horn glowed as she instantly winked out of existence.
_____

Cuatro sat on the top of the library as he stared up at the moon and its umbral beauty. There was something about it that gave the strange alicorn a sense of peace and familiarity. Almost as if he saw a moon similar to this one. He shifted his eyes when he noticed a flash next to him, and saw Twilight smiling at him "You're awake...Did I disturb you?"

Twilight giggled "Technically..." She sat next to Cuatro as they looked up at the moon "I never thought you would just perch yourself up on top of my house at this time of night. Do you like to stargaze as well?"

Cuatro kept his stare on Twilight "Stargaze? No..." He looked back up at the moon "I only came here for the moon itself...How its glow appears almost similar to the sun...How it breathes the southern winds to everypony that embraces it, like it or not...It's practically soothing to me..."

Twilight smirked at Cuatro "Very poetic...You like the moon that much, hm?"

Cuatro kept his stare on the moon "Yes...I guess you could say that, while Pinkie tries her hardest, that this celestial body on high almost innovates me to...to smile, perhaps..."

Twilight noted the sincerety of his words and chuckled before she began to laugh.

Cuatro looked at Twilight "...Is this humorous to you?"

Twilight shook her head as her laughter died down "No, not that. It's just, I never thought the moon itself could get you to nearly smile before Pinkie! I'd consider it a unique quality that you would favor the night. In fact, you could be in for a treat when we go to Canterlot tomorrow and visit the princess!"

Cuatro stared "I see..." He then looked up at the moon "I'll be down to join you and Spike in bed shortly...I would like more time to myself, if you please..."

Twilight nodded respectfully "Sure. Take all the time you need." She then teleported out of Cuatro's sight as she went inside her home.

The strange alicorn couldn't take his eyes off of the moon and its impressive form. More and more, it filled him with more familiarity and peace. On a different note, he wondered what would happen if he ever reclaimed all of his memories. Would he still find solace in Equestria?

To be continued...

Capítulo Ocho

View Online

Capítulo Ocho

Sonido

The next day, Twilight stirred from her slumber with a quiet yawn. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her hooves before she hopped off of her bed and went to her mirror to brush her mane.

Spike was next to wake up as he stretched himself and tiredly scratched his back. He then looked around to see that Twilight was up, and turned to see the guest bed was empty "Erm...Twilight? Where's Cuatro?"

Twilight stopped brushing her mane to hear her assistant, and she woke up more when she looked over to the guest bed as well "Huh? Maybe he got up before us...I just figured out last night that Cuatro's more of a nocturnal alicorn in a sense."

Spike hopped from his bed "Really? Never would've thought..." He waddled near the stairs.

Twilight continued brushing her mane "Yup. He even admitted that the moon, his most favorite sight, almost makes him smile easier than Pinkie! Can you believe that?"

Spike went to leave before he turned to Twilight dumbfounded "Seriously!? So he likes the moon THAT much? This'll make this day all the more interesting."

Twilight perked up "That's right! We're going to visit Princess Celestia tonight! We better take care of whatever we're doing before we decide to go!" She then finished her brush and joined Spike at the stairs. When they went down, they noticed their pale house guest reading another book, only it was levitating in front of him wrapped in a green aura. Twilight beamed at Cuatro upon seeing this "Good morning, Cuatro! I see you mastered telekinesis this morning!"

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Twilight "Last night, more rather...And good morning to you, too." He then looked down at Spike "And you, as well, Spike..."

Spike waved before he made for the kitchen "I'll go get breakfast ready for us! Be sure to come when it's ready!"

Twilight nodded to Spike, then trotted over to Cuatro's side and sat next to him on the couch as he continued to read. She examined the book before she smiled "I see you're onto intermediate spells already! You must have quite the aptitude for magic despite your amnesia!"

Cuatro nodded "I suppose this is one of my advantages as an alicorn. It shall benefit me greatly as I progress through my days..." He flipped a page with his magic "I have to ask you, Twilight..." The lavender bookworm tilted her head "Princess Celestia...Are you most certain that she would even remember me at all? That she wouldn't be foggy about my existence as I am myself?"

Twilight blinked before she responded with a befuddled tone to match her expression "What are you getting at? Do you not trust the princess?"

Cuatro flipped another page and responded in his unchanged tone "I'm not questioning the princess' trust..." He shifted his eyes to Twilight "I'm questioning yours...I cannot be certain if she may or may not know of me the moment we meet..."

Twilight stared before she smiled "Well, perhaps you two have been separated for a long time during your lives? This is only a theory, though alicorns are said to mature much slower than regular ponies. I'm sure she could identify you just by looking at you!"

Cuatro kept his stare on Twilight and replied "You really are her personal student to talk so highly of her. I only hope your judgement is correct when the time comes..." He went back to reading his book "We'll have ten hours to prove your judgement properly..."

Twilight frowned at his response 'Was he this callous before he lost his memories? Perhaps it is a good idea to teach him more about friendship if it means changing his outlook on life...' She then nodded "I guess you have a right to your own opinion. I just hope you have as much faith in her as I do, Cuatro..."

"Breakfast is ready!"

Twilight turned to the kitchen with a smile "Well, that's our cue! Are you coming?"

Cuatro kept his eyes on the book "Is it inappropriate in this house to read during a meal?"

Twilight paused before she giggled 'He's just like me when I was a filly...' "Well, I don't see the problem with it just this once. You seem like the kind of stallion that knows how to handle books properly!"

Cuatro nodded as he rose from the couch while levitating the book next to him "Much appreciated..." He followed Twilight into the kitchen and took his seat as Spike prepared hay bacon and eggs. While he kept his book levitated, he also focused some magic into levitating a fork to help him eat his food. He stabbed his utensil into the hay bacon and chewed properly as he read more of his spellbook.

Spike watched before he turned to Twilight with an arched eyebrow. The lavender bookworm sighed "He asked nicely. Cuatro's practically engrossed in the spellbook's content!"

Spike sighed as he dug into his eggs "I just hope he doesn't act this way on the trip to Canterlot today..." He then chewed his portion of food.
_____

Later on, Spike cleaned up the mess inside of the kitchen while Cuatro continued reading his book in the library, Twilight reading one of her own.

Spike was busy sweeping the floor while the two ponies were busy reading. Sometimes, the purple dragon wished that he would get a proper vacation from doing all of his chores, even if he favored being Twilight's number one assistant. While he swept, there was a knock at the door, and Spike waddled over to answer. At the door was Rainbow Dash with an eager smile "Hey, Spike! Is Cuatro there?"

Spike nodded "Yep, come on in!" He opened the door and allowed Rainbow to fly inside.

Twilight looked up from her book and noticed the cyan pegasus with a smile "Oh, hey there, Rainbow! Are you looking for one of the new Daring Do books?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head "No, not today, but thanks for reminding me!" She landed near Twilight and Cuatro "I'm here for Cuatro, actually!"

Twilight frowned before she spoke in an unamused tone "Are you going to ask him to race you?"

Rainbow Dash grinned "Sure am! I just gotta see how good he can do in the air! He needs to put as much use into his wings as he does his horn!"

Twilight narrowed her eyes "Shouldn't you at least acknowledge the fact that he wants to study more than race? He'll probably decline your offer the moment he recognizes you!"

"Actually..."

The two ponies turned to Cuatro as he closed his book as well as his eyes "While the offer does not seem tempting, Rainbow Dash is correct with me trying to put my wings to use..." He slowly unfurled and examined his left wing "I have only used my wings to fly atop the library...I can only wonder the full extent of my power in both flight and magic..."

Rainbow Dash grinned and turned to Twilight "See? And here you thought he would just go back to reading!"

Cuatro turned to the cyan pegasus "You did not let me finish..." The two mares looked at the strange alicorn "I'll oblige to one race and one race only. I wish to see my performance in flight before I can go back to studying magic..."

Rainbow Dash shrugged "Alright, I guess I can't stop you when it comes to learning, but thanks for agreeing to a race!" She grinned "You'll probably have a chance at catching up to me since you're an alicorn!"

Cuatro nodded "Perhaps..." He rose from his couch and turned to Twilight "I shall return shortly, Twilight Sparkle and Spike..."

Spike blinked "You're actually gonna race? This I gotta see!!" He turned to Twilight "Is it okay if I go with them, Twi? I wanna know how this race will play out!"

Twilight hummed before she nodded "I suppose it isn't much of a problem if I'll watch as well. But where's the race going to be held? Are our friends going to watch as well?"

Rainbow Dash smiled "Well, not all of them, since AJ, Rarity, and Fluttershy are all busy, but we're gonna go from Sugarcube Corner all the way over to Whitetail Woods and back! I already have Pinkie ready to tell us when to start! It's good to know we have a slow-growing audience, too! Let's get going!" The group then trotted out of the library and made their way towards Sugarcube Corner.

While they trotted towards Sugarcube Corner, Cuatro looked down in thought.

"Perhaps I've made the wrong decision in accepting Rainbow Dash's challenge...I can only hold my own and push to the limit since this may be a short race according to Rainbow Dash's demonstrated velocity..."

Out of nowhere, Cuatro grunted and clenched his eyes shut when he felt another migraine. He could not make out the instant worry he caused his new friends as another scene played in his mind. There were several scenes of two blurry bipedal figures consantly disappearing and reappearing at different areas instantaneously while clashing. The newest scene was with a dark winged figure being surprised from behind by a figure with a blade in hand.

"What...!?"
"He slipped through my Peski--"
"That wasn't Shunpo. That was Sonido."

Cuatro opened his eyes when his pain slowly faded to see Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash staring at him. Twilight trotted up with concern "Are you sure you're in any condition to race, Cuatro? I don't think it's healthy to do any high-speed activity with you having constant migraines at undetermined time periods."

The strange alicorn stood in silence when he reviewed the latest scene in his mind with slightly dialated pupils.

"Sonido..."

Cuatro paused further before he shook his head and regarded his friends with his normal emotionless stare "No...I want to race Rainbow Dash. I refuse to back down from a challenge..."

Rainbow Dash stared before she beamed at Cuatro "I like your style, C!! Let's get moving so we can get this race started!" The group continued their trip to Sugarcube Corner, with Twilight and Spike trading worried glances unbeknownst to Cuatro, who only had one thing on his mind as they progressed.

"Sonido..."
_____

At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie trotted in place outside with a checkered flag between her grinning teeth.

Rainbow Dash waved "Hey, Pinkie! We're just about ready to start!! This is gonna be great!!"

Pinkie pulled out the flag from her mouth and spoke "You bet your cupcakes it is! I can't believe Cuaty's actually gonna go up and try to race Dashie! I mean, I thought he didn't like racing since he loved to study magic even more than that! I already wonder how fast he can go if he actually fly that fast! Maybe he can go as fast as Dashie since he's an alicorn and stuff an-"

Rainbow Dash interrupted "That's good and stuff, Pinkie! Let me and Cuatro here get prepared!"

Cuatro stepped up "Not to sound deterred in my desire to race, but where exactly is Whitetail woods? I cannot exactly race without a determined direction of travel..."

Rainbow Dash hovered and pointed left from Pinkie's doorstep "It's about west from here! You can't miss it!" She flashed a confident smile at Cuatro "I hope you're ready for this thing, Cuatro! I wanna see you actually use those wings before I win this thing!"

Cuatro did not react to Rainbow Dash's words, but instead replied cooly "Your speed is only exceeded by your confidence...That can be your downfall if you're not too careful..."

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes with a grin "I guess since you're an alicorn, you think you can talk big! This'll be so much fun!"

Spike was tensed up by their words "Holy guacamole! I think this might be a good race after all!"

Twilight tilted her head in confusion "I've never seen Cuatro this confident about racing before...Maybe he's willing to make Rainbow Dash happy with this one race!"

Pinkie nodded "Okay, everypony! Start your wings!!" She placed her checkered flag in her mouth and planted her hooves in the snow.

The competitors took their places behind a line made by Rainbow Dash as they stood ready with their wings flared for flight. Cuatro was focused on the race, but at the same time was focused on the memory that played in his head.

"Sonido..."

He remembered the figures travelling in blurs, as if teleporting constantly. How they moved to long distances in minimal time and how the winged figure, who striked the most question towards Cuatro, did the same effortlessly.

"Only one way to find out..."

Cuatro kept his eye on Pinkie, who slowly raised her checkered flag with her wide grin. He slightly narrowed his eyes and gave his wings one minor flap. Rainbow Dash noticed this and only held a smug smile 'I got this in the bag! Let's see how fast Cuatro can move before this is over!'

Pinkie giggled before she jerked her head downward and waved the flag, signalling the race to start. Rainbow Dash grinned and instantly took to the sky as she left behind her prismatic trail. Cuatro stopped to take a deep breath.

Twilight blinked "Cuatro? Cuatro, what are you doing?"

He stared at Rainbow Dash, who was easily breezing through the skies before he uttered to himself "Sonido..." To everypony's surprise, there was a slight tremor and the sound of booming static before Cuatro instantly disappeared out of existence in a blur.

Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie darted their eyes around in search of Cuatro "Wh-Where did he just-...!?" Twilight nor Spike could not believe the sudden action displayed by Cuatro.

Pinkie gasped "Wowee!! Do you think Cuaty might be even faster than Dashie!? I'll bet he practiced for days before he lost his memory!!"

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was easily breezing across the sky with a smile on her face "Awww yeah!! Feel that wind!!" She said to herself as she looked behind. She did not even see a trace of her opponent while she flew on her way to Whitetail Woods, and only sighed before smiling 'I'll bet he's trying to lull me into a false sense of security and thinking he can just travel through the air, isn't he? This is too rich! If that's his plan, then I'd say he's-'

Suddenly, Cuatro appeared next to Rainbow Dash, matching her exact speed as he moved with his emotionless face. The cyan pegasus was instantly overwhelmed as she unconsciously flew with her jaw hung open while staring at Cuatro with widened eyes. The strange alicorn shifted his gaze to Rainbow Dash before he looked ahead and disappeared with the sound of booming static in his wake.

Rainbow Dash stared before she shook off her stunned expression. She narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth as she picked up the pace in her flight 'Did he just teleport right next to me!? That cheater!! But wait...His horn wasn't even glowing...Could he honestly be that fa-NO!! I will NOT be outshined by a stallion!!' The cyan pegasus launched herself near the woods with more speed.

She flew over the woods and looked around as she tried to find any sign of Cuatro. The cyan pegasus perked up when she noticed the strange alicorn hovering lazily in the air up ahead and zipped up to him. She glared at Cuatro while she hovered in front of him with a pointed hoof "Have you been teleporting this whole time!? That's cheating, you know!!"

Cuatro only shook his head and asked "Judging by the distance, we are over the western edge of Whitetail Woods, correct?"

Rainbow Dash arched a suspicious eyebrow "Yeah...why?"

Cuatro nodded "Then I was correct in my judgement that this particular area we're hovering is the race's checkpoint?"

Rainbow Dash snapped to attention and glared at Cuatro before she turned and flew away at her amazing speed. While she flew, her eyes teared up from her velocity 'No way! No way am I losing this race! Cuatro thinks he can just beat me with pleasantries, but this ain't over!! I'm the fastest flier in Equestria! I can't let a pony with amnesia just beat me, even if he is an alicorn!!' While she moved ahead, she was unaware that Cuatro was flying right next to her without any trouble on his end.

From Sugarcube Corner, Twilight and the others were watching the race with their own set of binoculars. Pinkie gasped when she noticed what was happening "Wow!! He really IS that fast!!" She lowered her set and turned to the others with a smile "You think Dashie might come back from this?"

Twilight lowered her own set with a baffled expression "That doesn't make any sense! The way he moved! How it looked like he just teleported! That's inequine speed if I ever saw it!"

Pinkie scoffed "Sheesh, Twilight! Didn't you hear Cuatro? It's called Sonido!" She looked down in thought "Whatever that is...Almost sounds like a blue hedgehog..."

Ignoring Pinkie's random analogy, Twilight lifted her binoculars to get a better look at the race. What bothered her was how Cuatro managed to keep a straight face while flying at such intense speed 'What is his secret? Is he that powerful?'

Rainbow Dash was confident when she was nearing Sugarcube Corner, but when she took notice of Cuatro flying next to her, her confidence swiftly vanished and was replaced with anger and frustration. With how fast the two were going, she was close to performing a Sonic Rainboom and blowing Cuatro away while moving even faster. Sadly, she can only do it in a vertical fashion, otherwise she would cause unneeded damage around Ponyville.

Cuatro easily breezed through the air as he and Rainbow Dash were near the finish line.

"Sonido...This speed bears significance to my memories. But why did my memories consist of bipedal figures? I hope that Princess Celestia can answer my questions...But until that time comes..."

While they raced, Cuatro shut his eyes "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash..." Before the cyan pegasus could respond with 'For what?' Cuatro easily shot forward and breezed over the finish line. From there, he reduced his speed and glided over to the front of Sugarcube Corner, meeting up with the trio observing the race.

Spike tossed away his binoculars as he ran up to Cuatro "That was AMAZING!! I can't believe you went THAT fast without breaking a sweat!! You're really something else!!"

Cuatro did not respond as he noticed Rainbow Dash approach the group as she landed and trotted with a bitter expression. He trotted over and held out a hoof "Thank you for the race...You've helped me remember the capability of my wings..."

Rainbow Dash grumbled and lightly swatted away the hoof "I'm going home! I'll see you guys later on tonight!" She took off again, but when she flew upward into the air, she set off an expanding prismatic wave. Everypony but Cuatro were phased by the burst of wind caused by it.

The strange alicorn stared before he turned to Twilight "What did Rainbow Dash just perform, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight regained her composure and sighed "What you just saw was Rainbow Dash's signature move, the Sonic Rainboom. She performed it once as a filly, and can effortlessly perform it whenever she picks up enough speed." She looked up with narrowed eyes "But seeing her doing it like this was completely unnecessary in a way!"

Spike dusted himself off "I agree. I mean, she's the one that wanted to race Cuatro in the first place. None of us even knew he was this fast to begin with!!"

Pinkie looked up with a frown "Poor Dashie...I should cheer her up later with her favorite cupcakes!!" She grinned "Nice race back there, Cuaty!!"

Cuatro nodded in response, but looked up at the sky as the wave died down "I don't think she will speak to me for a while..."

Twilight frowned at Cuatro, thinking he was feeling guilty for his actions, then trotted over and patted his back with a smile "Rainbow Dash is very competitive in nature, Cuatro. She'll get over it since it's just a small race and all! But in the meantime, you should probably take care of everything you wish to do before we go to Canterlot later on!"

Cuatro looked down at Twilight before he nodded "I would like to-" A sound of growling was heard as he looked down at his stomach "...Hm..." He looked away "Perhaps I have two reasons to go back to the library..." A familiar mound of pink slowly ascended from next to where Cuatro was looking as he noticed Pinkie with a grin on her face.

"...How did she-"

Pinkie pushed Cuatro into Sugarcube Corner "In you go, Cuaty! I got just the thing for you!!" Twilight and Spike followed as they shook their heads with amused smiles.

To be continued...

Capítulo Nueve

View Online

Capítulo Nueve

Opinion

Cuatro sat down at a table with Twilight Spike as his long tail slightly moved on the floor. Pinkie trotted to her friends while balancing a tray bearing three cupcakes on her nose with relative ease. She set it down on the table and grinned at her friends "There ya go! This oughta make you AND your belly happy, especially since these cupcakes are super special!" The others inspected the cupcakes and noticed that each one had brilliant yellow frosting with smiley faces consisting of toothy grins made of white frosting and eyes made of peppermint candies.

Twilight giggled before she levitated her own cupcake in front of her "Very creative, Pinkie! You never cease to amaze or disappoint in your baking!" She then took a bite of her cupcake and savored the taste of it. After chewing on it, she swallowed it and instantly grinned afterwards "These are amazing!"

Spike already chewed on his own bite and swallowed it to chime in "I'll say! Best cupcakes I've had so far!!"

Pinkie blushed and waved a hoof while pressing on her right cheek with another as she giggled "Oh, stop it, you!!" She then quickly turned to Cuatro with an expectant smile on her face "I made them with a special ingredient that'll make sure anypony enjoys a bright day!! Go on, Cuaty! Give it a try!"

Cuatro eyed his cupcake before he gingerly nibbled on a bite. It tasted as exquisite as they claimed, but he had his doubts in terms of Pinkie's explanation on the pastry.

"I get the feeling she dragged me in here to try and see her goal through..."

Pinkie leaned near Cuatro with a wider smile "Weeeeeeell~?"

the strange alicorn swallowed his bite with closed eyes, and only gave a curt nod in response "This cupcake is delicious. Your service is appreciated..."

Pinkie narrowed her eyes with a pout 'Horseapples! I was going easy on him this time!' She then quickly donned another grin "Well, there's more in the back if you want any! Gotta at least fill that tummy so you won't be so hungry when you're having dinner with the princess!"

Cuatro opened his eyes "Of course...I only wonder if Princess Celestia would even consider me a part of her own memory..." He ate more of his cupcake.

Spike cocked an eyebrow at Cuatro "You sound pretty skeptical about meeting the princess and trying to sort things out. Is this visit bugging you at all?"

The strange alicorn finished another bite and turned to Spike "Not exactly. What troubles me is thinking that I will not acheive what I am looking for the moment I reach your princess..." He looked away "I've yet to develop my own valid opinion on her once we meet face-to-face..."

Twilight frowned at this. She remembered how he responded to meeting with the princess back at the library, with his cold atmosphere visibly tinted in his words. Twilight cleared her throat before she spoke "I'm sure you'll think greatly of her when that time comes, Cuatro! All we need to do is wait!"

Cuatro looked at Twilight "I cannot be entirely certain, Twilight. For all we know, I could be considered a monster in the eyes of Canterlot as I was when I first arrived in Ponyville..."

Twilight blinked when this was said by Cuatro "First arrived? Well, where did you come from before?"

Cuatro replied "The Everfree Forest..." This caused Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie to look bewildered. The strange alicorn closed his eyes "It did sound strange to Applejack and Applebloom when they took me in during the snowstorm two nights ago..."

Pinkie gasped "You walked through a snowstorm!? What the hay where you thinking, mister!? No wonder you have to act so cold!! You've been spending too much time out in the snow!"

Cuatro blinked "...Was that an idea of a joke just now?"

Pinkie smiled "Yep! Did you like it?"

Cuatro shook his head "Not really..."

Pinkie narrowed her eyes and pointed a hoof at Cuatro "I'll find out what makes you tick sooner or later, Cuaty! Just you wait!" She then nonchalantly hopped into the kitchen "I better get those cupcakes for Dashie going!" She spoke in a chipper tone.

Twilight blurted out "You mean to tell us that you actually emerged from the Everfree forest as of two nights ago!? How did you manage to survive?"

Cuatro looked down "Perhaps as an alicorn, I was born with remarkable stamina. But to be more technical, I was lost and alone...I wanted to survive and realize what my purpose was here in this world. I never thought I would end up facing more trouble the moment I left the forest..."

Spike tilted his head "So that's where you first ended up, huh? Maybe we should go there one day and search for clues!"

Twilight glared at her assistant "Spike, this is the Everfree Forest we're talking about! Even during winter, it's very dangerous to even consider going there for answers to Cuatro's amnesia!"

Cuatro ate more of his cupcake and swallowed another bite as he spoke "I agree with Twilight...Besides, I cannot be certain to pinpoint the exact location of where I woke up...It is best to see if the Princess would be able to handle my problem."

Twilight was surprised "Wow. And here I thought you didn't really trust the princess!"

Cuatro shook his head "I mentioned nothing of trust...I only consider her as a means of regaining my memory and nothing more. Between her and going back into the Everfree Forest for clues, I see no other options to rid myself of amnesia. So for now, I'll only follow you on your faith in Princess Celestia and hope that she may help me with my problems..."

Spike frowned 'Man...he IS cold...One moment he's nice, but the next moment it's like he doesn't give a flying feather about anypony! I'll bet this has something to do with his amnesia...Maybe if he went to Canterlot, he could find-Hey! That's it!' He piped up when he had an idea "What say we leave early for Canterlot and show Cuatro around there? If it's not Ponyville, then there could be something in Canterlot that could get his memories back!"

Twilight looked at Spike "Leave early? Well, that is a good idea, Spike, but we gotta make sure Applejack and the others aren't still busy!" She turned to Cuatro "Unless you object to this notion. Who knows? Spike could be right about his words!"

Cuatro finished his cupcake before he nodded "It would save us the trouble of sitting around here...Where should we go first?"

Twilight smiled "We'll go look for Rarity first and see if she is finished with any designs she has going for her customers! Let's get going while it's still daytime!" She rose from her seat with Spike and Cuatro, then turned to the kitchen and called out "We're going to be heading out, Pinkie! We're gonna be leaving for Canterlot a little sooner than expected!"

Pinkie popped her head from the doors to the kitchen "Really? Well, I'll catch up with you all later then! I gotta get these cupckaes for Dashie ready!" She moved back into the kitchen, and the others decided to vacate Sugarcube Corner in search of their friends.
_____

Cuatro was directed to what appeared to be an ornate building that was more suited to the higher class, more luxurious in appearance than Ponyville's day spa. Twilight trotted up to the front door and rapped on it three times before standing patiently. The door then opened to reveal Sweetie Belle, who smiled up at the trio "Hello, Twilight and Spike!" She then noticed Cuatro and waved "Hi there, Cuatro!"

Cuatro nodded in greeting "Sweetie Belle." He replied calmly.

Sweetie Belle frowned "Looks like you're still not smiling, huh? Well, at least Rarity will be happy to see you! Come on in, you guys!" She moved back and allowed the group inside.

While she moved inside, Twilight looked down at Sweetie Belle "Is your sister busy right now, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle looked up the stairs "Just a little bit. She's almost done with her last piece of clothing before calling it a day since she's looking forward to going to Canterlot!" She then turned to Cuatro "Which reminds me, do you think maybe Cuatro could find something in Canterlot to help with his memory?"

Spike held up a claw "One step ahead of you! We can wait for Rarity to finish! So, what are you up to anyways?"

Sweetie Belle groaned "I wanted to help Rarity with her work, but she trusted me to watch Opal instead..." She pointed a hoof over to a white cat sleeping soundly on a rug.

Cuatro noticed this and grunted as he felt another migraine in his head. Soon, another scene played in his mind.

"In any case, Lord Aizen has trusted that girl to me. Hand her over."
"Fuck you."
"...What did you say?"
"What's the matter? You've got a lot to say, don't-...-iorra!"
"I can see it-...-ou're scared of fighting me!!"

The pain left as quick as it came as Cuatro came to his senses while rubbing his temples with a hoof. Spike looked up in a frown "You okay, Cuatro? These headaches of yours are getting pretty frequent lately!!"

Cuatro sighed in relief before he responded "I'll be fine...All I know is that I don't share a fondness for cats..." He looked away "I do not favor them at all..." He figured that the memory had something to do with when he first laid eyes on Rarity's cat, reminding him of someone he shared deep disdain for. But aside from that point, he could not shake off the voices he heard clearly in his mind.

"Something about that memory...The first voice...that was me, wasn't it? What is my connection with this...Lord Aizen?"

Sweetie Belle giggled "That makes two of us! Opal can be a bit of a jerk sometimes! It's a good thing Rarity wasn't there to hear that."

Twilight shook her head "I can only imagine which animals you actually favor. Well, unless you're not much of an animal lover like Fluttershy."

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Twilight "The timid one? She is an animal caretaker?"

Twilight nodded "That's right! She is very caring towards every animal she sees! Fluttershy even offers pets to those who even want one!"

Spike smiled "A while back, she gave Rainbow Dash a pet tortoise! Well, she eventually warmed up to him anyways...Can you believe that?"

Cuatro paused before he shook his head in disbelief.

"A mare that lives for intense speed, and she owns a very slow creature as a pet? Such an unbelievable display of irony..."

Spike laughed "Trust me, you should've been there! She had other pets to choose from and she ran them through a series of games to see who was the best!"

Cuatro hummed in intrigue "And the tortoise won?"

Spike shook his head "Uh-uh! In fact, Tank saved her from a rock at Ghastly Gorge! That's what she named him, by the way. Pretty fitting, what with his shell and all."

While they chatted, Rarity trotted out of her room with a relieved sigh "Finally! Finished with my last set of clothing..." She then noticed her friends and smiled "Why hello, everypony! What brings you to my humble abode?"

Twilight smiled "We were thinking about gathering the others and heading to Canterlot early and showing Cuatro around. Are you up for an early departure?"

Rarity nodded "Anything to help our alicorn friend! Let me just get some proper winter attire and see if I can get Sweetie Belle to stay with her friends."

Sweetie Belle frowned "Why can't I just come with you to Canterlot?"

Rarity looked down at Sweetie Belle with a sad smile "You have to understand that we've been invited to a formal meeting in a matter of helping out Cuatro! It's only going to be a minor visit, if anything!"

Twilight piped up "In that case, what say we go find Applejack next and sort things out? Unless you feel like making plans with your parents."

Rarity shook her head "Nonono, Twilight. We're only to meet with our parents come Hearth's Warming, and that isn't for another month! Besides, what with the constant snow days, I'd rather have my little sister find comfort with her friends!" She then winced "So long as they don't crusade..."

Sweetie Belle scowled at Rarity "You make it sound as if it's a bad thing!"

Rarity rolled her eyes "Regardless, let us make for Applejack's! I'm sure they could keep you for the time being!" With that, the trio waited for Rarity and Sweetie Belle to prepare themselves before going out in the snow.
_____

The group, now numbering five, trotted along the trail leading to Sweet Apple Acres. Cuatro looked ahead to see the familiar homestead that he had reached before falling into a minor coma.

"I wonder how they've fared while I was away..."

When they reached the front yard, Twilight once again took point and knocked on the front door to the farmhouse. Applejack was there to answer it with a smile "Howdy, Twilight!" She looked behind to see the rest of the group and waved over to Cuatro "Hey there, Cuatro! Y'all doin' fine today?"

Cuatro nodded "I am...And you?"

Applejack chuckled "Good as ever!" She opened the door and stepped out "Ah gotta ask though..." She looked curious "Earlier, Ah was outside fer a bit an' noticed Rainbow Dash flying out int' Whitetail Woods! Any o' y'all know why?"

Twilight shook her head "Nothing major, Applejack. Rainbow just challenged Cuatro to a race is all." She then turned to Cuatro with a surprised expression "Believe it or not, Cuatro won!"

Rarity blinked "A race you say? And Cuatro won?" She looked up at the strange alicorn "A part of me would agree on account of his well-framed wings, but that is very puzzling!"

Applejack craned her head back with an incredulous expression on her face "Are ya serious? RD's th' fastest pony we know!!"

Spike nodded "Yeah, and we just found out that Cuatro's faster! WAY faster, actually! He beat her with something called..." He looked down in thought "What was it? Sonic boom? No...Sunny day? Darn it! I was too focused on watching them race that I forgot!"

Cuatro turned to Spike "It is called Sonido..." The group looked at him "Somehow, the term is linked to my memories...One of many small fragments that I've acquired so far."

Applejack tilted her head "Mind talkin' 'bout it so we know yer progress?"

Cuatro shook his head "I'm afraid not. These terms sound strange to you all, and I would not want to put you all in a rut over such a thing..."

Spike nodded "You're telling me. I still don't even know what an Ichigo is, but it sounds pretty cool!"

Twilight then perked up "While we've explained what happened earlier, we'd like to ask two things! Are you free to join us so we can go to Canterlot a little earlier?"

Rarity, who was seen with a tall wool winter hat with a sapphire adorned in the middle, stepped forward and chimed in "And could you perhaps have your family watch Sweetie Belle while we're gone, please?"

"Sweetie Belle's here?"

From inside the house, Applebloom galloped out and noticed the group outside "Howdy, everypony!" She looked up and smiled at Cuatro "Howdy, Cuatro!"

Cuatro nodded "Hello, Applebloom..."

Applejack chuckled "Well shucks! Of course she can stay here! As fer th' other thing, Ah'm gonna have t' take care o' some indoor chores 'fore Ah can catch up with ya! Could we all meet up at th' station maybe?"

Twilight nodded with a smile "Sure thing! We'll see you then, Applejack!" She turned to leave.

After Sweetie Belle made her way inside, Rarity donned a grateful smile "We'll see you at the station then! And thank you for watching my sister!"

Applejack nodded "My pleasure! See y'all then!" She then went back inside her home while the group departed.

Cuatro turned to Twilight "Where to next? Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't Pinkie be occupied with Rainbow Dash at the moment?"

Twilight looked back "Exactly. Which is why we're heading for Fluttershy next! Knowing how she's warmed up to you since last night, I'm sure she'll be easier to approach!"

While they trotted, Cuatro looked to his right to see Rarity examining him "Is there something on me, Rarity?"

Rarity shook her head "Nothing at all, darling! I'm only getting a better look at you to see what I could apply for fashion!" She kept silent before she sighed sadly "You're amazingly handsome, but your figure...It's as if you were born solely for night!"

Twilight smiled "Well, he does enjoy the night, actually! Just last night, he was up on the library gazing at the moon!"

Rarity blinked in intrigue "Did he now?" She paused for a moment, and a smile crept onto her face "Perhaps my affection isn't needed after all!"

Cuatro replied in his usual tone, though tinted with curiousity "What are you getting at?"

Rarity looked ahead with an amused smile "Never you mind, Cuatro! I'm sure the answer will come to you when we reach the castle!"

Spike was confused at this, and he whispered to Twilight "Do you think the moon might be-"

Twilight interrupted with another whisper "We can't be too certain, Spike. Let's just wait until then..."
_____

Later on, after gaining Fluttershy's approval, the group waited at the train station for Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. After a short while, Applejack was the first to arrive as she tipped her hat "Howdy, folks! Thanks fer waitin' on me!"

Twilight smiled "No trouble at all! That just leaves Rainbow and Pinkie! Knowing how fast they are, I'd figure they would arrive here first!"

Spike arched an eyebrow "You don't think she's still bitter about losing her race, is she?"

Fluttershy frowned "I hope not. I'm sure Pinkie's cheered her up somehow if she made Rainbow Dash her favorite cupcakes..."

On cue, the group noticed a cyan pegasus gliding towards them while Pinkie was hopping on a shoveled trail towards the station. When they both arrived, Rainbow Dash landed and looked away with a regretful look on her face, whereas Pinkie was as happy as ever "Hey, everypony! We're here! The best part is Dashie has something to say!" She looked over at the cyan pegasus and lightly nudged her "Go on~!"

Rainbow Dash sighed while she looked away, and then turned to face Cuatro as she trotted up and looked him in the eye with the same regretful look "Hey..." She muttered in a despondant tone "Sorry if I was a bit saddlesore back there when we raced. It's just...I hate losing sometimes, you know? It's just so frustrating! But then I realized that it was my fault then, and even moreso with how I acted." She lifted up a hoof to Cuatro with a thin smile "So...are we cool?"

Cuatro stared at the hoof before he made contact with it using one of his own "Apology accepted..." He then retracted his hoof and looked away "And technically it is winter, so in a way, we're cool..."

Rainbow Dash snickered "Was that an idea of a joke just now?"

Cuatro looked back at Rainbow Dash "Not really..."

Pinkie Pie blurted out "Well it's funny to me!" Soon, the group of mares and Spike broke out into hearty laughter, while Cuatro only stared at them with invisible confusion.

"They definitely are an odd bunch...But at least they're helpful to me..."

To be continued...

Capítulo Diez

View Online

Capítulo Diez

Celestia

The train ride was moving along swimmingly for the group, though they had to deal with the fearful glances from the departing passengers and being stared at from all angles on the way to Canterlot. None of the group said a word, as to not draw any more unneeded attention towards them, namely Cuatro.

On the ride there, he peered out of the window next to his seat and looked upon the moving landscape and the brisk winter sky outside. A new sight caught his eye, consisting of a mountain with a castle hanging on its edge as it grew in size.

"So that's Canterlot...It does seem sublime in appearance. But one would think if the inhabitants of this place act the same way..."

They moved along the rails, through the tunnels, and train finally touched Canterlot station as it came to a halt. Everypony on board exited their carts and made their way into the city. Cuatro looked around to see that the inside of the city was composed of many lavish structures, from stores to regular homes. The folks trotting around were dressed in formal attire with their noses in the air, as if giving somepony the cold shoulder. When they took notice of Cuatro trotting with his friends, however, they flinched before they quickly bowed in reverance.

Spike looked around before he smiled up at Cuatro "And here you thought they would be afraid of you!"

Cuatro replied flatly "I can feel their fear from where I trot..."

Applejack rolled her eyes "Only cuz they know yer an alicorn. Y'all 're pretty much a royal icon here in Canterlot!"

Twilight looked back to her friends "Well now that we're here, we have plenty of time to tour around before we meet with the princess!"

Cuatro looked around and then turned to Twilight "As much as I would enjoy another tour, I would like to see Princess Celestia now..."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow "You're pretty antsy to meet her, huh?"

Cuatro looked back at the cyan pegasus "I want to see if Twilight's praise proves truthful to my standards...I do not wish to be kept in the dark for too long..."

Twilight paused at Cuatro's words 'So much for searching around Canterlot for anything familiar...' She then nodded "Okay. We'll make for the castle so you can talk to the Princess! Let's go, everypony!" The group then made a beeline for the castle, dealing with several passing residents bowing to Cuatro on sight. Twilight stole a brief glance back at the strange alicorn before looking ahead with slight worry 'Oh, I hope this goes well once we arrive...'

Pinkie trotted next to Cuatro's right side and looked up at him with a smirk "You know, Cuaty...Princess Celestia REALLY likes it if her guests smile! Ever gave it a try?" She grinned up at Cuatro.

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Pinkie "While I'm aware that you're familiar with the princess yourself, Pinkie, I'm afraid I doubt your words on account of your previous actions..."

Pinkie frowned "Oh, but I'm super serious! The Princess is really kind, and enjoys it when her guests are kind as well! Smiles included! You just gotta give it a try when we get there, Cuaty!"

Cuatro kept his stare on Pinkie "There's a difference between being kind and smiling...I know when to regard higher powers with proper respect, and I'll only do just that." He looked away "I wish to see what will transpire from this little visit, hopefully something productive..."

Fluttershy trotted on Cuatro's left and frowned up at the strange alicorn "Cuatro, I hope this won't bother you. I wouldn't be happy if it did...We only want what's best for you, and we're doing the best we can to see it through."

Cuatro shifted his gaze to Fluttershy for a moment, and he looked away with a sigh as he closed his eyes. He then looked ahead once again "You're right. You and your friends have indeed helped me out, but I can only hope your princess can do the same..."

Rainbow Dash hovered over Cuatro and looked down "Have a little faith, will ya? The princess is like the best pony in Equestria!! Nopony would be lost with her around!!"

Applejack smiled over at Cuatro "Doncha worry 'bout a thing, sugarcube! Yer in good hooves th' moment we get t' th' castle!"

The group finally made it to the castle gates, where they were met with two guards standing in front of it, brandishing spears in their hooves. They noticed the ponies and nodded with thin smiles, but when they gazed upon Cuatro, their eyes widened as they stifled a gasp. They gave a curt bow before they opened the gates and quickly stepped out of the way, allowing the group to pass.

Cuatro grew confused as to the mixture of fear and respect being tossed around him frequently, wondering if he even was of royal blood in Equestria before his memories were lost.

"But I cannot be considered royalty if I'm affiliated under a ruler according to my memories...What could this mean?"

"Hey, Cuatro!"

The strange alicorn snapped out of his gaze upon hearing Rainbow Dash's voice and looked to see his friends already ten paces ahead of him. The cyan pegasus spoke again with a slightly annoyed face "What's keeping you from stepping inside? Are you having second thoughts?"

Cuatro shook his head before he caught up to the others "My apologies...I was lost in thought for a brief moment. I'm coming..." The group then trotted through the royal courtyard until they reached the entrance to the castle's vestibule. Cuatro had a better look around the interior and nodded to himself "An interesting structure...Do you know where the throne room is, Twilight?"

Twilight turned to Cuatro with a smile "It's not a small walk from here! Just follow my lead!" The group trotted up the main staircase with Twilight taking point. While they trotted, Twilight stopped and noticed a guard up ahead, only he was different from the ones seen outside. He was wearing a purple suit of armor and his coat was as white as Rarity's. His dutiful blue eyes were another trait to behold while he trotted near the group. Twilight galloped from her friends with a smile "Shining! Hey!"

The guard's hardened gaze instantly vanished when he noticed Twilight approaching him and he smiled as he spoke in an enthusiastic tone "Hey, Twily!" The two shared a hug when the lavender bookworm closed the distance. He looked over Twilight to see the others gather behind her "I see you brought your friends, too!" The guard then took noticed of Cuatro and felt his heart sink at his appearance. He held a serious look "Who's this?" The guard asked with curiousity laced with caution.

Twilight smiled up at the guard "Don't worry, he's a friend! In fact, Celestia invited us here to get a better look at him! We might have found a missing alicorn in Equestria's history!" She turned to Cuatro and pointed at the guard "Cuatro, I'd like for you to meet my older brother Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard!"

Cuatro gave a curt nod "A pleasure to meet you..." He spoke in his emotionless tone.

Shining Armor examined Cuatro's features and hummed in thought "So you're saying he might know the princess somehow, Twilight? If so, then why haven't we known about him yet?"

Twilight looked away, embarrassed about her brother's logic "We'd figure that maybe Celestia could help out with that note. We were just on our way to the throne room to confirm our presence to her!"

Shining Armor looked up at Cuatro before looking down at Twilight "Let me come with you. I need to know about this myself, considering she hasn't informed me of this yet. Follow me, everypony!" The guard captain led the group across the hall towards their destination.

They finally reached a set of two large doors which Cuatro deduced was the entrance to the throne room. Both were then enveloped in different magenta-colored auras of magic courtesy of Shining Armor and Twilight as they were opened up to reveal the room's interior.

Inside was a vast audience chamber with a red carpet leading up to two thrones, one being vacant. The other was occupied by a majestic white alicorn with a rainbow-hued mane and tail that both flowed in a nonexistent breeze, her cutie mark being that of a sun. She wore a set of shoes, a breastplate, and a crown that were all decorated in gold, and her magenta eyes were glistening with wisdom and care when she noticed the group come inside.

"An alicorn. This must be the aforementioned Princess Celestia I heard so much about. All that remains now is to see if she can actually help me..."

When they stopped in front of the alicorn, Shining Armor was the first to bow, followed by the rest of the group. Even Cuatro was formal enough to regard the alicorn in front of him with a proper bow while he hung his head in reverance. Shining Armor regarded the alicorn while he bowed "Princess Celestia, I come with the Elements of Harmony and another guest!"

Celestia nodded "Thank you, Shining Armor. You all may rise." She spoke in a warm motherly tone. The group rose, and Cuatro looked up at Celestia while she looked back into his catlike eyes. The others watched in anticipation on her opinion while they locked gazes. Celestia then turned to the group "You all have arrived early today, I see. Is this the alicorn that you've mentioned in your letter, Twilight?"

Twilight nodded with a smile "Yes, your majesty!" She then frowned "But sadly, he lost his memory and we cannot be certain where in Equestria he hails from! We came to you to help us out!"

Princess Celestia looked over at Cuatro and rose from her throne as she trotted over to him so she could examine the strange alicorn up close. She hummed to herself when she looked him in the eye with a neutral gaze, Cuatro looking back at her with only a blink.

"Perhaps she can easily judge character through sight? She doesn't seem to consider me a familiarity in her life to take this long..."

The solar princess stopped and smiled at Cuatro "It is good to see you. Do you remember your name at all? Before your memories were lost?"

Cuatro shook his head "No, I do not...But the name I currently go by is Cuatro, as per my cutie mark..." He directed Celestia to the ominous cutie mark resting on his flank.

Celestia was confused, but did not show it while she studied the strange alicorn's cutie mark 'This doesn't make any sense...' She thought to herself before she looked back at Cuatro "I will gladly talk to you about your problem, Cuatro, but first I must ask that you be temporarily dismissed while I have a word with my faithful student."

Cuatro looked back at Celestia with his unchanged expression "A conversation with Twilight? Very well...I shall wait patiently if it means ridding myself of amnesia..."

Celestia nodded gratefully to Cuatro as he and the others sought themselves out of the throne room, Shining Armor being the last one out and shutting the doors behind him. When Celestia and Twilight were the only ones remaining, the solar princess turned to her student with a stoic glance "Twilight, I'm afraid you've made a mistake today..."

The lavender bookworm instantly grew flustered as she stammered in anxiety "Wh-What did I do!? Was it about the letter I sent to you the other day?"

Celestia nodded "Yes, but don't think it is a mistake of catastrophic proportion. I say it is a mistake because..." She looked at the doors with intrigue "I was unfamiliar with Cuatro when I first laid eyes on him...I've never seen him in my life."

Twilight calmed herself, but grew baffled at the response "Are you serious, princess? You've never even met Cuatro before? But he's an alicorn! Surely you must have known each other for some time!"

Celestia shook her head "Alas, you're gravely mistaken, my faithful student. This would be considered the first alicorn to have spontaneously appeared into existence in Equestria...Unless of course I try to restore his memories."

Twilight smiled "So if you restore his memories, we can sort this whole thing out nonetheless? This is great!! Thank you so much for your help, princess!" She galloped over to the Celestia's side and leaned her head on her breastplate, the solar princess lowering her head as the two shared a brief hug "We thought we'd never get Cuatro the help he needed! Why don't we call him inside so we can give it a try?"

The two broke their embrace as Celestia smiled down at Twilight "Sure. Let's welcome them back inside here so we can get down to business." She said as she turned to the door with her horn glowing in a yellow aura. The doors were covered in the same aura as they opened to show the group standing outside.

Assuming they had permission to step inside, the group approached Princess Celestia while she trotted up to Cuatro "I shall bring back your memories, Cuatro. From there, we'll see to it that your life shall be put back in order. Are you ready?"

Cuatro nodded "As I'll ever be. Thank you for doing this, your majesty..." He spoke gratefully, though his tone said otherwise.

Celestia dismissed his emotionless tone and held up a hoof "Close your eyes and try to focus while I bring out your memories. This shouldn't be a difficult process..." Cuatro did as commanded while Celestia readied her horn. It glowed once more in a yellow aura, and she carefully touched the strange alicorn's forehead with it.

The others watched in anticipation to see who Cuatro really was. Twilight gulped 'This is it...Time to see where he came from before we met!'

Celestia had her own eyes closed while she rested her horn on Cuatro's forehead, and while seconds passed, she frowned, then her eyes shot opened as she lightly gasped shortly after. The aura on her horn canceled out while she distanced herself from Cuatro "I don't believe it! It's not working!"

The entire group, except for Cuatro, wore incredulous expressions as they chorused "What!?"

Cuatro opened his eyes to look at Celestia "What happened? Was there a tactical error in your spell?" He asked, confused.

Celestia frowned "I'm sorry, Cuatro, but something inside you is preventing me from unlocking your memories...I'm not entirely certain what it is, but I'm afraid to say that your amnesia is out of my hooves. However, we can discuss fruitful alternatives to this problem. It would be against my code to turn my back on a pony in need. Please understand." She gave a curt bow of apology.

Cuatro only stared before he sighed "I see...I should at least commend your efforts in assisting me, princess. You and your student have been helpful to me thus far..."

Celestia nodded with a thin smile "Think nothing of it. We'll be sure to talk all of this over dinner. In the mean time, perhaps Twilight and the others can give you a tour around the castle before dinner is made?"

Cuatro turned to look at his group of friends, then turned to Celestia "Very well. I could use a small walk to clear my thoughts about this minor situation."

Shining Armor turned to the door "I better get back on duty before I can actually join all of you. Sorry that I can't join you on your little tour."

Celestia waved a hoof "You're excused, Shining Armor." The guard captain bowed and made his way out of the throne room. She admired Shining Armor's dedication to the Royal Guard, always remaining vigilant for when the time for action is needed. She then turned to the others "I suppose I shouldn't keep you all here. There are certain priorities I have to take care of myself as well."

Pinkie nodded "Okie Dokie Loki, Princess Celestia! We can wait!" She then lightly tugged on Cuatro's tail with a smile "C'mon, Cuaty! We gotta show you around the castle!"

Fluttershy smiled "I think you might like the animals they keep in the courtyards. That is...if you want to..." She shied away after her murmur.

Cuatro turned and went to follow the group in silence, but stopped when Twilight piped up "I'll catch up with you, everypony! I wanna talk with the princess a little more!"

Spike shrugged "Whatever floats your boat, Twi!" He then hopped onto Applejack's back "We'll be waiting for you!"

Applejack tipped her hat "Don't take too long now! Wouldn't be much of a tour without ya guiding Cuatro along with th' rest o' us!"

Twilight smiled "Don't worry, I'll only be here for a brief moment. Then I can reach you all and we can talk for a moment!"

The group then made their way out of the throne room while Twilight and Celestia remained. Cuatro looked back to see Celestia regard him with a stare, but it wasn't as neutral as he beheld earlier. He was confused, but the strange alicorn considered Celestia to be more wary and cautious with the vibe she was giving off in her stare. His thoughts were interrupted when he felt Pinkie tug on his tail and coax him into picking up his pace.

When they were out of earshot, Twilight turned to Celestia with worry and confusion in her eyes "Princess Celestia, what happened!? Your memory spell is one of the best there is! Do you have an assumption on what is keeping Cuatro from getting his memories back?"

Celestia paused while she stared at the vast hall past her open doors, and sighed as she shut the doors and turned to Twilight "I...I cannot say...But I can say that we can try to create new memories before he comes to re-obtain his old ones."

Twilight tilted her head as she grew more confused "What are you talking about? There has to be something preventing the spell! Could there be some powerful dormant magic inside of Cuatro that's allowing him to easily resist the spell? Could somepony have cursed him before we met him? What happened?"

Celestia frowned "It is best we save that discussion for a later time, my faithful student. You should probably catch up with the others so you can explore together. I'm sure we'll sort this out another way." She managed a smile down at Twilight after her last sentence.

Twilight paused despondently, feeling guilty that she couldn't help her newest friend. But at least her mentor was willing to try something else to help Cuatro regain his memories. She smiled up at Celestia and they shared a small embrace once more before Twilight took her leave. When she reached the doors, the lavender bookworm perked up when she remembered something and looked back at Celestia "Oh, and princess?" Celestia looked ahead intently "When's Luna gonna come back?" She smiled "I think it would be more interesting if she was here..."

Celestia tilted her head at Twilight, not expecting this kind of question. But she was able to answer with a smile "She was away on royal business the day before, but she'll be able to join us for dinner. Any other questions, Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head "No, that's all for now. Like you said, it's better to discuss it together. Thank you for taking the time to help us, Princess. We really appreciate it!" She smiled at her mentor

Celestia managed a warm smile and nodded "You're quite welcome. Now you should hurry while I tend to my own activities." Twilight then opened the doors and left the throne room in a gallop after her friends. When she was gone, Celestia sighed to herself and turned away with a regretful and distant frown, her eyes closed 'I am very sorry for keeping you in the dark, my faithful student...But I cannot return his memories...' An image of a battle-worn bipedal figure came into her mind. He had a piece of a strange helmet on his head, a hole in his sternum, and the same soulless eyes as Cuatro, standing with his white jacket ripped open, revealing a familiar 4 on the left part of his chest '...Not yet...'

To be continued...

Capítulo Once

View Online

Capítulo Once

Friendship

Pinkie hopped next to Cuatro, rambling on to the strange alicorn while they trotted with the rest of the group "-and they also have this nifty ballroom where you can dance all you want! Well, unless you're one of those snobs that would rather stand around like statues and talk a lot, but Dashie told me how you danced at the welcome party, and I'd say you did a super job, even if it wasn't all that good! If anything, dancing is one step closer to making you smile in no time! And you'll probably be even more happier if you manage to get your memory back soon! I can't wait to see what ha-"

Rainbow Dash interrupted "Please, Pinkie, enough! We haven't even seen any of the stuff you talked about yet! And besides, shouldn't we be waiting for Twilight for this?"

Cuatro was thankful that Rainbow Dash had ceased Pinkie's audible assault, and his ears perked at the sound of distant hoofbeats. He shifted his eyes back, and he turned his head to see Twilight galloping towards them. When she approached the group, he spoke "So nice of you to join us, Twilight. Is everything alright with you and the princess?"

Twilight smiled and nodded "Everything's good. In fact, I can't wait for dinner later on!" She looked up at Cuatro "So, upon first glance, Cuatro, what do you think of Princess Celestia?"

Cuatro was silent before he looked away "While she is going great lengths to help with recovering my memories, I do not feel entirely fond of her..." This caused Twilight to frown "Moreso, I'm certain she does not recognize me at all, otherwise she may be hiding something from me..."

Fluttershy frowned "Oh dear...She couldn't hide something from you if she was trying to help you. That wouldn't be Celestia at all."

Rarity nodded "I agree, darling! We've already mentioned that Princess Celestia is a benevolent ruler, and it would be dreadful if she would do just that!"

Applejack looked at Cuatro and held up a hoof "Come on now, Cuatro! Sure, maybe Celestia's memory spell didn't work, but that shouldn't give y'all a reason t' hate her! She's doing th' best she can fer ya!"

Cuatro turned to Applejack "Be that as it may, my opinion still stands. What matters now is hearing her out on her mentioned alternatives over food. Hopefully, my opinion of her shall change over time."

Twilight forced a smiled 'At least he's willing to cooperate...' She then spoke up "Well, now that we're all together, why don't we get this tour started? I'm sure you want to get a better look around the castle, don't you?" The group then trotted along the halls, taking in the castle's scenery.

Time passed while Cuatro was being guided by his new friends around the vast halls. Throughout their trail, Pinkie directed Cuatro towards different rooms and flippantly explained their features, with Twilight finishing in a more detailed and coherent explanation. Cuatro only nodded to himself while he listened to them, then finally spoke "I have a question for you all..." The rest of the group looked at the strange alicorn inquisitively as he continued "Earlier, Shining Armor referred you all as the Elements of Harmony. Could you share with me the significance of your title?"

Twilight perked up and smiled "Of course! It's actually a long story if you're willing to listen, but the short story is that me and my friends are bearers of the ancient artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony! There are six of them in total, and each represent a different aspect related to harmony itself!" She directed a hoof towards each of her friends "Applejack's element is Honesty, Rarity represents Generosity, Fluttershy is Kindness, Pinkie is affiliated with Laughter, Rainbow Dash with Loyalty..." Twilight then placed her hoof on her chest "...and finally, I hold the element of Magic!"

Rainbow Dash smirked boastfully "We saved Equestria twice with them, and let me tell you, it's fun to use them!!"

Pinkie grinned as she chimed in "Yeah! We used them to take care of that super meanie Discord a while back!!"

Cuatro nodded "I see...So this Discord really is a threat..." He looked at the element bearers with his emotionless face "Does he still exist? Or has he ceased to be?"

Twilight turned to one of the castle's windows "Well he's not much of a threat as he used to be. He's kept outside in the castle's courtyards encased in a statue. That's what remains of him, anyways..."

Cuatro was silent before he spoke "Can you take me to it?"

Twilight blinked "You want to look at his statue up close?"

Cuatro shook his head as his horn began to glow with a green aura "I wish to destroy it..." This startled the group instantly "If he is a threat as you all claim, then it's only proper that he should be dealt with once and for all. I shall personally obliterate him completely..."

Rainbow Dash zipped up to Cuatro with her hooves held out in a halting motion, a look of worry on her face "Take it easy! We all hate the guy, but that wouldn't even work!"

Twilight frowned "She's right, Cuatro. He's only encased in a statue, not a statue overall! You'd only free him from his prison!"

The glow faded from Cuatro's horn as he looked down "Such a pity...But at least he is thoroughly contained." He then looked up "You said you saved Equestria twice with the Elements...Did you imprison Discord both times?"

Twilight shook her head "Not exactly. The first time we used the elements is the same moment we came to discover them! And Discord wasn't the problem at the time. It was actually-"

"Twilight Sparkle?"

The group looked back to see a guard with golden armor approach them and speak "I'm here to inform you that her majesty desires you and your friends at the banquet hall."

Spike cheered "Alright! Finally we can eat! I wonder what the princess will have for us right now!"

The guard nodded "Do you wish for me to guide you all to the desired destination?"

Twilight shook her head "No thank you, sir! We know our way around here! But thank you for letting us know!" She smiled at him. When the guard saluted and took his leave, the lavender bookworm turned to Cuatro "Now we can figure out a different way to help with your memories!"

Pinkie smiled "Aren't you excited, Cuaty!?"

Cuatro looked down at the halls "No...But I am satisfied to know that there are more possibilities other than a memory spell..."

Pinkie growled lightly "Not even a little? You're gonna get your memories back, for Pete's sake!" She went up to Cuatro's face and squinted her eyes at him "I'm sure deep down you're just fighting to hold off a smile!" The party pony smirked "So let's see it, Cuaty! Let's see that big smile you're keeping from us!"

Cuatro only stared back with his emotionless expression "You're mistaken, Pinkie...I figured that I was being clear when I answered 'no' to your question. We should hurry to the banquet hall and meet with Celestia now."

Twilight nodded "Right. We wouldn't want to keep her waiting like this. C'mon, everypony!" The group then trotted to the banquet hall with Twilight taking point.
_____

When they reached it, they noticed a long table draped with gold-laced white fabric containing several seats. Sitting at the end of the table was Princess Celestia, who regarded the group with a stoic gaze while an elderly butler stood next to her wearing a formal black tuxedo.

At her right was another alicorn, only she was smaller and light pink. Her mane and tail were the same as a regular pony's, only they were multicolored with purple, magenta, and yellow strands. Her face held a calm and lighthearted demeanor as she noticed the group, but it left when she got a better look at Cuatro. The group then seated themselves at their own chairs. Cuatro was seated in between Applejack and Pinkie as they waited patiently for the food to arrive.

Twilight smiled and seated herself next to the pink alicorn "Hello, Cadence! How are you today?"

The one called Cadence smiled at Twilight "Good, Twilight. I see you're doing fine yourself!" She then looked back at Cuatro with slight caution "But who is this one? Was he the alicorn Celestia was talking about?"

Twilight nodded "Yes! His name is Cuatro. Right now, he's suffering amnesia, so we came here to see if Celestia can sort things out! We could have this straightened out sooner than we can imagine!" She looked to see Celestia and Cuatro stare at each other in silence 'I hope...' Twilight then looked around "Where's Shining Armor? He couldn't join us for dinner?"

Cadence rolled her eyes with a smile "A guard's work is never done, especially if you're the captain!" She then turned to the doors "But I suppose it's better this way if he's willing to keep Canterlot in order. I only came here on Celestia's invitation!" She looked over at Cuatro "Sorry if we haven't properly introduced, Cuatro. My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But you can call me Cadence."

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Cadence and gave a curt nod in greeting "A pleasure to meet another princess here. Forgive me for not bowing..." He spoke in his monotonous tone.

Cadence winced before she replied with a forced grin "No, it's alright. No need to be formal like this. It's a pleasure to meet you, too!" She kept her grin while the strange alicorn continued to stare 'He doesn't look too happy...Is he always like this, or is this because he lost his memories?'

Pinkie looked around "I'm as patient as the next pony, but when do we eat? I'm about as hungry as a-"

The doors to the banquet hall were enveloped by an umbral blue aura and opened to reveal another visitor trotting her way inside. It was yet another alicorn, more resemblant to Celestia in figure, only very opposite in appearance. Her coat was a midnight blue while she wore an onyx breastplate and tiara, her mane and tail resembled a vast ocean of stars, and her cutie mark was a cresent moon surrounded by blackness. She trotted in with her ice blue shoes and looked around the room with her turquoise eyes "Hail, friends! It is nice to see thee again after our trip!"

Cuatro turned to the newcomer, and his eyes slightly dilated when he examined her appearance.

"That alicorn...Who is she?"

Pinkie frantically waved to the newcomer "Hi there, Luna! Good to see you again!"

The one called Luna smiled and waved back at the party pony "The same with thee, Pinkamena! When we arrived back at the castle, we were informed that our sister hath orchestrated a banquet for-" She noticed Cuatro staring at her and stifled a gasp when he examined his features with curious eyes "By Faust...Who is this?" Luna trotted towards the strange alicorn to get a better look at him. After a moment of pause, she turned to Celestia with an arched eyebrow "Sister, hast thou been experimenting with black magic?"

Celestia flinched before she shook her head, unamused "No, Luna. What you see before you is the guest that Twilight and her friends met yesterday. I would like for you to meet Cuatro. He has amnesia, and we were just about to discuss ways to help him out."

Luna looked back at Cuatro and hummed "So thou saith..." She answered to Celestia in a mutter. She then held out a hoof with a welcoming smile "We hope that thou can forgiveth our outburst and assumption, Sir Cuatro. It is a pleasure to meet with thee face-to-face! We art Luna, Princess of the Night! We're responsible for raising and lowering the moon!" She spoke in a strong, but polite tone. This further stunned the strange alicorn as he continued to stare.

"The-...She monitors the moon? Why wasn't I informed of this sooner?"

Cuatro stared long enough before he snapped himself out of his trance and shook Luna's outstretched hoof with one of his own "Likewise..." He replied almost hesitantly.

Celestia watched the two shake hooves before she spoke up "Now that you have arrived, Luna, we can begin our dinner, as well as our discussion."

Luna nodded "Of course!" She trotted over and sat herself next to her older sister on her left "Shall we begin the meeting, Tia? We're already intrigued with this new guest..."

Celestia replied "Yes, we shall." She turned to the butler with a nod, and the elderly pony trotted off through the door leading to the kitchen. The solar princess then looked back at the seated guests, namely Cuatro "Now, about Cuatro's amnesia...I apologize once more that my memory spell was not effective in helping you."

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Celestia "Think nothing of it, you've tried at least..." He tried to steal a glance at Luna, but was completely aware that all eyes were on him "So what do you have planned for this problem, your majesty?"

Celestia kept her gaze on Cuatro. An image of the pale bipedal figure from before pointing a finger came into her mind. Green energy formed at the tip of his pointed finger while he stared with his soulless eyes. She then casted away the image and spoke "It may seem unorthodox, irrelevant even, but I have two alternatives suitable for your needs..."

Cuatro blinked "Oh? And what does it involve?"

Celestia replied "Tell me, Cuatro...During your moment of amnesia, have you came across anything familiar while you were in Ponyville?"

Cuatro shook his head "Not that I am fully aware of...But I have recovered certain fragments during my stay..."

Celestia grew slightly tense at the answer "Do you care to share them with us?"

Cuatro looked around to see everypony curious about his answer. He sighed to himself before he spoke "They are only words, but I can piece together a theory of what I've gathered. What I remember is being affiliated with a ruler of sorts, living in a land considered unfamiliar to even Twilight Sparkle. There was also a certain individual with an exotic name that I feel connected to somehow..."

Pinkie piped up "And don't forget that awesome Sonido thingy!! He can go REALLY fast with it, too!!"

Spike was the next to speak "That and he said something about an 'Ichigo' of sorts...I still don't even know what that is!"

Celestia took in the answers with a slow nod 'He's close to discovering the important points with his progress...This won't do at all...' She then held out a hoof "I'm well aware that you are staying in Ponyville, correct? Who exactly have you stayed with before arriving here?"

Cuatro instantly replied "I have stayed at Sweet Apple Acres the first night, and Ponyville library the next...I remained in the library solely for the purpose of rediscovering unicorn magic and manifesting its power for when I need to defend myself..."

Luna frowned "A pity that thou hast to go through learning magic again. If need be, we can offer thee access to the royal library if thou wisheth to expand thy knowledge!"

While they talked, Twilight was confused on Celestia's current mood and spoke "Princess, is something wrong? What do you have planned for Cuatro?"

Before Celestia could answer, the elderly butler trotted back into the banquet hall, followed by several chefs wheeling in several carts containing succulent food on silver platters. They approached the table and set the platters down on them, distancing themselves from the guests as the butler spoke with a bow "Dinner is served, everypony." He said in a coarse, but polite tone. The chefs then made themselves scarce as they trotted back into the kitchen.

Pinkie grinned at each of the meals and giggled. Celestia saw this and smiled "You are all free to enjoy your meals." Pinkie cheered and dug into a large marble cake brought in by one of the chefs. The others selected their own meals and politely ate to their heart's content. While Celestia took a bite of her waldorf salad, she stole a glance at Cuatro drinking his tea 'I can only wonder what could be the best course of action for him...' The solar princess needed time to think before she could voice her own opinion.

Cuatro finished sipping his tea and turned to look at Luna eating a plate of fine scalloped Au gratin potatoes with poise and grace. He was lucky that nopony wasn't paying much attention while he looked at the Princess of the Night. While he stared, a feeling welled up inside of him that seemed completely alien to his cold and dispassionate demeanor.

"...Luna..."

To be continued...

Capítulo Doce

View Online

Capítulo Doce

Feelings

Cuatro continued staring unconsciously at Luna, then snapped out of it with a quiet grunt. He shook his head and drank more tea.

"I'm not sure what happened, but it shouldn't happen again...Perhaps this is because I now know that Luna is responsible for the moon, as to Celestia with the sun. I should focus more on my memories..."

Realizing his cup was empty, he turned to his meal: A fine daisy salad that remained untouched ever since dinner had started. He levitated a fork and dug into the plate of food, then brought the skewered food to his muzzle as he gingerly nibbled on it. The salad was delicious, as expected from the expertise of the royal chefs. While he ate, though, his thoughts were not on his memories. He halted his next bite as he continued to think.

"...Why is she in my thoughts? What is this?"

"Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn perked up at the sound of Celestia's voice and lowered his fork to the table. He looked to see that everypony else but Pinkie had stopped eating and had their eyes on him. The solar princess spoke "I'm ready to state my alternatives to restoring your memory. As an act of goodwill, I'll let you decide between what I present to you..." She held a calculating glance "With how the Elements of Harmony have easily welcomed you into Ponyville with open hooves and have aided you in terms of food and shelter, they already deem fit to help you in reclaiming your memories. You can stay with them in Ponyville for the time being and even learn the Magic of Friendship under the guidance of my student Twilight Sparkle."

Pinkie gulped her portion of food and grinned "That's it! We could teach Cuaty about the Magic of Friendship and THEN he'll definitely be happy enough to smile!! That's a great idea!!"

Celestia continued despite Pinkie's mirthful interruption "As for your second choice..." She hesitated before she spoke "I can gladly allow you to stay here in Canterlot, where you will be monitored by me and Luna. You will also re-educate yourself in all of Equestria's customs. From there, we can even bring back your memories when we find a more adequate method."

Cuatro was silent as he listened intently to both choices. On one hoof, he would go back to Ponyville with his new friends and try to remember his old self as he goes through his everyday life. While on the other hoof, he could learn about Equestria in the comfort of the castle being watched by Celestia and Luna. He looked over at the Princess of the Night as she held a calculating stare of her own. Once again, the strange feeling from before emerged inside of Cuatro as he looked into her turquoise eyes.

Rarity saw this from the other side of the table, looking at both alicorns before grinning like Pinkie with a cute giggle 'I knew it! This is simply adorable to watch!'

Applejack gave a befuddled look to the entranced alicorn next to her and prodded his shoulder "Ya alright there, sugarcube?"

Cuatro snapped out of his trance and looked over at Applejack, then around the rest of the room. He sighed before he pushed back his chair and stood up "I would like to be excused from the table for the time being...This kind of decision I will need to think over."

Celestia frowned "I understand. Take all the time you need to make your decision, Cuatro."

Cuatro nodded "Thank you for the meal..." He responded dryly before he trotted to the doors leading to the halls. When he opened them with his magic, he looked back at the group watching him leave. Twilight and Fluttershy looked mildly worried. Rarity and Pinkie couldn't contain their grins. Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack shared equal glances of confusion. The three alicorn princesses all watched with their own curious gazes, and all Cuatro could focus on when looking at the entire group was Luna again. When it happened that time, however, another migraine made its way into Cuatro's head, prompting him to close his eyes and grunt in pain. Another scene played with a familiar voice.

"Under the dome of Las Noches. One is an-...-a's cero, the-..."
"And the other, is for anyone above Cuatro to unleash their power...Both are so powerful that they would easily destroy Las Noches"
"Bind...Murciélago."

Cuatro's pain left him as he tried to contemplate what had went through his head.

"Las Noches...Cero...and Murciélago...More and more, these terms grow more fortuitous and at the same time familiar..."

He opened his eyes, and wasn't surprised to see several looks of concern from the others. Cuatro sighed and looked away "I'll return shortly..." He trotted out of the door and shut it.

Luna blinked "His is but a strange and distant world..." She turned to Celestia "Is he sick?"

Twilight looked at Luna "If you're referring to his migraine, it wasn't his first time. He's had several the past two days so far and he claims them to be common."

Celestia nodded "I see...Did these migraines happen at the same moment he found fragments of his old life?"

Twilight looked down "Spike came to that same conclusion yesterday. I'm beginning to think he may be right about it..."

Spike huffed "And here you thought we didn't have to jump to conclusions!" Twilight shot him a look, easily making the purple dragon flinch "S-Sorry..."

Luna hummed while she looked at the door. She then raised herself from her chair "We shalt be excused as well, Tia." Luna trotted to the doors and levitated them open.

Celestia called to Luna "What are you planning to do, Luna? Is this about Cuatro?"

Luna looked back with a nod "Verily. We wish to know more about Sir Cuatro and see if there is a way we can help him! Doth not wait for our return." She then trotted out and closed the door.

Celestia sighed 'I should probably let her know about what I've come across later depending on the choice he makes...'

The silence was lush in the banquet hall as Luna left, but a certain dragon was the first to break it "So now that they're gone, can anypony PLEASE tell me what an Ichigo is?" He asked in a slightly impatient and curious tone.
_____

Cuatro trotted along the halls by himself, his head hung down while he thought to himself.

"I spoke again, but why did I refer to myself in third person? Was Cuatro actually my name at the time? What raises further question is that phrase, Murciélago...Perhaps I should speak with Twilight about that since she's seemingly fluent in Mexicolt..."

"Sir Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn instantly stopped and lifted his head at the sound of Luna's voice. Did she honestly skip dinner to find him? He looked behind to see the Princess of the Night trot up and stop in front of him with a smile "Greetings to thee. Art thou in a state of unrest?"

Cuatro was almost paralyzed when he looked into Luna's eyes, but he found his movement and turned to face her, then bowed as if he were a regular pony looking upon him in the past "Greetings, your majesty..."

Luna blinked with a confused glance before she smiled awkwardly "There is no need to be so formal, Sir Cuatro! Rise so that we make speak with thee as a fellow alicorn!" The strange alicorn did what he was told and stared silently at Luna as she continued "We were aware of thy irritable migraine earlier. Art thou in good spirits and health?"

Cuatro was silent before he looked away with a light sigh "Of course...I was only pondering on what could be the right choice to make with what Celestia has offered me in the banquet hall. While I've only met them for a short amount of time, I am satisfied to live with my new friends in Ponyville, and yet..." He looked back into Luna's eyes and paused. She saw this and blinked as she tilted her head in curiousity while Cuatro tried finding his voice.

"This feeling is troublesome...I cannot talk eloquently enough..."

Cuatro looked away again and felt himself able to focus in his speech "...And yet I wish to retrieve my memories as soon as possible so I wouldn't feel so lost in my life. Your sister claims that she could find another way for my memories to return while I stay at the castle, but I do not think her to be entirely trustworthy..."

Luna frowned "Thou doubt our sister's capabilities?"

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Luna "It is not that I doubt her, but how I considered her my only hope of eliminating my amnesia. To be truthful, my road to reclaiming my old life has been moving swiftly while I was in the care of Twilight Sparkle and her friends..."

Luna was silent before she smiled "In that case, shouldn't thou stay with them?" Cuatro hummed in question "Thou claimeth that thou hath had more fruitful results in thy struggle with amnesia with the aid of the Elements of Harmony. Surely they are the better of both choices if it means retrieving thy memories posthaste."

Cuatro was lucky to listen to Luna's words while he looked into her eyes again, and looked away to think it over.

"...She's right. I've had more progress with memory retrieval in Ponyville than I've ever had in Canterlot...Twilight and the others even agreed to help me despite me being a stranger to them. I should remember to return the favor for their help once this is all over..."

Cuatro looked back at Luna and nodded "Your words are indeed wise. Thank you for your advice, Princess Luna. I couldn't have done it better without you..." He sounded emotionless, but as grateful as possible according to his standards.

Luna nodded with a warm smile "Thou art welcome, friend. We should head back to the others and declare thy decision now that it hath been made!"

Cuatro nodded "Yes, lead the way..." He then followed Luna back to the banquet hall as they trotted side-by-side. The strange alicorn was confused when the strange feeling had built up inside of him while he trotted with Luna.

"This is unacceptable...She is a princess and the way I am acting around her is unacceptable..."

When they arrived, Luna had opened the doors and let herself and Cuatro enter back into the banquet hall, where the others acknowledged their presence.

Pinkie grinned "Hey there, Cuaty! Did you make your decision yet? You're gonna come back with us to Ponyville, right? Right? PLEASE tell me yes!!"

Spike frowned "No offense, Cuatro, but your terms really are strange! I just figured out that Ichigo is strawberry in Neighponese!"

Pinkie gasped "Hey! Maybe he likes strawberries! They could help with his memories!!"

Celestia looked at Cuatro and spoke "Well, Cuatro? Has your decision been made finally?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes...I'm planning to stay with my friends in Ponyville. They have helped me greatly and I couldn't ask for anymore than what they have offered me..."

Pinkie leaped from her chair and latched herself onto Cuatro's neck in a crushing hug "Yay!! Cuaty's coming back with us!! This calls for another party!!"

Celestia only looked ahead at Cuatro without a reaction "Very well. From this point on, you will be under the care of my student while you reacquire your memories step by step. Know that you can turn to us whenever you feel the need for our guidance."

Cuatro nodded "I shall. In fact, I may visit Canterlot at my own accord if Twilight ever sees fit. Thank you for letting me make this choice, your majesty."

Celestia managed a smile "It's the least I can do for your well-being, Cuatro. I hope you can obtain a peaceful and fulfilling life while you find yourself in Ponyville."

Cuatro bowed once more "Your blessing is acknowledged..." He then stood to see his friends smile at him, then turned to his side to see Luna doing the same. Once more, the strange feeling from before had welled up inside of him as he looked at the Princess of the Night.

"I hope that I may find myself soon enough...Thank you, Luna..."

To be continued...

Capítulo Trece

View Online

Capítulo Trece

Caution

With his decision made, Cuatro has now paved his own way of reclaiming his memories while living with his friends. He stayed and waited for the others to finish their dinner, and was escorted along with the element bearers to the castle gates to say their goodbyes.

Twilight gave Cadence a hug, then trotted over to Celestia and smiled up at her "Thank you for letting Cuatro go through with his decision, Princess! If it even takes that long, I see to it that he'll get his memories back!"

Celestia smiled at her student's enthusiasm, but inwardly grimaced at her promise. Another image swam through her head, showing a dark winged figure being pinned down by a horned figure and staring up at a charging red energy blast. Managing her smile, she feigned innocence when she replied "I'm sure you'll do a marvelous job with helping Cuatro, Twilight. Good luck teaching him about the Magic of Friendship!" The two shared a small embrace 'It may be the only thing he needs...'

Luna trotted up and held out a hoof to Cuatro with a smile "Twas an interesting evening, was it not? We were happy to meet thee today, Sir Cuatro! Perhaps we can meet each other again in the near future?"

Cuatro stared at Luna before he reluctantly took her hoof with one of his own "Yes..." When their hooves broke contact, he continued "Know that I was serious when I said that I may visit here of my own accord..."

Luna's smile widened "We art pleased to hear that. Fare thee well, Sir Cuatro, until we meet again!"

Cuatro nodded and left with his friends as they made for the train station, the princesses waving them off. When they were gone, Luna turned to Celestia "Sister..." The solar princess looked back at her "What is with this mood of thine? Art thou keeping something important from us?"

Cadence frowned "Now that Luna's mentioned it, you have been rather tense lately. Is there something we should know about?"

Celestia closed her eyes and responded in a neutral tone "Only that we should have faith in Twilight and her friends teaching Cuatro about friendship." She did not feel comfortable sharing the entirety of her secrets to both of her fellow princesses.

Cadence smiled at the response "Is that all? That shouldn't be a problem to deal with! Nopony's more well-versed in the Magic of Friendship than your student, Celestia! I'd say that he'll be a new stallion before finding his old self!"

Luna stared at Celestia in silence before she turned to Cadence "Mi Amore Cadenza, could Shining Armor be waiting for thee in the castle by chance?"

Cadence perked up and smiled "I suppose I should check up on him since there isn't much to worry about at the moment! I'll see you two inside!" She trotted into the castle, leaving Celestia and Luna by themselves.

Luna turned back to Celestia and slightly narrowed her eyes "We're familiar with how thou chooseth to keep secrets from certain ponies, Tia...What troubles thee? Please tell us..." She spoke in a firm tone.

Celestia looked back at Luna and frowned "The only thing I can tell you is to be more wary of Cuatro the moment he gains more of his memories...In fact, I should probably warn Twilight of the same thing in the near future..."

Luna was instantly confused 'Is there something about Sir Cuatro that she's not telling us?' She then huffed "What else is there to know, Tia? Thou mustn't keep such important matters from me if it involves the Elements of Harmony and a mysterious alicorn!"

Celestia sighed before she began trotting inside "I'm sorry, Luna. All I can say to you is that you should be more cautious and alert around Cuatro. We're giving him a chance to learn new things while he tries to find more of his memories..." She felt inner pain from keeping her secrets from her own sister 'If I tell her about his true life, no doubt she would rush in and do whatever it takes to stop him...And I, myself, wouldn't be much of a challenge for him alone. I should probably take care of this problem later on tonight...'

Luna glared at her sister and chose to fly up to her tower instead of going inside through the castle's front entrance 'Be more wary around Sir Cuatro, hm? It is disheartening for her to keep so much from me, but she sounded truthful on that note...' When she reached her balcony, she looked across the horizon of Canterlot, over to the train station as the Friendship Express departed from the city. She watched the train leave and looked troubled 'Sir Cuatro...Thou canst be a menace at all...can thee?'
_____

On the train, Cuatro sat in his seat and stared out of his window in silence, Twilight sitting next to him. Pinkie sat on the other side and rambled incessantly with cheer "So since Cuaty's gonna stay with us, should we take turns on where he should stay? Oh! Before that, we're SO gonna throw another party for him! It'll be a 'Cuatro-chose-to-stay-with-us-at-Ponyville' party! I should definitely make more tea since Cuaty seems to like it an awful lot! This is so great! And maybe one day, we could manage to get a whole batch of his lost memory without any trouble! But not before teaching him more about friendship, of course-" Applejack, who sat next to Pinkie, simply placed a hoof in the party pony's mouth to cease her rambling.

Twilight thought to herself while rubbing her chin 'What to teach Cuatro about friendship when we come back...No doubt he would just go back to reading once we arrive home. Not to mention, it would be so late at night...' She smiled 'Maybe if the girls aren't busy tomorrow, we could try and spend some time somewhere in Ponyville with Cuatro!' She turned to see Cuatro as he continued staring out the window with his emotionless face, causing her to frown 'I wonder what he's thinking about...Is he having second thoughts about his decision, or-' Twilight perked up and thought back to the dinner and when they left. She playfully smirked over at Cuatro "So, Cuatro..." Her smirk widened when she received the strange alicorn's attention "What do you think of Canterlot?" She asked innocently, though her tone said otherwise.

Cuatro looked out the window to see the shrinking image of the city and looked away "It is supposedly exquisite in structure and class, but it doesn't really matter to me..." He looked back at Canterlot "But truthfully, it wasn't a total waste with what was seen..."

Twilight's smirk evolved into a grin "Really? Could it have been the food offered there?"

Pinkie released Applejack's hoof from her mouth and spoke up "If that's the case, then I agree with you one-hundred percent, Cuaty! They know how to serve their cake!"

Rarity and Spike sat behind Cuatro and Twilight as they listened in on their conversation. Rarity was confused as to how the lavender bookworm was talking until she noted her tone of voice. She then hid her smile 'Twilight, you mustn't tease the poor dear...' The fashionista stifled a giggle.

Cuatro looked back at Twilight "Why would I be concerned about the food? It was good, but I am not all that worried..."

Twilight nodded knowingly "I see..." She then smiled again "Could it have been that there were more alicorns there?"

Cuatro kept his stare on Twilight and spoke "While that itself is something to be concerned about, there were only three of them...Only Celestia, Cadence, and-" He instantly silenced himself and looked away.

Twilight slowly leaned in with an anticipating smirk "Aaaaaand~?" She asked playfully.

Cuatro almost felt as if he had swallowed something immense and it was caught in his throat. What could be causing him to do so like this?

"I am hesitant when mentioning Luna...What does it mean?"

The strange alicorn found his voice and looked outside "I...should probably think about my memories..." He then remembered a topic he wished to share with Twilight "Twilight...are you aware of the term 'Murciélago'?"

Twilight's playful expression faded and was replaced with confusion when the question was asked "Murciélago? What's gotten you thinking about that?"

Cuatro replied instantly "A part of my memory indicated that particular term...I am unaware if it is just that, or a name belonging to another individual..."

Spike scoffed "With a name like Ichigo, I wouldn't be surprised if there was somepony named Murciélago where Cuatro came from!"

Twilight quirked an eyebrow "But Ichigo is Neighponese, and Murciélago means 'bat' in Mexicolt..." She looked over at Cuatro's wings and hummed to herself in thought "We could look into this either tonight or tomorrow depending on what is planned..."

Rainbow Dash smiled "I'm free for tomorrow if any of you wanna hang out someplace!"

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash "But where could we go during winter? Unless maybe anypony felt like going for a hike..."

Twilight sighed "Fluttershy has a point. There's not much we can do in the middle of winter."

Pinkie smiled "What if we all went bowling tomorrow?"

Cuatro turned to Pinkie and parroted "Bowling?"

Pinkie rolled her eyes in thought "Well, if not that, then maybe the club in Ponyville's another option!!"

Rarity scoffed "And just why would Cuatro want to go THERE of all places!? Even I wouldn't consider it a place to learn friendship from!"

Spike winced at Cuatro "That, and Cuatro would definitely stick out with how he acts..."

Twilight darted her head to the purple dragon with a stern look "Spike!"

Spike directed his claws to Cuatro "C'mon, you'd agree with me on this, too! Do you think the club can even handle an alicorn that wouldn't even want to socialize much?"

Fluttershy frowned "Not to mention the music is too loud...I certainly wouldn't go there myself..."

Cuatro looked up at his horn "I would like to practice my magic when I return..." The group turned to him when he piped up "With what I've read before coming to Canterlot, I wish to demonstrate the knowledge I've accrued under Twilight's roof..."

Twilight looked at Cuatro, then smiled "Well, alright then! You can practice once we get home."

Pinkie grinned "But not before another party!!"

Applejack sighed "Pinkie, it'd be mighty late fer a party once we come back t' Ponyville! Can't y'all jus' hold it off fer tomorro'?"

Pinkie pouted "Oh, alright! But only because it could give us time to hang out!" She then grinned "Wait a minute, that's a great idea! We can hang out at the party tomorrow and try to teach Cuatro during that time!"

Rainbow Dash chuckled "That's our Pinkie!"

Cuatro looked around "Is another party even necessary?"

Twilight smiled awkwardly at Cuatro "When it comes to Pinkie, partying is in her blood..." The group continued to talk as they rode back to Ponyville.
_____

When they reached the station, the group went their separate ways back home. Cuatro traveled back to the library with Twilight and Spike and they went to gather inside of the library. The strange alicorn made a note to practice, but then thought back to his latest memory.

"And the other, is for anyone above Cuatro to unleash their power...Both are so powerful that they would easily destroy Las Noches..."

Barring the strange location, the memory provoked slight tension inside of Cuatro. He stopped himself outisde when Twilight and Spike went inside "Twilight, Spike...I would like to practice my magic outside."

Spike raised an eyebrow "But it's so cold outside! You sure you wanna go through with it?"

Cuatro nodded "For safety issues...I would also like to practice at a safe distance from Ponyville."

Twilight frowned "I'm aware that you're a nocturnal alicorn, Cuatro, but can you handle yourself for so long in this cold weather?"

Cuatro replied "If you were referring to the snowstorm from two days before, I was winded then...Now not only is the weather calm, I can easily handle myself without any problems. I'll be sure to return here soon..."

Twilight was silent before she sighed "Alright, Cuatro. But try not to get sick or anything, okay? We have a lot to do tomorrow!"

Cuatro nodded and looked around. When he spotted a vast meadow far from Ponyville, he activated his Sonido and winked out of existence with his speed, startling Twilight and Spike.

Spike shuddered "Sheesh...I'm surprised Rainbow Dash didn't ask him to teach her how to go that fast!!"

Twilight shook her head "Well, I'm sure that can be explained in the near future. Let's go inside, Spike. We're letting the cold air inside." The two went inside and shut the door. Twilight wanted to go to bed, but then noticed the spellbook on the sofa "Oops! Looks like Cuatro forgot to put it away..." She then looked over at the sofa's right arm and noticed a small parchment "Huh? How long has that been there?"

Spike scratched his head "Cuatro must've practiced writing in the middle of the night. Well, if he was up at that time! The fact that he's a nocturnal pony should be proof enough he would stay up late!"

Twilight trotted over and levitated the parchment to read it. On it was three familar words written neatly in descending order "Hmm...Aizen...Hueco Mundo...and Ichigo? Cuatro shared two of those words with us recently! He might be keeping track of his memories while staying with us! But he hasn't told us about Aizen yet..."

Spike frowned "As if Ichigo wasn't weird enough..." He murmured to himself. Suddenly, his cheeks puffed as he belched a large stream of green fire. As the fire receded, it wasn't just a scroll, but a gem-studded chest as well. The impact of burping up a large item affected the purple dragon as he laid down and rubbed his stomach with a pained groan.

Twilight galloped over and quickly unraveled the scroll as she read it "Dear, Twilight. Please do not ask why, but for the sake of your safety I'm entrusting you with these items while Cuatro is staying with you..." Twilight was instantly flummoxed as she looked at the chest 'Wait a minute...this chest...' She opened the chest with her magic, and six golden accesories making up of five necklaces and a tiara laid inside. Twilight stared with an indescribable amount of shock and confusion "The Elements!?" She blurted out incredulously.

To be continued...

Capítulo Catorce

View Online

Capítulo Catorce

Trust

Twilight speechlessly stared at the elements with a quivering lip and eyes the size of dinner plates 'Why would Princess Celestia just GIVE me the elements like this!? What is she trying to say!?' She quickly turned to the window 'This has to involve Cuatro somehow! I have to find him!!'

Spike recovered from his stomachache and brushed himself off when he got up. When he got a look at the element chest, he jumped and yelped "Th-The Elements? Twilight, what's going on!?"

Twilight shook her head as she uttered through her shock "I don't know, Spike...But whatever it is, it has to involve our visit with the princess!" She looked back at Spike "She couldn't just give us the elements without something dire happening in Equestria, but everything's fine! Why would she do this?"

Spike looked out the window with Twilight "The better question is, what's the danger? Last time we left Canterlot, there wasn't much to worry about! I think Celestia's getting a bit paranoid lately, don't you?"

Twilight frowned "I can't be sure about paranoid, but she's been acting strange since she tried to restore Cuatro's memory through her memory spell! But what went wrong? Why is she choosing to act like this!? This doesn't make any sense at all!" The lavender bookworm tensed up further after each question.

Spike looked out the window in silence before he squinted his eyes suspiciously "You don't think...." He turned to Twilight in worry "This doesn't involve Cuatro, does it?"

Twilight turned to Spike "What?"

Spike looked outside again, only with dialated and trembling pupils "Think about it! He's an alicorn that looks super scary, is super fast, and possibly super strong! What if Celestia might've found out something sinister about him while we visited her earlier today!?"

Twilight wanted to disprove Spike's theory, but more and more, it sounded almost convincing. She looked outside and frowned sadly "But it can't be..." Twilight whispered as she focused her attention to the element chest. She closed it up and levitated it as she stared at it in thought 'Celestia couldn't possibly consider Cuatro to be evil. If so, why would she just give me the elements now!?' She shook her head and set it down and turned to Spike with a determined glance "Spike, I'm going after Cuatro!"

Spike was more than worried at Twilight's statement "But you can't just go alone!! What if what Celestia's thinking is true!?"

Twilight frowned "That's what I'm willing to prove right now. As much as I look up to Celestia, Cuatro can't be all that bad, especially since he's lost his memories!! Stay here while I go outside and find him!" She galloped to the front door, then looked back "Be sure to hide the elements in a safe place if I do come back with Cuatro, alright?" Satisfied with seeing the purple dragon nod to her request, Twilight opened the front door and galloped out into the cold snow.
_____

Cuatro stood in the middle of a wide-ranged plain covered in snow outside of Ponyville. True to his word, he was both far from the town, and at a safe distance to boot. He looked up to the sky and noticed the moon hanging high with several twinkling stars.

"...No...I'm here to practice magic, not think of her..."

Cuatro closed his eyes and sifted through his head for the knowledge he obtained from reading both the basic and intermediate spellbooks. He figured that since he was far enough, he could practice firing a magic beam. The strange alicorn looked around and wondered if it was even safe to fire one off horizontally. It wouldn't be right to see how far it would go before it hits somepony's house, or even somepony altogether. He sighed and looked up at the sky again.

"Then I shall aim for the stars...Time to see if I hold capable magic within myself other than demonstrating levitation..."

Cuatro closed his eyes and his horn began to glow green. On the tip of his horn, a ball of green energy slowly began to expand while particles formed around it and added to its mass. While he focused, one of the fragmented memories he collected back then that somehow tied to what he was about to perform crept into his mind.

"...Cero..."

When the energy he focused became the size of his own head, he fired his beam in the air as it gave off a strange sound similar to a deep whirring rumble quickly rising and descending in its pitch. The beam itself was phenomonal in width and brightness, traveling into the air like a large green column.
______

Luna stared out at her night sky and sighed to herself. She was still fixated on wanting to know more about Cuatro and his supposed threatening presence according to Celestia. She was irked to no end to see her not only write a message to Twilight, but to give her the chest containing the Elements of Harmony as well. She narrowed her eyes as she stared out into the sky "Sister, we're beginning to question thy methods of monitoring this situation...Especially since thou art not explaining it clearly enough!! What could be wrong with Cuatro?" She said to herself. The princess of the night was reminded by the nobles that talking to one's self is not a good habit to keep, but she did not mind it considering she was alone most of her life.

She trotted into her bedroom and climbed onto her bed, wondering why her older sister chose to act this way all of the sudden "Granted that Cuatro is a strange one with his appearance...As well as his speech." She looked down curiously "He does seem rather hesitant in his dialect when talking, especially around us. Could he be feigning his amnesia? Is he plotting something sinister?" She turned to the balcony and noticed nothing out of the ordinary, then looked back down in thought "Should we traverse to Ponyville for a little night watch to ensure that our little ponies are safe and sound?" Luna hummed as she poked her chin with a hoof "A tempting thought, since we've nary a task to uphold at the current moment..." She looked over at the other tower "And no doubt Tia could be sleeping soundly thinking she hath accomplished her goal."

While she thought it over, a faint brightness was caught from the corner of her eye. The princess of the night looked outside, and gasped with widened eyes to see a large green beacon coming from near Ponyville tear into the skies. She instantly found a reason to fly to Ponyville as she unfurled her wingspan and took flight.
_____

Twilight galloped out of the nearest exit of Ponyville and made for the snow-covered plains in search of Cuatro, stress building inside of her heart 'Where could he be? I need to find him and prove his intentions!!' She continued through the plains and stopped when she heard a nearby sound along with a small tremor. Twilight was slackjawed when she noticed a large green beam traveling upward into the stars 'Was that...Cuatro!?' Following her instinct, she went back into a gallop and tried to locate the beam at its source before it began to fade.

When it faded completely, she was lucky to catch the image of Cuatro with his horn pointed upward. While she galloped, the strange alicorn turned to see her approach him "Twilight? What's wrong?" He asked in his usual tone and expression as he noticed the stressed look on his friend's face.

Twilight stopped in front of Cuatro and caught her breath as her head was hung down. Afterwards, she raised her head and looked the strange alicorn in the eye "Cuatro, did you fire that giant beam of magic just now?"

Cuatro stared back at Twilight as he answered cooly "Yes...though, it would seem that I may have exerted too much energy at the time..." He looked up "It's strange, really...While I have focused my magic, I thought about another term from my memory..."

Twilight's expression grew worse 'Could the beam he fired trigger his memory? Oh no...What if Celestia's right!? What if she-'

Cuatro looked down at Twilight "I believe what I've just demonstrated might not be a beam of magic, but something else...Are you familiar with the term 'Cero'?" He asked with genuine curiousity despite his unchanged tone of voice.

Twilight paused before she answered "Only that it means zero...But does it honestly bear significance to your memory?"

Cuatro nodded "The beam I fired is connected to that term...It could very well be what I just stated. But I digress..." He took a step forward "Tell me, Twilight...What's wrong with you right now? Why do you approach me as a nervous wreck? Is there an emergency I should know about back in Ponyville?"

Twilight looked back at Cuatro while he stared down at her. The more they stared, the more Twilight thought to herself 'I don't want to believe it! This can't be the evil alicorn Celestia makes him out to be! If his memories are that of a villainous being's then...then that means...' While she looked at Cuatro, tears began to form in her eyes.

Cuatro blinked at Twilight as she leaked her sadness "Tears? Twilight, why are you crying?" Instead of a worded answer, the lavender bookworm wrapped her hooves around Cuatro's neck and buried her face in his chest. He stared down in silence while she sobbed lightly.

Twilight was able to speak while she held Cuatro in her desperate hug "I-I'm sorry about this, Cuatro! I only came here because I-..." She hiccuped mid-sentence "because I was worried about you!"

Cuatro continued staring down at the sobbing mare "Worried? Why exactly? I've told you that I wanted to practice my magic at a safe distance...I didn't want anypony to get hurt...Is there something else to your worry?" The strange alicorn did not feel uncomfortable being hugged by Twilight, but he was inwardly bothered at how she had to feel so sad all of the sudden.

Twilight sniffled as she looked up at Cuatro while tears streamed down her face 'He seems so innocent...so different...if only I could make him a better stallion before he gets all of his memories back...' She wiped her tears "Cuatro, the only thing I'm worried about is...is what might happen if your memories return! I couldn't bear to wonder what would happen next! I can only hope if you even look at us the same way the moment that time comes!" She cried more as she tried wiping more of her tears. While she did, she felt a brush of fur under her left eye.

She looked to see that it was the bushed end of Cuatro's long whiplike tail as he stared down at her with his unchanged expression "Twilight...Know that even I am uncertain about what the future holds...and that alone is what everypony has to depend upon. As for your thoughts about my memories, you musn't fuss over it so much since it is my own burden to carry...However, I am grateful that you and your friends would even help me like this, as well as teaching me new things that I've yet to understand. I may not trust Princess Celestia...but I trust you instead...because that's what friends are for, correct?"

Twilight stared up at Cuatro, and wiped away the remainder of her tears as she sniffled and managed a smile at the strange alicorn "You're right...You're absolutely right, Cuatro!" She hugged him again, with her spirits slightly lifted "I'm glad that you would think that way...It may be hard, but before we get your memories back, we'll turn you into the best stallion Equestria has ever seen!"

Cuatro looked down at Twilight while he was being hugged, and he returned the embrace by resting a hoof on her back to give her comfort. He closed his eyes while the two stood in their moment.

"I wonder if I'll ever come to know the Magic of Friendship completely..."

As they shared their hug, Cuatro's eyes shot open when he heard a distant sound in the air grow in volume.

"Wingbeats...From a powerful wingspan...Coming this way..."

He looked up in the sky, and his eyes slightly dialated when he noticed the sight of Luna flying towards him and Twilight. When she landed, Twilight looked over and was equally stunned "Princess Luna? What are you doing here so late at night??" Cuatro envied how Twilight was able to communicate so easily with the princess of the night considering how he fell silent upon seeing her. Strangely, a small part of him wanted to push Twilight away with how Luna caught the two hugging.

Luna held a hardened gaze "We hath just observed a beam of massive proportions from the castle! And now suddenly, thou art standing with Sir Cuatro outside of Ponyville...What is the meaning of this?"

Twilight broke the embrace between her and Cuatro as she faced Luna with a look of worry "Luna, it's not what it looks like at all! Cuatro was just practicing magic out here where he wouldn't harm anypony nearby! He hasn't caused any trouble at all! Honest!"

Luna frowned "A beam like his could possibly be seen all the way from Stalliongrad! His demonstration of magic could very well disturb the peace of thy fellow villagers!"

Cuatro found his voice as he bowed to Luna despite being out in the snow "Forgive me...The suggestion to practice my magic was my decision. I shall accept any consequence from my actions if they prove intolerable to other ponies..." He said in a straight tone.

Twilight stared at Cuatro blankly 'No need to be too apologetic around her...' She then turned to Luna "If the others in Ponyville have been disturbed by this, I'll be sure to let them know it was Cuatro! I swear that he hasn't done anything wrong ever since we arrived back home!"

Luna looked upon Twilight and Cuatro and hummed 'There is truth in her words...But if that were the case, then could our sister be overreacting when she issued the elements to Twilight Sparkle?' She looked over at Cuatro, who was still bowing to her, and trotted up to him "Sir Cuatro, please rise..." The strange alicorn did as commanded as he looked into Luna's eyes. She stared back at him for a moment before she continued "Pray tell, why doth thou chooseth to practice thy magic so late at night?"

Cuatro felt his heart quiver when the question was asked, but even he wouldn't hide the truth from anypony, especially Luna. He built enough courage to talk to her again as he replied firmly "I was practically curious about my magical expertise with what I've collected from Twilight's spellbooks. I wanted to see if my magic was strong enough, and my thought was answered earlier by my own mistake...The reason for doing it around this time is..." He looked away as he uttered a light grunt. Luna waited patiently for him to finish, and Cuatro continued after a small moment of pause "...The night...I favor the night. The moon especially...Your moon..." He looked back at Luna "I'm not sure how you would react to that statement, but that is the entirety of my reason for being out here..."

Luna's expression softened at Cuatro's words. She smiled as she looked at Cuatro "Tis truth from thy lips? Dost thou truly favor our night?" The strange alicorn nodded as he looked back at her 'We musn't be overtaken by this statement, especially since he is still deemed suspicious...But then again, he is still suffering amnesia and Twilight Sparkle and her friends are teaching him the Magic of Friendship...' She took a deep breath before she spoke again "We suppose we could let thee off with a warning just this once..." Luna smiled playfully as she continued "But we appreciate thy chivarly and enthusiasm, Sir Cuatro. Perhaps next time, thou could try and - how they say - take it down a notch?"

Cuatro nodded "I shall...Thank you for your pardon, your majesty..." He bowed again.

Luna giggled "We hath informed thee not to act so formal around us. And please..." She lifted Cuatro's chin to where they looked at each other "Call us Luna from now on." The princess of the night smiled warmly at the nearly dumbfounded alicorn, lucky not to laugh at his expression. She then turned away and her horn began to glow "We should return to the castle and carry out our duties soon to come. It was nice to see you all." She looked back at Cuatro with a smile "Especially thee, Sir Cuatro. Fare thee well!" There was a small flash, and Luna winked out of existence the next moment.

Cuatro was mildly surprised "She can use Sonido as well?"

Twilight laughed at Cuatro's question "No, Cuatro! What you just saw was a teleportation spell! It usually helps if you wish to travel very far!" She then shivered and cringed "Brrr...I think we might've stayed out here for too long. And the library's a long way from here."

Cuatro looked at Twilight, then back at Ponyville. He remembered the exact location of the library, and with that, he rested a hoof on Twilight's shoulder "Hang on..." Before Twilight could answer, she was swept away by Cuatro as he activated his Sonido.

Soon, the two were at the front of the library, and Cuatro stood idly by as if nothing happened, while Twilight looked shocked, her mane slightly disheveled "Wow...I can't believe I lived through that experience!" She said in an overwhelmed tone.

Cuatro activated his horn as he opened the door "My apologies if I left you in poor condition. You should go inside where it's warm and get off to bed..."

Twilight smiled as she trotted inside "Okay. Thanks for getting us home so quickly..." When she saw Cuatro not entering, she tilted her head "You're not coming in?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...I'll be on the roof of the library before I retire back inside..."

Twilight smiled "Okay then. Try not to catch a cold, alright? I want you in top physical condition for tomorrow since we've got a lot to teach you!" She went inside and shut the door as Cuatro remained in the cold.

The strange alicorn then unfurled his bat wings and flew upward until he reached the top of the library and perched himself on the highest branch. From there, he stared up at the moon as he did the night before, only he felt warmth while he did so.
_____

When Twilight came inside, she noticed Spike waddling towards her instantly "Twilight! Are you alright? Where's Cuatro!?" He asked in a startled tone.

Twilight frowned "Take it easy, Spike. Before I answer, can you tell me where you hid the elements?"

Spike looked at the floor "I hid them in the basement behind one of your machines!" He then looked back up "But what happened back there!? I looked outside and saw a giant green light earlier while you were gone! Where is Cuatro right now?"

Twilight smiled at her assistant "Up on the roof right now. Turns out it was just a false alarm to consider Cuatro the enemy. As for the light, that was him practicing magic!"

Spike winced "Seriously?" He uttered in a frightened tone.

Twilight gave Spike a reassuring nuzzle "Don't worry, Spike. Cuatro isn't the problem now. In fact, we'll do our best to help him tomorrow! If you share my faith in him, then you won't have to act so scared around him!"

Spike stared before he arched an eyebrow "Are you sure you aren't hypnotized...?" Twilight's face instantly grew annoyed as he flinched "O-Okay! Okay! Was just making sure is all..." He then smiled "I'm glad that's been sorted out, though...Can you imagine if Cuatro really was some kind of monster with so much power to match his appearance?"

Twilight frowned when she thought back to her earlier talk with Cuatro.

"Twilight...Know that even I am uncertain about what the future holds...and that alone is what everypony has to depend upon. As for your thoughts about my memories, you musn't fuss over it so much since it is my own burden to carry...However, I am grateful that you and your friends would even help me like this, as well as teaching me new things that I've yet to understand. I may not trust Princess Celestia...but I trust you instead...because that's what friends are for, correct?"

The lavender bookworm sighed before she smiled again "Can't say I do, Spike. Now let's go to bed. We have a big day tomorrow!"

Spike yawned and stretched "Don't have to tell me twice! I'm pretty bushed now that everything's been cleared up..." The purple dragon then waddled up the stairs into his bed, Twilight following him up into her own.

When they covered up and doused the lights, Twilight curled up into her bed with a satisfied smile on her face 'Cuatro...I mean it when I say that before we get your memories back, we'll turn you into the best stallion Equestria has ever seen!'

To be continued...

Intermedio: Los Lobos

View Online

Intermedio

Los Lobos

It was morning in Ponyville, with Celestia's sun slowly rising over the horizon. Some of the ponies in town were waking up to begin their daily routines, including the house of the Hooves family. Inside, Derpy Hooves, one of Ponyville's resident mailponies, was busy brewing coffee while enjoying a nice muffin before going to work. She tiredly chewed her meal with a smile on her face as her eyes slowly moved in two different directions, enjoying the peace and quiet in her home. Soon, she would go and wake up her two lovely daughters so they, too, can start their day.

"Mom!"

Speak of the devil. Derpy turned to see the startled voice belonged to none other than the oldest of her family, Sparkler, who was surprisingly a unicorn while her mother was a pegasus. She stared at the mailmare with a look of bewilderment "Mom, I have to talk to you!" The amethyst unicorn spoke in a startled tone.

Derpy gulped her bite and smiled at Sparkler "Sure thing, sweety. What's on your mind? Are you having trouble babysitting?"

Sparkler craned her head back and frantically shook it "No! It's something else!!"

Derpy frowned "Are you and Dinky fighting again?"

Sparkler sighed "No, mom, me and Dinky are fine. But this is different!"

Derpy leaned her head on a hoof while it rested on the table and kept her smile on Sparkler "Is it about that cute stallion you see in the park?" She spoke in a teasing tone.

Sparkler narrowed her eyes with a light blush, mildly annoyed with the question "No, mom! This is very different!!"

Derpy brought her head up from her hoof "How different?"

Sparkler stared at Derpy in deadpan and disbelief for a moment, and motioned for her mother to follow her down the hall as she trotted away. Derpy, being the compassionate mother, complied to her daughter's request and followed Sparkler.

She lead Derpy back into her own room and pointed at the bed. Derpy only blinked as if confused at what she was trying to see. It appeared that something was covered up under the bedsheets. Derpy turned to Sparkler "I don't see the fuss, Sparkler. What's wrong?"

Sparkler grunted as her horn glowed purple. The bedsheets were then wrapped in an aura the same color as Sparkler's magic and were jerked away to the right to reveal a sleeping pegasus stallion. He had an amber coat and a wavy dark brown mane that went down to his neck, and a light stubble resting on his chin. His cutie mark was a thin black '1' that looked all too scary in feature. He slept soundly, despite Sparkler's volume while she pointed at him "That's what's wrong! How long has this stallion been in your room? Where did he even come from?"

Derpy smiled "Oh him? I found him!" She answered brightly and innocently. Sparkler was dumbfounded, and Derpy giggled "I forgot to tell you since you were asleep. You see, it all started last night when I was arriving home late from delivering that box of wine glasses to a rich family in Hoofington!"
_____

(Last night, Over Whitetail Woods)

Derpy yawned while she soared through the air, smacking her lips after stretching her mouth "Geez...They don't pay me enough for this at the post office...Couldn't they just give me a raise for all my hard work?" She said, oblivious to her past history of causing accidental damage around Ponyville. While she flew, she murmured tiredly and slowly started to descend into the forest, the faint image of Ponyville in her sights "Well, I'm close to town, and I'm tired from flying so much...I suppose it'll be nice to walk home for a change, since it's just Whitetail Woods..." She carefully descended into the forest, through the brush of the trees until she finally touched the ground.

The mailmare then began trotting tiredly through the woods while trying to keep her eyes open. She tried humming Winter Wrap-up to invoke more energy into her increasingly sluggish body, lucky to remember the notes. Suddenly, Derpy tripped over something and her face fell into the ground. She picked herself up and shook off her pain, her contact with the dirt waking her up more, then turned to see what she tripped over. The mailmare gasped quietly when she noticed a sleeping pegasus with a little red unicorn filly sleeping in his forelegs. The filly had lime green hair that covered her left eye and a cutie mark containing a pistol.

Derpy could not believe she found two unfortunate ponies in the middle of Whitetail Woods, who seemed completely unfamiliar to her in every way. She couldn't just leave them out here where it was cold. Derpy smiled "Well...Looks like I'm making one last delivery for the night..."
_____

Derpy smiled "And so I dragged them both here in their sleep. They looked so content..." She turned to the stallion with a warm and charmed smile "Especially that stallion, how he held her little girl while they slept. So heartwarming...."

Sparkler just stared at her mother as if she grew another head "You DRAGGED them both here? Wouldn't that have woken them up and made them uncomfortable!?"

Derpy shook her head "Nope. Actually, they stayed asleep the whole time, and the stallion just held his filly while I did so! Boy, was he heavy, too..." She giggled "But at least they're safe and cozy..." She then looked over to the door in front of Dinky's room "His filly's sleeping with Dinky right now." Derpy then looked back at Sparkler "I'm gonna go wake them up. Can you go wake up the stallion while I tend to the kids?"

Sparkler sighed, but nodded in reply "Sure, mom. Perhaps we'll get an explanation once they're up..." The amethyst unicorn trotted into Derpy's room while the mailmare went over to Dinky's. She went up and looked at his sleeping face and hummed 'He seems pretty scruffy...I'll bet the poor guy's homeless...' She then nudged him while he snored lightly, receiving no response. Sparkler tried again, only with more force, then noticed that he wasn't waking up. She tapped at his forehead "Hey, mister. Can you wake up, please? It's seven in the morning!" No response. Sparkler grunted and activated her horn as she lifted him up and shook him in the air. She was more than surprised to see that he did not show any reaction, and proceeded to shake him harder. When she stopped, her jaw nearly hit the floor to see that it did not work. She set him back on the bed and galloped out of the room, then came back with a levitated bucket of water "If this won't get him up, I don't know what will!" She hesitated slightly 'I hope Mom won't get angry that her sheets will get wet...' Sparkler then moved the bucket over the stallion's head and flipped it downward as the torrent of water splashed along his face.

Sparkler dropped the bucket at her feet as she speechlessly stared with an indescribable amount of shock and confusion at the sight of the soaking wet stallion that refused to wake up 'How hard can this guy sleep!?'
_____

Derpy quietly trotted into her younger daughter's room and noticed the two unicorn fillies sharing the bed with a smile. She nuzzled them both lightly and whispered "Wake up, children. Time to start a new day."

Dinky yawned and rubbed her eyes and looked up at Derpy with a smile "Good morning, Mommy." She murmured before she looked over and noticed the new addition to her bed "Huh? Mommy, who's she?"

Derpy smiled "A guest, muffin. Let her wake up..."

The filly mumbled as she came to and noticed she was covered up "Huh? Where am I?" She looked over and she jumped with a yelp to see two mares "Who are you!? Where am I!?" She examined herself and gasped "What happened to me!?"

Derpy held a hoof to the filly's head "Simmer down, little one. You're in Dinky's room." She smiled "You're safe now..."

The filly darted her head around "Where...Where is he!? Where is he!?" She repeated, sounding nervous.

Derpy lifted the filly and set her on the ground while Dinky got out of bed "If you're referring to that stallion we found with you, he's in the next room. You wanna go see him?"

The filly stared at Derpy for a moment before nodding and following the two ponies out of the room.

When they reached Derpy's room, the trio noticed Sparkler when she dumped water over the stallion and dropped the bucket next to her while standing baffled "Oh, Sparkler~!" Derpy spoke in a disappointed tone with a frown to match "You didn't have to mess him up like that! He's probably worn out!"

Dinky looked ahead with a blink "Did you just pour water on him? I'm surprised that didn't wake him up!"

The red filly, who remained silent, only trotted up nonchalanty towards the sleeping pegasus with a neutral look in her right pink eye, her left one covered by her mane. When she was next to him, she stared up at his body, and her expression became annoyed as she muttered while bending her legs as if ready to pounce "Wake..." She then proceeded to jump up onto the bed and land directly upon his stallionhood as she yelled "UP!"

The stallion instantly woke up with a coarse howl of pain as his blue-grey eyes widened and flooded with comical tears. The filly continued jumping up and down on him, eliciting more pained grunts from the stallion as she yelled "Up! Up! Up! Up! Up!"

Sparkler couldn't believe her eyes as she stared at the two ponies squabble 'I tried everything I could think of, and yet SHE woke him up!?'

Dinky tilted her head as she watched "Mommy, do you think that maybe those two appear to be a dysfunctional family?" She asked curiously.

Derpy blinked "I can't tell, muffin! We can't really judge them or contempt them if that's how they wake up in the morning!"

The filly finally relented in causing pain to the stallion as he caught his breath and coughed "Oh, geez..." He then noticed the red filly grinning at him with his tired expression and narrowed his eyes "Lilynette..." He muttered bitterly in a throated tone. He then widened his eyes as he noticed the pony "Wait a minute, Lilynette!?"

Lilynette giggled and bonked the stallions forehead with a hoof "Glad to see you're finally awake, Starrk!!" She drew it back and looked up with a confused expression "But why are you a pony?"

Starrk rubbed his head with his eyes closed "I could ask the same thing...But the better question is why am I so wet?"

Derpy and Dinky pointed at Sparkler and spoke simultaneously "She did it."

Sparkler reeled back at the sudden response "H-Hey! It wasn't my fault he didn't choose to wake up!!"

Lilynette hopped off of the bed and pointed at the Hooves family "Okay, now that we're awake, we want answers! Who are you and why aren't you dead?" She asked in a commanding tone.

Sparkler stared incredulously at Lilynette "What kind of messed-up question is that!?"

Derpy smiled "Because we're alive, silly filly! That's how it works around here!" She answered innocently.

Dinky frowned "Mommy, I think we're housing crooks..." She spoke cautiously.

Lilynette blinked at their response and turned to Starrk "Starrk...You think that our spiritual energy's been taken away when we became ponies?"

Sparkler was confused at Lilynette's question. Became ponies? Are those two suffering mental problems?

Starrk rubbed his head as he hopped out of bed and shook himself "Can't say...But all that matters is figuring out where we are and why we're like this..." He stared at his hoof 'But wait...Didn't I just die by that shinigami?? How did I even get here? And in this form?'

Derpy giggled "That's an easy one! You're in our house in Ponyville, the greatest town in Equestria!"

Starrk hummed "So that's what this place is called...Thanks for the tip." He trotted past the three mares "Come on, Lilynette..."

Lilynette blinked at Starrk "Where are we gonna go?"

Starrk continued out of the room without looking back "Anywhere..."

Sparkler stared, then galloped after Starrk in the hallway, cutting him off as she looked up at him "Wait a minute! You can't just up and leave us like this! Not after that grown mare back there took you in!"

Starrk stared apathetically at Sparkler "Tell her I said thanks..." He then trotted past the amethyst unicorn and continued near the front door.

Sparkler huffed and cut him off again as she galloped in front of him with a glare "Hold it! She gave you a bed for you and your child to sleep in! It's very rude just to turn your back on the one that gave you shelter!" She snapped authoritavely.

Starrk rolled his eyes 'The shit I have to put up with...I just woke up in this place...' He then looked at Sparkler "If I go back there, will you calm down and let me go?"

Derpy trotted into the living room with Dinky and Lilynette "Well, actually, we were sort of wondering about you two! Who are you exactly?"

Starrk turned at Derpy and sweatdropped when he looked into her eyes 'Is she...?' He shook his head and spoke "My name is Coyote Starrk...I used to be an arrancar."

Derpy tilted her head "What's an arrancar?"

Starrk paused and grunted in embarrassment "Nevermind..."

Lilynette huffed "I'm Lilynette Gingerback! I was an arrancar, too, but it doesn't matter now since we're ponies!" She then examined herself, her uncovered eye trailing off to her cutie mark "Huh? Starrk, what's this?"

Starrk hummed in question and followed Lilynette's gaze "Not sure..." He then looked at his own flank, observing his familiar '1' "They seem to bear meaning at least..." The former arrancar was at least happy to see he still shared his sign that he was the Primera Espada.

Sparkler arched an eyebrow "You mean you two don't know what cutie marks are? Are you not from around here?"

Starrk deadpanned at Sparkler "Is that supposed to be some kind of joke??" He replied sarcastically.

Lilynette turned to Derpy and observed her flank "Cutie mark..." She muttered as she stared at the bubbles that made up Derpy's cutie mark. The filly then looked to see that Sparkler's mark was that of a set of diamonds. When she finally laid eyes on Dinky, she blinked "Huh? Where's yours?"

Dinky looked at Lilynette "Me? I don't have my cutie mark yet!" She smiled "But I will someday, once I figure out my special talent!"

Derpy nodded "Mhm! A cutie mark shows a pony's special talent in their lives!" She looked at Starrk and Lilynette's and rubbed her chin with a hoof "Say, what are your special talents, anyways?"

Starrk looked at Derpy "It's as you see...I'm number one."

Derpy beamed "Are you a racing pegasus perhaps? How fast are you?" She asked eagerly.

Lilynette smirked "Starrk's super fast! He can blow your mind with his speed! I'm still surprised that any of you are still standing since he's also pretty strong!!"

Starrk shook his head "Don't get cocky, Lilynette..." He stated calmly. He then looked at Derpy "But thanks for letting us stay here. We probably shouldn't stick around here for so long..." Thinking back on his words, the former arrancar looked down 'Then again...What purpose do I have left since I've somehow died back then? What good am I, and how are me and Lilynette still alive? And would I still want to be lonely?' He pondered over these questions thoroughly, seeming more enthusiastic and motivated than his other half.

Derpy frowned "Awww, do you have to? Where do you live?"

Lilynette instantly replied "Hueco Mundo! Do you know where that is from here?"

Derpy's eyes spun as she frowned "While it sounds like some kind of spicy taco, I don't think I know where that is! And I've delivered mail for the longest time!"

Starrk tried to piece together the information pertaining to his and Lilynette's death and his current predicament and decided to take matters into his own hooves "We're homeless...We have nowhere to go." He stated flatly. What he didn't anticipate was the Hooves family gasping at this.

Derpy galloped up to Starrk and nuzzled under his neck and chin empathetically with a frown "Oh, you poor thing!" The former arrancar stared down at her with widened eyes "We can't have a homeless pony and his child wander aimlessly in Equestria! From now on, until we can get you a place to stay, you're staying with us!"

Starrk grunted "Wh-What?" He asked in confusion to both Derpy's action and statement.

Derpy broke the embrace and smiled up at the former arrancar "That's right, mister! You and Lily here are now considered members of the Hooves family until something else happens!"

Dinky stared up at Derpy, then at Lilynette "Does that mean we're sisters?"

Lilynette looked away and spoke distantly "How should I know!?" She then shifted her eye back at Dinky "But...I never had a sister before..." She muttered shyly.

Dinky giggled and wrapped her forelegs around Lilynette in a hug "Yay! Another sister!"

Sparkler scratched her head with a hoof 'So I guess I was right earlier...But would it be right to keep these two under our roof for the time being?'

Derpy hummed "Now you're staying with us...So we should-Oh, right! School!" She turned to Dinky and Lilynette "We gotta get you two to Ponyville Elementary and fast!"

Lilynette blinked "Elementary? You mean school?"

Dinky nodded at the red filly with a smile "Mhm! Today's a school day, and you're a new student! You'll love it at Ponyville Elementary! There are other ponies like me who'd wanna meet you!"

Lilynette stared "Other...ponies..." She parroted in a whisper 'So me and Starrk are not alone...'

Derpy smiled "That and I gotta get Starrky here a job if he's gonna stay here! If he's as fast as Lily says, he'll be a shoe-in for the post office!" She turned to Sparkler "Sparkler, could you walk the fillies to school while me and Starrk head over to the post office?"

Sparkler nodded Of course, mom." She looked down at the fillies "Come on, you two. We have to get you to school!" The trio then trotted outside after Sparkler opened the door with her magic.

Derpy then trotted out the door "Let's go, Starrky! Follow me!"

Starrk was hesitant, but nodded "Sure..." He followed the mailmare out the door 'So it's true...I'm not alone after all...'

To be continued...?

Intermedio: Arrogante

View Online

Intermedio

Arrogante

In the changeling hive, Chrysalis, queen of the changelings, sat in her throne, brooding about her loss a while back when she fell victim to her own hubris. She growled while some of her lesser changelings flew around, monitoring parts of her kingdom 'To think I would lose to two simple ponies!! This is unacceptable!! I will have my revenge one way or another!! But I'll need some help from a reliable source...Hmph...then again, who would be the right pawn to sway until they became putty in my hooves?'

On cue, a changeling with a frightened expression flew towards Chrysalis and communicated with buzzes and screeches.

Chrysalis perked up "What? An intruder?" The changeling nodded and continued screeching. While it screeched, Chrysalis' eyes widened "All of our sentries!? But who!?"
_____

In a barren wasteland, the wind whistled calmly while the area remained lifeless, save for one lone pony trotting across the dirt. He was a large old grey alicorn who was muscular in appearance, with long skeletal wings and a long horn. His muzzle was buried in his white moustache and his mane was short, but standing back in a spiked fashion. His right eye was closed and covered in a trailing scar, as was his chin. On his flank was a skull with a crown resting on its head. He continued wandering in silence while he glared ahead with his open eye. He did not know how he arrived here, nor how he ended up in his current form, but wherever he was, he was about to start anew.

He noticed a land nearby, containing what looked like several hives. With a grunt, he made his way over with only a few steps before he blurred out of existence, leaving behind the sound of booming static. Soon, he reappeared right in front of the entrance leading to the many hives and noticed they were being occupied by strange creatures that resembled ponies and insects.

Three of them took notice of him and hissed as they flew at him. The alicorn groaned "Impudent parasites..." He muttered in a deep elderly tone. When they reached him, they moved slowly near him 'Seems I haven't lost my touch...And to think I almost believed that outcast when he said that even I was overwhelmed by my own power...' He lifted a hoof and grabbed one on his right by its horn, then flung it into another one on his left, the two flying off quickly. He then took the middle creature and easily slammed it into the ground furiously with the same hoof.

More of them showed up, and caused the old alicorn to chuckle "Though they're parasites, they've reminded me how fun it is to conquer land...I think I might like it here..." He awaited them to draw near his presence before he swung his head, his horn slicing the creatures around him in two. The old alicorn noticed another wave coming and simply let them come with a scoff out of his towering arrogance. They bared their fangs and all of them bit at him around his neck, forelegs, and midsection. He stood for a moment before he bellowed a laugh "I forgot how weak others appear around me!" He then exerted a wave of red energy that easily disposed of the creatures that surrounded him, causing them to disintegrate. He looked ahead and nodded "So this place shall be my new castle until I find a better one..." He then trotted further into the hive nonchalantly at his own pace.
_____

Chrysalis bided her time, having faith that her precious children could easily fend off whoever had the gall to infiltrate her hive. Sure, they might have gotten past the sentries, but there laid far worse in the deeper reaches of her home. She hummed to herself in thought 'If this one somehow manages to reach me...they could pose as a worthy tool to my purpose! All that matters now is to wait and see if the intruder hasn't been reduced to dust yet...'

A faint explosion was heard, earning Chrysalis' attention "What was that?" She said to herself as she looked around. Another explosion was heard, only slightly higher in volume and accompanied by a small tremor "Is the intruder struggling? What's going on?" There was a pause, and a large explosion bursted from the entrance to her throne room as smoke billowed inside. It subsided to reveal the same old alicorn from outside as he looked ahead with his open eye. Chrysalis fanned away the smoke and sneered at the alicorn "You!? You're the one that has caused my changelings trouble!?" She paused before she donned a wicked smile "I should commend your effort, stranger...Why do you choose to come here out of free will?" She asked in a soft, yet malicious tone.

The alicorn took a step forward and spoke "Do you rule this area?"

Chrysalis chuckled "Is it not obvious? Or are you unfamiliar with this particular part of Equestria, relic? Who are you to even ask?"

The alicorn nodded "Good, this makes things easier..." He stood proudly as he leered at Chrysalis "I am God-King Baraggan Louisenbairn! I now rule this area!"

Chrysalis stared incredulously before she broke into a fit of defiant laughter "How adorable! You come into my hive, fight off my changelings, and now you consider yourself a ruler!? You must be suffering all sorts of mental diseases to think of such a thing!"

Baraggan narrowed his eye with a low growl "You consider this a joke?" He trotted forward "I rule this area now! This entire land now belongs to me and I will not stand for any complaints! You will serve under me, or you will die!"

Chrysalis ceased her laughter to glare down at Baraggan "And just what will you do if I refuse, relic!?" Her horn began to glow green "You forget that you're in MY domain! I already figured you thinking you now own this place was but a joke! You're mistaken to think I would just willingly give you my hive AND my changelings!!"

Baraggan scoffed "Is that what those things were called? How droll..." He stopped in front of Chrysalis as he stared up at her "This is your final warning, wench! Live as one of my many servants, or wither away and die!"

Chrysalis snarled "You decrepid fool!! I'll teach you to just order me around!!" She then launched a beam directly at Baraggan's chest, the old alicorn grunting in response.

Her eyes were closed when she fired the beam, but when Chrysalis opened them, she almost lost her focus when she saw Baraggan stand and take the full brunt of it without moving or flinching. She added more power to her attack, but noticed that it was a futile effort. Baraggan leered ahead "Are you finished? You'll only waste away more of your potential energy if you wish to defy me!" He then drew his head back as he prepared his horn for a slice.

Chrysalis stopped her beam and noticed what was about to happen and jumped out of the way as Baraggan brought his head down, his horn easily cleaving where Chrysalis once stood. The changeling queen felt her heart race as she stared at the damage done 'Such power!! Is this honestly the same alicorn that waltzed into my hive!?'

Baraggan shifted his eye to Chrysalis and brought his head up before he blurred out of existence with his Sonido.

Chrysalis flinched when she saw this, and was startled when she felt a hoof on her right shoulder. She turned to see the old alicorn leer as he stood next to her "Your spirit is commendable, but your efforts are for naught..."

Chrysalis growled and jumped away from Baraggan to give herself space. When she landed, however, she felt pain in her right shoulder 'What in Tartarus...!?' Her right shoulder had felt weakened ever since Baraggan had laid his own hoof on it. She glared at the approaching alicorn "What did you do to me!?"

Baraggan trotted nonchalantly towards the changeling queen "I rule over aging. Using a bid for time against me is an action equivalent to spitting on a god. Considering that you and your 'changelings' are such small beings, I should probably praise you for doing your best. But they will have an effective use once placed under my rule."

Chrysalis felt her heart sink 'Aging...So does that mean that-...' Her dialated and trembling pupils shifted down to her right shoulder 'that he caused my right foreleg to age!?' She heard the sound of booming static and looked back to see that Baraggan wasn't where he trotted, causing her to gasp. She then felt a familiar cold hoof on her right shoulder again, prompting her to jump away again "Damn you!!" She grunted in pain and looked at her right shoulder.

Baraggan sighed "I've faced more worthy opponents before you...You are only boring me with your resistance. With that, I shall offer you one more chance to comply to my command as an act of mercy...You only stare death in the face with your current path..."

Chrysalis growled 'I can't believe I'm being subjugated by an elderly alicorn!! I refuse to let him rule this land, even if-' She stopped as an idea, along with an evil grin came to her. Chrysalis began to laugh as she had it all figured out 'He is indeed the answer to my prayers...' She then chose to kneel halfheartedly, feigning defeat "I've seen the error of my ways, God-King...Please forgive me and spare my life so that I may serve you forever more!"

Baraggan hummed "So you finally choose to serve under me. A wise choice, changeling...Yours is but potential that was almost entirely wasted in battle! Rise, so that you may tell me what this new world contains!"

Chrysalis did so, but was confused "New world? Are you saying you're not born in Equestria?"

Baraggan shook his head "No...I was born in Las Noches, located in Hueco Mundo. But that is not important now! You say this land is called Equestria? Tell me...Who else rules around here?"

Chrysalis rose and grinned "Oh, I can help you there. You see, Equestria has been ruled for centuries by two alicorns like yourself. One is a Princess Celestia, who controls the sun, while her younger sister Luna, controls the moon! If you were to have them under your rule as well, not only would you claim their subjects, but the sky itself!"

Baraggan nodded in comprehension "Yes...I've nearly forgotten that the sky was meant to be ruled as well..." He trotted forward and looked down at Chrysalis "Where are these two princesses located? I wish to expand my rule throughout all of Equestria!"

Chrysalis' grin widened "A royal city not too far from here...They call it Canterlot..."

To be continued...?

Intermedio: Santa Teresa

View Online

Intermedio

Santa Teresa

It was a bright afternoon in the land of Griffhala, in the griffon empire. Much like the ponies seen around Equestria, the griffons socialized peacefully, save for certain groups that chose to roughhouse in and outdoors. One of the residents that chose not to do either sat in her home by herself.

Gilda the griffon, who used to be Rainbow Dash's old friend, sat in boredom at her kitchen table while looking as if somepony sapped the joy right out of her heart. She heaved a sigh "I can't believe I'm back here again...I already forgot how much it sucks to be in this place!" She looked out the window at a pair of griffons, one red and one blue, sparring with each other with a small audience cheering and huffed "Then again, it beats being around those lame-o ponies. It's been so long since I've talked to Dash, that flip-flop...Choosing her dumb friends over me? What was she thinking!?" She went back over at her table and brooded "I need more excitement in my life, or a better friend at least..."
_____

In a forest outside of Griffhala, something breezed through the trees at a fast rate, slicing some of the arbor during flight. It then stopped in a brush of bushes as it gave deep breaths, as if craving for sustenance. Two snake-like eyes with dark grey pupils shifted side-to-side from inside the brush, and they, along with the breathing, stopped and widened when their gaze laid on the nearby town of Griffhala. The eyes squinted as a sadistic laugh was heard, followed by the sound of booming static as the presence in the brush disappeared.
_____

The two griffons that fought each other traded blows while their slowly growing audience cheered and jeered at their display of combat. The red growled as he made an attempt to claw at his opponent's chest, while the blue one narrowly dodged and laid a good hook across the other's face. They did not let up in their struggle, and the red one recovered as he prepped both of his claws for a flurry of jabs to his opponent's face. After landing a fierce uppercut, the blue one was knocked into the air before landing on his back. The audience cheered as the red griffon took in the fame with a smug smile while raising his balled claws in the air "Yeah!! I'm the strongest of them all!! No other griffon's got what it takes to take me down!! Who wants to try their claw at taking me on, huh!? Who's next!? Who!?"

At his request, the sound of booming static was heard, and the red griffon was suddenly covered by a shadow. The audience gasped and gawked at the sight behind the victor while he was frozen in place as a voice hissed with bloodlust.

"Yo..."
_____

Gilda munched on a rabbit's leg while she listened to some of her favorite rock music, even singing along slightly as she enjoyed her meal "...dig through the ditches and burn through the witches and slam at the back of my..." Sounds of hits being laid and screams of agony were heard outside, interrupting her from her singing "What the...?" She went to go look outside, but she sprung back into the air and hovered when a severely bruised red griffon bursted through her window, shards of glass embedded on parts of his head and chest. Gilda was instantly infuriated as she landed next to him and lifted him by his chest "You better be paying for that window, you jerk!!" She snapped as she made a fist with her free claw, ready to add more pain to the unfortunate soul that broke into her home.

The red griffon hacked in pain and weakly pointed outside "New guy..." He uttered in labored breaths "The new guy..."

Gilda perked up, her rage on the unwanted visitor forgotten "New guy, huh?" She grinned, remembering how fun it is to pick on visitors of Griffhala, or those that are the newest residents of town. She usually made it an effort to stop whatever she was doing in order to draw first blood if the news ever reached her "Looks like I got my wish for excitement! If the new meat could make quick work of you, he'll be excellent game for me!" She then dropped the griffon in her grasp and went to stroll out her door. When she opened it, she looked back at the injured houseguest apathetically "Oh yeah, you should clear outta here when you have the strength. I'm not in the mood for company today..." She spoke nonchalantly as she made her way out.

When she walked outside, she was instantly surprised when she saw several mangled griffons lay on the ground with different sets of wounds "Whoa..." She uttered.

"What is wrong with you assholes!?"

Gilda looked ahead and noticed a rather tall and lanky griffon with a white coat of fur and a large plume of black feathers with his back turned and two injured griffons in both of his claws "I came here thinking you would entertain me ever since I woke up here! All of you are boring the crap out of me!!" He slammed the two griffons together before tossing them onto the ground. He then growled as he bashed a balled claw at a nearby building, causing it to be easily destroyed "If this supposed to be hell, then I'm not happy about it at all!! None of you could even sate my appetite for battle!!" He yelled, though he did not show his face.

Gilda huffed, but smiled respectfully 'Get a load of this guy...I guess it wouldn't hurt giving him what he wants since a good fight's what he came here for...' She then got on her hindlegs and called out "Hey! Beanpole! Got a problem!?"

The tall griffon perked up and instantly turned around to show his face. He held a huge smile under his beak containing his upper teeth and two snake-like eyes as they squinted at the female griffon "What have we here? The first girl I've seen in this place and you're asking if I got a problem!? How sweet..." He hissed his last sentence as he looked on his new prey.

Gilda laughed as she cracked her claws "You got a lot of nerve thinking I'm some kind of wimp! You're looking for a good fight, right? Well, let's see what you got! By the way, the name's Gilda...what's yours, beanpole?" She asked with genuine curiousity while she prepped herself for battle.

The tall griffon chuckled "The name's Nnoitora...Nnoitora Jilga! And I'm gonna be the strongest in this world!! You better not disappoint me, girl!!" He pointed at Gilda "I mean it! Don't you hold back, even for an instant!! I wanna see all of your strength, no matter how little it may be!!"

Gilda was now angered at Nnoitora's insults and flared her wings as she readied her fists "I'll make you eat those words, you tall punk!!" She then flew at Nnoitora, and when she closed the distance, Gilda took the first shot and struck the tall griffon in the chest with her fist. Nnoitora only bent down slightly while his eyes and grin widened. Gilda held her position for a moment before she grunted in pain "Gah!! Crap! " She drew back her claw and tended to it "What do you eat!?" The griffon never thought she would have to punch something so hard. It was as if her opponent was wearing armor underneath his fur.

Nnoitora responded by clenching Gilda's neck with his claw and brought her up as he leered at her with a grin that leaked with bloodlust "I eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!!" Nnoitora then proceeded to slam his new opponent into the ground once before bringing her back up and laying a fist to her face that connected with a sickening crunch.

Gilda was sent flying into her home, crashing through one wall and soaring out of the other as she laid on the ground. She was able to recover slightly while she looked at her home. The griffon growled "Great...as if my house WASN'T trashed enough..." Suddenly, Nnoitora appeared in front of Gilda, startling her as she gasped "H-How did you-"

She was cut off when Nnoitora lifted Gilda by her neck again, the grin on his face refusing to leave "Doesn't matter how! I think you've already set your marker as another weakling waiting to die!!" He flared his wings and went to fly.

"Hold it!!"

Nnoitora frowned for the first time and hummed in question when he looked to see a group of four armored griffons approach him. The leader of the group pointed "You there!! You're under arrest for excessive violence and destruction of property! Drop that lady right now!!" He snapped authoritavely.

Gilda groaned in pain and annoyance while she watched the soldiers flaunt their status 'Whoopee, the friggin' boy scouts come in to save the day...' She thought bitterly while being held by Nnoitora.

Nnoitora snapped back at the group of soldiers indignantly "Wait your turn, shitheads!! Unless you wanna step on in, I'm busy at the moment!!"

While he was distracted, Gilda figured she would take the opportunity to land another hit as she gathered her stamina and raised a balled claw to lay a good jab to Nnoitora's face. She was instantly shocked when he did not react or flinch when her hit connected 'No freaking way...'

Nnoitora shifted his eyes towards Gilda, and they squinted as he grinned once more "That's more like it! You really are on a different league from the rest of these weaklings to land another hit on me!!" He took the arm that was on his face with his free claw, and with the proper motion, broke it, eliciting a pained shout from Gilda.

The soldiers saw this and found a reason to fight as they swooped in and went to tackle Nnoitora. The tall griffon growled as he dropped Gilda and braced himself to fight the other soldiers.

Gilda laid on her back, caressing her broken arm as she hissed in pain 'Can't believe I actually bit off more than I can chew with this thing...That psycho's stacked with strength to match his height!' She looked over to see the soldiers fighting a losing battle as one of them was easily slammed into the ground while another was thrown into Gilda's house, causing the griffon to scowl despite her pain 'Not to mention he's a complete asshole...'

Nnoitora stomped a third one into the ground with the other while constantly punching at the leader's face as he was locked in his grip. His smile vanished as he growled at the writhing griffon "You and your teammates didn't even put up a fight!! I'm not in the mood for any of your stupid crap, so just die already!!" With both his claws, he pierced into the soldier's armor at his chest region and dug into his flesh. He then spread his claws out as they dug out from where they pierced into and flung blood from both sides. The leader gave a pained groan before he laid dead on the ground on his back, blood leaking profusely from his wound and spreading around his armor.

Gilda watched the scene in horror 'Oh, screw this! I gotta get help before things get worse!!' She gathered her strength and managed to fly off while Nnoitora wasn't looking.

The tall griffon stared at the corpse 'How did I even get reborn into a shitty place like this? If anything, none of these shitstains aren't even worth the effort! Unless I can find myself another worthy opponent, I'll just wreck the place!!' He then grinned 'Speaking of opponents...' Nnoitora turned back "Now, where were we-" His grin left him when he noticed the patch of grass where Gilda once laid. He clenched his fists "Figures that bitch had to run away..." He then opened his claws as he grinned once more "Looks like I'll have to find her and make her submit!! First her, then the rest of this place!!" He cackled as he flared his wings and took to the air, scouting for Gilda so he could take her out along with any other living being he saw fit.

Gilda was flying through the air, grunting in pain as she mentally cursed at her arm not healing quickly. She stared at it while her glare maintained a slight hint of wistfulness "I can't believe I'm actually saying this...But I'm starting to miss those ponies, even if they are lame..."

To be continued...?

Capítulo Quince

View Online

Capítulo Quince

Laughter

The next morning, at Ponyville Library, Twilight stirred from her slumber with a quiet yawn as she stretched her limbs. She looked over to see that the guest bed had once again remained vacant ever since she retired last night. Twilight shook her head an amused smile 'Looks like I was right when Cuatro was nocturnal in origin...' She then nudged Spike out of his own sleep and left her bed to trot towards her mirror, where she brushed her mane.

Spike yawned and hopped out of his own bed as he scratched his back. He looked downstairs and rubbed his eyes "So, what should Cuatro learn about first today? Unless you're okay with him staying in the library to study magic?"

Twilight finished brushing her mane and smiled at Spike "I'm sure we'll think of something. Let's go downstairs and see what he's up to at the moment!" The two then went down into the main lobby to check on their houseguest. Cuatro was seen on the sofa while reading another book, with two more resting on the coffee table. Twilight trotted over and beamed at the strange alicorn "Good morning, Cuatro! You're doing good on the books, I see!"

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Twilight and Spike "Yes I am. Good morning to you, too..." He looked back at the book he was reading and flipped a page "So tell me...What is on the agenda for today?" He asked in his usual tone.

Twilight replied "We were just about to cover that when me and Spike woke up. Maybe we can talk over breakfast."

Cuatro gave a curt nod "Very well..."

Spike waddled into the kitchen "I'll make us some toast for today. We're a bit short on eggs at the moment."

Twilight watched Spike go into the kitchen, then decided to sit next to Cuatro on the sofa. She looked over and noticed the scroll from last night with three new additions to the list 'Las Noches...Cero...and Murciélago. Like last time, Cuatro shared only two of these three new terms with me. Maybe I should ask him if he's had any progress...' Twilight turned to Cuatro while he read his book "Say, Cuatro. Do you think you're doing well with piecing together your memories?"

Cuatro stopped reading and turned to Twilight "Not exactly...I was only so lucky to acquire more while we were at Canterlot. I feel it is best to wait until I find more effective points before I try and piece together my past, however...With my current leads, overthinking them only makes my findings seem moot..."

Twilight nodded "I see. A smart move on your part." She looked over at the scroll containing bits of Cuatro's memories "About your list...Do you think that maybe both Hueco Mundo and Las Noches are tied together somehow? Las Noches means 'The Nights' and Hueco Mundo means 'Hollow World'. Call it a guess, but could Las Noches be a place in Hueco Mundo?"

Cuatro stared at Twilight in silence before finally answering "Perhaps...I'm not entirely certain, but your guess seems nearly accurate."

Twilight smiled "Thanks." She then looked over the list again "But what makes me confused is that two of your terms are in Neighponese: Ichigo and Aizen. What could this mean?"

Cuatro replied "I'm-..." He looked away as he continued hesitantly "I'm not sure...The latter seems to be more familiar than the former..." The strange alicorn thought to himself about the one called Aizen.

"According to my memories, I was affiliated with him on a certain level, and addressed him as a ruler...and if I really was born in Hueco Mundo, was he the ruler of it?"

"Breakfast is ready, everypony!"

Cuatro snapped out of his thought and looked over at the kitchen. Twilight hopped up and trotted past him "Come on, Cuatro. You should eat before we begin this day!" The strange alicorn stared, but then followed in silence.

The trio gathered in the kitchen and ate their breakfast. Twilight chose to speak after swallowing her latest bite "So if we're going to teach you the Magic of Friendship, Cuatro, we'll have to start you off somewhere you feel well-versed in..."

Cuatro replied after finishing a bite of his own "What do you have in mind? What does this lesson session consist of exactly?"

Twilight held a hoof, as if a scholar lecturing her students "Learning the Magic of Friendship includes learning about what the Elements of Harmony make up of, along with other things. Each day, you could possibly learn new things that can add to your knowledge of the very concept. But for now, we'll just stick with the aspects of harmony to get you started."

Spike frowned "Now I'm confused...Are we trying to teach Cuatro friendship or get his memories back?" He looked away to think to himself, but when he looked out the window, he noticed some ponies murmuring in a crowd "Huh? What's going on outside?"

Twilight and Cuatro looked as well "I'm not sure...Unless..." She thought back to last night and gasped.

"A beam like his could possibly be seen all the way from Stalliongrad! His demonstration of magic could very well disturb the peace of thy fellow villagers!"

Twilight got up from her chair and trotted over towards the front door "Come on, everypony! We have to clear things up!"

Spike and Cuatro traded glances before they followed after Twilight as she went outside.
_____

The ponies outside in the snow conversed with one another with different expressions, most consisting of curiousity and anxiety.

"Do you think it could be some kind of sign for Equestria's future?" A mare asked.

"What if it's some kind of extraterrestrial being sending a message to us?" A stallion thought out loud.

"Don't be ridiculous! The thing came from the ground! Maybe there's some kind of ancient creature that sits under Equestria waiting to pounce at us!!" Another mare snapped irritably, though fearful of her own theory.

"Whatever it was, it was pretty big! I'm just glad that it didn't hit Ponyville!" Another stallion blurted out in relief.

Twilight galloped out the door and approached the crowd of ponies near her house "Everypony, please listen!" The crowd turned to Twilight, lending their ears as the lavender bookworm gathered their attention with her speech "If all of you are referring to that ominous green beam last night, do not be alarmed! That was only the work of Cuatro trying to study magic!" The mentioned alicorn trotted and stopped next to her, along with Spike while the crowd murmured in comprehension. Twilight continued "We apologize for the inconvenience as of last night and we inform you that you're not in any danger! Thank you all for listening!"

Cuatro stared at everypony relieving themselves on any inane theories involving his beam and trotted away back to their daily routines. He then noticed a familiar pink pony revealing herself in the breaking crowd and hopped up to Twilight and the others "Hi, everypony!"

Cuatro nodded in greeting "Pinkie..."

Pinkie smiled "So that giant green beam from last night was Cuaty the whole time? Pretty neat!! I almost thought somepony was trying to send a beacon to the stars so that they can fly from Equestria on a spaceship!! Anyways, I better get back to Sugarcube Corner so I can plan that party for Cuatro! See ya!" She then zipped away with manic fervor.

Cuatro sighed "Of course...Pinkie mentioned she was throwing a party when we came back from Canterlot....Is it really necessary, though?" He turned to Twilight and Spike for an answer.

Spike chuckled "This is Pinkie we're talking about here! She'll throw a party for anything if she felt up to it!"

Twilight nodded "She's very insistent on this, but she means well. All she's doing is expressing her joy for you choosing to stay with us in Ponyville. Besides, you wouldn't wanna miss a Pinkie party, especially since you're the guest of honor! Let's go back inside the library. You might want to study all the magic you can before the party starts!"

The strange alicorn sighed in defeat as he followed his two hosts back into the library.

"Perhaps I should have stayed in Canterlot..."
_____

Later in the afternoon, the trio trotted over to Sugarcube Corner and opened the door to see that everypony was gathered inside for yet another party. Cuatro counted himself lucky that Pinkie chose to spare the action of yelling 'Surprise' with the rest of the crowd. They were all enjoying themselves like any other get-together hosted by the party pony.

From out of the crowd, the other element bearers trotted up to the newest additions to the party. Pinkie grinned "Good! You're all here! Now we can get this party going!"

Twilight smiled "Cuatro wouldn't miss this for the world, Pinkie!" She was unaware that the strange alicorn shifted his eyes away at Twilight's statement.

Pinkie hopped up onto Cuatro's back and tussled his mane with a hoof "I'm glad you came here today, Cuaty! Because have I got a treat for you!!"

Cuatro looked up at Pinkie "I'm guessing it is one of your newest pastry designs?"

Pinkie giggled "No way, silly! We have enough cake for you to stuff your face with! I'm talking about a whole different treat!!" Cuatro remained silent to give Pinkie permission to continue "I'm gonna teach you how to laugh!!"

Applejack frowned "Um...Pinkie Pie? Ya think it'd be better iffin Cuatro jus' enjoys this party??" She asked, trying to defend the strange alicorn.

Pinkie scoffed "Duh! Of course I'm gonna let him enjoy the party! But this is me trying to make it a whole lot better for him! You see, I thought over our ride back from Canterlot last night and realized that while we're trying to get Cuaty's memory back, we're gonna teach him all about the Magic of Friendship! So I decided to make this into a 'Cuatro-chose-to-stay-with-us-in-Ponyville-and-learn-how-to-finally-smile' party! And since he's here now, maybe I could try and put a smile on his face to start him out in his lessons!! It's gonna be so much fun, I just know it!" She looked down at Cuatro with a grin "You'll be sure to bust a gut with what I have to teach you!"

Rainbow Dash fought a chuckle while watching Pinkie and Cuatro "He might wanna get in line for that one, Pinkie!" She ignored the look she received from Applejack for her remark.

Rarity rubbed her chin with a hoof "Well, Pinkie is quite the multitasker to try and teach dear Cuatro about Laughter on his first try during a party thrown for him..."

Fluttershy smiled "I'm sure Cuatro would have a great time with Pinkie..." She looked at the strange alicorn's emotionless face and passed it off as disinterest as she winced "I-I hope..."

Twilight turned to Cuatro "Well, if you're adamant about this Pinkie, I just hope you could at least go easy on him just this once." She fought a wince of her own 'Especially since he openly admitted he doesn't see the point in smiling...'

Pinkie made a mock salute "You got it, Twilight!" She then jumped off of Cuatro and waved him over, signaling him to follow "C'mon, Cuaty! The lesson begins now!!" The two then trotted away into the thick of the crowd.

The others watched the two leave, and Rainbow Dash spoke up "20 bits says that he's not gonna smile!"

Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash "Now Rainbow, just because he's melancholic in appearance doesn't mean you should make sport of him changing his demeanor!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes "Just having fun is all! Wouldn't you be surprised if you saw him just crack one smile for Pinkie?"

Fluttershy frowned "But that's just mean, betting on him being happy. It's unsettling enough that he appears so sad around everypony he meets..." She looked down sympathetically "I hope we can do what we can for him, even getting back his memories..."

Rainbow Dash perked up "Oh yeah!" She turned to Twilight "How's that coming along with Cuatro anyway, Twi? Is he having any luck at all?"

Twilight replied "He only came across three new fragments of memories."

Spike crossed his arms "And the 'shocking' part is that it's more words you can hear from Mexicolt!" He quipped sarcastically.

Rainbow smirked "Really, huh? Let's hear them! What'd he dig up this time?"

Twilight repeated what she had seen from Cuatro's list of words "So far, his newest terms include Las Noches, Cero, and Murciélago. The first one could possibly be linked with Hueco Mundo somehow!"

Fluttershy shivered "You mean that scary place called Hollow World?"

Rarity looked down in thought "Not to sound rude, but Cuatro's memories can surely be the oddest set we've come across..."

Twilight shook her head "We don't know the full story. All we can do is gather all that we can while we teach him more about the Magic of Friendship. Now, I think we should enjoy this party, since Pinkie already set it up and all!" She smiled at her friends.

Spike smiled as well "No argument there!" The purple dragon then began to dance.
_____

Pinkie stood in front of Cuatro with a serious gaze before she smiled "Okay, Cuaty! Since I'm gonna be teaching you about laughter, it's only wise that we coach you in the basics!!"

Cuatro blinked "You mean how to laugh?"

Pinkie nodded "Yes indeedy! Smiling is one thing, but everypony loves a good laugh once in a while, and so should you! Now, let's get started! Show me..." She reared onto her hindlegs and pointed a forehoof at Cuatro "A smile!!"

Cuatro only stared back while Pinkie froze in her position. The party pony's bravado easily diminished as she went back on all fours "Okay, that'll take some work! Celestia only knows I tried everything else..." She gasped when an idea sprang into her head "Of course!!" Pinkie's nose touched Cuatro's when she got in his face "A good way to get you both smiling AND laughing is with a good joke!!" She drew her head back and smiled as she pointed to herself "Lucky for you, this mare knows a few good ones for your hearing pleasure!"

The strange alicorn fought the urge to heave a sigh at Pinkie's attempts at humor.

"This could be my most arduous task in learning about Friendship..."

Pinkie began her first joke "I used to have an ant farm, but I had to get rid of it! Wanna know why?" She paused before she continued "I couldn't find tractors THAT small!" Pinkie giggled at her own joke, while Cuatro only stared with no reaction other than a sweatdrop. The party pony noticed this and continued "No worries, Cuaty! That was just a warm-up! Here's another one!" She stood and told her next joke "What do you call a fish with no eye?"

Cuatro replied flatly "A one-eyed fish?"

Pinkie shook her head "Fsh!! Get it?" She giggled again, but stopped when she noticed no reaction. Pinkie then smirked "Okay, maybe a classic will help! Why'd the chicken cross the road?"

Cuatro replied "Because it chose to out of free will..."

Pinkie paused before she shook her head "Noooooo~! To get to the other side!" She grinned.

Behind Cuatro, Scootaloo was seen galloping from one crowd to another in search of her fellow crusaders "Applebloom? Sweetie Belle? Where are you?"

Cuatro sighed "My answer was more acceptable, Pinkie..."

Pinkie growled "I'm just not adding enough humor! I got another one! Why did the filly stare at the box of orange juice?"

Cuatro blinked "Because she was skeptical about drinking orange juice?"

Pinkie shook her head "No, no, no! Because it said 'Concentrate'!"

Cuatro stared "Juice boxes don't talk..."

Pinkie scowled "Alright, if this one won't work, then you have NO sense of humor!" She took a deep breath before she smiled and said "Knock knock!"

Cuatro stared before he answered "...Is that it?"

Pinkie was slackjawed at his response "You mean you don't know how knock-knock jokes work!? Time for a crash course so you'll know when to laugh! You see, Cuaty, the key to knock-knock jokes is to say 'Who's there' anytime anypony says knock-knock! From there, I'll say something else, then you'll say 'insert word here' who? Then that's when you'll hear the punchline! You got all that?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes..."

Pinkie grinned "Super! Let's try this again! Knock knock!"

Cuatro hesitated, but asked "Who's there?"

Pinkie's grin widened "Avacado!"

Cuatro blinked before replying with "Avacado who?"

Pinkie giggled, then blurted out "Avacado cold!" She then laughed for a moment before speaking again "Okay...Knock Knock!"

Cuatro sighed "Who's there?"

Pinkie grinned "Interrupting cow!"

Cuatro replied instantly "Interrupting co-"

Pinkie yelled out a "Mooooooo!!!" as she cut off Cuatro's question. The strange alicorn then caught on to the punchline, much to his hidden chagrin. Pinkie nodded and continued once more.

"Knock knock!"

"Who's there?"

"Banana!"

"Banana who?"

"Knock knock!"

"...Who's there?"

"Banana!"

"...Banana who?"

"Knock knock!"

"..."

"C'mon! Knock knock!"

"...Who's there..."

"Orange!"

"...?? Orange who?"

Pinkie giggled "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"

Cuatro blinked "Technically you said it, so no..." The strange alicorn felt that he was almost being tortured by hearing several poorly-delivered jokes by one of his friends.

Pinkie stared blankly at Cuatro for a moment before she held up her forehooves with an irritated look on her face "Alright! No more jokes! Clearly this isn't working!" She spoke in an agitated tone.

Cuatro stared "Does that mean the lesson is over? Or did I fail?"

Pinkie shook her head "Uh-uh! The lesson's far from over! And Pinkie Pie never leaves another pony behind when teaching them how to laugh!! And that's what I'm gonna do! Cuaty..." She pointed a hoof at the strange alicorn "Laugh out loud!"

Cuatro fell silent before asking "...You're joking right? Is this another one of your jokes?"

Pinkie huffed "No jokes! When it comes to laughter, it's clear from your vacant expression that the lights are not all on upstairs! So I'm gonna teach you how to laugh the old-fashioned way! You're going to laugh for me like this! Watch and learn!" She stood and cleared her throat before she held her head up and bellowed in laughter "Haaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha!" The party pony paused before laughing again "Haaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" She took a deep breath and smiled at Cuatro "Okay, you try!"

Cuatro remained silent as he stared at Pinkie for a moment, then looked away. It was obvious from his eye contact that the strange alicorn was more than reluctant. Pinkie tried to encourage him "Go on! There's no shame in laughing! It's a good feeling!" She flashed a reassuring smile Cuatro's way.

The strange alicorn took a deep breath and tried to laugh "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha..." While he did so, he did not smile to go with it. He sounded monotonous in his 'laughter'.

Pinkie nodded "Not bad for a first try, but give it more feeling!" She threw her head up and laughed again "Like so!"

Cuatro stared at Pinkie before trying again "Ha ha ha ha ha ha..." The strange alicorn did not bother to try, but he had to credit Pinkie for attempting to teach him how to laugh. The party pony was satisfied with his progress and proceeded to laugh with him, drawing more attention to other ponies. Some stared in confusion while others winced.

The element bearers soon noticed and winced at the scene themselves, except for Rainbow Dash, who fought a losing battle with holding back the urge to throw herself on the ground and roll in laughter.

Spike sighed "I don't mean to sound negative, but it's hopeless with him!"
_____

Later in the evening, The party was over, and everypony left back to their homes. Pinkie laid a hoof on Cuatro's shoulder and smiled "It probably wasn't the best way to teach you to laugh, but I'm sure we can cover it some other time! I hope you enjoyed the party and lessons, Cuaty!"

Cuatro nodded "Yes, thank you for the party..." He then looked away after his response.

"I believe I've shredded what was left of my dignity throughout that session..."

Twilight smiled "Thanks for another wonderful party, Pinkie! We should probably head home now, since it's getting late!"

Spike chuckled "Wouldn't want to cut into Cuatro's moongazing time, am I right?" He earned a stare from Twilight and Cuatro and grinned sheepishly "Hehe, sorry..."

Rainbow Dash shedded a tear before trotting up to Cuatro and patting his back "You did good today, C! But I think you should stick to magic before tackling laughter again!"

Cuatro nodded "I agree...Thank you for your compliment."

Rainbow Dash chuckled before she took flight "See ya tomorrow!" She went to fly, but stopped and looked back "Oh, and while I know you don't wanna race and stuff..." She flew up to Cuatro's face with a grin "You think maybe you could teach me that Sonido thingy you used before sometime? I wanna see how fast I can go before I can surpass you in speed!"

Cuatro nodded and replied "Maybe someday..."

Rainbow Dash distanced herself and smiled at the strange alicorn "Cool! See ya!" She then flew off, leaving her prismatic blur behind.

Fluttershy trotted up to Cuatro and gave him a small hug "Don't worry about today, Cuatro. I'm sure you'll learn how to smile and laugh like Pinkie some other time..." She smiled up at him "I have faith in you. We all do." Fluttershy turned and trotted away "I'll see you tomorrow..."

Cuatro watched Fluttershy leave and grunted in pain when he felt another migraine course through his head. He placed a hoof on his temple while another shaded scene played in his mind.

"Only two people for protection? Contrary to my expectations, Soul Society is no longer competent..."
"It seems that they are not aware, that danger is said to be at its highest during times of travel..."
"Who...What are you, you bastard!? An arrancar!?"
"Wait! You have something to say to me, right?"
"That's right, girl...I have business with you."
"Follow me...Don't speak. You will say 'yes'. Reply any other way, and I won't kill you...but I'll kill your friends..."

Cuatro's pain subsided, but his pupils dilated at his memory as he thought it over.

"Am-...Am I a murderer?"

Snapping out of his shock, he noticed he was staring directly at the face of a concerned Fluttershy. Cuatro sighed as he regained his composure "Don't fret, Fluttershy...You know how it is with me..."

Fluttershy whimpered "But I don't like seeing you or anypony get hurt...Will you promise me you'll be alright?"

Cuatro paused and mused about both Fluttershy's question and his latest memory. He felt that he should be straightforward to his friends if he were to maintain a clear conscience "I cannot say...But that doesn't mean that it is hopeless...Thank you for your concern."

Fluttershy gave a thin smile, satisfied with his response that there was not much to worry about. She bowed to Cuatro and left again.

Rarity held a sympathetic look on her face "Darling, while I can believe that the migraines are frequent, you should probably get that checked out sometime! It's troubling to see you in pain willy nilly!"

Applejack nodded "Ah'm with Rarity. Y'all should take care o' yerself 'fore they get worse, sugarcube!"

Twilight rested a comforting hoof on Cuatro's left shoulder "Come on. Let's get you home!" She then said her goodbyes to her friends and led the strange alicorn back to the library, Spike following close behind.
_____

Inside of the library, Cuatro levitated a quill and his parchment containing his fragments of memories while Twilight and Spike watched intently at what he was jotting down. After setting it down, Twilight trotted over and examined the new additions "Soul Society and Arrancar? Now this is just too odd!"

Spike stared "That's the first word we've seen in Equestrian, Soul Society. But what the hay's an arrancar?" He turned to see Cuatro looking down in silence "Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn thought to himself, unaware of Spike calling out to him.

"This can't be right at all...Do I honestly have a history of killing ponies or taking their souls? I need to take my mind off of this thought somehow...But who would-"

Cuatro perked up "Of course..." He uttered to himself, then noticed Twilight and Spike staring at him in confusion "I'm going outside for a moment. I shall return shortly..."

Twilight stared before she nodded "Okay, Cuatro. I suppose I can trust you to go out whenever you want to. But don't be too long, alright?"

Spike nodded with a playful smile "Yeah, just be back by bedtime, mister!" Twilight giggled at his joke.

Cuatro only nodded in reply and trotted out the front door, leaving behind his two hosts. When he was outside, he turned to the distant city of Canterlot.

"I know exactly who to turn to in a situation like this..."

The strange alicorn activated his Sonido and blurred out of existence, his destination set.

To be continued...

Capitulo Dieciseis

View Online

Capítulo Dieciséis

Comfort

Cuatro appeared over the city of Canterlot, hovering with his wings as he stared down at the majestic city, then setting his sights on the castle . He considered it to be rude of him to just appear in front of the castle with his Sonido, and decided to glide towards it quietly.

"Knowing that she watches over the night, it must be obvious for her to be awake at this hour...I hope that she may help me..."

It was a long shot, but Cuatro had nowhere else to turn to so late at night to open up his problems and question his existence. Granted, Twilight and her friends were an option, but he was too tensed up from the latest memory that he could not bear to share it with them. That, and he felt that there was one pony where he could not only find peace, but clear his mind of his hindering confusion.

"...It cannot be true...Could I have been forced into a life of murder? Was I a dutiful servant back then, carrying out my orders without question?"

The more Cuatro thought about his memory, the less he focused on his flight as he began to descend. The strange alicorn caught on with a flinch and realigned his flight pattern, though still shaken by his own thoughts.

"If I was indeed a murderer...Would it even be right to be around Twilight Sparkle? Or anypony in Equestria? Where has my life began here?"

Cuatro grew increasingly frustrated and stressful by arbitrarily asking himself of his origin branched from his latest memory, almost to the point where he felt like turning back and wanting to sleep on it, but it changed when a song reached his ears. He stopped in his tracks and hovered as his ears perked up to the melody, tracking it at its source. His pupils slightly dilated when the source was found.

Seen by Cuatro from his shortened distance from the castle was Luna standing at the balcony of her tower. She sang more of her alluring aria that continuously led Cuatro away from his harmful thoughts and put him at a state of mental ease while he stared at her while she sang with her eyes closed. He stared for so long that he even forgot that he was hovering as his wings unconsciously flapped in the air.

"I know not of this song...but it is very soothing..."

What snapped him out of his stare was seeing Luna hop from her balcony and choose to hover into the air while she sang. Her eyes remained closed as she began to dance gracefully in place, leading Cuatro to believe that she, too, was enraptured into the melody she was uttering.

Cuatro then ended his hovering session and chose to glide towards Luna, ignoring the presence of the castle below while he closed the distance. When he was close enough, he contemplated on whether to cease Luna's wondrous performance, or wait for her to finish.

A bad move on his part. He remained both silent and captivated by Luna's appearance that he ignored the choice to simply identify himself to her. The princess had just finished her song with a deep breath and opened her eyes to see Cuatro hovering directly in front of her, causing her to gasp with a startled expression as she fluttered back a few inches "S-Sir Cuatro!" Her anger was only outweighed by her embarrassment as she cringed and looked away with a blush that merged with her midnight coat "Hath thou been watching us this whole time?"

Cuatro nodded "I apologize deeply for not stating my presence...But your song was very intriguing."

Luna turned to Cuatro, looking surprised "Dost thou think so?" She questioned curiously. Remembering his mistake, she then shook off her surprise to show her anger "An intrusion like that is most inappropriate!" She stated firmly "What could be the reason for thy presence to catch me unawares?"

Cuatro looked down with his usual expression, though he was floating with despondency "I...I wished to seek you..." He replied coherently as possible, urging himself to keep silent and turn back after angering Luna.

Luna's irritation softened while she floated with Cuatro "Dost thou wish to gain an audience with both us and our sister, or just us?"

Cuatro looked back to face Luna "Just you...Earlier, I was met with grave tension through another memory, and I felt that you could perhaps help me ease my troubles. You've already did part of the mentioned role with your singing..." He gave a polite nod with his eyes closed "An astounding performance..."

Luna was surprised to think that somepony would consider talking to her over her older sister. This has not happened since Pipsqueak during the last Nightmare Night celebration. She was also flattered to have her singing voice complimented by Cuatro ever since he admitted his fondness of the night. She cleared her throat and gave a thin smile "Well, thy compliment is appreciated, and us and our sister promised thee access to the castle for guidance..." She looked over at her room, and poked her chin with a hoof. The princess of the night then turned to Cuatro "Since thy reasons are concrete and thou only came for us, perhaps we can allow thee to converse in our room?" She asked with a smile.

The strange alicorn paused in silence, not expecting such a question from a princess.

"I promised Twilight I would be back soon...That I would return to the library and wait for the morning. But I also promised to visit Canterlot, even when met with trouble within myself...And here I am now, offered a moment of bonding with a princess..."

Luna's smile vanished when she noted Cuatro's pause, but was patient to wait for an answer after studying the way he talked around her and other ponies 'He is indeed a hesitant one...'

Cuatro was conflicted with listening to his friend's request on returning home, and actually agreeing to a temtping offer being placed in front of him. It wasn't a spell that would completely restore his memories, but it was something.

"Why must I feel this way whenever I am around Luna? Her offer alone has already silenced me completely..."

It was maddening and time-consuming to stay on this particular thought when he needed to give Luna an answer. Before his conflict could rise even further, he remembered that he came for the sake of relieving himself of his troubles. Going back would mean having to deal with them again, and they somehow vanished when he approached Luna. With his mind made up, he nodded "Yes. I shall take you up on your offer, Pri-...Luna..."

Luna smiled and nodded back "Very well. Follow us inside our chambers, Sir Cuatro..." The two glided towards the balcony and landed as they trotted inside Luna's bedroom.

Cuatro looked around to see that Luna's room was decorated to match her background as the princess of the night, even showing that her bedsheets resembled an ocean of stars.

Luna watched him with an amused expression as she raised a hoof over her mouth to stifle her laughter "Dost thou like our room? Tis the work of our royal artisans and carpenters." She then looked more serious, albeit compassionate, as if she were trying to imitate her older sister "So thou come to us because your latest memory hath inflicted thee with tension, correct?"

Cuatro nodded and replied "I was reluctant to face Twilight and the others with it on account of it being so dire and happening late at night...I did not want to disturb them or place them in as much unease as myself..."

Luna blinked "Pray tell, what did thy latest memory consist of?"

At that question, Cuatro felt a lump in his throat while he luckily managed to keep his usual emotionless expression. Telling Twilight was one thing, but how would Luna react to him sharing his memories? He looked down in thought as more tension and anxiety built up inside of him.

"She would possibly see me as a threat...To have me destroyed...Why am I so nervous around her?"

Luna took a good look at Cuatro and held a sad expression "Was the memory that bad, Sir Cuatro?" She asked in a caring tone.

Cuatro slowly nodded "My sincerest apologies, Luna...I did not think this visit through, having to feel reluctant as to talking about my memory. I suppose I came here merely to visit, and escape the tension I once felt before..." He responded in his usual tone, though was serious in his words.

Luna stared at Cuatro sympathetically before trotting over and giving him a brief nuzzle, causing the strange alicorn to become instantly breathless. His pupils dilated while he felt the otherworldly caress of Luna's cheek with his own, her ethereal mane brushing along the side of his head. When she stopped, she looked at Cuatro with a warm smile "If thy memories are truly dire, then thou mustn't stay on them forever. If anything, thy heart is in the right place while thou art staying with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville, making new memories whilst learning about the Magic of Friendship!"

Cuatro replied "But...But what if somepony recognizes me? Was I wrong in choosing to stay in Ponyville?"

Luna shook her head "Thou hath made thine own decision, Sir Cuatro, and thy conviction showed. And to be truthful, thou art the most rarest sight seen in Equestria! We would be most surprised if there were somepony around that actually recognizes thee!"

Cuatro stared back, taking in all that Luna had said to him. It was a thought to be pondered, but thus far, her previous action along with her words were setting Cuatro at peace "Then what about your sister?"

Luna frowned and thought about this, turning to her door "Tis a different story..." She muttered in a bitter tone, then turned back to Cuatro "We've nary seen our sister act so distant and serious lest there were a catastrophe about to befall our country!"

Cuatro paused for a moment, thinking over what Luna had said, and thought back to when Celestia casted a memory spell on him; how her mood instantly changed when they were at dinner. When he thought back to his latest memory, he gave a low gasp as his pupils dilated again.

"Could she...know something about me? Is she hiding something from me?"

Cuatro looked at Luna "Luna, I must ask you something..." Luna tilted her head "Your sister, Princess Celestia...Her magic is unsurpassed, and her spells are effective, yet she claimed her memory spell had no effect on me...Is there something wrong with this?"

Luna thought about Cuatro's words and turned to the door again "Now that thou mention it...Tia hath been keeping something from us ever since thy departure from our castle..." She looked over at Cuatro with a frown "She warned us to be more...wary around you when thou claim more of thy memories..." She spoke hesitantly.

Cuatro thought about this more and looked down "I see..." He then turned away and began trotting towards the balcony.

Luna perked up and followed him "Art thou leaving so soon?"

Cuatro flared his wings when he reached the edge and looked back at Luna "I need to think on some things when I return to Ponyville...I shouldn't keep you here when you have your own royal duties to attend to soon enough."

Luna huffed and trotted up to his side and looking at him "Our duties can wait til morn, Sir Cuatro! And besides..." She looked away, a sad expression on her face "It is lonely to be a princess in a castle most of the time..." She muttered sadly.

Cuatro halted his advance and curled his wings while looking at Luna. He began feeling guilty for seeing her so sad when it was him that needed comfort "I..." The strange alicorn turned to face Luna "Forgive me, Luna...I'm only confused about all of this information. Your sister doesn't trust me?"

Luna looked back at Cuatro "It would seem that way, yes...And she would not fully reveal to us as to why. But thus far, while thou art so different..." She smiled "...thou show great promise as a friend..."

Cuatro stared back in silence at Luna's statement.

"...A friend..."

The strange alicorn went to bow in reverence while thanking her greatly for the title, but was stopped when his chin hit a hoof. He looked up to see Luna smiling at Cuatro with her foreleg stretched out "Must we repeat, Sir Cuatro, that there is no need for thee to act so formal around us?"

Cuatro stared, then stood himself up with a nod "Yes, that's right..." He looked to see Luna with her smile, and instead of tension, he felt warmth build up inside of him while he stared.

"Luna..."

Luna took a step forward "Since thou art feeling well, perhaps we could - how they say - hang out again sometime? As friends?" Cuatro nodded in reply, causing Luna to grin "Splendid! It was good to see thee again, Sir Cuatro!" She then wrapped her forelegs around Cuatro in a hug.

It was the biggest shock to him, but unbeknownst to Luna, Cuatro felt blood rush in his cheeks while he was being embraced. He was lucky to even stand as he felt time stop along with his movement. When Luna stopped hugging, she looked at Cuatro with a tilted head "Sir Cuatro? Art thou...blushing?" She asked curiously.

Cuatro stared long enough before he shook his head, his coat returning to its pale splendor. He looked at Luna and answered "No...I should return to Ponyville, but I shall take you up on your offer to hang out sometime...preferably at night."

Luna nodded while she beamed "Verily! We art glad to establish a social link with thee this night, Sir Cuatro! Til we meet again!"

Cuatro nodded and turned to face the end of the balcony. He then activated his Sonido as the sound of booming static was heard with him blurring out of existence. Luna was instantly startled as she darted her head around. The only thing that went through her mind at the moment was 'What in Tartarus just happened!?'
_____

While Spike slept in his bed upstairs, Twilight stood in the main lobby of her library and looked up at the clock. She groaned "Where could he be? I figured he would stick with his promise and come back here around this time!" She trotted back and forth while she spoke, but then perked up when she heard the front door open. Cuatro came in and Twilight trotted over to him with a mixture of worry and irritation "There you are! I was beginning to think you were about to abandon us or wander off aimlessly!"

Cuatro never thought he would worry Twilight like this. He looked over at the clock and sweatdropped when he realized he had only been gone for about twenty minutes "I'm...sorry?" He apologized halfheartedly.

Twilight sighed "Just don't let it happen again, okay? We can't have you wandering off while you still have amnesia! Speaking of memories..." She looked over at Cuatro's list of terms "These memories of yours are growing more and more strange. I've studied them while you were gone, and I've never seen a place in Equestria called Soul Society!"

Cuatro hummed "I wouldn't be too worried about it, Twilight...I can only gather more memories before I can piece together my existence completely."

Twilight looked up at Cuatro "You seem pretty collected about this. Earlier, you looked as if somepony scared you out of your wits!"

Cuatro nodded "I was tensed up, but..." He turned to the door "I had time to think about it, and I realize I mustn't be entirely bothered by what I remember..."

Twilight smiled "That's good to hear. But hopefully more of your memories can make sense to us in the near future. I'm beginning to think that what you've gathered so far seem to be a bit far fetched..."

Cuatro nodded "I can only hope so...I wish to look at the moon."

Twilight shook her head with an amused smile "Why am I not surprised. Go ahead, Cuatro. And try to get some sleep, okay? I know your nocturnal, but you should at least rest sometime! Good night!" She trotted up to her bed and covered up as she doused the lights.

Cuatro saw this as a sign to make himself scarce as he opened the door and went outside. He flew up to the top of the library and stared up at the moon as he felt more warmth. But one thought nagged at him while he stared up.

"...Celestia..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Diecisiete

View Online

Capítulo Diecisiete

Honesty

"Are you scared? You're useless to Aizen now. There is no one left to protect you. It's over...You will die alone here, where no one can touch you..."

"..."

"I asked you if you were scared..."

"...I'm not scared. Everyone came to save me, so my heart is already with them!"

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

"What is a heart? If I rip it out of your chest, will I see it? If I crack open your skull, will I find it in there?"

After that distinct memory serving as his dream, Cuatro's eyes shot open as he easily woke from his slumber without any fatigue. He noticed a small brightness out of the corner of his eye and deduced that he had woken up in the morning. The strange alicorn rose from his bed and looked to see Twilight and Spike still sleeping. Turning to the window, Cuatro noticed that the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon.

"Dawn again...Not really a problem for me at all. But that dream...Humans and hearts? Hmm..."

The strange alicorn quietly trotted down the stairs to proceed with jotting down his newly obtained fragment of memory as well as study up on his magic. He reached the main lobby and made his way to the sofa where he levitated his rolled-up parchment along with a nearby quill and unraveled the paper to write down the word 'Human'. He went to go place the parchment down and go pick up a spellbook, but a part of him hesitated to release it when he thought about the term 'heart'. Cuatro felt that he knew full well about the heart as an internal organ, but as he thought about his memory, it was as if this were a different heart. Something mystical, like the very Magic of Friendship.

"A heart...What is a heart? Do I have a heart?"

After a small moment of contemplation, he decided to leave the parchment as it was and ponder about this thought alone. It was better than wondering about himself being a killer, or if Celestia were actually hiding something from him. He sat down on the sofa and levitated the book he read the other day that covered advanced spells. As a personal thought, he felt that his arcane repertoire was steadily growing with each passing day. It was a wonder that he hadn't practiced his magic ever since his fiasco two nights ago.

Time passed, and Cuatro heard steps descending along the staircase, knowing that Twilight and Spike have woken up. As with every other morning, the lavender bookworm was the first to regard Cuatro with a greeting "Good morning, Cuatro. How is your magic coming along?"

Cuatro shifted his eyes to Twilight, who smiled at him while he responded "It is doing well. Good morning, Twilight." He looked down at Spike "And you as well, Spike..."

Spike waved as he waddled into the kitchen "Morning, Cuatro!"

Cuatro watched Spike leave and turned to Twilight "Does he always serve the food around here? Is he a servant of sorts?"

Twilight looked taken aback at the question "What? No! Assistant, yes, but never a servant!" She smiled "In fact, I've hatched Spike out of his egg when I was a filly. The funny thing was, hatching him was how I not only got accepted into the Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns, but at the same time, I got my cutie mark and my status as Princess Celestia's personal student!" She gave a nostalgic sigh as she closed her eyes "Those were good times, too...It's amazing how time flies sometimes. Speaking of memories, have you had any luck finding more of your own, Cuatro?"

Cuatro stared at Twilight as she reveled in her own memories, and envied how she was able to collect them clearly. While he had his own share of acquired memories, he still had a long way to go with what he has collected thus far. He then turned to his paper "I found yet another term that would seem strange to you and your friends..." He levitated the parchment and unraveled it to Twilight.

She noticed the newest addition and craned her head back with a raised eyebrow "Erm, Cuatro...That term...It's not entirely strange."

Cuatro blinked "You mean there are humans in Equestria?"

Suddenly, the library's front door revealed a grinning Pinkie "Well that depends on what stories you read!" She trotted inside "There are only a few good ones, though..." The party pony added in a skeptical tone.

Twilight ignored Pinkie's random entry and further enlightened Cuatro "It's not entirely strange because...well...you're not the first pony to think about humans."

Cuatro replied "Do you know about them?"

Twilight looked away awkwardly "Not really me..." She turned to Pinkie "Pinkie's a mystery herself, but it's another one of Ponyville's residents. Her name is Lyra Heartstrings, and she often talks about humans as if they've even existed here in Equestria!"

Cuatro nodded "I see...I should probably talk to her sometime..."

Twilight winced "I'd rather not. She tends to get a little...eccentric." She spoke in a reluctant tone.

Cuatro stared in silence before he asked "Is she like Pinkie?"

Pinkie giggled "No way, silly! If that were the case, she and I would be friends in a heartbeat! But we already are friends, so that's alright!" She then turned to Cuatro "Say, have you practiced laughing since last night, Cuaty?"

Cuatro sighed "No, Pinkie...In all honesty I haven't..." An idea came to him as he continued "On the topic of honesty, I know what I wish to do today..."

Twilight tilted her head "Oh? What is it you want to do, Cuatro?"

Cuatro faced Twilight as he replied "I wish to see Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. She was the first pony I've met since I lost my memories, and she took me in from a terrible snowstorm. I owe her a visit for her hospitality, not that yours was any better with your variety of books."

Twilight donned a knowing smile "Oh, I'm well aware. It's nice to see you want to meet her after all that she's done for you! You can head on over there after breakfast."

Pinkie hopped up and down "I'll come, too! I wanna be there to see Cuaty smile!"

Spike waddled into the lobby "Breakfast is ready!" He turned to see Pinkie "Oh, hey, Pinkie! How's it going?" He smiled.

Pinkie returned it in kind "Pretty good, Spike-o! Just stopping by to make sure Cuaty will smile!"

Spike turned to Cuatro with a sympathetic frown "My condolences..." He spoke with genuine pity for the strange alicorn having to deal with more of Pinkie's shenanigans.

Cuatro only sighed "I'll nourish myself and make my leave shortly after." He trotted into the kitchen "Thank you for making breakfast, Spike."

Spike smiled as he followed with the other two mares "No problem! I was feeling lucky today, so I made us some pancakes!"

The group gathered themselves at the table. Pinkie gladly took the offer of eating pancakes, much to Twilight and Spike's expectation, whereas Cuatro wondered where all the food Pinkie had consumed ended up with how much she eats. What made Cuatro's morning seem unwelcoming was how Pinkie chose to ramble on at the table, even with food in her mouth. It was hard for him to clean up the small pellets of syrup-coated crumbs that went into his mane. What was worse was that she was going to follow him to Sweet Apple Acres.
_____

Later, Twilight and Spike waved Cuatro and Pinkie as they left into Ponyville "Come back soon, Cuatro!"

Spike called out "My advice is to smile just to make her feel better!" He looked to see Twilight leer down at him as he awkwardly grinned "It's what she wants!"

Cuatro calmly trotted through the snow, while Pinkie hopped next to him in her sporadic fashion. It was like watching opposites attract, only it was not enjoyable for the strange alicorn at all. He was lucky that she did not talk yet-

"Hey, Cuaty!"

Or was he? Cuatro turned to Pinkie looking surprised as she pointed to something at his right "I think I see one of those arrancar thingies!" She blurted out as she pointed

Cuatro instantly stopped and turned to see where Pinkie was pointing, only to find nothing but a couple of houses. While he stared, he heard a fit of giggling followed by the words "Made you look!" The strange alicorn turned back to stare at Pinkie with his soulless eyes while they resumed their pace "I only knew the word from looking at your list! I don't even know what they are!" She giggled more, until she looked behind and gasped "Hey! Is that Princess Luna back there? Why is she in Ponyville during the day?"

The strange alicorn instantly stopped once more as he felt his heart stop while his pupils dialated slightly.

"But it can't be...She could not be here, unless..."

He looked behind to see a couple of mares trotting by in the snow. Once more, Cuatro was met with more giggling and the words "Made you look!" The strange alicorn slowly turned back to Pinkie as they resumed walking "Boy, Cuaty, you're making this too easy for me! You're more of a challenge when it comes to smiling and laughing, but I'd hate to be you when me and Dashie choose to go pranking again!" She giggled more.

Cuatro hummed, but then looked up "Strange...You mention Rainbow Dash, but is that her up there?"

Pinkie perked up and turned to the skies "Really? Where? Hey, Dashie-" She flinched when she felt a gust of wind and heard booming static. The party pony then noticed Cuatro was nowhere to be found as she looked around.
_____

At Sweet Apple Acres, Cuatro appeared in the front yard as he calmly trotted to the door after uttering "Made you look..." to himself. He reached the front door and rapped on it three times, then waited for it to open.

It opened to reveal Applebloom as she looked up at Cuatro with a smile "Howdy there, Cuatro! Nice o' ya t' stop by today!"

Cuatro looked down "Hello, Applebloom...I wished to come here to visit you all and possibly learn about honesty for my session in the Magic of Friendship. Where is your sister?" He responded in his usual tone.

Applebloom trotted backwards to give Cuatro room to step inside "Ya might wanna wait fer her a bit. She's in th' cellar keepin' an inventory on our cider supply!"

Cuatro made his way inside and stood as he looked around at the living room, taking in the scenery as how he remembered it when he first arrived here. He noticed Big Macintosh trotting into the living room and the two nodded to each other in greeting. Applebloom watched them and giggled "You an' my brother have so much in common, Cuatro!" She then retracted her statement in thought "Well...except he's an earth pony an' yer an alicorn..." She then smiled "Maybe it's jus' y'all don't really talk much!"

The strange alicorn nodded "Could be..."

Big Macintosh nodded as well with his own reply "Eeyup..." The red stallion then trotted outside the front door.

Cuatro watched in silence before it was broken by Applebloom "He's probably goin' t' check on AJ an' tell 'er that there needs t' be some work done outside. Personally, Ah don' see th' problem since there ain't much t' do other than shovel up snow!"

"Applebloom? Why aren't ya doin' th' dishes?"

Applebloom turned to the opening to the kitchen and called out "Ah took care o' it, Granny!"

"What? Speak up, young'un!"

Applebloom huffed and spoke louder "Ah said Ah took care o' it, Granny!"

"Oh, okay then! Who're ya talkin' t' in there?"

Applebloom replied "Cuatro's here t' learn from Applejack about honesty!"

Granny Smith trotted in with a quizzical glance "Dynasty? Applejack don't know nothin' 'bout that, silly filly!" She then noticed Cuatro and smiled "Why hello here, sonny! What brings ya here today?"

Applebloom sighed in exasperation "Ah told ya he came to learn from Applejack about honesty!"

Granny Smith replied "Honesty? Well why didn't ya say so? She should come inside any moment iffin' she ain't busy! What say we head to th' kitchen an' talk over some tea? Y'all haven't lived till ya tried our special Sweet Apple tea!" The elderly mare led Cuatro into the kitchen with Applebloom following after.

Cuatro sat himself down at his familiar seat, then looked over to see Granny trot towards a steaming kettle on the oven. His horn glowed "Please, allow me, Granny Smith..." He said as he levitated the kettle and a cup over to the table, pouring himself a cup of tea as he placed it in front of him and the kettle in the center of the table.

Granny Smith smiled "Why thank ya kindly, Cuatro! Yer quite th' gentlecolt t' lend a hoof 'round here!"

Cuatro gave a curt bow "You and your family have taken me in as if I were your own from the storm. It was the least I could do...I apologize for staying at Twilight's instead of here at Sweet Apple Acres..."

Granny Smith shook her head "Fiddlesticks! Applejack told me how much y'all wanted t' learn magic! Ain't no shame in coachin' yerself in the basics again! It's good that ya stopped by, though!" She gave a warm smile at the strange alicorn.

Cuatro levitated his cup and carefully sipped the tea, making sure that it was not too hot for him to handle. It was delicious, and it tasted of apples like how the Apple family had always made their meals. He then looked at Granny Smith "What should we do while we wait for Applejack?"

Granny Smith smiled "Well, Ah'll gladly tell ya about Applebloom and how she was an adorable little baby!"

Applebloom perked up and turned to Cuatro "Granny, he don't need t' know 'bout that!!" She quickly said.

Cuatro blinked at Applebloom "Is it true?" He asked with genuine question.

Applebloom deadpanned "Trust me. Ya don't..."

Granny Smith chuckled "Ain't she a kidder? Pretty smart fer her age, too! Now when she was younger-"

Applebloom turned to Granny Smith "Granny, is it naptime already?" She asked with a tilted head.

Granny Smith stopped and hummed as she thought to herself "Now that ya mention it, Ah wonder if it really is na-" She then instantly leaned back and snored loudly while her head was arched back against the chair.

Cuatro watched with intrigue as he turned to Applebloom "I was to believe that earth ponies did not hold any magic..."

Applebloom shook her head "Nope, Granny jus' loves t' nap every now an' then."

"Well I'll be! Howdy there, partner!"

Cuatro looked back to see Applejack and Big Macintosh trot inside after shutting the door "Ah, Applejack...I was expecting you." He regarded the farmpony with his usual expression.

Applejack trotted towards the kitchen "What fer? Feel like talkin' today?"

Applebloom piped up "Actually, sis, he wants t' learn 'bout honesty from ya!"

Big Macintosh nodded "Eeyup."

Applejack smiled "Well shoot! Sure Ah can teach ya, since y'all 're busy with th' Magic o' Friendship an' all!" The group looked back to see that there was a knock on the door.

Cuatro knew full well who would show up here, and he spoke up "It's Pinkie..."

Applejack turned to Cuatro with a raised eyebrow "How do ya know that, sugarcube?"

Cuatro replied "She wanted to follow me here..." He looked away "All for the sake of seeing me smile..."

Applebloom giggled "She must have a day off today! Ah'll get it!" She hopped from her chair and trotted over to the door, opening it up to reveal Pinkie, as predicted by Cuatro "Howdy, Pinkie Pie!"

Pinkie smiled at Applebloom "Hiya, Applebloom! Can I come in? I know Cuaty's here!" At those words, the strange alicorn somehow bristled with the tempting urge to hide.

Applebloom giggled again, knowing why she was here "Sure thing! Come on in!" She let the party pony inside and the two trotted back into the kitchen after Applebloom shut the door.

Pinkie hopped over to Cuatro's side and rambled on, much to the strange alicorn's displeasure "That was a pretty crafty trick you pulled back there, Cuaty! I actually believed that Rainbow Dash was actually up in the clouds since she loved to nap there instead of her house most of the time! Can't imagine why when she could've easily slept there! ANYWAY, you really had me going that time! I didn't expect you to use your Sonido thingy to run from me though, but at least I knew where you were going! I had to look up in the sky to make sure you weren't joking, but you were! Maybe there's hope for you learning about humor yet!"

Applejack frowned "Pinkie, Ah think he gets th' message. We were jus' about t' go over honesty!" She then paused for a moment before turning to Cuatro "Did y'all really run from Pinkie, Cuatro?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Cuatro hesitated, but he answered "Yes I have...In my defense, I was a target of her meager pranks..."

Pinkie was shocked "Meager!?" She turned to Cuatro with an evil smile "Oh, you're in for it now, Cuaty! I'd watch yourself more often if I were you!" The party pony spoke in a mischievous tone.

Applejack chuckled "In any case, ya answered me honestly, so Ah suppose that counts as part o' yer lesson! Maybe Ah can ask ya some questions and see if Ah get any more truth outta ya! What do ya say, sugarcube?" She smiled at Cuatro.

Cuatro nodded "If it will help with my learning..."

Applejack, Applebloom, Pinkie, and Big Macintosh sat themselves down at the table as Cautro was about to get into his honesty lessons. Applejack cleared her throat "Alrighty then, let's get to it! First question, Cuatro...Did ya really enjoy Pinkie's party th' other night?"

Cuatro hesitated. He would say yes out of courtesy and politeness, but he would only be half-true.

"That session of Laughter...To think that was enjoyable..."

The strange alicorn sighed "I enjoyed the pleasantries offered in the party, as well as the company of my friends. However, I was not entirely fond of learning from Pinkie about laughter, especially when I was forced to. I do not wish to offend, but it was not my best experience that time..."

Cuatro expected Pinkie to be hurt, but the party pony shrugged "I wouldn't worry too much, Cuaty! It was only your first time after all!" She then grinned "But I'm super glad you enjoyed the party! Maybe I can teach you how to laugh and dance next time!"

Applejack nodded "Not bad, Cuatro! Okay, next question..." She raised an eyebrow and a curious smile "How do ya feel about Princess Luna?" the farmpony asked in an inquisitive tone.

Cuatro hesitated again. In truth, he did not know exactly how he felt about Luna despite the fact that she controls the moon and easily grants him peace. He was still confused about how he felt when talking to her and how he felt a lump in his throat whenever he stared into her turquiose eyes, or that strange moment when she hugged him last night. But if there was one thing he was sure of, he knew that she considered him a friend.

"...Luna..."

The strange alicorn found his voice after his moment of silence "I'm...I'm not sure, really...It is unethical to respond as such, but I cannot entirely convey how I feel...I can't really place my hoof on the feeling. All I can say is that we are friends at the moment, that much is true..."

Pinkie looked irritated as she frowned at Cuatro "Oh, you are such a tease, Cuaty!"

Cuatro blinked at Pinkie "...What?"

Applejack shook her head "Nevermind her. Let's keep this goin'! Now that we know 'bout how you feel towards Luna, tell us how y'all truly feel 'bout Celestia! Not limited t' when ya first visited her, o' course. Ah'm sure ya developed a bigger opinion o' her now! Let's hear it!"

Cuatro hesitated once more. This was one of two thoughts he wanted to ignore while he stayed in Ponyville. Even with Luna, he confirmed that there was something strange going on with Celestia ever since she tried using her memory spell on him in Canterlot. He sighed and closed his eyes as he felt that his opinion needed to be heard "It was not the same as last time as you said...But it has similarities..." He opened his eyes to see the group, save for a sleeping Granny Smith, staring back at him intently "I do not trust her...and after contemplating on her magical abilities with how long she has lived in Equestria, I would suspect she was indeed hiding something from me...I was not entirely sure given our short visit, but I believe she could think ill of me with how she held a completely serious aura during our conversation at dinner..."

Pinkie and Applejack frowned at this, Applebloom sat slackjawed in her seat, and Big Mac remained laidback and calm as Cuatro finished "I'm sorry, but that is exactly how I feel about Celestia. You see her as a benevolent ruler, but I see her as something else...I only hope any of you can prove me wrong in the future..."

Applebloom spoke up, almost whining "But that ain't no way t' talk 'bout th' princess! She really is a good ruler!! Really kind, too! She couldn't be hidin' somethin' from ya! That's jus'-" A hoof on her shoulder courtesy of her big brother stopped her defensive words. Big Macintosh shook his head at Applebloom, wanting her to let Cuatro stick with his opinion.

Applejack sighed "Ya really are tellin' th' truth right there. Ah'm with Applebloom with how yer talkin' like this, but Ah can't get on ya when ya have yer own right to an opinion..." She frowned at the strange alicorn.

Pinkie nodded "Yeah! I'm sure you'll be proved wrong in the future sometime, Cuaty! Just you wait and see!"

Cuatro anticipated the collective reactions from the mares, though he did not expect Big Macintosh to remain collected after he supposedly badmouthed the princess in a logical sense. A thought crossed his mind, and then he spoke up "While I was honest in my own answers, I have a question of my own...I hope that any of you would answer it for me..."

Applejack nodded "Sure thing, sugarcube! What's on yer mind?"

Cuatro took a deep breath before he looked at Applejack with a pause. He then spoke in his usual tone, though tinted with seriousness.

"...What is a heart?"

To be continued...

Capitulo Dieciocho

View Online

Capítulo Dieciocho

Heart

Applejack stared blankly at Cuatro "Beggin' yer pardon? Did Ah hear ya right with what y'all said jus' now?"

Cuatro replied "Yes...I want to know what a heart is. Can you share with me the concept?"

The Apple siblings traded confused glances with each other while Pinkie smiled "Of course we can! The heart is this little thing you keep in your tummy that helps you live! Or was it the brain? There IS a connection with the two, but I can't really put my hoof on it!"

Cuatro shook his head "I am not referring to internal organs, Pinkie...I want to know about the full value of a heart."

Pinkie paused before she looked up in realization "Oooooooooooh~! THAT kind of heart!" She grinned at Cuatro "I thought you'd never ask, Cuaty! There are plenty of ways to talk about a heart! Like...ummm...." The party pony held up a hoof while she took a bit of a lecturing tone "It's kinda like with Harmony, you know? A heart is a pretty splendorific thing that anypony can enjoy while they live their lives!" She smiled at Cuatro "It helps them to feel things that they never thought they had! They can feel happy, sad, scared, mad, and all other sorts of feelings!! It's loads of fun!!"

Applejack nodded knowingly to Pinkie's lecture "Pinkie's right on th' marker with that one! She's even right in sayin' there's plenty o' ways t' talk 'bout a heart!" She frowned at Cuatro "But why do ya wanna know about it so much, Cuatro? Somethin' on yer mind?" The farmpony asked with concern.

Cuatro stared at Applejack "It is connected to my recently-acquired memory...and according to that, I'm still lost on the explanation of a heart..."

Applebloom frowned sadly "Wow...That's jus' plum depressin' right there!"

Big Macintosh nodded with a sad frown of his own "Eeyup..."

Applejack trotted over to Cuatro and patted his back "Yer checkin' out with yer honesty, so Ah think it's best t' let ya off easy, Cuatro. Ya seem mighty fixed on this thought 'bout a heart!"

Cuatro turned to Applejack "Can you not explain it to me yourself?"

Applejack smiled "Ah can share my thoughts with ya, iffin' it'll give ya somethin' t' ponder 'bout! Ya see, Cuatro, my way o' explainin' 'bout a heart is sorta what Pinkie said, only Ah make sure t' be faithful an' strong as well as honest! It's th' best policy, after all! Also, there ain't nothin' better than puttin' yer heart and soul int' somethin' ya enjoy doin', even if it ain't yer special talent! That's what Ah consider a heart is!"

Cuatro looked down in thought while he took the information in with silence.

"An honest heart...faithful and strong...and pouring my heart and soul into something I enjoy...No...It's not enough..."

The strange alicorn lifted his head and turned to Applebloom and Big Macintosh "What of you two?"

Applebloom piped up "T' me, a heart is havin' good friends around with ya! But Ah'm sure everypony else thinks th' same way!"

Big Macintosh nodded with a smirk "Eeyup..."

Cuatro nodded "I see..." He turned to Applejack, but she held up a hoof to silence him.

The farmpony shook her head "Say no more, sugarcube! Yer free t' go an' think 'bout this! Th' only thing Ah'll say in terms o' yer session is try not t' lie to everypony ya talk to!" She smiled at the strange alicorn "Other than that, y'all did nicely here!"

Cuatro stared, but nodded as he lifted himself from his seat "I should go then...Thank you for your time Applejack, and tell Granny Smith the tea was delicious..."

Applejack chuckled when she remembered the elderly mare sleeping "Can do! Happy trails, partner!" With that, Cuatro trotted out to the front door, and Pinkie hopped after him.
_____

Cuatro trotted in the snow while Pinkie hopped next to him, wondering where to go next while the thought lingered in his mind.

"Where else can I go to know about a heart? While the earlier explanations were fruitful, they were not sufficient for full comprehension to my question..."

"Hey, Cuaty!"

Cuatro continued trotting "I'm in no mood for pranks, Pinkie..."

Pinkie smiled "Actually, I was saying if you really wanna know about a heart, why not ask Fluttershy?"

Cuatro stopped with Pinkie and turned to her "Would that be best?"

Pinkie scoffed "Duh! You wanna know what a heart is right? C'mon! Let's go!" She hopped forward "I know the way!"

Cuatro stared, then followed after her as he thought to himself.

"...Something about Fluttershy...Her demeanor...her grace...who does she remind me of?"

Following Pinkie, Cuatro was led near an edge of town as he crossed a bridge and noticed the Everfree Forest in the distance. But when he focused on Pinkie, she hopped towards a cottage that looked well-suited for the winter. As he crossed the bridges leading towards it, he noticed some deer in the backyard.

"Ah, yes...She is an animal caretaker...But wouldn't most of them be hibernating this time of year?"

He managed to meet Pinkie while she knocked on Fluttershy's door and the two waited in silence. The door then creaked open slightly to reveal the timid pony peering out cautiously before opening it up all the way "Oh, hello, Pinkie and Cuatro. What brings you here?" She asked with a kind smile.

Cuatro stared at Fluttershy and tried to seek any familiarity in her eyes as she looked back at him. It was almost maddening, but there ws something about the timid pegasus that triggered his memory.

"Are you scared? You're useless to Aizen now. There is no one left to protect you. It's over...You will die alone here, where no one can touch you..."

Fluttershy grew nervous with how Cuatro stared at her in silence "U-Um...Is something wrong, Cuatro?"

Pinkie turned to the strange alicorn "C'mon, Cuaty! Ask her!"

Cuatro snapped out of his thought without moving and spoke "I have to ask you two questions..." Fluttershy looked up at him curiously "While you claimed otherwise in the past, I have to make sure...are you still afraid of me?"

Fluttershy blinked "Is that why you were silent?" She shook her head "Oh no. Not at all." The timid pony regarded Cuatro with a smile "In fact, you're okay the way you are. I was scared at first, but it was only because of your appearance. I have to remember not to judge a pony for their looks..."

"...I'm not scared. Everyone came to save me, so my heart is already with them!"

Pinkie tilted her head with an arched eyebrow "Why would Cuatro want Fluttershy to ask THAT question?"

Cuatro nodded to Fluttershy "My next question is...can you tell me what a heart is?"

"What is a heart? If I rip it out of your chest, will I see it? If I crack open your skull, will I find it in there?"

Fluttershy blinked "A heart? Of course I can tell you. Please, come in so you won't get cold." She said as she gave room for Pinkie and Cuatro to enter the cottage.

Cuatro looked around at the cottage's living room to see several houses for small animals, even mouse holes. It was clear to him that Fluttershy values her job as well as the lives of many animals. He felt a kick at one of his forelegs and looked down to see a rabbit leering up at him with his paws on his hips.

Fluttershy trotted over and bowed apologetically "I'm so sorry about Angel Bunny, Cuatro. He doesn't do so well around strangers like I do..." She nudged the rabbit away as it scampered off "Go on, Angel. I'll give you your carrot later."

Cuatro watched the rabbit scamper onto the couch and squint his eyes at the strange alicorn "...Is he protective?"

Fluttershy nodded "That's one way of putting it. He can be a little difficult, but deep down inside, he's a really good little bunny!" She smiled warmly at her little companion while he kept his glare.

Cuatro stared back "So you say..." He turned to Fluttershy "Now about your explanation..."

Fluttershy perked up "Oh, yes! Um, could you two make yourselves comfortable while I make some tea?"

Cuatro replied "Politely declined. I've already had tea at Sweet Apple Acres..." He sat himself down on a chair, then turned to see that Angel was not taking his eyes off of him.

"...He must really value Fluttershy if he's willing to consider me an enemy at first glance..."

Fluttershy smiled "Okay then. Their tea is actually nice with a little cinnamon in it."

Pinkie nodded "Yeppers! Where there's apples, there's cinnamon! That's why they call her Applejack!" She ignored the blank stares she received from Fluttershy, Cuatro, and Angel.

The timid pony recovered and smiled awkwardly "U-Um, anyways..." She sat herself on the couch next to Angel and took a deep breath "So you want to know what a heart is..." She looked down in thought "Well, a heart can be very special, be it yours or anypony elses...sometimes it helps to decide for you whenever you feel lost or alone. It can even give you courage when you least expect it." Fluttershy looked at Cuatro with a smile "And with me, I try to stand up for my friends like Rainbow Dash, and stay true to my element whenever I meet new ponies." She cringed as she grew slightly introverted in tone "E-Even if I'm not good at first impressions..." She hid part of her face in her mane "You understand, right?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes, I understand your concept. You were helpful with giving me your opinion of a heart, Fluttershy. Thank you..."

Fluttershy revealed her face and smiled "You're very welcome, Cuatro. It's always nice to share. But, can I ask you why you want to know about a heart?"

Pinkie frowned "He doesn't really get the picture even in his previous life! Can you believe that? He acts like he never had a heart to begin with!" She then paused in realization "Hey...Maybe THAT'S why he doesn't laugh or smile! Could Cuatro possibly not have a heart?"

Fluttershy gasped as she looked concerned "Oh dear..." She trotted over to Cuatro and gave him a hug "I'm very sorry to hear that, Cuatro. If it makes you feel any better, I would say that you have a big heart..."

Cuatro looked down at Fluttershy "How can I be sure? What if I lack what can be considered a heart?"

Fluttershy frowned up at Cuatro "Now, Cuatro, that's not a good way to think...You're making it seem like you actually were born with sadness or emptiness..."

Cuatro stared down for a moment, then took a step back as he gently broke the embrace "Perhaps I don't see the bigger picture. I should look elsewhere for a proper explanation..."

Fluttershy nodded "If it's what it takes for you to be happy, then I won't stop you. I hope you'll be able to find out what a heart is for yourself, Cuatro..." She smiled empathetically at the strange alicorn.

Pinkie chimed in "He sure will since he's learning the Magic of Friendship! We better get going since Cuaty's antsy about answers! See ya later, Fluttershy!"

Cuatro bowed politely before making his leave, but looked to see that Angel continued to glare at him while Fluttershy waved. He made his way outside with Pinkie as the two trotted into Ponyville.

While they trotted, Cuatro remained silent as he thought to himself

"...What if Fluttershy was right? What if I am born to feel this way? Certainly, Rainbow Dash thinks the same way with how she refers to me as a 'zombie'...Wait..."

Cuatro turned to Pinkie as they trotted "Pinkie, do you know where Rainbow Dash lives?"

Pinkie nodded while she beamed "Sure do!" She trotted to a random tree and dug a hoof into the knothole, fishing out a pair of binoculars.

Cuatro stared for a long moment before asking "How long have you kept those in that tree?"

Pinkie giggled "Oh, you don't know about this, Cuaty! I stash binoculars all over Ponyville, in case of binocular emergency!"

Cuatro blinked "But this isn't an emergency..."

Pinkie huffed "I'm just showing you where to find Dashie's place!" She presented the binoculars to the strange alicorn with a smile "Go on!"

Cuatro sighed as he levitated the binoculars and used them to look up in the sky. As he looked around, he finally noticed a large patch of clouds forming a unique home with columns and rainbows around it. There was even a rainbow pond.

"That is indeed Rainbow Dash's house..."

Pinkie grinned "Do ya see it yet?"

Cuatro levitated the binoculars away while looking up "Yes, and it also appears to be moving slightly..." He levitated the binoculars into Pinkie's hooves as he unfurled his wings, then activated his Sonido.

Pinkie looked miffed at his disappearance "Hey!"
_____

Cuatro appeared in front of Rainbow Dash's home and landed on the clouds as he approached the door. He knocked on it, and the cyan pegasus answered it. She looked mildly surprised before she smiled "Hey there, Cuatro! What's up? You gonna teach me your Sonido trick?"

Cuatro shook his head "I actually came to ask a question that I hope you can answer..."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "Is it about last night?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...I need to ask you about your definition of a heart..."

Rainbow Dash stared with a slight wince "Are you serious? Is Pinkie trying to use you to prank me or something?"

Cuatro sighed "Far from it...I'm not fond of her tendency to try and make a fool out of me. I am serious about my question, though. What exactly is a heart?"

Rainbow Dash blinked "Are you talking about a-"

"Don't worry, Dashie! He's not talking about the heart in his body!"

Cuatro and Rainbow Dash turned to see Pinkie floating in the air with her midsection tied to a slew of multicolored balloons.

"...How did she-..."

Rainbow Dash giggled "Hey, Pinkie! How's it hanging?"

Pinkie looked at the balloons that gave her support "They're hanging pretty good! Not a single one popped yet!" She smiled "Thanks for asking, Dashie!"

The cyan pegasus shook her head in amusement "Pinkie Pie, you are so random!"

Cuatro stared at the floating pink pony "I agree..." He stated flatly.

Pinkie pointed to Cuatro "Dashie, Cuatro's super serious about his question. He thinks he doesn't have a heart at all!"

Rainbow Dash stared before she bursted out into hysterics. When she turned to Cuatro, his very stare bore into her soul, gradually stifling her laughter as she stared in realization "You're serious? What's gotten you thinking that all of the sudden?"

Cuatro looked away "My memories...I was not affiliated with a heart in the past as I've recently collected..."

Rainbow Dash stared dumbfounded at the strange alicorn "Talk about weird..." She uttered to herself before recovering "E-Er, sorry, C! I shouldn't have laughed like that or said what I've said earlier! It was uncalled for..." She then smiled "But I think I can help you out with a pretty fast explanation! Having a heart can give you the drive to do things that are nearly impossible! Like doing cool stunts, or going on dangerous adventures like Daring Do!"

Cuatro blinked "You mean that fictitious adventurer?"

Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile "Yep. She's so awesome!! But anyways, it's like I said before! With a heart, anything like big adventures is possible!!" She caught herself with her unneeded exaggeration "Well...ALMOST anything..." The cyan pegasus added in a corrective tone.

Pinkie wiggled her legs "Like me and getting all these balloons in so little time!! I already told you that it's tons of fun! Make a note of that, Cuaty! Tons! Of! Fun!"

Cuatro nodded "If that is your full explanation, then thank you for your time, Rainbow Dash. Now to make my leave-"

Rainbow Dash hopped in front of Cuatro "Wait a minute! Can't you teach me how to Sonido? You said you would!!"

Cuatro looked at Rainbow Dash "I said I would someday..."

Pinkie nodded "He's right, Dashie! You should've made him Pinkie Promise!"

Rainbow Dash scoffed "Figures...Well, mind if I tag along and hang with you guys? I wanna get my time in before I have to move some clouds in for another scheduled snowstorm."

Pinkie grinned "Sure thing! The more the merrier, right? Let's mosey on over to Rarity's! She then pulled out a random pin and began popping the balloons over her as she began to descend.

Cuatro and Rainbow Dash watched her go down "She really is random..." The strange alicorn uttered.

The cyan pegasus laughed "You'll get used to it! C'mon, let's get going! I'll race-" The sound of booming static stopped Rainbow Dash in her tracks as she donned a sour expression "Darn it..." She muttered to herself.
_____

Cuatro appeared at the front of Carousel Boutique, looking back to see Pinkie and Rainbow Dash meeting up with him. The trio then approached the door, Cuatro knocking on it and waiting for Rarity. As expected, the fashionista opened the door, but she appeared to be a wreck. Her mane was disheveled, and she wore glasses and a measuring tape over her neck "Hello, everypony. Can I help you all?" She said while catching her breath.

Rainbow Dash winced "Whoa. Sorry to catch you at a bad time, Rarity. We didn't know you were working!"

Rarity shook her head "It's no problem at all, darling! I'm only taking a short break before I get back to my order. There's this mare all the way from Trottingham requesting a very decorative ballroom dress for a party she plans on hosting!"

Pinkie grinned at the word 'party' "Sounds like my kind of customer!"

Rarity sighed with a smile "It would be nice to spend the break with you three if you've come to visit."

Rainbow Dash chuckled "You and me both. Working can sometimes be a real pain in the flank, you know?"

Rarity rolled her eyes "Don't I always?" She opened the door all the way "Come on in." The trio trotted inside the boutique as Rarity shut the door behind them. She tilted her head "I'm curious actually. Normally, I wouldn't expect any of you to visit unless there's a special event taking place, or if you need another outfit. What brings you here?"

Rainbow Dash piped up "I just started following Cuatro and Pinkie. This might sound a little weird, but he wants to know what a heart is."

Rarity frowned "That DOES sound weird, and at the same time confusing." She turned to the strange alicorn "Cuatro, darling, what do you hope to accomplish from this, if you don't mind me asking? This seems to sound like you're getting anal about your journey of self-discovery." Rainbow Dash snickered, and Rarity shot her a look that caused her to stop before the fashionista continued "But if it's what you really want, I can enlighten you with my own description!"

Cuatro questioned dryly "Am I to guess that your description involves generosity?"

Rarity smiled "Always the perceptive one, aren't you? It is one of the key traits of what I think makes a good heart. What also helps is to know that the heart stands as a reminder that anypony can be unique in their own special way with how they project their feelings! In retrospect, the heart itself can be a beautiful thing depending on those that cherish it!" A scream was heard, and the group turned to see Sweetie Belle galloping down the stairs followed by an angry Opal as she chased after the filly.

Sweetie Belle hid behind Cuatro and yelled "Rarity, do something about Opal! She's acting crazy just because I accidentally touched one of her toys!"

Rarity noticed Opal's aggresive ire and lifted her up with her magic. The cat meowed as it flailed "Opal, please calm down! Sweetie Belle didn't mean it!"

Rainbow Dash scoffed "Your cat's freaking out because your sister touched one of her toys? That's pretty spoiled, don't you think?"

Rarity sighed "Opal has been getting rather fussy as of late. I should probably send her to Fluttershy's to calm her down." A claw nicked her cheek and she yelped "Oh, Opal! Look what you did to mommy!!" She scoffed as she trotted over to a cage and locked her in there "Now I know this is beneath you, but mommy has work to do after talking with her friends! This is only a minor punishment for your actions!" Her cat's response came in the form of a spiteful hiss, to which Rarity sighed "Fluttershy makes it look so easy to raise pets..."

Sweetie Belle glared at Opal as she sat in her cage "Or maybe Opal's a total jerk!"

Rarity casted a stern look "Sweetie Belle, that is no way to talk to family!"

Sweetie Belle huffed "Only because you chose to keep her!" She then realized who she hid behind and looked up with a smile "Hi, Cuatro!"

Cuatro looked down at the filly "Hello, Sweetie Belle..."

Sweetie Belle giggled "I'm starting to get used to how you look and talk. It's really growing on me!" She beamed up at the strange alicorn's dispassionate face.

Pinkie held a determined smirk "Don't get too comfortable, Sweetie Belle! He's bound to smile one way or another!!"

Rarity chuckled "Pinkie, I think you may be going too far with this one!"

Rainbow Dash smiled "Rarity, don't you think that matters to her with Cuatro?"

Rarity frowned "Good point..." She muttered. The fashionista then sighed "Well, I think I've collected myself well enough to finish my order. It was nice to see you all, but I should really get back to work!"

Rainbow Dash nodded "No problem!"

Pinkie saluted with a smile "You get that dress prepped for the party planner, okay?"

Sweetie Belle nuzzled Cuatro's left foreleg "It was nice to see you again, Cuatro! I hope you find what you're looking for!"

Cuatro lightly patted Sweetie Belle's head and turned to leave with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie following him. Sweetie Belle turned to Rarity "Have you thought about declawing Opal at all?"

Rarity went back to her work room "Don't get me started, Sweetie Belle! Just go back to reading that dictionary you're fond of!" She snapped as she shut the door.

Sweetie Belle huffed "Maybe I will! It could get me into a good school in Canterlot!" She snapped back as she trotted off to her room with her nose in the air.
_____

Cuatro looked up to see that the sun was beginning to set. It would seem that he had spent too much time wandering to and fro in search of a good answer to his cryptic question. He turned to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie "If there isn't much to be said, I am returning to the library...I need to think on what I've learned."

Rainbow Dash hovered in the air "Already? I still got time before I have to move the clouds tonight!"

Pinkie grinned "It's not SO bad, Dashie!" She pulled down the cyan pegasus and whispered into her ear. Rainbow Dash's face was one of confusion, switching to realization, followed by a devious grin.

Rainbow Dash nodded "You got it!" She turned to Cuatro "Yeah, we'll leave you be, Cuatro! You're probably gonna be lost in thought with all of this heart stuff! Me and Pinkie are gonna go do stuff! See ya!" The two sped off in a pair of blurs, one prismatic, the other pink.

Cuatro sighed to himself and trotted back to the library.

"Big adventures...tons of fun...a beautiful heart that can be faithful and strong...Sharing kindness can be an easy feat for anypony..."

He stopped in front of the library and stared at the entrance

"...Does magic make it all complete?"

To be continued...

Capitulo Diecinueve

View Online

Capítulo Diecinueve

Message

Cuatro entered the library and looked over to see Twilight laying on the sofa while reading a book. She took notice of him and smiled "Hey, Cuatro! I never thought you'd be out for this long with Applejack! How was your lesson in honesty?"

He sighed to himself and decided to press on with his question as he trotted over to the lavender bookworm and interrupted her reading "Twilight? Can I speak with you?"

Twilight blinked in confusion "Of course you can. It's what I'm here for! Is something bothering you?" She sat up on the sofa to give Cuatro room to sit.

The strange alicorn made himself comfortable while bothered about his question as he replied "It went along easily. I'm not supposed to lie for the rest of the day, but that isn't important to me..." He turned to Twilight "I have to ask you, Twilight...What is a heart?"

Twilight stared "That's a pretty deep question to ask, Cuatro. Is it connected to your memories somehow?"

Cuatro nodded "I was...unfamiliar with the concept before like I am now...I wish to know the meaning completely. I've already consulted the help of your fellow element bearers for answers, but it wasn't enough for me..."

Twilight frowned "Were they not clear in their description?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...They had their own informative claims, but I think there could be more to it. Knowing how you're the most intelligent of them all, I'd figure you would enlighten me..."

Twilight lightly blushed at the compliment "Well, I can be as descriptive as possible if that helps. My definition of a heart is something that allows you to follow your dreams and make them a reality, and to help you focus on what is most important in life, no matter what anypony else says to bring you down. It also best shared with the ones you hold dear, and returned in kind. It really helped me wonder what friendship could be when I discovered the elements with my friends in the past. They completed me with not only my element, but my life altogether! I could never ask for more better friends than them, because in essence, Friendship is Magic!" She beamed at Cuatro as she wrapped up her explanation.

Cuatro stared as he took in all of the information. So far, it seemed as if it wrapped up all of the previous explanations he heard, but with Twilight, it seemed to make a good amount of sense.

"Friendship is Magic..."

Cuatro finally spoke "I...I think I almost understand it now..."

Twilight smiled "Really? It helped that much?"

Cuatro looked down "It still raises thought, but I believe I've learned enough about the heart today, as well as friendship..."

Twilight levitated a parchment and quill towards her and Cuatro "In that case, why not write a letter to Princess Celestia?"

Cuatro stared "Why would I want to write to her?"

Twilight presented the items in front of the strange alicorn "I know you're still iffy about Celestia, but she still offered for you to learn about the Magic of Friendship. Usually, we cover what we've learned about it in a letter and send it for her to read!"

Cuatro still felt hesitant "And what does that accomplish?"

Twilight frowned "It shows her that you've progressed in your learning. This is basically what she wants from you! Come on, Cuatro, don't be shy!"

Cuatro thought for a moment, and then nodded as he took the parchment and quill into his own magical grip "Fine...If that is really what Celestia wants from me in terms of learning the Magic of Friendship, then I shall comply to your request..." Twilight smiled at the response and the strange alicorn began jotting down his letter.

Twilight was satisfied to see Cuatro write down his first friendship letter and called out for his assistant "Spike! Can you come in here, please?"

Spike waddled in from the kitchen, nibbling on a chunk of amethyst "What's going on?" He looked to see Cuatro writing and smiled "Would you look at that! His first friendship letter! Say no more, Twi!"

Twilight giggled "Glad to hear it, Spike." She turned to Cuatro, and her smile slightly wavered 'I hope he won't write anything rash to her...'

The strange alicorn wrote down more of the letter and finally raveled up the scroll "I am finished with the letter..." He presented it to Spike "You can send it to her now..."

Spike took the scroll in his claws and opened a window as he held it in front of him and blew a stream of green fire that consumed the scroll and made it vanish into a small plume of smoke that drifted out into the cold.

Cuatro picked up his advanced spellbook and continued where he left off as he read in silence. Twilight and Spike looked at each other, then at Cuatro. Spike raised an eyebrow "Say, Cuatro? What did you even write about anyway?" He asked inquisitively.

Cuatro flipped a page "That is for the princess to find out..." He replied instantly. Twilight and Spike frowned at the response, more than curious to figure out what Cuatro had put in his letter.
_____

Celestia sat in her chambers, entering another passage into her personal journal with her mind settled 'Luna seemed more happier than before ever since last night. I wonder why...' Before she could ponder this thought further, a scroll appeared in front of her "Ah, another friendship letter?" She said to herself as she grasped and unraveled the scroll with her magic. The solar princess read the letter to herself.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I've learned about the concept of a heart from my friends, your Elements of Harmony. They have reminded me that there are many ways to explain a heart, as well as project it to anypony you talk to. It was slightly lifting to know that there was a lot to learn from this experience, but there could only be so much for me.

Personally, I do not believe I have grasped the entirety of the concept despite what I have heard from my friends, nor do I believe myself to hold a heart of my own. So I ask you, princess, since you've lived for so long in your life, do you think I am heartless? From the moment you laid eyes on me, did you consider me to be a shell? I would personally come to you for an answer, or perhaps a little advice, but I am hesitant to decide with how confused I feel inside.

Sincerely,
Cuatro

P.S: Please tell Luna that I said hello.

Celestia gave the letter a courtesy once-over and hummed to herself when she focused exactly on what Cuatro learned today 'So he's found more important points by the day. And he hasn't shown much signs of aggression or ruthlessness...' She started to feel worried for her subjects' safety when she thought about Cuatro regaining more of his memories, but shook it off when she remembered that she had given Twilight the Elements of Harmony in case anything big happened. There was a knock on her door, and she turned to it "Come in!"

The door opened to reveal Luna "Greetings, sister. I wished to discuss the trivalities of what was mentioned in today's meeting with the nobles of Canterlot with thee. How shalt we curb their-" She noticed the floating parchment in front of Celestia "Oh? Is this another friendship letter? Who is the sender?"

Celestia turned to the parchment with a neutral gaze "Believe it or not, this is the first letter that we've received from Cuatro." The more she studied her latest letter, the more she thought about what to do next.

Luna perked up "Sir Cuatro?" She asked with mild surprise as she trotted over and read the letter herself. While she read, she looked a little saddened 'Oh, Sir Cuatro...' When she reached the end, she giggled to herself.

Celestia levitated a parchment and quill to her and began jotting down a message of her own. Luna watched "Thou art replying so quickly, Tia?"

The solar princess kept her gaze focused on the parchment "Not so much a reply, but another invitation. We're to expect him by tomorrow."

Luna held back an excited smile as she pressed on with more questions "Is it to discuss the contents of his letter? Or dost thou hold another effective cure for Sir Cuatro's amnesia?"

Celestia finished her letter and made it vanish into thin air "The former. Cuatro obviously seeks an answer that he cannot find within himself or his friends. Therefore, it's up to us to enlighten him."

Luna nodded with a smile "It is good to know thou art willing to aid Sir Cuatro despite your cautious nature, Tia. Let us hope that he would be willing to oblige to your invitation."

Celestia jotted more notes into her personal diary "I'm sure he will. He values Twilight and the others as his friends, and where else would he turn to for guidance on his current thought?"

Luna looked away and frowned 'That is what we're afraid of...Hopefully Sir Cuatro would not mind Tia summoning him...' She turned and trotted out the door "Then we shalt await his arrival by tomorrow thusly. Hopefully, this meeting will go along decently. Fare thee well, sister." She shut the door.

Celestia sighed the moment she left and the image of a winged figure disintegrating with a look of sadness on his face came into her mind as she studied the memory.

"I see now...What I hold in the palm of my hand...is a heart..."
_____

Spike finished his amethyst with a crunch and a gulp as he licked his lips in satisfaction. Suddenly, however, his cheeks puffed as he belched a stream of green fire shortly after, revealing another scroll.

Twilight went to scold Spike for bad manners until she noticed the scroll and unraveled it to read to herself while Cuatro was engrossed in his book.

Dear Cuatro,

Let me tell you that I am pleased to see that you have written your first friendship letter and shared with me your progress with my faithful student. As for your questions involving you and I, you can expect a personal answer when you arrive tomorrow at the castle by yourself.

Know that when you arrive, I will give you the best explanation I can muster, considering you are just as focused on regaining your lost memories. Consider this message a formal invitation, and be sure to arrive preferably in the afternoon.

I shall see you tomorrow,
Princess Celestia

Twilight hummed 'Cuatro put a question in his letter that involves him and Princess Celestia? What could it be, though?' She turned to the strange alicorn while he read his book and frowned 'More importantly, why would she want him by himself?' The lavender bookworm then turned to the door leading to the basement as her frown deepened 'Knowing that she gave me the Elements of Harmony two nights ago while recently giving him another invitation to the castle, something doesn't add up...'

Cuatro finished his page and shifted his eyes to Twilight "Is something wrong, Twilight? What is that letter in your possession?"

Twilight flinched and pawed at the ground nervously "It's a letter from Celestia. She wants to see you tomorrow at the castle...alone..."

Cuatro was silent when he heard the news, then set down his book on the table "Let me see the letter..." Twilight hesitated, but she levitated the scroll to Cuatro for him to read. As he skimmed through the letter, he hummed to himself and rolled up the scroll "I see...So she is willing to answer my question about a heart..."

Spike looked befuddled "Wait, what? That's what you wrote to the princess? I never thought you would look into something involving a heart with how logical you seem!"

Cuatro set the scroll down "It is crucial to my memory that I'm to understand it...As for my memory altogether, the time will only come when I can achieve full recollection of my past..." He reopened his spellbook and went back to reading.

Spike crossed his arms with an arched eyebrow "I don't know about your past, but all I can say is that it must be a pretty otherworldly experience!"

Twilight nodded "I agree. But we're still with you when it comes to getting your memories back!" She smiled at the strange alicorn.

Cuatro turned to Twilight and Spike "Thank you both..."

Spike stared for a moment before he frowned "I'm starting to see where Pinkie's coming from with you not smiling all the time..." He muttered to himself, dissatisfied with not seeing the slightest change on Cuatro's face.

Twilight casted a stern glare on Spike, then looked back at Cuatro with a smile "You're welcome, Cuatro!"

Spike made a trek to the kitchen "I'm gonna make us some dinner! I heard we're gonna have another snowstorm tonight!"
_____

Later that night, snow was being carried by ferocious winds outside while Twilight and Spike were sleeping in the darkened library. Cuatro, being the only pony awake, was reading more of his spellbook by candlelight. He nearly reached the end of it with his progress, and had half a mind to disregard the horrid weather outside to practice more of his magic.

"So I'm to meet Celestia tomorrow at Canterlot by myself for the first time...But that also means meeting...Luna..."

Cuatro set down his book and rose from the sofa as he trotted towards the center of the main lobby. He felt he was ignoring his magic practice, and he needed to learn proper control sometime. He closed his eyes as his horn began to glow. While he thought about what spell to cast, two things lingered in his mind: A faint image that seemed familiar, and a pony that somehow refused to leave his mind.

"Luna..."

While his horn glowed, three small green orbs appeared around him.

"Luna..."

The orbs slowly levitated in front of Cuatro, two on his right side and one on his left.

"Luna..."

The princess of the night almost clouded his thoughts entirely had it not been for the faint image taking hold of his mind. He spotted a glow similar to his orbs, but it was a line grasped by a hand. From there, the orbs shook for a moment before quickly extending into long and sharp javelins. The strange alicorn produced an unconscious thought while he kept his focus.

"Luz de la Luna..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Veinte

View Online

Capítulo Veinte

Answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Good morning, Cuatro."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuatro was instantly intrigued when he looked at the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Hmmm..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuatro trotted further into the halls, thinking to himself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Am I...a monster?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuatro stared for a moment as he contemplated the choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sir Cuatro?"

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

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

"These reactions are very troublesome..."
_____

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintiuno

View Online

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.
_____

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...

Capitulo Veintidos

View Online

Capítulo Veintidos

Title

After their small time at the donut shop, Luna and Cuatro made their way outside and trotted into the city streets once more. Chilling winds flew past the two alicorns, allowing for their manes to be carried in the breeze.

Luna paid the cold no mind, but then smiled as she shifted her gaze to Cuatro "A fine day for this weather, dost thou not agree, Sir Cuatro?" The strange alicorn only followed in silence, unable to respond to Luna's question. Her eyes lidded slightly as her smile widened "Art thou still shaken from our favor earlier?" She asked in a teasing tone.

At that question, Cuatro managed to speak "It was...unexpected...even from a pony of high regard such as yourself..." He shifted his gaze to Luna "May I ask why?"

Luna held a hoof to her muzzle as she stifled a giggle, then replied "We only wished to see if thou art as dutiful to us as thou make thyself out to be! Thine action proved thee to be most devoted to whatever we ask of thee!"

Cuatro nodded "But of course...This may seem wrong of me to say, but despite us being friends, I would gladly serve under you if I you ever offered a position to me..."

Luna shook her head with a smile "Wrong indeed. How would thou explain to the Elements of Harmony why thou would abandon their care?"

Cuatro realized the futility of his statement and looked down "That's right...Perhaps I was quick to assume my future, especially since they were the ones that have helped me..." He looked at Luna "Please forgive me, Luna..."

Luna nodded "Think nothing of it." She examined Cuatro's expression and tilted her head "Sir Cuatro...Hast thou ever smiled in thy life? Or when thou were with the element bearers?"

Cuatro paused, then shook his head "I'm sorry to say I haven't...I even went through a session of learning laughter with the help of Pinkie Pie..." He stated reluctantly.

Luna giggled "Pinkamena is truly a 'party animal', as they would call it!" She then frowned "But it is sad to see thine face in a perpetual state of emptiness."

Cuatro met Luna's gaze "You're not the first to regard me with a sense of emptiness...I'm beginning to think I'm connected to it somehow..."

Luna couldn't help a sad expression from crossing her face upon hearing "Sir Cuatro..." She stopped in her trail, Cuatro following suit, and the Princess of the Night looked up at Cuatro "We cannot fathom thy former life, but it sounds as if thou would envoke despair wherever thou may go..."

Cuatro was silent, and the more he stared at Luna's sadness, the more he felt penitent in his words. He did not want this to continue, and an idea that appeared to be a longshot crept into his mind.

"...Knock knock..."

Luna's sadness instantly gave way to confusion as she blinked at the strange alicorn "Pardon?"

Cuatro paused, but repeated himself when he found his voice "Knock knock..."

Luna was silent, until she perked up with a small gasp "Oh! Tis one of those 'knock knock' jokes, correct? The kind most ponies use nowadays?" She tilted her head "We've never considered thee to have a sense of humor, Sir Cuatro." Cuatro stared back in silence.

"The feeling is mutual..."

Luna shook off her curiousity and smiled "But we digress! Pray tell, who is there?"

Cuatro finally replied "Me..."

Luna stared at Cuatro as he stared back with his emotionless expression, and afterwards, she began to giggle "Ah, that is one way to deliver a joke! We remember it being told differently, but thou did well to attempt a jest!"

Cuatro felt his discomfort vanish upon seeing Luna happy again, and gave a curt bow in reply "I only wish to make you happy, Luna...Be you princess or friend..." He replied in his usual tone.

Luna looked up at Cuatro with a smile "Thou art most devoted indeed to say such a thing, Sir Cuatro..."

Cuatro looked back at Luna "Is it a problem?"

Luna shook her head "Nay...That thou would consider the well-being of a friend is an amazing trait within a pony!" She sighed "But perhaps thou should try to follow Pinkamena's advice and smile once in a while..."

Cuatro looked down "I don't think I can oblige to that...not yet..."

Luna frowned, until a thought came to her "Then, when thine memories return..." She took a step forward and lifted a hoof to Cuatro's chin to have the two lock gazes "Would thou try and smile for us then?" She asked in a soft tone as she smiled.

Cuatro only stared and felt his legs go numb, and before he would let his reactions get the best of him again, he gave a nod "I will do it for you, Luna...Until my memories return, I will promise that..."

Luna drew her hoof back and beamed "T'would be an amazing sight to see thee smile, Sir Cuatro!"

Cuatro stared back "I can only hope my memories return entirely so that I may see to my promise..." He looked around "Where should we go next? Could there be another place to your liking?"

Luna held a thoughtful expression, until she brightened "Of course!" She unfurled her wings "Sir Cuatro, take flight and follow us! Make haste!" The Princess of the Night then took off into the sky, while Cuatro stared before he unfurled his own wingspan and followed behind at a decent pace.

The two alicorns flew across the sky until Luna made a course towards a snow-covered plain with a lone tree outside of Canterlot. When the two landed, Luna trotted up towards the tree and placed a hoof on it. Engraved on the old bark was a sign that said 'Tia + Lulu, Best sisters' "This is where we spent most of our youth when we're not busy at the castle..." Her hoof slowly slid down the bark as she held a nostalgic smile "Tia and I, we would usually play here sometimes."

Cuatro noted Luna's tone and nodded "I see...It is a good place."

Luna turned to Cuatro "Please forgive the location. We only wished to show thee a place that we hold dear whilst we could talk more." She faced Cuatro "Tell us, Sir Cuatro...Hath thou made any progress with thy magic?"

Cuatro stared before he replied "I have...It seemed to be a part of my memory as well..." He closed his eyes and his horn glowed green as he conjured a javelin in front of him.

Luna noticed and awed at the appearance "Remarkable! Is there a name for this spell?"

Cuatro opened his eyes "Yes, actually. It is called...Luz de la Luna..."

Luna blinked at the name and tilted her head 'An intriguing name...It's as if Sir Cuatro was one with the moon in his time...' She thought for a moment, before she smiled "Sir Cuatro, thou saith that thou would do anything for us, correct?"

Cuatro canceled out the javelin as he opened his eyes back to Luna "I have...But I should also take my friends into consideration..."

Luna kept her stare "Would thou protect them with all of thy strength? And us as well?"

Cuatro nodded "I shall do so for all that they have done for me thus far, and you not only for your status, but our friendship as well..."

Luna held a proud smile "And thou favor our precious night as much as thy friends?"

Cuatro nodded once more "Yes, I do...I will not hide that fact from you or anypony else..."

Luna looked into Cuatro's eyes before she lightly stomped a hoof "We ask for thee to bend knee for a small moment, Sir Cuatro. We wish to bestow upon thee a gracious honor!"

Cuatro complied to Luna's request and knelt properly despite the snow covering his legs. He hung his head and closed his eyes as he did so.

"I wonder what she is going to do..."

Luna smiled down at Cuatro "Thou hath shown great promise as a friend and a considered thyself a protector of those thou deem most dear to thy heart! Thy strength admirable, thy devotion commendable, and thy commitment to our night most astounding! And for those facts alone..."

She leaned her head down and closed her eyes as her majestic horn touched Cuatro's left shoulder as he remained in his position "We would gladly dub thee Sir Cuatro..." She brought her head up to lean it back down to where her horn touched the strange alicorn's right shoulder "The Moon Shield!" Luna brought her head up and looked down at Cuatro once more "Rise, so that we may behold thy form, Sir Cuatro!"

Cuatro did as he was told and looked back up at Luna "Thank you very much for this title, Luna..."

Luna smiled at Cuatro "Thou hath earned it with thine admirable traits! If thou were royalty, we would gladly engage thee with the Royal Canterlot Voice!"

Cuatro blinked "Royal Canterlot Voice?"

Luna hummed "Yes, we forget that thou art nary familiar with the concept. Allow us to show thee..." She cleared her throat before she began to speak in what Cuatro would think to be an amazing accent...

"WE ART MOST PLEASED THAT THOU WOULD ACCEPT OUR BLESSING THIS FINE DAY, SIR CUATRO!! WE ASK THEE TO WEAR THY NEW TITLE WITH PRIDE!!"

Or so he thought. He was lucky to stand still with his ears intact while his mane and tail blew back furiously from the force of Luna's mighty voice. It was as if she were able to use her own voice as a weapon. He lifted a hoof to brush back his mane before he replied in his usual tone "That was an intriguing display of your voice..."

Luna felt embarrassed as she recoiled with a faint blush "Er, forgive us if thou art uncomfortable with our demonstration..." She spoke in an apologetic tone with an expression to match.

Cuatro never thought she would feel this way, and found himself trotting near her "Do not be afraid. While it almost took me by surprise, I was serious in my words. Your Royal Canterlot Voice must be very special to use such volume..."

Luna never thought that another pony would like her Royal Canterlot Voice as she stood with a reinvigorated smile "Yes, well...This voice has been in our royal line for generations! We're glad that thou would enjoy it!"

Cuatro looked towards the city of Canterlot "I suppose your sister thinks otherwise, correct?"

Luna sighed "Sad but true...Many ponies doth not fancy the ways we were raised into given our...absence..." She looked away with a sad expression.

Cuatro turned back to Luna "Absence? What are you referring to, Luna?"

Luna shrunk away when she was asked the question 'We should not hath brought it up again...' "Nothing of dire concern, Sir Cuatro...Forget our words, please..."

Cuatro stared at Luna and trotted to her side "I cannot let your current mood stand, Luna...If you will not tell me, is there a way to lift your spirits? Should I-..." He hesitated reluctantly "...Should I tell another joke...?"

Luna looked over at Cuatro as he stared and managed a thin smile "We're fine, Sir Cuatro. There is no need to feel uneasy..."

Cuatro replied flatly "I disagree to that..." He inched himself further "It would be against my duty to ignore a problem my friends are facing...even you..." He held out a hoof "Tell me what I can do to cheer you up..."

Luna stared at Cuatro and noted the determination behind his seemingly dispassionate face and smiled "Thou would easily live to thy title..." She looked down, and then an idea came to her as her spirits lifted. Luna's horn glowed as a mound of snow was lifted up and curled into a ball, then the Princess of the Night turned to Cuatro with a mischievous smile "Think quickly!" She said as she flung the snowball at the strange alicorn.

Cuatro felt the cold snow pelt his face, and he brought a hoof up to wipe it off of him while Luna began to laugh. The strange alicorn noticed that Luna held another snowball in her magical grip and tossed it at him again, only Cuatro was able to dodge this time "Why do you hit me with snow?"

Luna smiled "Thou art unfamiliar with the concept of a snowball fight? Tis a form of recreation in times of winter! Thou should try it!" She created another snowball and flung it at Cuatro.

Cuatro dodged and activated his horn as he made a snowball of his own. He then tossed it at Luna, only to have her dodge as she retaliated instantly.

The two alicorns were fighting fiercely; Luna was enjoying the moment, whereas Cuatro was confused, yet he was getting used to it. Soon, Luna made two snowballs and tossed them both at Cuatro one at a time.

The strange alicorn thought to himself as the snowballs approached him.

"Perhaps I should try a new tactic..."

Cuatro dodged the first one as his horn began to glow, and then he caught the next one aimed at him. He managed to stop it mere inches from his face as he then tossed it back to Luna.

Luna was surprised at this, but she acted quickly as she made her own horn glow, catching and tossing back the same snowball.

It was not long before Cuatro and Luna began to repeat the process until the ball was trembling in the middle between them with their magic being evenly distributed among the projectile.

Luna showed small signs of strain while Cuatro maintained his own composure 'He is a most formidable opponent! Unless...' She held a mischievous smile as she continued to push the snowball against Cuatro's own force "Sir Cuatro, relinquish thy magic!" She called out in mock authority.

Cuatro instantly did as he was told, but was then pelted in the face once again with a snowball. Luna laughed as she trotted towards his side "Thou should not have done what we've asked!"

The strange alicorn finished cleaning his face as he looked back at Luna "But you told me to-"

Luna laughed more "Oh, Sir Cuatro, thou must really learn to unwind! Thou mustn't take most things at face value all the time!" She nuzzled under his chin "Forgive our action, but we're pleased to say that we're feeling much better thanks to thee!"

Cuatro felt his heart quiver as she had done so and replied "My pleasure..."

Luna smiled up at Cuatro 'Most bashful, this one...' She looked back at Canterlot "Come, Sir Cuatro! Let us fly back to Canterlot and find other means of leisure, shall we?" She unfurled her wings and took flight. Cuatro only hesitated for a moment before he followed her.

"It's good to know I've done my part in making her happy...But I must know the meaning of these reactions towards Luna..."
_____

When they arrived back in Canterlot, Cuatro and Luna landed in the streets and faced each other. The Princess of the Night smiled "Can we trust thee to find another location around Canterlot this time, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro shook his head "I will follow you wherever you wish to go. I cannot think of any particular location for us to spend time together...Truthfully, I would gladly gaze at the moon and stars at your side if we were to meet at a later time..."

Luna inched her head towards Cuatro "Would thou really?" She asked in a soft tone.

Cuatro nodded and replied instantly "Yes...I would like nothing more than to look at your night sky...it fills me with peace..."

Luna's smile widened "Sir Cuatro..." She uttered as her eyes lidded slightly.

Cuatro stared back, finding himself captivated by her stare again, though his expression did not change "Luna..." He felt warmth along with a heart-racing sensation overtake his body. Time seemed to stop for both alicorns as they looked at one another.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything..."

Luna was startled and turned to see her sister looking at the two with her neutral expression "T-Tia!"

Cuatro noticed as well and stared back at Celestia.

"Perhaps we may have been gone for too long..."

Celestia spoke up "It's nice to see you're enjoying each other's company like this, but you're needed at the castle now, Luna. You have duties to attend to."

Luna met Celestia's stare with one of her own "With the nobles, yes? More laws that require discussion?"

Celestia nodded "I'm sorry to cut your time together short. Let's go now, Luna. We don't want to keep them waiting..." She turned to Cuatro "I believe you should head back to Ponyville, Cuatro."

Cuatro stared in silence, then turned to Luna, who looked back with a thin frown and a calm, but apologetic gaze. He then looked back at Celestia "I understand...Royal duties come first..."

Celestia replied "Thank you for seeing things our way." She turned to Luna "Come, Luna." She turned around and trotted back to the castle "I'm sure you'll see Cuatro again."

Luna sighed as she looked at Cuatro "I'm afraid this is where we part ways for now, but we shalt indeed see thee again soon!"

Cuatro nodded "I look forward to it..."

Luna smiled "Likewise...Till we meet again, Moon Shield..." She trotted away with a content smile and her eyes closed. When she was at a proper position, her tail found itself under Cuatro's chin, slowly brushing along as Luna distanced herself away.

Cuatro's cheeks flushed and his pupils dilated in the same pace the tail was going under his chin. Out of all the times he had physical contact with Luna, this proved to be the most exhilarating. The more he felt the tail, the more his mind felt hazy. It was considerably the greatest feeling on himself.

*POMF*

Luna stopped and blinked when she heard a sound. She looked back and her eyes widened with a small gasp as a faint blush appeared on her face. After a small moment of pause, she held a hoof to her mouth, trying to stifle a fit of laughter at what had happened.

Cuatro stood with dilated pupils, but also with his wingspan spread against his will. When he snapped out of his trance after the feeling subsided, he first noted Luna's laughter, then turned to see his wings with his usual expression, blinking in confusion.

"My wings? Why are they out?"

He tried to move them, but it was as if they were stiffened into position. This confused the strange alicorn further.

"What is this?"

Cuatro turned to the laughing princess in front of him "Luna, what is wrong with my wings? Is this normal?" He asked, oblivious to the princess' laughter.

Luna managed to stifle her laughter as she held a hoof to her mouth "Th-Thou should-" She chuckled "Thou should try and control that more often, Sir Cuatro!" She trotted away "F-Fare thee well!" She went to catch up with her sister as she continued to laugh.

Cuatro only blinked at the vague explanation given to him, and focused back on his wings. As he stared at them, he felt the stiffening feeling fade and regained control of his wings.

"Out of all my previous reactions...This is the most obscure one yet..."

After a couple of flaps to ensure his wings were alright, he flew into the sky and looked towards the distant town of Ponyville.

"Now to go back to my friends...I hope that they may help me as I've helped Luna..."

With that, he blurred out of existence with his Sonido and went back to Ponyville.

When she reached the castle, Celestia looked up to see him leave and hummed. She found the image of a pale figure appearing next to a running man carrying a child before kicking him away at a far range 'Be safe, my little ponies...' She turned away and trotted into the castle.

Luna looked up to where Cuatro once hovered and smiled 'We shalt see thee again soon enough, Moon Shield...' She followed her sister inside of the castle.

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintitres

View Online

Capítulo Veintitres

Loyalty

In Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was hovering and looking around diligently while carrying a sack in her hooves "You see him yet, Pinkie?"

Pinkie was on surveillance below Rainbow Dash with a set of binoculars as she looked around in random directions "Nopey dopey, Dashie! Not even a tiny hair!"

Rainbow Dash smirked mischievously "Awesome! That'll give us plenty of time to prepare! Good ol' Cuatro won't know what's coming to him once he gets back!" She sifted through her sack and went over the contents inside.

Pinkie continued looking around "You mean IF he comes back! If is good, right? He's been gone for so long, you'd think he'd be here with that Sonido thingy of his! In fact, if I were to guess when he'll be back, I'd say he'll be next to us, right aboooooout..."

The party pony turned into another direction until she noticed a patch of pale white blur into her vision "There he is! Hi, Cuaty!" Pinkie lowered her binoculars to look up and see Cuatro look back at Pinkie with his usual emotionless expression.

Rainbow Dash was instantly startled as she fumbled with her sack and quickly hid it behind her back while she hovered "U-Uh, hey there, C! How's it going?" She asked with an awkward grin with a tone to match.

Cuatro regarded the two mares in his usual tone "Hello to you both. It is actually going well today..." He looked back at the distant city of Canterlot.

"I can only wonder how Luna was able to activate my wings without magic..."

Rainbow Dash shifted her eyes "Cool, that's whatever...We kinda heard from Twilight that you were at the castle a couple of hours ago!" She looked at Cuatro with a curious glance "Did Princess Celestia wanna see you for something?"

Cuatro shook his head "It involved my first friendship letter...It's safe to assume that I should trust in you and the others to teach me more about friendship..."

Pinkie got into Cuatro's face with a wide grin "Does that mean you'll smile now?" She asked in an expectant tone.

Cuatro replied flatly "No..."

Pinkie drew herself back with puffed cheeks and crossed forelegs "Horseapples!"

Rainbow Dash shifted her eyes again "Say, Cuatro, why don't you go and let Twilight know you're back? Wouldn't be right to just stand way out here!"

Cuatro stared at Rainbow Dash with his unreadable expression "...You and Pinkie are right next to the library..." He stated in his usual tone, albeit deadpanned.

Rainbow Dash blankly turned to stare at the large treehouse next to her "...Oh..." She turned back to Cuatro with a grin "Looks like we are, huh? Now you can tell go Twilight about your visit! Wouldn't wanna keep her waiting, right?"

Cuatro sweatdropped at Rainbow Dash's unusually ardent response and trotted into the library without another word. When the door shut, the cyan pegasus quickly landed next to Pinkie and whispered in her ear "Okay! Now we know he's here! Let's just figure out where to start with what we have!"

Pinkie saluted with narrow eyes, and the two mares dug into the sack and fished out random items while tittering to themselves.
_____

Twilight and Spike were busy reading history and geography books to see if she could not pinpoint any trace of familiarity with Cuatro in Equestria. So far, she had absolutely no leads on particular alicorns of his appearance.

Twilight grew frustrated with her current results 'This doesn't make any sense! Not a single lead to follow with Cuatro's memories! No piece about his origins, no word about Hueco Mundo or Las Noches, no nothing! Where could Cuatro hail from to have all of these memories??' She stole a glance at his compiled list of memories starting from 'Aizen' and ending at 'human'. The lavender bookworm ever wondered if she could either make sense of Cuatro's memories or be able to restore them altogether in the near future.

The front door opened, and Twilight looked to see Cuatro trot inside and smiled "Oh, hello, Cuatro! I see you're back from Canterlot!" She looked at the mass of books surrounding her and grinned sheepishly at the strange alicorn "I've...been doing a bit of studying with Spike's help, so there's no need to worry about the mess!"

Cuatro activated his horn as he stared at Twilight "Not at all...I can gladly clean this up while I explain about my visit..." He brought a book over to him and examined its contents; it was the history book he had last read. Cuatro gave a light nod and read on.

Twilight hopped over a small pile of books and gave a touched smile "Cuatro, you shouldn't feel so obligated to help, it wasn't your mess to begin with..."

Spike nodded "Yeah! And besides, with how long I've lived with Twilight, reshelving these books are a cinch!" He smiled at the strange alicorn.

Cuatro stopped his reading to look at Twilight "I musn't disregard you or the rest of my friends for your care and understanding of my situation, especially if I'm a stranger to many in Equestria...I believe I managed to nearly understand what a heart is..."

Twilight gave a brightened smile "Really? Then, how about I fix us up a light snack and we can talk about it?"

Spike rubbed his claws together and licked his lips "I'm all for that! I could use a small break from all this research, wouldn't you?"

Cuatro turned to Spike "Research? Is there a certain process I should know about?" He replied in his usual tone.

Twilight sighed "Cuatro, I'll be honest. While you were gone, I was still fixated on turning to nearly every book that I own to see if you fit in any particular area or historical event tied to Equestria and its history! But, as of late, we haven't had the best results..."

Spike crossed his arms "You know, I'm still iffy as to how Princess Celestia couldn't bring back your memories! That's just a thought that's been nagging at my head for a while now!"

Cuatro was silent upon hearing Spike. He had his own suspicions about Celestia and how she supposedly 'failed' at restoring Cuatro's memories, but so far, she had managed to re-educate him into learning more about the value of friendship as well as the heart, along with how he had been acting towards others.

"...Could I understand the full concept of the heart before my memories return? What would I do after I manage to accomplish both of my goals?"

Twilight shifted her glances between Cuatro and Spike and gave an awkward smile "Well, since we're on the topic of Princess Celestia, why don't we head to the kitchen?" Twilight trotted inside with Spike and Cuatro following close behind.

Spike and Cuatro made themselves comfortable on their own seats while Twilight fetched some snacks she preserved in her refridgerator. She pulled out three sweet rolls and levitated them onto the table, then trotted towards the stove "I'll get us some hot cocoa going, if any of you feel up to it?"

Cuatro shook his head "No thank you. The sweet roll is fine..."

Twilight shrugged "Suit yourself." She pulled out some powder packets from the cupboards after closing her fridge and readied two mugs as she poured hot water and powder into both of them, stirring them up "So tell me, Cuatro. Did everything go well at Canterlot?"

Cuatro replied while he levitated his history book "It was actually more acceptable than I had hoped for. I even managed to socialize with Luna for a short period of time..."

Twilight turned to Cuatro with a smirk "Really now? A simple day as friends, I take it?"

Cuatro replied instantly "More or less...It was actually fulfilling to see her in a good mood, save for when she had made mention of her absence..." He turned to Twilight, who approached with the two mugs she made for herself and Spike "Tell me, Twilight...Do you bear knowledge of Luna's 'absence'?"

Twilight and Spike blinked before they shared knowing and slightly somber expressions towards themselves. Twilight turned to the strange alicorn with a frown "Cuatro, this is something that has affected Princess Luna for the longest time. It actually involves the Elements of Harmony."

Cuatro stared at Twilight, growing more curious about her explanation "Has she used them herself?"

Twilight nodded "For a time, according to her and Celestia's history, but this is different. You see, Cuatro, one thousand years ago, the princesses took pride into their jobs of raising and lowering the sun and moon."

Spike continued "The ponies adored Celestia's sun, and they frolicked and played under it until the moon rose into the sky. Everypony then went to bed and basically ignored the night sky."

Twilight frowned more, knowing what was explained next "With how Celestia got all the attention for her work, Luna became more and more jealous and wanted her night to last longer. Celestia urged Luna for both of them to work together, but Luna grew more stubborn and jealous until she became an evil monster known as Nightmare Moon, who wanted the night to last forever! Celestia knew that nothing else could be done about Nightmare Moon and her power other than to use the Elements of Harmony and banish her to the moon, where she remained for one thousand years exactly!"

For the first time, Cuatro felt his heart buckle at the thought of seeing Luna being imprisoned in her own creation as punishment for her actions. It left when Twilight continued her story "But she was aided by the stars in escaping so that she could try and bring eternal night to Equestria once again after being gone for so long." She then placed a hoof on her chest "That's where me and my friends came in! Before I came into Ponyville, I was living in Canterlot, where I was too busy studying to talk to anypony or make any friends! But after I was sent here by Celestia in order to actually make friends, I never realized how much of a positive impact it had given in my life! I've met my friends AND discovered that we were the new Elements of Harmony. We even managed to save Luna in the process!"

Cuatro was silent as he took all of this information in, and even set down his history book as he thought about this.

"So Luna became a threat to Equestria for a time...I can sympathize with her reasons, but to think that she would be driven into darkness over jealousy..."

The strange alicorn turned to look out the window "That explains why she was saddened about it...I should be happy to know that I've cheered her up..."

Twilight smiled "You have? How?"

Cuatro looked back to Twilight "A snowball fight. Though, I never thought a princess such as herself even favored such an activity."

Spike chuckled "Somepony needs to have more fun in his life." He cringed when he noticed Twilight giving him a look.

Cuatro nodded "I've also learned that I should even protect my friends whenever conflict arises..." He looked at Twilight and Spike "I know I have said this in the past, but I thank you and the others for accepting me into your life as a friend, especially if I feel lost myself...Know that if need be, I shall guard you all with my life..."

Twilight and Spike gave a touched smile at Cuatro's words, though Twilight's grew thin "You don't exactly have to go that far, Cuatro. We haven't been met with any known disasters as of late."

Cuatro replied instantly "Regardless, you all are carrying my burden, and I must return the favor somehow...It would go against my title as Moon Shield..."

Twilight drew her head back and blinked incredulously "Moon Shield?"

Cuatro nodded "Luna has bestowed a title upon me out of both the goodness of her heart and her judgement of my character..." He closed his eyes "I must be loyal to those that I hold dear..."

Spike crossed his arms with a smile "You know, with all this talk of loyalty, you should go find Rainbow Dash and learn a thing or two from her! That should boost your knowledge on friendship AND show how committed you are to your title!"

Cuatro turned to Spike "An excellent idea...Much appreciated from you, Spike..." The purple dragon waved a dismissive claw before he blew on his cocoa and took his first sip.

Twilight smiled "You really are a good friend to say all of this. If you need to know anything at all, you know who to turn to!" She closed her eyes and took another sip.

Cuatro stared at Twilight drinking her cocoa and remembered a topic of importance as he spoke in a straight tone "My wings extended on their own when I made physical contact with Luna. Why is that?"

Spike didn't have enough time to brace himself when a stream of hot cocoa splashed onto his face and prompted the dragon to scream.
_____

Later, after a small talk about pony anatomy and hearing Twilight apologize profusely to her assistant while cleaning him, Cuatro made his way out of the library and decided to pursue Rainbow Dash by trotting through Ponyville, though his head was hung in shame as he went.

"To act inappropriately towards a friend, and around Luna no less...I should apologize to her the next time we meet...But why was she laughing at me rather than being offended?"

As he thought to himself, he was unaware that he was being watched from the skies. Rainbow Dash stealthfully monitored Cuatro's movements from behind a cloud in the sky. She turned to his right to peer down at a bush containing a secluded Pinkie readying a pie. When the party pony looked up at Rainbow Dash, the cyan pegasus gave a nod to which Pinkie returned as she got her throwing hoof locked into position.

Cuatro stopped and looked around until he faced to the sky to pinpoint Rainbow Dash's position.

"She tends to enjoy the sky, so no doubt she would be up there..."

Pinkie found the time to quickly appear from the bushes without making any noise and toss the pie at her target. However, she was too late when Cuatro decided to unfurl his wingspan and fly upward, inadvertently dodging the pie.

Instead of going for Cuatro, the pie was now headed towards an unsuspecting zebracorn wearing a fedora with a black-and-white plaid scarf while he trotted in the snow. He turned to see the pie with widened eyes and did not have time to scream before it slammed and splattered in his face. Pinkie winced at the scene and mouthed an 'oops' to herself as she saw the zebracorn muffle a curse with a tin on his muzzle.

Rainbow Dash saw the whole thing and cursed under her breath. She then noticed Cuatro nearby, hovering in the air and looking around 'What could he be looking for? Is he onto us?' She scowled to herself 'I'll bet somepony tipped him off! But who?' She looked away and whispered to herself while she hid in her cloud "Okay, so that one's out. Guess we'll have to find something else..."She turned back to spy on Cuatro, who was right in front of her face, causing the cyan pegasus to yelp and distance herself away "Whoa! Why'd you sneak up on me like that!?" She spoke in a startled tone.

Cuatro replied "My apologies if I scared you, Rainbow Dash...It's just that I've heard you whispering and I've managed to find you now. If it's not too much trouble, could you perhaps teach me about loyalty today?"

Rainbow Dash calmed herself as she hovered with Cuatro "You wanna learn about loyalty today? Are you wanting to get the whole learning session out of the way or something?"

Cuatro shook his head "I only wish to know what the true meaning of loyalty is from the Element of Loyalty herself, so that I may be more committed to my friends..."

Rainbow Dash chuckled "You sound like a royal guard! But maybe I could teach you a thing or two today!" She looked down at Pinkie, and an idea instantly clicked into her head as she grinned "Yeah, I could show you some pointers while going around Ponyville! Sound cool?"

Cuatro nodded "Very well. Although, the cold has no sound unless you're referring to the wind..."

Rainbow Dash just stared at Cuatro with a mixture of unamusement and disappointment 'Now I see why he wanted to stay with Twilight...' She quickly changed her expression into that of a smirk and glided past Cuatro "C'mon, C! Let's head on down so you can get started!" The strange alicorn followed after his teacher for the day as they descended to the ground. They began to trot in the snow with Rainbow Dash at Cuatro's side, and while he looked forward, the cyan pegasus quickly turned to the bush and winked with a mischievous grin.

Pinkie noticed the signal and zipped out of the bush, catching the attention of Cuatro "Was that-"

Rainbow lightly nudged the strange alicorn as they continued on "Hey now, you shouldn't get sidetracked over the little things! The lessons begin now!"

Cuatro turned to Rainbow Dash "Of course. Forgive me for being distracted..."

Rainbow Dash looked around "Now where should we go first...Hey! How about we head over to the park? That'll be a good place to learn loyalty!"

Cuatro replied instantly "If you truly think that it is best..."

Rainbow Dash smiled "Alright! Let's head on over! I'll race-" She instantly stopped herself before she cleared her throat "Er, let's just walk there..." The cyan pegasus spoke in a defeated tone. She didn't want to repeat the same mistake again knowing Cuatro's Sonido 'Hey, wait a minute! He said he could teach me Sonido someday!!' She looked back at Cuatro "Hey, Cuatro! I have a better idea now! I'll teach you about loyalty if you teach me how to Sonido! You said you'd teach me someday, and you're in search of lessons yourself, so we'll be helping each other out!"

Cuatro blinked until he remembered his words from Pinkie's party "Ah, yes...I have, haven't I? A part of me regrets this decision with how my Sonido could be considered a natural trait..."

Rainbow Dash frowned "It's a trait on speed, and I'm all about speed! I'll be sure to keep up with how you'll put it in words!"

Cuatro wished to deny it further, but he saw the determination and persistence in Rainbow Dash's eyes and sighed "I'll do my best to teach you as you will me..."

Rainbow Dash beamed "Awesome! Let's get moving!" The two made for the park after a deal was struck. Rainbow Dash kept her grin while she moved with Cuatro 'I get to prank Cuatro with Pinkie AND I get to learn how to go even faster! It's a win-win!'

To be continued...

Capitulo Veinticuatro

View Online

Capítulo Veinticuatro

Pranks

At the park, Rainbow decided to go into the air after feeling that she had graced the ground with her presence for too long. She hovered in front of Cuatro and looked down at him "Okay, Cuatro! The first thing you should know about loyalty is that you should always stick with your friends or anypony you choose no matter what! Not just for obligation, but out of your own commitment!" She looked around "Now who would be a good candidate for you to hang with for the time being..."

Rainbow Dash perked up when she noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders laughing and playing in the snow, having a snowball fight of their own. She grinned "That's it! Your lesson on loyalty for the day will be keeping an eye on the crusaders until I consider you've actually done your part! Keep 'em safe and out of trouble if something comes up! Think you can handle it?" She looked upon Cuatro with an expectant glance.

Her expectations were met when Cuatro nodded in confirmation "I shall do as instructed...It would be nice to spend time with Applebloom and make sure she and her friends are not doing anything drastic."

Rainbow Dash smirked "Right on! Get to it now, I'll be watching you in the clouds and see how you'll hold up! Good luck, Cuatro!" She flew up and perched herself on a cloud, watching the strange alicorn approach the crusaders as they gathered around him and chatted.

Applebloom smiled up at Cuatro "Howdy, Cuatro! How're ya today?"

Scootaloo chimed in "Are you here to join in on our snowball fight?"

Sweetie Belle tilted her head "Where were you today? We heard you weren't at the library!"

Cuatro turned to Sweetie Belle "You are correct. As for why I'm here, I only wish to act as a guardian for your safety. This is a test of loyalty given to me by Rainbow Dash..."

Scootaloo perked up "You're learning from Rainbow Dash!? Cool! Then you're on your way to becoming the most coolest pony in Equestria! Er, under Rainbow Dash, of course! She's the greatest!" She gushed to herself. Cuatro blinked at Scootaloo's adoration towards the cyan pegasus.

"I suppose it is because of Rainbow Dash's speed and the fact that she is a famed hero that she is considered a role model for Scootaloo..."

Applebloom shook her head at Scootaloo's words and looked up at Cuatro "So yer sayin' yer gonna be our guardian? Well, there ain't much danger t' worry 'bout now, but Ah suppose if Rainbow Dash is teachin' ya loyalty, then it wouldn't hurt!"

Sweetie Belle grinned up at Cuatro "Hey, Cuatro! Did you manage to get a memory involving how you got your cutie mark by any chance?"

Cuatro shook his head, much to Sweetie Belle's disappointment "I haven't been successful with my memories at the moment. As for my cutie mark..." He looked down at his flank and examined the 4 resting on it "I am just as curious as you are...At the moment, it seems irrelevant being a simple number unless I was a part of a group of sorts..."

The fillies pondered at this thought until they each had their own awed gazes as they chorused a 'Wow...' under their breaths. Scootaloo grinned at her friends "Imagine how cool that would be! A group of alicorns with their own numbers!"

Sweetie Belle smiled "And they could be super strong, too!"

Applebloom frowned "But wait...Where would that leave Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?"

While they talked, Pinkie was found in her spy suit holding a can as she snuck up and hid behind a tree near the group. Rainbow Dash noticed the scene from above and covered the giddy grin on her face with both her forelegs as Pinkie approached them.

When Pinkie got close behind Cuatro, she reeled back her foreleg with the can in a menacing position with a glare to match. She then quickly launched her hoof forward...

To tap on his shoulder harmlessly with the can.

Cuatro turned to see Pinkie hold the can and a wide grin behind her covered face "Peanuts?" She asked, offering the can in her hoof.

The strange alicorn stared at the can and shook his head "No thank you, Pinkie. I am not hungry right now..."

Pinkie shook the can "Oh, but they're really super yummy! They're a special blend that's just ready to be eaten! You gotta try it!"

Sweetie Belle looked at the can and smiled "I'd like a few peanuts!"

Applebloom took a step forward "Me too! Haven't had peanuts in a while!"

Pinkie flinched and drew back the can, much to the group's confusion "Umm, sorry, girls! This is for Cuatro only!" She said in an insistant tone laced with faint anxiety.

Cuatro stared at Pinkie "I would not mind sharing them with the crusaders...May I have the can?"

Pinkie grinned and held out the can "Sure you can!"

Cuatro proceeded to activate his horn and levitate the can to him. When he opened it, several paper snakes flew out and startled the crusaders. Cuatro remained unphased by the prank as he looked at Pinkie "Why did you-..." He stopped himself and thought back to the other day.

"Boy, Cuaty, you're making this too easy for me! You're more of a challenge when it comes to smiling and laughing, but I'd hate to be you when me and Dashie choose to go pranking again!"

Cuatro remained silent, then looked up at the skies to see Rainbow Dash looking down at him and the others. He turned back to a dumbfounded Pinkie and levitated the can to her hooves "I was under the impression there were peanuts in this can. I see now I was wrong..."

Pinkie stared before she took the can and gave an awkward giggle "Whoops! Wrong can! Gotta go!" She zipped away without a word, leaving Cuatro and the crusaders behind.

The fillies watched her go before they looked up at Cuatro with a smile. He shifted his eyes down at them, curious about their reactions "Are you in on this?"

Applebloom lost her smile and shook her head "Uh-uh! We're not a part o' this!"

Sweetie Belle explained herself "Pinkie and Rainbow Dash usually go out into Ponyville and play some-"

"Pranks?" Cuatro interrupted "So I suppose that Rainbow Dash chose to not only teach me loyalty, but to have her own fun in the mix?"

Scootaloo gave an awkward smile "I guess so. It's not so bad once you get used to it! It's all in good fun!"

Applebloom waved a hoof "My advice is t' look around ya wherever ya choose t' go! They can be anywhere!"

Sweetie Belle hopped onto Cuatro's back "Since you're going to be watching us, we could possibly get hit with pranks as well!"

Cuatro kept silent while he stared at the small filly on his back. He looked back up in the clouds to see that Rainbow Dash wasn't there.

"It is very unethical to mix childish mischief with education, Rainbow Dash...But I shall play your game for the sake of protecting these fillies..."

Cuatro looked back at Sweetie Belle "In that case, I'll be sure to keep you all out of harm's way...Is there anything you would like to do?"

Sweetie Belle thought to herself before grinning at Cuatro "We could show you our clubhouse!"

Scootaloo grinned as well "Yeah! Maybe you can help us come up with some ideas to get our cutie marks!!"

Applebloom trotted past Cuatro, eager to show the strange alicorn the crusaders' base of operations "Jus' follow us an' we'll be there in a few shakes of a lamb's tail!" The rest of the group followed after Applebloom, Sweetie Belle choosing to stay on Cuatro's back.

When they were away, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash peered their heads out at the departing group from a distant tree; Rainbow Dash's head being above Pinkie's. The cyan pegasus scowled "I can't believe it! He didn't even flinch when he opened up that can! It never fails!!"

Pinkie Pie looked up at Rainbow Dash "Does that mean we'll have to step it up next time?"

Rainbow Dash nodded to her cohort in mischief "You know it! There's gotta be something that'll get Cuatro going. We just need to figure out what it is..." She rubbed her chin in thought.

Pinkie took off the mask covering her muzzle and smiled up at Rainbow Dash "Good thing we have plenty of tools for pranking! Let's dig through some more of our stuff!" The two pranksters zipped off to plot their next move.
_____

The crusaders led Cuatro all the way towards a treehouse just outside of Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom waved a hoof towards it and grinned "Do ya like it? This here's our clubhouse! We plan our crusades an' go out int' Ponyville t' see what our talents are!"

Cuatro examined the features of the clubhouse "I see..." Upon further inspection, he noticed that the clubhouse appeared to be too small for him to take refuge in while sticking to his test of protecting the fillies. Dismissing the concept, he replied to the crusaders "Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Rarity spoken ill of your crusades according to Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle looked away and rubbed the back of her neck "Well, there ARE times when we get carried away, but we haven't really done much in the winter!"

Scootaloo held up a hoof "Except for that one time where we tried to make the biggest snowpony!"

Applebloom groaned "Don't bring that up again, Scoots! It took us forever t' clean all that up around my house!"

Cuatro blinked at their responses, but quickly turned to look at a nearby bush after hearing a sudden rustle.

"...They approach..."

The strange alicorn looked back down at the crusaders "Can I trust you all to make your plans post haste while I remain outside here?"

Applebloom frowned "Aren't ya gonna come inside with us?"

Cuatro shifted his eyes "I'm being targetted..."

The fillies gave an 'Oooooh' in unison before they complied with a nod and made their way inside their clubhouse, looking back at the strange alicorn standing by as they closed the door.

Cuatro turned away from the treehouse and took a deep breath and spoke "I'm ready..." The wind around him blew lightly along with the bushes and the trees. His mane was carried in the wind as he stood stalk still.

"To the left."

The strange alicorn shifted his eyes left the exact moment he noticed a bush rustle in his sights. He focused on it until he noticed a batch of yellow flowers pop out of it. He blinked at the boquet poking out of the snow-covered bush and trotted towards it to examine it up close.

"Flowers such as these can only be found in the spring...Seeing as how it's the middle of winter, it's impossible for them to survive in this weather..."

He then realized it was a trap as his pupils shrank and hopped away from the flowers. Cuatro was lucky to avoid a stream of water that shot out of one of the flowers. He lightly grunted to himself.

"I was careless...This should not happen again..."

He turned to the clubhouse to see that the crusaders were still inside, then back at the bush to see that the flowers quickly sunk back into the brush of leaves. Cuatro then went back to standing still and awaiting the next move. His ears flickered as he looked up and noticed a faint rainbow blur shoot horizontally across the sky.

"What are they planning now?"

He awaited whatever trick they were about to pull, until he heard a door open. Cuatro turned to the clubhouse and saw the crusaders trot out with a scroll resting on Scootaloo's back. He approached and looked down at them "I see you're prepared..."

Scootaloo nodded "Yep! We forgot we had a list of ideas the last time we held a meeting at our clubhouse! Let's get this crusade started!"

Sweetie Belle smiled at Cuatro "Don't worry, Cuatro! We'll be sure to be on our best behavior while your busy protecting us!"

Cuatro gave a curt nod "I shall hold you to it...What is first on your list?"

Scootaloo grinned "We decided to go with ice sculpting!"

Applebloom trotted in place happily "An' we know th' best place t' start, too!"

Sweetie Belle lightly yanked on one of Cuatro's forelegs "Follow us, Cuatro! We'll show you where once we grab some tools!" She said as the group trotted off to their ideal sculpting spot.
_____

Cuatro, after helping the crusaders gather scuplting tools, was lead at the base of a hill in front of a short cliff containing several stalactites of ice hanging at the edge. He looked up at the icicles, and was skeptical with how some of them gleamed at the sharp ends "Is this really necessary?"

Scootaloo waved a hoof "It's no problem! Just bring down a couple of the big ones and we'll get to work!"

Cuatro stared at Scootaloo before he focused his attention back to the icicles. After spotting the desired sizes, he closed his eyes and activated his horn, grasping the three larger icicles and carefully snapping them off of the cliff, bringing them down to the crusaders as they grinned at their frosted splendor.

Sweetie Belle piped up cheerfully "Let's start with the middle one!" She grabbed a chisel with her teeth while Applebloom grabbed a hammer with her teeth.

Cuatro looked up at the icicles "I recommend we perform your sculpting at a safe distance..."

Scootaloo huffed "C'mon, Cuatro! It's not like they're going anywhere! It's super cold outside, so you know they won't even move!"

Cuatro stared back "Be that as it may, your safety is important...We must move."

Scootaloo groaned "Fine..." She said as she and the crusaders trotted a distance away while Cuatro trailed behind with the icicles.

On top of the cliff, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash stealthfully peered down at the group with their bag of tricks in tow. As the crusaders started scuplting, Pinkie pulled out a can with a mischievous grin. Rainbow Dash arched a curious eyebrow "Say, Pinkie, what are those?"

Pinkie turned to Rainbow Dash with a smirk "This, my little Dashie, is a can of my extra-special pinkified jumping beans!" She pulled out a can opener in her mane and opened the can, popping out two pink beans and showing them to the cyan pegasus "See? They're pink! Aren't they great?"

Rainbow Dash tilted her head "So what's your plan?"

Pinkie narrowed her eyes with a smile "It's simple! I go up to Cuatro, offer him the beans, and he'll eat them like this!" As a demonstration, she gulped down the two beans in her hoof and smacked her lips "And then the beans will do the work!"

Rainbow Dash stared in disbelief "...Did you just-?"

The realization dawned on Pinkie as well as held a look of shock "Uh oh..." There was a pause, and the party pony began to shake before she jumped up and down against her will "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! They! Definitely! Work! Alright!" She said in between her jumps.

The force of her landings shook the foundation of the hill as the icicles hanging on the cliff began to shake. The continuous tremor was strong enough for the icicles to break and fall down like a wall of launched arrows, even piercing into the snow when they reached the ground.

Cuatro and the crusaders noticed this, and the fillies went pale as the strange alicorn's coat at the sight. Cuatro only stared before looking down at the crusaders, namely Scootaloo "That could have been you if we stayed there..." He stated calmly.

Sweetie Belle stared before she dropped her chisel "Suddenly, I don't feel like sculpting! Let's do something else!" She blurted out in a quick tone.

Applebloom shifted her eyes "Ummm..." She turned to the list "What should we do next?"

Cuatro decided to aid the crusaders' decision by levitating the scroll in front of him and unraveling it to reveal a long list of random ideas.

"...They are very ambitious for children..."

The strange alicorn read through some of them until his eyes rested on one in particular "Shall we try your hoof at ping pong?"

Applebloom turned to Cuatro "There's an idea! Let's head back t' my house and set up a table!" The group traveled back to Sweet Apple Acres, oblivious to Rainbow Dash trying to stop Pinkie's uncontrollable jumping.
_____

Inside of the barn in Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo readied a paddle with her teeth while Sweetie Belle did the same. Cuatro and Applebloom watched on the sidelines as the two fillies stared each other down.

Scootaloo held a ping pong ball in her hoof, then tossed it up before she opened the game with a good smack. It bounced over the net onto Sweetie Belle's side and prompted the filly to do the same; the process repeated itself with gradually increasing speed.

Applebloom turned to look up at Cuatro while she sat on a bale of hay "Who do ya think's gonna win, Cuatro?" She asked in an inquisitve tone.

Cuatro examined the game "Given Scootaloo's athletic background, she may have the first point..."

Applebloom looked back at the progressing speed of the game, and was surprised to see that Sweetie Belle missed the ball and fell, while Scootaloo gave a muffled cheer "Wow! Not bad!" Applebloom voiced in an impressed tone.

Outside of the barn, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie peered through a window and watched Scootaloo serve another ball. Digging into the bag, Rainbow Dash pulled out a container of itching powder with a mischievous smile on her face "Alright, Pinkie! Knock on the door and I'll take care of the rest!"

Pinkie gave a mock salute and zipped in front of the barn door while Rainbow Dash flew over it. With a quick three knocks, Pinkie moved away from the door into the orchard and awaited the group's response.

Applebloom blinked "Who's knockin' on th' barn door? Couldn't they come inside?"

Cuatro rose from his sitting position "I'll go see who's outside..." He said as he trotted past the crusaders and approached the door, opening it with his magic. He blinked when he noticed no one was around, then proceeded to look around.

Before he could look up, Rainbow Dash grinned evilly as she began to shake the itching powder over the strange alicorn. Sadly, the moment she poured the powder, a gale swept in from the west, blowing the batch of powder across the air into the apple orchard. The cyan pegasus watched as it was carried by the wind before it descended into a patch of trees. There was a pause before a scream was heard.

Pinkie leaped out of the orchard and began rapidly scratching herself in random motions "Itch itch! Itch itch itch! Ow! Itchy itchy itchy! Ow ow ow ow!! Itch!" She backed herself on one of the trees and rubbed her back furiously against its rough bark.

Cuatro and Rainbow Dash watched Pinkie scratch herself, then Rainbow Dash flew by and snatched Pinkie away as the two ran off. Cuatro stared at the pranking duo leaving.

"Perhaps Pinkie forgot to bathe?"

Cuatro then went back inside of the barn to see the fillies cease their game of ping pong with looks of disappointment on their faces "Is something wrong, children?"

Applebloom sighed "We didn't get no cutie mark..."

Scootaloo puffed her cheeks "Even with all my wins, we're still far from knowing our talent!"

Cuatro trotted up to the crusaders and spoke "You do realize you have several more ideas on your list..."

Sweetie Belle looked up at Cuatro before she smiled "You're right! Thanks for reminding us, Cuatro!" The other crusaders followed suit with their spirits lifted by the strange alicorn's words.

Applebloom pulled out and unraveled the list as it rolled on the hay. She scanned the list of ideas before she found one with a grin "C'mon, y'all! Ah know what we can do next before we go back t' crusadin'!"
_____

After Applebloom grabbed a saddlebag containing bits from her room, the group trotted back into Ponyville and went up to a snow cone stand being ran by an ice blue pegasus with a white mane and tail; her cutie mark was also a snow cone. She smiled at them "Hello, girls!" The mare then looked up at Cuatro and flinched before flashing an awkward smile "H-Hello, Cuatro..."

Applebloom smiled "Howdy, Snow Bank! Is Lickety Split doin' any better?"

Snow Bank nodded "He's recovering smoothly! To think that he almost did not last in that snowstorm last night..." She frowned "I was so worried!"

Cuatro nodded "I can sympathize with your child..."

Snow Bank blinked at Cuatro "Huh?"

Applebloom gave a sheepish grin "We sorta found Cuatro in front o' our house when a snowstorm was a brewin'! He got better, though!"

Snow Bank gasped "Oh my! Well, it's a good thing there are ponies around here to help each other out..." She then sighed in relief, then smiled "But I'm just rambling on! What will you be having today?"

Sweetie Belle grinned "I'll have a lemonade snow cone, please!"

Scootaloo chimed in "I want cherry!"

Applebloom waved a hoof "Th' usual fer me, Ms. Snow Bank!"

Snow Bank looked up at Cuatro "And for you?"

Cuatro wondered if there was a flavor in particular suitable for him.

"Those strawberry donuts from Canterlot were delicious..."

Cuatro gave a curt nod "I would like to have a strawberry snow cone, if you please..."

Snow Bank smiled "Okay, so that will be 8 bits altogether!"

Applebloom turned to her friends "Don't worry, everypony! Ah got us th' bits before we left!" She dug her head into her saddlebags and fished for the money

While Snow Bank was staring at the group, a cyan hoof swiped the strawberry juice bottle, and replaced it with a different bottle containing hot sauce. Two blurs - one rainbow and one pink - zipped away into the nearest tree shortly after the switch.

Applebloom pulled out the money and placed it on the stand "There ya are! 8 bits!"

Snow Bank gathered the bits with a satisfied smile "Alright then! Four snow cones coming up!" She trotted to her shaved ice compartment and grabbed four cones, scooping each one up with a large amount of ice. She then placed them on a rack so she could pour each one with the desired flavor of juice. The ice blue pegasus went over her inventory, then stopped on the one crudely labeled 'Strawberry', raising in eyebrow in confusion "Huh? Well that's wierd..." She muttered to herself as she reluctantly took it and poured some onto one of the cones. After, she gave the three remaining cones their own flavors, then handed them out to each of the group "There you are, everypony! Enjoy!"

Sweetie Belle beamed at her treat "Thank you, Snow Bank!" She began lapping her snow cone contently.

Cuatro examined his snow cone as it was levitated in front of him. He expected a salmon, if not pink hue in the ice, but it seemed to be almost similar to cherry. He decided to give it a taste test as the treat neared his lips.

"Hey, Cuatro?"

Cuatro stopped and looked down at Scootaloo, the orange filly smiling "Is it alright if I tried a lick of your snow cone? I'll let you try mine!"

The strange alicorn stared before he replied "I suppose there is no harm..." The two traded their snow cones for a brief moment and Cuatro gave a small taste "This cherry snow cone is adequate...How is the strawberry, Scootaloo?"

An agonizing scream was the only response Cuatro got as he noticed Scootaloo breathing actual fire out of her mouth with a look of terror while flailing her forelegs. All but Cuatro were startled at Scootaloo's action as she inadvertently tossed the strange alicorn's snow cone into the air.

Snow Bank watched in shock "I don't get it! I never serve any spicy snow cones! That's just obscene!"

Cuatro saw this and grasped the cone with his magic. He brought it down in front of him and examined it while Scootaloo was busy scarfing down the snow on the ground with watering eyes. He tilted his head before he gave the snow cone a small lick. Cuatro paused before he gave a light grunt, followed by small trails of steam escaping the corners of his lips while he kept a straight face.

"This is not strawberry..."

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom helped Scootaloo up after she had her fill "What was that just now!?" Sweetie Belle asked in confusion.

"Hot sauce..."

The crusaders looked up at Cuatro, who broke into a light sweat as more steam escaped the corners of his lips. They were all surprised to see he did not show any reaction to him tasting the cone "This snow cone is full of hot sauce rather than strawberry-flavored juice..."

Scootaloo caressed her tongue with a sullen look in her eyes "Tha ethlains why it ath tho hot..."

Applebloom tilted her head "Who in the hay ever heard of a hot snow cone? That's jus' plum stupid!" She turned to a shocked and confused Snow Bank "Unless y'all wanted t' pull a fast one on us!"

Snow Bank was taken aback as she stepped away with a frown "But I would never do such a thing to anypony while I run my stand!"

Cuatro examined his snow cone long enough before tossing it into the nearest rubbish bin "But I know somepony who does..." He said as he levitated the cherry snow cone back to Scootaloo and began to look around. When he noticed a trail of pink behind a tree, he winked out with his Sonido.
_____

Rainbow Dash frowned to herself with a groan "I heard the squirt scream back there...That's another failed prank!"

Pinkie smiled at her friend "Look on the bright side, Dashie! There's plenty more pranks for us to choose from!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a smile "I suppose you're right! Hopefully we'll find out what makes him tick and get him good soon, though! We're burning daylight with all of these attempts!"

Pinkie waved a dismissive hoof "Oh, pshaw! We never fail when it comes to pranks, and the possibilities are endless! Besides, it's not like he hasn't noticed us yet, right?"

On cue, the sound of booming static was heard as a shadow loomed over the tree Rainbow Dash and Pinkie hid under. They froze and slowly turned to what casted the shadow before their pupils shrunk to pinpricks.

Towering over them was Cuatro, who still had his light sweat and steam from his mouth as he stared down at the pranking duo with his soulless eyes. It did not show on his face, but he was clearly unamused by what has happened "...You've taken this joke too far..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Veinticinco

View Online

Capitulo Veinticinco

Omen

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie shivered under the seemingly intense gaze Cuatro was giving them, and the strange alicorn proceeded to speak "I'm aware of your habit of pranking...However, I must say that I do not favor you trying to make trouble for the crusaders while I was busy protecting them..."

Pinkie piped up "Well, the pranks WERE for you-Oof!" A light elbow in her stomach from Rainbow Dash ceased her words.

Rainbow Dash grinned as she replied to Cuatro "Okay, so maybe we might've gotten out of hoof with the pranks, but it was all in good fun, right?"

Cuatro stared back at the cyan pegasus after her attempted recovery "Your idea of fun has already held a negative impact on Scootaloo...I should've known the color of my strawberry snow cone seemed darker in shade...But what struck me as curious was back at Sweet Apple Acres, when Pinkie was itching uncontrollably..."

Pinkie giggled "Well, that's another funny story! You see, Dashie tried to use some itching powder on y-"

"Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash hissed with a glare before she turned back to Cuatro with a terrified look in her eyes "Um, you know how Pinkie gets, right, C!?" She chuckled with a shaky grin "So, why don't we call your lesson on loyalty learned and maybe you won't have to do anything to us?"

Cuatro stared at the two in silence, and the longer he stared, the more Rainbow Dash and Pinkie grew frightened; they figured he was plotting an ingenious scheme of revenge on them, as if they caused him to hold a vendetta for their action. He looked away and calmly said "I suppose I can let this go...I'll let the crusaders know my work here is done..."

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie both heaved sighs of relief as they wiped the sweat from their brows while Cuatro walked away "However...This also means you can forget about learning Sonido..." He shifted his head back for a sideways glance back at the pranking duo "Rainbow Dash..." The strange alicorn then trotted away, leaving behind a confused Pinkie Pie and a slackjawed Rainbow Dash behind.
_____

Later, Cuatro was back at the library, where he went back to reading his history book. Twilight was sitting beside him, scanning Cuatro's list of fragmented memories and hummed to herself 'Aizen, Hueco Mundo, Ichigo, Las Noches, cero, Murciélago, Soul Society, arrancar, and humans...I have to start asking around to see if anypony can distinguish these terms as well! Then again, they probably won't believe me...' She turned to Cuatro and observed him while he was engrossed in his literature, then decided to break the ice "So how was your time with Rainbow Dash, Cuatro? Did you learn about loyalty?"

"In more ways than one..." Cuatro replied as he flipped a page, his eyes still focused on his book.

Twilight beamed at this "Sounds like you might learn all about the Magic of Friendship sooner than you get your memories back! Isn't that great?"

Cuatro flipped another page "If it makes you and your friends happy, then I suppose it is..."

Twilight lost her smile upon his response and gave a small huff "I just don't get you, Cuatro! You don't even sound enthusiastic at all! It's nearly impossible for anypony with amnesia to feel so...so..."

Cuatro shifted his eyes at Twilight "Empty?" He asked with his usual tone, albeit inquisitive. His answer silenced Twilight as she stared at him with a frown. The strange alicorn placed a bookmark in his book with his magic and set it down as he turned his head to face Twilight "I'm fully aware of my apparently ill-favored demeanor...Sure, my interaction may seem unappealing to most, but for all we know, it could be a clue to my memories...I'm trying my best to interact differently with others since it bothers you so much."

Twilight was silent, then drooped her ears as she held a look of regret "I'm...I'm sorry about that, Cuatro. That was uncalled for..." She then smiled "But I'm glad to see you're bettering yourself while living with us. So how did Rainbow Dash teach you loyalty?"

Cuatro replied "She had me watch Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo for most of the day. However, she and Pinkie Pie thought it would be a good idea to prank me during my lesson. Scootaloo managed to fall victim to one of their pranks; a minor fault on my end...But I managed to pass my test..."

Twilight tilted her head "I take it you avoided every one of their pranks? Or did they decide to stop?"

Cuatro levitated his history book and opened it back up as he went back to reading "The latter...and I intend to keep it that way...As punishment for the trouble she put me and the fillies through, I will not teach her Sonido..."

Twilight frowned before she gave a brief chuckle "A bit harsh, but it's for the best. We wouldn't want Rainbow Dash to be flaunting more of her speed around Ponyville when it isn't needed!"

Spike waddled into the library with an apron tied on his body "I'll say! She can only be so level-headed most of the time, but she always loves to show off!"

Cuatro gave a curt nod "Agreed..." As he read, he heard Twilight and Spike share a laugh amongst themselves.

Spike looked at the two ponies and pointed towards the kitchen "Anyways, dinner's done! You two should probably eat before going back to reading and stuff!"

Cuatro rose from the sofa while he was still reading "Understood..." The group trotted into the kitchen to eat their meal.

In the kitchen, Twilight and Cuatro sat in their chairs while Spike prepared his dish for the evening: A fine radish broth. He poured some into three bowls using a ladle to scoop it up. After he passed out the bowls, the trio enjoyed their meals.

Cuatro read on in his book and finally reached where the three pony tribes had founded Equestria. He forgot to read up to this point from this morning, and what was shown has intrigued him. He ceased his reading and looked at Twilight as she sipped some of her soup "Twilight, can I ask you where alicorns fit into the founding of Equestria?"

Twilight looked at Cuatro "Are you referring to the story of the three pony tribes? Well, alicorns were around before Equestria. They weren't properly mentioned throughout history is all. Even their main origins are a mystery!"

Spike smiled "But what really makes the founding of Equestria so amazing is how it started Hearth's Warming! We usually go to Canterlot every year and perform a pageant explaining both Equestria's birth and the true meaning of Hearth's Warming through songs!"

Twilight chimed in "Seeing as how it's less than a month away, I'm sure you could enjoy our performance on stage!"

Cuatro gave a curt nod "I see..." He set down his book after closing it and took a sip of his broth "I wonder if it would be best to learn either generosity or kindness come tomorrow..."

Spike piped up "I vote kindness! It'll be nice to see you and Fluttershy bond, since you two barely talk at all! What do you say?"

Cuatro turned to Spike "Your suggestions prove to be all the more helpful, Spike..."

Spike chuckled "It's what I'm here for! I AM Twilight's Number One assistant, after all!"

Twilight smiled "So it's gonna be Fluttershy tomorrow then? This next lesson will be a breeze with how kind you can be, Cuatro!"

Cuatro looked back at Twilight "Even if I'm-"

"That doesn't exactly matter at this point." Twilight interrupted "Sure you appear empty, but I'd say that we're steering you in the right direction with learning about friendship each day. After all, how can one feel empty in a world full of friends?" She asked in a warm tone.

Cuatro stared at Twilight and Spike smiling at him, then bowed his head with his eyes closed, giving off his gratitude in silence before going back to sipping his broth. As he ate his dinner, he reflected on Twilight's words and how they were so moving towards him while he was considered an empty shell.

"They truly are my friends to care so deeply about me like this..."
_____

Celestia sat in her study, writing in her diary with a small smile 'Today's meeting had gone better than expected...Aside from discussing certain taxes, there has not been any rough problems to deal with. I believe the noble's are finally starting to see the bigger picture with how they choose to act in their roles.'

Interrupting her entry, a green flame bursted out in front of her, followed by a wrapped scroll. Celestia took it with her magic and unraveled it to read its contents.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned two things: The value of my loyalty towards other ponies, and myself in the eyes of your personal student.
When it comes to loyalty, it is wise to stand up for your friends and to do your best to ensure their safety and well-being, even if trouble comes from the most unlikely of places.

As for myself, I was considered empty by many ponies, including Twilight Sparkle. But what she had told me inspired me to cherish both my friends and their lessons. The time cannot be predicted, but in a world full of friends, they could be all I need for me to be whole again, with or without my memories.

From this point on, I hope to remain loyal and protective of those that I hold dear, even if I am considered a stranger to you and the rest of Equestria. I thank you personally for letting me discover this firsthoof.

Sincerely,
Cuatro

P.S.: Please tell Luna I said hello.

Celestia read the paper start to finish with a neutral expression, and sighed. She thought to herself on Cuatro's progress 'He is doing well according to this letter. And to think that he would send another the day after his first one...Maybe if he has learned enough, then perhaps...' Celestia shook her head at the thought 'No...I'm still uncertain if it would be the right time for him to get his memories back altogether...I cannot comprehend what exactly might happen if he does manage to, but I'll need more proof of him learning about friendship before he can even remember his old life...'

The solar princess rose from her rug and looked at the letter once more before she managed a thin smile 'I suppose I should at least acknowledge this small favor for his success in learning...' She trotted out of her study and made for Luna's bedroom.
_____

Cuatro's eyes were closed, and the sound of wind whistling in the air was enough for him to open his eyes. He looked around and noticed that he was not in Ponyville, but instead in the middle of a vast and ominous desert that was flowing with white sand and held a small amount of leafless trees.

He looked up in the vast pitch black sky to see a crescent moon giving off a pale glow over the landscape. It was not Luna's moon upon first glance, but it felt familiar with how the strange alicorn continued to glance at it. The longer he looked at it, the more the particular image set into his mind and filled it with clarity.

"I've seen this before..."

It was all he could think, but Cuatro was sure of it. Lowering his head to look forward, he decided to advance across the ominous desert and see if there was more for him to discover. He approached one of the trees and gently placed a hoof on it, slowly sliding it down to feel its texture.

"This tree...It's not made from bark."

Indeed it wasn't. It felt more of a hardened texture than any other common tree; as if it were made entirely from rocks or a set of minerals. He drew his hoof away and continued onward to see what else was possibly waiting for him.

A small trek later brought Cuatro to what appeared to be a large palace nearby. It consisted of a main building with a domed center surrounded by several large towers and smaller buildings, with five smaller towers seen atop of the dome structure. The palace was far, but it felt so close with its large and majestic size, along with its lingering familiarity with how much longer Cuatro stared at it. However, as he stared at it, the strange alicorn felt both his heart shrink and his mind slowly ridding himself of the memories he had shared with his friends in Ponyville. With a grunt, he shook his head and looked down, placing a hoof on his temple.

"What happened? This was entirely different from what I had experienced in the past...Is this place actually connected to my memories?"

The strange alicorn began to wonder if such a dark and lifeless area like this even existed in Equestria with how it was presumably peaceful to his eyes. He felt a small pinch in his head as he gave a light grunt, rubbing his head with his hoof.

"Wait...It could be...I remember...I mentioned...Hueco Mundo and..."

He looked back up at the moon looming over the vast palace in the distance "Las Noches..." He uttered in realization as he stared. It was unwise to jump to conclusions, but Cuatro felt that this very area could be linked to his lost memories. However, he felt the same feeling from before while he looked upon the palace and quickly averted his eyes from it, not wanting to deal with it again.

"Why is this happening? Should I still look at that palace and see what happens next?"

A tempting thought, with how the supposed 'Las Noches' is linked to Cuatro's lost past. Before he thought about actually looking at it again, the ground shook as a deafening roar was heard. Cuatro looked behind him to see a monster standing a few feet away from him, and turned to face him to distinguish its features.

It was a bipedal monster that wore a tied, but tattered black cloth and a torn right sleeve; Its entire skin was white, save for the blackened lines that extended from the visibly wide hole located at the upper chest region. The lines reached up across its shoulders and neck region all the way up to its skeletal head, which bared razor sharp fangs and two large curved horns; large orange locks hung from behind its head. On the neck, arms, and legs of the beast rested tufts of brillant red fur. It held a black katana blade in its right hand while it leered at the strange alicorn with glowing yellow eyes, and its body covered itself in a bright red aura before it gave out another piercing, but warbled roar as the ground shook once again from its mighty sound.

Cuatro stared at the monster in front of him with a feeling he never thought he would discover:

Fear. Undeniable fear.

Cuatro proved to be powerful according to his friends, but he could not move from his spot as he gazed into the source of his seemingly overwhelming fear, his pupils slightly shrunk.

"Who is that? What is that?"

While the strange alicorn chose to remain motionless in front of his new predator, the horned beast went into a stance as a sphere of red energy began to form in between the tip of its horns. The sphere grew in both size and intensity, the power from it being felt even by Cuatro as he continued to stare.

"This attack...I must move...I have to move..."

As much as he urged himself to, Cuatro felt powerless in front of the attack as it went from a sphere into a large blast that made a direct course towards him while the monster roared a third time. As it neared Cuatro, he unknowingly felt his fear vanish as he went back into his emotionless state, staring his death in the face as it was about to cover him entirely. Only two words came out of his mouth in a straight tone.

"...Do it..."

Afterwards, there was a vast explosion, followed by a white flash.
_____

Cuatro instantly sat up in his bed with a light grunt, a small sweat on his brow. He looked around to see he was back in the upper level of Ponyville library, sleeping in his guest bed. To make sure, he looked over to see Twilight and Spike sleeping contently in their own beds. He turned to the window to see that it was far from morning, perhaps not much a few minutes from when he went to bed after looking at the moon.

The time did not matter to Cuatro, however. His mind was tentatively wrapped on his spine-chilling nightmare. To think that there existed a possibly profound clue to his past along with the only thing to ever give him fear was a lot for the strange alicorn to take in.

"That monster...I must have seen it before. But why did I surrender to its attack so willingly other than fear? Could there be more to this nightmare?"

With how he woke himself up to the point of constant contemplation over his nightmare, Cuatro decided to raise from his bed and quietly go downstairs. He trotted towards the sofa and levitated his scroll of documented memories towards him, looking over each term until his eyes stopped on the words 'Las Noches'. Cuatro was beginning to think that Twilight's theory about Las Noches being a location in Hueco Mundo was correct.

What would be hard to explain to her and the rest of his friends is how he came into contact with a threat that could possibly be looming in Equestria.
_____

Three shadowed figures flew over the murky landscape that was known by many as the Haysead Swamps. The trio reached over half of the treacherous land "We flew too long! Can't we just take a break already?" One voice complained in a deep male tone.

Another voice growled irritably as it replied to the first voice in an adolescent tone "Fine, you big baby! Might as well gather our strength if we're gonna keep going like this!" The three figures swooped down into the swamp for a small rest.

After their landing, a third male voice sounded off "I'm surprised you're actually going through with this! You know we'd be in a lot of trouble if anyone found out we're gone?"

"Shut up! Don't you want revenge as much as I do!? We're gonna do this thing!"

"I'm for it, seeing as how we were duped back then!"

"I'm not as happy about it as you guys, but it's been a long time! Do we really have to-"

"Yes! Where's your sense of pride!? We all know what happened back then, but I've ignored it for too long! We're finding that little prick AND his friends so we can settle this personally!"

"They probably got a lot of stuff for us, too! There's a plus!"

"...Well, I could use more stuff!"

"That's the spirit! Alright, chumps! Break's over! Let's keep going!"

The three shadows quickly flew back into the skies, out of the swamps as they continued their flight.

"I don't care how long it takes, I'm gonna get even with him! No one makes a fool out of me and gets away with it!" The lead voice snarled as it carried into the sky.

"We're coming for you, Spike!"

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintiseis

View Online

Capítulo Veintiséis

Kindness

The sun rose over the horizons outside of Ponyville, signalling the dawn of a new day. In Ponyville library, Twilight stirred from her slumber with a quiet yawn as she began to stretch herself after hopping out of bed. Spike followed suit while Twilight made for her dresser and began brushing her mane.

Spike decided to waddle down the stairs and expectedly noticed Cuatro on the sofa in the main lobby, looking at his list of collected memories. He waved to him as he passed by "Morning, Cuatro." He continued on, but stopped when he heard no reply. Normally, he would be quick to return the greeting to both him and Twilight, but the strange alicorn remained both silent and enraptured in his scroll, as if nothing else in Equestria mattered. He waddled over with an arched eyebrow "Uhhh...Cuatro? Are you alright?" No response. Spike scratched his head at this, then decided to hop up next to Cuatro and look at his list as well.

Twilight finally made her way down and smiled down at Cuatro "Good morning, Cuatro!" Her smile wavered when she had no response "Cuatro?"

Spike looked up at Twilight "I tried talking to him as well! He's completely spaced out or something!"

Twilight approached Cuatro next to Spike after descending from the stairs to get a better look at him up close. She winced when she noticed some bags under the strange alicorn's eyes 'He didn't get enough sleep...' She spoke again "Cuatro? Are you alright? Say something!" She grew worried when she received no response from Cuatro. Feeling as if he actually was spaced out, she went to give him a light nudge at his shoulder.

Before Twilight hoof was centimeters away from Cuatro's shoulder, the strange alicorn instantly turned his head to face her and Spike. The two yelped and hopped away from him. They eyed him cautiously while they shivered, Spike holding onto Twilight's foreleg "C-Cuatro?" Twilight asked, tensed up from Cuatro's reaction.

Cuatro stared before he murmured and rubbed his eyes "Forgive me...I was busy...thinking..."

Twilight and Spike calmed down, and the purple dragon approached him with a tilted head "What was that all about? You were like a statue a moment ago!"

Cuatro focused back on his list of memories "As I said, I was busy...I wanted to see if I could piece together my current set of information, seeing as how I have not been gaining more memories as of late..."

Twilight frowned and approached Cuatro again "You didn't get enough sleep last night, did you? You chose to stay up all night trying to figure out your past?"

Cuatro nodded in response "I feel you are correct about Las Noches..."

Twilight blinked "You mean how it's a location in Hueco Mundo? Why is that? Have you figured something out?"

Cuatro replied "I cannot say for certain...But I'm close to believing that it may actually be where I once lived..."

Spike crossed his arms "But that doesn't make any sense! Where would a place like Hueco Mundo even exist in Equestria? That's making it sound like you came from another world!"

Twilight placed a hoof on her chin as she looked down in thought "But that cannot be possible at all...Could it?"

Cuatro looked around the library "There's more...I am not entirely sure, but I believe that there could exist a-" From the corner of one of the library's front windows, he thought he had seen a skeletal beast with curved horns and black lines on its face staring back at him from the outside. His pupils shrank as he felt both his voice and breath vanish.

Twilight noticed this and looked back at the strange alicorn "Cuatro? Cuatro, what's wrong!?"

Cuatro shook his head, and looked back at the window to see nothing there. He stared before he hung his head with a small sigh "I must have really neglected sleep with how this has bothered my mind..."

Twilight placed a hoof on the strange alicorn's shoulder with a compassionate frown "Why don't you just go back to bed and rest again?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...this was a mistake I need to learn from. Besides, there is still the matter of visiting Fluttershy today. All I need is to wash my face and have proper nourishment so that I might forget about this..."

Twilight looked into Cuatro's eyes to know that not only was he sleep-deprived, but that he was also serious "If you really think that's best..." She spoke in a concerned tone.
_____

Later, after breakfast, Cuatro left the library and decided to make for Fluttershy's cottage. He easily winked out with his Sonido and appeared in front of her porch, then knocked on the door as he waited for it to answer. While he waited for the timid mare, Cuatro decided to look around.

"Spike was right to send me here...Fluttershy is the only mare that I barely converse with..."

He examined how elegant and pure the yard around Fluttershy's cottage looked despite it being covered in snow. It was as if she took good care of the trees along with her many animals. When he turned right to look at a patch of trees, he noticed a bipedal creature wearing a tattered cloth with the same skeletal head from before standing beside a tree and staring at him.

Cuatro's eyes widened slightly upon noticing this and prepared to fire a cero as his horn began to glow green.

"Umm...Cuatro?"

The strange alicorn faced the door with his horn's glow instantly fading to see a nervous Fluttershy looking up at him "Are you alright? What were you looking at just now?"

Reminded of his earlier sight, he quickly looked back at the patch of trees to see no figure standing there at all. Cuatro remained silent out of confusion, having to deal with the same problem twice.

"Could this possibly be an illusion? A hallucination of sorts?"

He looked back at Fluttershy and bowed in apology "I was waiting for you to answer...I thought I saw something of interest, but there was nothing..."

Fluttershy tilted her head "Is there something you wish to talk about?"

Cuatro replied as he looked down at the timid mare "Is it alright if you can teach me the ways of kindness as part of my lessons on friendship? I believe we haven't really communicated with each other during my stay in Ponyville..."

Fluttershy smiled "Of course you can. I can let you inside and we'll get started after I finish feeding my animal friends. Or maybe you could help me...I-If you don't mind, that is..." She backed further into her cottage to allow Cuatro inside. The strange alicorn looked back outside one last time to see that nothing was out of place.

"...It cannot be real...Otherwise I would know when it would attack..."

Once he was inside of the cottage, Cuatro was guided towards the kitchen while the many animals in the living room distanced themselves from the strange alicorn and cowered at his presence. He observed Fluttershy grabbing a box of feed from the cupboards and bringing some of them back into the living room to her animal friends, pouring different contents in a bowl where the animals gathered.

Fluttershy gasped when she noticed her animals easily devouring what was in the bowl "Oh my! You're all pretty hungry today!" The many animals turned to their owner and hopped in place to wait for the next batch, to which the timid mare smiled "Alright, everyone, I'll give you some more..." She stopped and perked up "Or..." Fluttershy turned to the strange alicorn behind her "What if I have Cuatro feed you seconds instead?" She heard a plethora of tiny screechs, then looked back to see all of her animals huddled up in a corner, trembling as their terrified eyes were laid on Cuatro.

Cuatro looked away "I do not believe they can abide my presence..."

Fluttershy looked back at Cuatro with a frown, assuming he felt dejected by the animals' actions "Oh, that can't be the reason at all! They're only shy like me..." She was not aware that each of the animals in the corner frantically shook their heads simultaneously.

Cuatro turned to Fluttershy "What other action would suffice knowing their current mood?"

Fluttershy shifted her glance to her animals, then back to Cuatro with a smile "I could feed them with you so you know how it works. Just grab that box and we can do this together. I think it could be a good start to teaching you kindness!"

Cuatro gave a curt nod of approval and levitated the box of food at his side. Him and Fluttershy approached the bowl side-by-side, and the timid mare called to her friends "Don't worry, everyone. Cuatro's only going to feed you a second helping and that's all...I promise he won't hurt you..."

The animals only stared at Cuatro, until one of the male squirrels' stomach growled. The critter gulped before it slowly and reluctantly inched towards the bowl with his eyes on Cuatro.

Fluttershy sported a thin smile, considering that one of her animals has understood her words. She turned to Cuatro "Go on, Cuatro. You can pour the food in their bowl now..."

Cuatro brought the box down with his magic, and tilted it to pour more of the box's contents into the bowl. The squirrel stared at the food, then back up at Cuatro, nearly shivering under the cold look in his eyes. The strange alicorn stared back "You may eat the food..."

The squirrel picked up a piece of the food while looking at Cuatro before it began to eat. After gulping his portion, he stared at Cuatro and flashed a ghost of a smile as he went to eat more food.

Before long, the squirrel had grown used to his appearance and ate more food with hungry fervor. The other animals eventually moved away from the corner to join the squirrel, but not after they gave Cuatro one last look to see that he was not hostile.

Fluttershy flapped her wings "Oh, isn't that just wonderful? I think they like you now!" She beamed at Cuatro after her words.

Cuatro only stared before he closed his eyes "I believe they're still cautious of me despite my display of kindness..."

Fluttershy's spirits dampened at his words as her ears drooped "You're not happy about this?"

Cuatro opened his eyes to look at Fluttershy "I am happy to know they are complying to my actions from your guidance, but I do not think they are ready to accept me entirely just yet..." He looked back at the animals eating their food "Perhaps they could see past my appearance and accept me as their friend if I manage to visit you more often..."

Fluttershy smiled "That's good to hear from you, Cuatro..." She looked at her hungry friends "I think you did well with helping me feed the animals. This is a good start for your lesson on kindness!"

Cuatro turned to Fluttershy "What shall we cover next?"

Fluttershy looked at Cuatro and then rubbed her chin in thought, humming to herself as she mulled over possible ideas. She then smiled "We could do some good deeds around Ponyville. Or maybe you can help me take care of the animals! Which would you prefer?"

Cuatro replied "I suppose I can aid with tending to the animals, seeing as how you might need more help..."

Fluttershy shook her head "Oh no, it's not really a hassle. I enjoy caring for my animal friends! I'm only trying to teach you kindness. Whatever you want to do is fine..."

Cuatro nodded "I understand...I'm helping you anyway. This shall be my first official act of kindness..."

Fluttershy giggled "Oh, Cuatro, this isn't your first act of kindness. But I'm very happy that you're doing this for me."

Cuatro stared at Fluttershy, then looked around the living room "Strange...Normally, I would see you with your rabbit Angel, yet he isn't here..."

Fluttershy smiled "Well, Angel usually likes to play outside most of the day. He knows when to come inside when it's time to eat..."

Outside, Angel was hopping in the snow and enjoying time to himself. When his stomach grumbled, he inspected himself before going to make a trail towards the cottage. What stopped him was when he spotted three large figures flying in the air, instantly spooking the rabbit as he quickly scampered into the cottage.
_____

Back at the library, Twilight read one of her favorite chemistry books with a morose frown on her face. Spike was busy sweeping the floor until he saw how Twilight was acting, stopping his work to pay attention to her "What's up, Twilight? Something wrong with the book you're reading?" He asked inquisitively.

Twilight sighed "No...I'm worried about Cuatro. He seems out of it today with how he hasn't slept. I don't know if it's right for him to be up and about with his lack of sleep and how he acted so differently this morning."

Spike shrugged a claw "Well, sometimes he's adamant on what he wants to do from time to time, especially if it applies to learning friendship! I don't blame you for worrying about him, but if you ask me, he's pretty dedicated to his tasks."

Twilight turned to look at Spike "But you've seen how he focused on the window earlier! He could be delirious!"

Spike continued sweeping "I dunno, Twilight...He seemed pretty lively after eating breakfast and washing his face." The purple dragon held an expression mixed with confusion and thought "Then again, when can we tell how he's acting differently at times?" He asked curiously.

Twilight shook her head "I just hope Fluttershy's taking good care of him...Who knows what would happen if Cuatro continued on the way he was?"

Before Spike could reply, the front door bursted open to reveal an anxious Pinkie "Twilight! Spike! We got a problem outside! A REEEEEALLY big problem!! You have to come help us!!"

Twilight perked up at her friend's tone "What is it, Pinkie!?"

Rarity came into the library after Pinkie, bearing the same expression of anxiety "Oh, Twilight, It's horrible! We're in dire need of assistance!"

Pinkie pointed a hoof outside "They want Spike! We gotta hurry!!"

Spike tilted his head "Huh?? Who wants me? What's going on?"

Twilight set down her book and hopped up on all fours with a determined look "Whatever it is, we need to get moving!" She turned to her assistant "Do you think you'll be fine?"

Spike puffed out his chest "I think I can manage with whoever's out there! Let's go!" The three then left the library in haste, only to stop in front of a crowd of cowering ponies facing away from them "What's going on over there that would involve me?"

Rainbow Dash zoomed towards the library with a nervous look in her eyes "Everypony! You'll never guess who's here right now! We gotta find-"

"I'll ask you namby-pamby ponies again! Where is he!?"

Spike perked up at the bellowed command, and instantly felt a chill down his spine. There was only one individual who would talk that way around ponies and would even think about acknowledging him "Oh no..." He uttered under his breath.

The sound of sniffing was heard before another voice bellowed "I smell him! He's close!" A small blaze of fire shot into the sky, signalling the ponies to scream and drastically inch themselves away to reveal three dragons standing on their hind legs.

The one that fired the blaze was a large heavy-set brown dragon with blue horns and a small set of wings; his tail bore a spiked sphere end. He leered his red eyes when he spotted Spike and pointed a claw "There he is!!" The other two dragons followed his gaze.

Their leader was a red dragon that had a strong frame, a large snout, and orange fins and spikes trailing down to his spear-like tail. He glared at Spike as he steamed from his nostrils "Well well well! If it isn't the little rookie himself! Enjoying your time with these ponies here!?"

Spike gulped "H-Hey, Garble...What brings you to Ponyville? You here to pick up stuff?" He asked with a shaky grin.

Garble shrugged calmly "Oh yeah, totally! Gonna pick up some gems, maybe some other things, and A TOTALLY DEAD DRAGON!!!" He roared with a fierce glare at Spike, who fell back in fright.

Twilight, while nervous around the dragons, could not stand to see her assistant being intimidated by bullies. She narrowed her eyes at the three dragons "Spike didn't do anything to you! Why do you even want to hurt him?"

Garble balled his claws into fists "Because nobody makes a fool out of a dragon if they know what's good for them!! Ever since you namby pamby ponies showed up and ran off with Spike, I was on the verge of burning the forest I stood in with how angry I was! What kind of dragon would I be to have my pride taken from me by a bunch of weak little ponies like you!?"

The third dragon - a lanky purple one with yellow hair over its eyes - chimed in "If there's anything a dragon keeps, it's his pride! That's why we're here to settle things once and for all!"

The brown dragon bellowed "Yeah! No running away THIS time!"

Pinkie quickly got in front of the three dragons with a cupcake in her hooves, grinning widely at them "Can we change your minds with a good cupcake?" Garble glared at Pinkie before shooting a small jet of fire that incinerated the cupcake into ashes. The party pony stared before it inched back to her friends grinning nervously "I see you're not convinced! I can get more, you know! All you gotta do is NOT hurt us!"

Garble snarled "Screw that! I want my revenge and I want it now!" He slammed a fist into his other claw "You're gonna pay for humiliating us!! Now you'll know the power of a dragon's fury!!"

Rainbow Dash made sure that the dragons were focused on her friends before she planned to escape, knowing exactly who to turn to. When she went to fly, however, a large stream of fire shot up in front of her and stopped her from speeding off. She looked down at the large brown dragon baring his teeth "Where do you think you're going!?"

The group began backing away from the dragons, fearing for their lives as they inched closer to them with hate in their eyes. They stopped when an apple hit Garble in the face, eliciting an annoyed growl from the red dragon "What the-!?"

Applejack galloped and stood in front of her friends with a glare "Why doncha pick on somepony yer own size!?" She shouted in an angry tone.

Garble wiped off the apple from his face and glowered at the farmpony "Oh, now you're joining them! I'm gonna enjoy this!!"

Unlike the others, Applejack chose to stand tall, but her bravado gradually shrank as the dragons prepared to blast the group with flames. She stood by her friends and broke into a sweat as she stared at the smoke billowing from their snouts and fangs.

"Excuse me..."

Both the dragons and the ponies perked up at the new voice, and Spike, along with Twilight and her friends, looked behind the dragons to see Cuatro standing a small distance away from the group.

He regarded the dragons with his usual expression, and Fluttershy hid behind him with fear in her eyes upon noticing them. The dragons were confused at his interruption and how he seemed so different from the ponies they were used to seeing. The strange alicorn took a step forward as he stared down the dragons "...I would appreciate it if you didn't harm my friends..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintisiete

View Online

Capitulo Veintisiete

Confrontation

The ponies in the crowd away from Cuatro and his friends murmured amongst themselves, most of the murmurs being questions on how the strange alicorn would handle the situation himself.

Garble and the other dragons turned to face Cuatro with their own expressions of confusion before the red dragon glared "What do you want!?"

Spike was surprised to see Cuatro appear in his time of need "Cuatro! How did you know we were in trouble?"

Cuatro remained calm as he spoke "Fluttershy's pet rabbit gave us the details, though it took time to distinguish him properly. But that does not matter now..." He stared at the dragons "May I ask what you are doing here in Ponyville?"

Garble crossed his arms "What do you care? This is none of your business!!"

Cuatro stared before he spoke "You looked ready to harm my friends...This is my business in more ways than one...Who are you and why are you here?"

Garble snorted "Big talk coming from a little pony!! Why don't you run off before you get hurt!?"

With how the red dragon spoke to him, Cuatro already found his behavior to be more than intolerable. He looked upon his cohorts trying to toss threatening gazes his way before he spoke up "It seems that you did not hear me the first time, so I'll ask you again...Who are you and why are you here?"

Twilight blurted out "These are dragons Spike hung out with a long time ago! They want revenge on him and us for running away from them before!"

Cuatro shifted his eyes at Twilight before looking back at the three dragons "Really...And what do you hope to accomplish from this petty act of revenge? Did they do something that was considered deplorable in your eyes? Was there a type of disagreement in the past?" He pressed on with his questions, unaware that he began to annoy Garble as he bared his fangs.

The red dragon snarled "It doesn't matter to you, so just butt out already!! Unless you want us to take you down, too!!"

Cuatro was unphased by Garble lashing out at him and took another step forward "Am I loathe to think that you're entirely focused on revenge through pain? Are we past the point of conversation?" He heard a whimper and noticed how Fluttershy was huddled behind him, shivering at the tension of the current conflict.

Garble pointed a claw "Why won't you just shut up already!? Do all ponies nitpick like you or something!?"

Pinkie answered absentmindedly "Well, that's usually Twilight when she's busy learning about stuff!" She gave an awkward grin when she noticed the aforementioned unicorn glaring at her.

Cuatro spoke up "Clearly you are both impatient and eager about your goals...I only wish to avoid any meaningless conflict through a proper conversation. Would you not listen to what I have to say, so that we can act maturely on this situation?"

Garble stared, then snicked before he bursted out into defiant laughter "What do you take us for!? In case you haven't noticed, we're dragons! We don't need to listen to you at all!!" He approached Cuatro and poked a claw at his chest, leering at him as he continued "In fact, you're in no position to negotiate when we have personal business to take care of!! You're already putting me in a bad mood right now, so this is your last chance to scram while I give these dorks a proper thrashing!"

The brown dragon chimed in with a grunt "Yeah!! Beat it before we beat you!!"

Cuatro stared at Garble in silence before he spoke once again "Then I shall act as tribute in their place..."

Spike and the element bearers gasped as Twilight nearly shouted "Cuatro, what are you saying!? You can't do this!!"

Cuatro shifted his eyes at Twilight "I am only doing what is right, Twilight...Clearly, these dragons are entirely fixated on delusions of revenge. Moreso, I only wish to carry out my promise to protect you all from danger, no matter what..."

Garble narrowed his eyes to slits "You're seriously gonna place yourself in front of all these ponies? Are you stupid or something!?"

Cuatro stared back at the red dragon without any change in expression "Far from it...I am the Moon Shield, Cuatro..."

The purple dragon scratched his head "Moon Shield? That's...pretty lame, if you asked me..." He surprisingly flinched when he noticed Cuatro shift his gaze on him, the look in his catlike eyes somehow boring into his soul.

Garble scoffed "Alright-" He put on a silly face with a voice to match "Moon Shield~!!" He glared again "Since you're obviously wanting to go down in a blaze of glory, I guess you'll make better sport than all of these namby pamby ponies combined!! Heck, I'll even let you decide where you wanna die since you care about them so much!!"

Cuatro nodded "Thank you for your act of kindness..." He looked around before he noticed the vast field outside of Ponyville where he first practiced his cero "That field over there shall suffice, given your species aggresive tendencies...Dragons are fierce creatures in nature, correct?"

Garble smirked "Damn right we are!! Now why don't you get moving? We ain't getting any younger!!" Cuatro unfurled his wings and soared into the air without a word, and the three dragons followed after him.

Twilight and her friends saw this and turned to the others "Everypony! We have to follow them!"

Fluttershy whimpered "I can't believe Cuatro would do that on his own...What if he gets hurt?"

Spike watched Cuatro and the dragons leave "To be honest, I don't know who to feel sorry for...Cuatro's pretty strong, you know!"

Rainbow Dash hovered over her friends "Not to mention he's faster than me! Maybe he can nip this fight in the bud in no time at all!"

Applejack chimed in "If anythin', we oughta be there fer 'im since he was there fer us! Let's get goin', y'all!" She said as the element bearers and Spike ran towards the snowy plains.
_____

Cuatro and the dragons landed in the snow and stared each other down. Each of the dragons growled as they looked at threatening as possible, whereas Cuatro did not show any reaction towards their attempts. Garble cracked his knuckled as he glared at his new prey "Any last words before me and my friends beat you to a pulp?"

Cuatro closed his eyes "I would like to say that I did not want it to come to this...I was under the impression that despite your obvious ferocity, you all were mature dragons and could have settled this quarrel without resorting to violence...When this is over, if we all manage to end this battle soon enough, I hope that we may see past this fight and view each other as both equals and friends..."

Garble stared before he snarled "I don't know if you're acting smug or not, but it doesn't matter now! You're mine!!" He unfurled his wings and darted towards Cuatro with his claws ready to swipe at him.

Cuatro kept his eyes closed, and he opened them the moment Garble got close to him and effortlessly dodged each of Garble's attacks. The red dragon roared with each attempt while Cuatro remained both silent and composed as he continued to dodge. As he dodged, something went through his mind.

"I feel as if I've done this before...This one's spirit reminds me of somepony...But who...?"

Feeling as if he had dodged enough, Cuatro winked out with his Sonido, instantly confusing Garble and causing him to halt, then reappeared a small distance away from him as he spoke "Can you tell me your name? It is only proper that I know who my opponent is..."

Garble noticed Cuatro and growled "I don't have to tell you!! Now shut up and fight already!!" He resumed his onslaught while Cuatro easily dodged more of his attacks. The red dragon was instantly infuriated with how his opponent was not fighting back and tried to provoke him "Why won't you fight back!? Are you chicken or something?"

Cuatro continued to dodge as he replied "In truth, I am reluctant to on account of the seemingly destructive capabilities of my magic...Moreso, I only wish to further my lesson on kindness by resolving this conflict and working out a proper solution for both of us. Though I volunteered to act in place of my friends does not entirely mean that I would fulfill your desire to fight back..."

Garble ran out of energy with each attempt of attacking Cuatro and stopped to catch his breath as he glared daggers at the strange alicorn "That's just like you stupid ponies! Always choosing to wuss out whenever a fight's about to start!! You're fast, but if anything you're a coward!!"

Cuatro stood as he stared back at Garble "Know that I am no coward...Also, not everypony in Equestria would dream of a world with constant fighting...If it would make you feel better, I will actually fight back so that you would not feel so unsatisfied with me..."

Garble scoffed "I'll bet your namby pamby pony princess talks the same way in these kinds of situation!!"

Cuatro blinked "Which one? Celestia or Luna?"

Garble regained his energy as he arched an eyebrow "You serious? Does it even matter!? That's another thing I don't like about you ponies! I'll bet you feel so protected by your princesses that you think that they'll just swoop down and save you when you need help! But you wanna know what I think? I think they're just as weak, pathetic, ugly, and stupid as every other pony in existence!!"

He continued to rant about ponies, but unbeknownst to Garble, Cuatro began to hold a familiar feeling with how he continued to badmouth the princesses, namely Luna. It was the same feeling he discovered when he conversed with Celestia and how she dodged some of his questions. It grew worse as Garble continued without missing a beat.

He was angry.

Cuatro calmly trotted up to Garble as he spoke, and his horn activated, wrapping the red dragon in a magical green aura and silencing him as he looked with widened eyes "What the-!?"

The strange alicorn's eyes were slightly narrowed as he held Garble in his grasp, and he raised a foreleg as he stared "...I will not have you speak ill of Princess Luna..." He uttered in his usual tone, though the contempt was beyond detectable. After slightly reeling it back, Cuatro dropped his magic and shot his forehoof forward and it instantly connected with Garble's chest, even cracking some of the thick yellow scales in his underbelly.

Garble's eyes bulged out, and he hacked up some blood before he shot across the snowy plains like a bullet before crashing horribly into a patch of trees by the Everfree Forest. There was a small explosion of bark when he connected with the trees.

Both of Garble's friends were slackjawed at Cuatro's action, the purple dragon raising his hair with a claw to show his widened eyes.

Cuatro waited patiently for Garble to recover, knowing that dragons were strong and resilient in nature. There was the sound of shifting branches before the red dragon shot up and glowered down at Cuatro, a small trickle of blood seen from his jaws "Lucky shot..." He growled deeply before he let out a roar similar to a battlecry and flew down towards the strange alicorn.

Cuatro, with his anger contained, anticipated his opponent's rash move and dodged to the left before he gave a small hook to Garble's jaw with his right forehoof. He watched his opponent soar across the air before he managed to recover at a large distance, and could not help but feel that how he was fighting grew more familiar with him.

"...That's right...I was a supposed murderer in my past...But I musn't focus on that now..."

Garble roared as he went at him again, but he stopped when he figured he'll only be met with the same results. He turned to his friends and shouted "Quake! Boil! Gimme a hand here!!"

At his command, Garble's friends flew into the fray, content with knowing that Cuatro would be outnumbered. All three dragons flew at the strange alicorn and surrounded him in a triangular formation. Feeling that he was finally cornered, they all rushed in on him, but Cuatro winked out with his Sonido, causing all three dragons to crash into each other. He appeared over the dazed trio and watched them recover.

Quake felt he was being messed with and chose to fly up behind Cuatro and grab him in a hold, smiling triumphantly and bellowing "Hah! Gotcha!" Cuatro did not say a word as he remained still.

Garble saw his friend's success and grinned "Nice one, Quake! Keep 'im there!!" He flew up and hovered in front of Cuatro "Not so tough now, are you!?" He brought back a claw "Now it's payback time!!"

Cuatro stared at Garble before he shifted his eyes at Quake and lifted himself back, causing Quake to be taken by surprise as he was flipped upside down in front of Garble while he was holding Cuatro. The brown dragon roared in pain when he felt a balled claw dig into his back. The pain was enough for him to release his hold on Cuatro, who flipped rightside up and decided to whack both Garble and Quake into the ground with his large tail, hitting them both at the same time.

They flew down and crashed hard into the ground, causing two small dragon-shaped craters as Boil watched in horror. He looked up at Cuatro and began to shake as he stared down at him "Y-You wouldn't..." He flinched when the stange alicorn disappeared then reappeared right in front of Boil, causing him to yelp.

Cuatro stared "Do you wish to continue this fight??" He asked inquisitively. Boil shivered before he shook his head frantically "You've made a wise decision..." He heard groaning, and Cuatro looked back to see Garble and Quake lift themselves out of their self-made craters. He turned and faced the wounded dragons and stared them down "Your friend chose to stop fighting...Can I trust you to come to the same decision? I fear you're exhausting your energy..."

Garble turned his head away to spit some blood before glaring at Cuatro again "No way!! I'm not gonna be made a fool of twice!! You're dead meat!!"

Quake glared at Cuatro as well "I'm right behind ya!! I still got plenty of energy to take you out!!"

Cuatro stared, and Boil distanced himself sheepishly as the strange alicorn looked back at Garble. While he fought, he was gaining a familiar feel of battle, and for the first time, actually spoke with an entirely emotionless tone "...Have it your way..." He winked out with his Sonido, and reappeared beside Quake as he zoomed across in the air and grabbed his head with his forehooves. He dragged the brown dragon across the plains for a moment before he tossed him at another patch of trees near the Everfree forest, causing a larger explosion of bark than the last.

Quake managed to recover on the pile of broken trees and prepared to bolt back to face his opponent, but he did not know Cuatro appeared behind him in the air, positioning himself to buck the brown dragon's back with his hind legs. He did so, connecting with Quake's back with a sickening crack and launching him towards Garble at bullet speed while he roared in surprise, the two crashing into each other furiously as Quake landed on top of the red dragon.

Garble grunted in pain after being crushed under Quake's weight and pushed him off as he went to recover. He looked to see that his friend was somehow knocked out by Cuatro's surprise attack, and felt his heart race as he assessed the situation 'Are we seriously getting our tails handed to us by ONE pony!? Since when was a pony THIS strong!?' He coughed in pain with how he sustained so much damage from the fight, and he staggered in his recovery as he lifted himself up.

Boil ran to Quake's side and inspected him before turning to Garble in fright "We gotta get outta here! We already lost Quake to this guy!!"

Garble flinched in pain as he lifted himself up "No way! I'm not gonna back down from this fight and lose to a pony! Just because he got a few shots in doesn't mean he'll take me down so easily!"

Cuatro blurred into existence in front of Garble the moment he stood on his hind legs, staring at him with his soulless eyes in silence. He wrapped the end of his long tail around Garble's neck and lifted him up, gradually crushing his windpipe as the red dragon suffocated in his grasp. Garble gripped at Cuatro's tail while he suffered under Cuatro's grip, flailing his legs as he felt more air escape his throat.

Boil watched helplessly as Cuatro stared up at Garble, taking his time with how the red dragon suffered. As he fought with the dragons, Cuatro was unaware that he was losing touch with reality as he spoke in a semi-conscious state "Look at you..." He heard Garble gag as he stared back at Cuatro with fear in his eyes "I cannot believe you would even choose to fight me without even acknowledging my words...Such callous and deplorable behavior from a creature like you...You do not deserve to live..."

As Cuatro berated Garble, Twilight and her friends finally made it to see him holding the red dragon with his tail, while Boil watched in terror. They gasped at the sight, not expecting to see their friend act this way. Fluttershy was the most devastated with how she noticed a different look in his eyes: One that was actually devoid of any emotions rather than how she and the others saw him.

Cuatro was unaware of his friends' presence as his horn began to glow "You lost this battle...You have no one to blame but yourself...If you live through this, you shall use what is left of your energy and leave this place at once...If not...then I believe that this is the supposed end you were waiting for in this fight..." His horn glew brighter as Garble felt his life flash through his eyes "...Goodbye..."

Twilight witnessed his actions with widened eyes 'No...That's not Cuatro...That can't be Cuatro at all! Was-...Was Princess Celestia right to send the elements to us!?'

Fluttershy watched and whimpered "C-Cuatro...Please stop..." She felt she was not loud enough as she raised her voice "You shouldn't be doing this...You're supposed to be kind...our friend...Please stop..." Tears began to stream down her face as she watched Cuatro continue unabated. When his horn reached its maximum charged, she clenched her eyes shut, wanting to wish this never happened

"STOOOOP!!!"

Cuatro blinked before he heard the sound of Fluttershy's voice, the glow of his horn receding as he held Garble. He looked to see his friends and their many expressions of shock at his actions. The strange alicorn was confused before he looked to see he was holding Garble with his tail, his pupils slightly shrinking.

"Wait...I remember I was fighting the dragons after they angered me...But...I do not remember resorting to extreme measures like this...Have I really caused so much pain?"

To make sure of his thoughts, he looked around and noticed a battered Quake laying unconscious in the snow, and Boil on the verge of collapsing from seeing Cuatro nearly killing his friend. He then looked back at his friends and their shock once more before focusing back on Garble choking. He stared for a moment before he released his grip on the red dragon, letting him drop to the ground as he coughed and gasped for air while holding his neck.

"I've neglected my lessons in kindness...I believe it is time for me to apologize to them, though it will not be easy..."

He took a step forward towards Garble and looked down at him "It is inappropriate for me to say such a thing after what has happened, but I was clearly not myself back there..." He held out a foreleg towards Garble "I would kindly ask for your forgiveness for my-"

Garble swatted his hoof away and inched himself from Cuatro as he tried to focus a glare, though fear had overwhelmed him "Stay back!!! J-Just stay back! Stay away from me, you freak!!!" His voice cracked as he tried catching his breath.

Cuatro was taken aback by how Garble was acting, and placed his hoof down as he looked down at him in silence.

"...I'm beyond forgiveness for him and the others...What will I do now??"

The strange alicorn looked over to see Boil tried lifting up Quake's unconscious body as he grunted "C'mon, Quake! Get up! You're stronger than this!!"

Cuatro began to feel more than guilty for what he had done, then turned to his friends "Everypony...I didn't mean for this to escalate so quickly...I'm sorry for all of this...I really am..." He looked to see Fluttershy stare at him with tears streaming down her eyes "Fluttershy..." Cuatro took a step towards her, only to see her gasp and take a step back.

Applejack cautiously trotted up to Fluttershy's side, comforting her as she kept an eye on Cuatro "Are ya sure y'all 're alright, Cuatro? Please tell us th' truth..."

Cuatro stared at how her friends were acting, and he looked down before he spoke up again "It was wrong of me to act this way...I only wanted to protect you all from danger...I tried to reason with them, and somehow, they provoked me...Then as I fought..." He looked down at the snow as his voice disappeared without a trace.

"Was I even aware of what had happened after I asked for the dragons to stop fighting?"

Applejack stared for a moment before she trotted up to Cuatro, lifting a hoof to his chin "Then what happened?" She asked in a comforting tone.

Cuatro stared at Applejack, and remembered the same mare that took him in and introduced him to the rest of Ponyville. He sighed "I...I don't know...I must have blacked out somehow as I pressed on during the fight...I'm uncertain as to how this came to be...But I really am sorry, to all of you, even the dragons..."

Applejack stared before she grabbed Cuatro in a hug, taking the strange alicorn by surprise. She then looked at him with a smile "Apology accepted, sugarcube...Ya told yer story an' yer pretty honest about it..." She looked over at the dragons, and how they recovered before they tried to lift Quake "Dunno what to think 'bout this, though..."

Fluttershy wiped the tears from her eyes before she trotted up to Cuatro and got a good look at him up close. Cuatro stared back and wondered if he should actually say something to her after what he had supposedly done. He was once again taken by surprise when he was hugged by her. She buried her face in his chest as she did so "Fluttershy, I-..."

The timid mare lifted her face from Cuatro's chest as more tears leaked from her eyes "I know you didn't mean it, Cuatro...Just please try not to do it again? P-Please?" She sniffled as she looked up at him.

Cuatro stared before he wrapped a hoof around Fluttershy to return the embrace, content to know that she was willing to forgive him for his rash actions "I will..."

Rainbow Dash recovered from her shock to look over at the dragons "Hey! They're getting away!!" She blurted out.

Cuatro looked up at Rainbow Dash "Let them go, Rainbow Dash..." He looked back at them "I accepted their challenge, and they're worn from battle...The least we can do is allow them safe passage back to their home..." He looked down "I put them through the worst of it..."

Twilight was next to trot up to Cuatro after she recovered from her shock "You really have, but that doesn't mean you didn't avoid fighting intentionally. I guess while you were fighting, you were also trying to learn how to be kind to others no matter what, right?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes, I have...I'm glad you do not think so horribly of me..."

Twilight winced at the dragons "Admittedly, you made quite the scene back there..." She looked up at Cuatro with a smile "...but we don't exactly hate you for it. As you said before, you were trying to protect us, right?"

Spike scampered up to Cuatro and hugged his foreleg "Thanks for helping us back there, Cuatro!! You're really something!!" The strange alicorn did not expect for even Spike to recover from his shock so quickly.

Rarity cleared her throat before she approached Cuatro with the others, Pinkie hopping behind her "We all get carried away at some point of our time, darling! If you're truly sorry about all of this, then we forgive you!" She smiled at Cuatro.

Pinkie chimed in "Yeah, even if you're a tall, powerful, and nearly-empty alicorn capable of messing up a bunch of dragons, we forgive you!" Cuatro only stared at Pinkie after her statement, realizing that at least she was willing to forgive as well.

Cuatro turned to the dragons, namely Garble, and spoke to them "I wish you a safe journey back to your homes...Hopefully we can meet again under more peaceful terms..."

Garble grunted as he lifted up Quake, then shot a glare back at Cuatro "I-I don't need your pity!!"

There was a murmur, and Garble and Boil noticed their large brown friend waking up "Hey! Quake, you're alive!" Boil shouted in relief.

Quake rubbed his head, and he looked over to see Cuatro staring back at him, flinching at his sight "Wh-What happened? You're not gonna kill us?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...I only engaged in a fight with you all, and I never actually intended for deaths of any sort...Are you capable of flying?"

Quake stared in confusion before answering "Why does it matter to you?"

Cuatro replied "Because I believe it was wrong of me to harm you when we could have worked out this problem peacefully...So can you fly?"

Quake stared at Cuatro before he tried flexing his wings "My back hurts...But I think I can-"

Garble snarled "Don't talk to this freak! We're done here!" The three dragons hovered into the air as they looked back at Cuatro and his friends. Garble leered at Cuatro "This isn't over! We'll get you back someday!!! Count on it!" He said as he and his friends flew away, leaving the plains and heading back to their land.

Cuatro stared before he turned to the others "Just to let you know...I only harmed two of the dragons...or so I remembered..."

Twilight shook her head before she smiled "I think you've had enough memory troubles for one day, Cuatro...Now why don't we go back home and relax?"

Cuatro turned to Fluttershy "What about my lesson on kindness? Was I not supposed to learn about the Magic of Friendship?"

Pinkie grinned "Well yeah! But now we gotta get back so I can throw you a 'Cuatro-saved-us-all-from-dragons' party!!"

Fluttershy smiled at Cuatro "With how you apologized to the dragons and wanted them to forgive you, I'd say you were pretty kind..." She then looked away with a frown "But...I just don't want you to fight again..." She mewled.

Cuatro looked at all his friends, then down at Spike "Even you see past what I've done, Spike?"

Spike looked up at Cuatro, then looked away in thought before he spoke "Well, granted you were kinda scary back there..." He looked backed up at Cuatro "But you did say you wanted to protect us! And it wasn't like they weren't going to just walk away, right?"

Rainbow Dash swooped down and hovered next to Cuatro with a smile "I don't know what you did to those dragons before we came here, but I'll bet you really gave them a run for their money!! You're super awesome, Cuatro!"

Cuatro looked at all of his friends smiling at him before he closed his eyes "Everypony...Thank you for your kind words..."

Pinkie piped up "That's what friends are for, Cuaty! Now let's get back to Ponyville! I got a party to plan!!" She said as she began hopping. The rest of the group followed her back to Ponyville.

As they trotted back, Cuatro looked back towards the sky where Garble and his friends took off.

"I hope that was an empty threat coming from those dragons...I don't want to go back to killing again..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintiocho

View Online

Capitulo Veintiocho

Clarity

A loud pop was heard, followed by the sound of a party blower as confetti was shot upward inside of Sugarcube Corner, then fluttered downward towards many different ponies cheering and enjoying themselves. In the shortest time possible, Pinkie Pie managed to round up the disoriented citizens of Ponyville, tell them all how Cuatro saved them from certain doom, and quickly constructed a passable party inside of her own home with the help of her party cannon. Everypony had a good time at Pinkie's impromptu party...

Everypony but Cuatro.

The strange alicorn hung his head down in thought as he sat by himself at a corner of the room, and was burdened with many thoughts ever since his confrontation with the dragons: What would his friends think of him if he ever killed in front of them? When will his memories give him the full story of his actions? What would Luna think of him upon hearing of his conflict?

"...Luna..."

He remembered how he was somehow provoked by Garble talking bad about the princesses, though he leaned towards the princess of the night. It was nearly a conundrum, but the red dragon managed to draw out latent anger from Cuatro with relative ease. Granted, Garble's behavior was unbearable to the strange alicorn at first, but it was when Luna was mentioned in ill fashion that it struck a serious nerve inside of him. He would count this among his many strange reactions when around Luna, or even thinking of her.

"Hey, Cuaty!!"

Cuatro looked up and noticed Pinkie grinning at him with the rest of his friends behind her "What are you doing sitting there by yourself? C'mon and join us!!"

Fluttershy frowned "Are you still bothered by your fight earlier?" She asked with mild concern.

Cuatro stared before he sighed "Admittedly, yes...In fact, I wonder what all of you would think of me if I ever actually went through with my actions back there, even if I was barely conscious at the time..."

Twilight trotted up to Cuatro and placed a hoof on his chest "You managed to make them leave, and that's all that matters now. I'm sure we won't see them again anytime soon. Besides, you helped us out, and you tried to learn kindness while you have." She smiled "I'd say you're becoming a better stallion by the day." While her words were sincere, the lavender bookworm was inwardly troubled at what she had witnessed.
_____

Twilight held back a shudder after choosing to remember Cuatro and his change in behavior. A part of her wondered if she would talk to Princess Celestia about this some time later 'There's something she isn't telling me with the elements...'

Cuatro looked down at Twilight "Thank you, Twilight..." He turned to his other friends "And the rest of you as well..."

Applejack smiled "We'd help ya out in any way we can, sugarcube! Now why don't we enjoy this here party?"

Pinkie grabbed one of Cuatro's forelegs "Yeah! Come over here and talk with the rest of us! Almost everypony's warming up to you now!"

Cuatro stared at Pinkie "Almost?" He parroted inquisitively.

Fluttershy pawed at the ground "Well, there are some ponies that are still afraid of you...They're more anxious after we told them about how you handled the dragons..." She looked at Cuatro with a deep and penitent frown "I'm sorry if that didn't help you at all!" She squeaked feebly.

The strange alicorn shook his head "It was not your fault, Fluttershy...I understand their fear of me..." He looked around at the multitude of ponies chatting with one another; the many faces of joy and calm as they conversed over food. In the sea of ponies, he noticed a distant figure that stuck out like a sore thumb, staring at him with eerie yellow eyes and gripping a sword in its right hand. Cuatro tensed up and his horn began to glow.

The others noticed in shock as Twilight blurted out "Cuatro!"

Cuatro shook his head and looked down at Twilight before shifting his glance back at the crowd of ponies to see the figure gone once again, as if it never existed. He darted his head around for a moment before choosing to look back at his friends, who appeared with mixed expressions of confusion and shock. The strange alicorn sighed "I'm sorry to ask this, but I need to be alone for a while longer before I can properly enjoy this party...I promise to meet with you when I feel at ease..."

Pinkie smiled "Do you Pinkie Promise?"

Cuatro blinked before he reluctantly replied "Is it necessary?"

Pinkie nodded vigorously before she pointed a hoof at Cuatro "Anypony can make a promise, but you never go back on a Pinkie Promise! So make one!"

Applejack frowned "Pinkie, y'all 're askin' too much from Cuatro, seein' as how he don't know what a Pinkie Promise is..." She stated matter-of-factly.

Pinkie realized her flaw instantly "Oh, right! Thanks, Applejack!" She looked at Cuatro "Cuaty, if you're gonna do a Pinkie Promise, you'll have to do it right! Repeat after me!" She performed a series of moves while saying the words "Cross my heart and hope to fly! Stick a cupcake in my eye!" She ended with a hoof over her eye. Cuatro only stared at Pinkie's random gesture, then looked at his friends smiling awkwardly while nodding.

"Well, if it is considered important to Twilight and her friends, I may as well comply..."

Cuatro gave a curt nod, then performed the demonstrated actions properly "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye." Rainbow Dash snickered at the strange alicorn maintaining his emotionless face as he did so.

Pinkie smiled "Okay, Cuaty! Take all the time you need! We'll be waiting for you!" She and the others left him alone so he could think to himself.

Never had Cuatro felt more bothered; not from performing a Pinkie Promise, but from constantly seeing the source of his fear wherever he went, only to have it disappear the moment he looks away. It began to take top priority in his thoughts over his conflict with the dragons.

"Could this monster be an apparition of sorts? Or is it capable of illusion magic?"

"So you must be Cuatro, as I've been told.
To defend Ponyville, you prove to be bold!"

Cuatro lifted his head upon hearing a rhyme in a thick, exotic feminine accent, and looked to see a zebra mare with golden bands on her neck and left foreleg, along with golden earrings and turquoise eyes just like Luna. Her cutie mark was that of a strangely drawn sun. She smiled warmly at him, alien to how he was greeted by most ponies "I've never seen you around Ponyville before...Are you the only zebra here?" The faint sound of somepony spitting punch was heard by Cuatro, but he ignored it to hear the zebra's response.

"My name is Zecora, and it is true
That I never found a time to talk to you.
My reason for not living here, you see,
Is that my home is found in Everfree."

The strange alicorn was intrigued "You mean the Everfree Forest? But it is dangerous...How are you able to live there knowing there are manticores?" Zecora smirked with her response.

"I have ways to fend off many a beast.
I suffer no danger in the least..."

Cuatro wondered if Zecora were secretly powerful, or perhaps as wise, if not wiser, than Twilight. To him, she seemed about as mysterious as himself "Are you affiliated with the ponyfolk at all? Surely, you must have connections if you choose to visit once in a while..." Zecora looked back at the crowd of ponies.

"At first, I was seen as an evil witch,
Cursing many ponies without a hitch.
But before long, they accepted me as a friend,
And their rumors of me came to an end."

The strange alicorn nodded "I see...May I ask what your special talent is? You seem to bear a cutie mark like that of other ponies..." Zecora looked at her cutie mark before she replied.

"I'm skilled with brewing remedies,
To soothe any particular maladies."

Cuatro hummed "So you are an alchemist...or more rather an apothecary? Do you often sell your life's work" Zecora shook her head.

"My many potions are not for sale.
They are free to ensure that they do not fail."

Cuatro stared, and wondered if Zecora could be willing to help "Do you have any potions for mental illness?" The zebra quirked an eyebrow at his question "I believe I may be coming down with some kind of hallucinations...It happened just this morning, and it continues at random..."

Zecora placed a hoof on her chin before she smiled at Cuatro.

"Come to my hut when the time is right,
And I'll do what I can to help you fight
These hallucinations at any time-"

"Why do you always speak in rhyme?" Cuatro interrupted. Zecora stared, then chuckled afterwards.

"There is a story behind the way I speak,
But stop by my home if it is help you seek."

Zecora chose to end the conversation there and trot away to give Cuatro time to think. He felt that he had seen a kindred spirit within Zecora with how the two talked together.

"Perhaps she could help me with my problem easily. With her experience in medicine, it is no wonder she is seen as a friend by many..."

Cuatro figured it was best to feel comfortable knowing his issue with hallucination may be sorted out in the near future. He decided to go back and enjoy the party with his friends, as per his Pinkie Promise.
_____

Later, when the party ended, the ponies departed from Sugarcube Corner and went back to their homes while the sun was setting in the sky. Cuatro and Twilight left as well, with Spike riding on Twilight's back.

Cuatro looked up at the sky himself, and upon remembering his dilemma, turned to Twilight as they trotted together back to the library "Twilight, can I please go to see Zecora in the Everfree Forest?"

Twilight blinked "Zecora? You spoke with her?"

Cuatro nodded "I believe she can help me with some problems..."

Spike tilted his head "Did it have something to do with this morning with how you acted so weird?"

Cuatro looked away "I cannot lie to you both...nor can I come to the conclusion that I suffered from lack of sleep. But it could be a simple problem Zecora can fix, considering she is an esteemed doctor..."

Twilight smiled "Well, you've made the right decision, seeing as how she solved problems of our own at times!" She frowned "But I'll have to give you a map to her house if you want to go there without having to deal with any monsters in the forest..."

Spike laughed "C'mon, Twilight! With how strong Cuatro is, I don't think ANY monster would even touch him!" He then looked at the strange alicorn "If he can beat a dragon...what if he could take down an Ursa Minor as well?" He asked curiously.

Twilight narrowed her eyes at Spike "None of that! Let's just go home."

After a small trek, the trio had finally reached the library. Twilight went inside and fetched a map of Everfree forest for Cuatro to look at while travelling. Lucky for him, he remembered the forest being near both Fluttershy's cottage and Sweet Apple Acres. He departed from the library and reached the forest's entrance via his Sonido.

Cuatro looked upon the very forboding thicket of trees draped in snow, and thought back to when he first emerged from it. He wondered if he would run into the same manticore that attacked him a few days ago. The strange alicorn was grateful to Twilight for giving him a mapped route for the safest path to Zecora's hut. He levitated it by his side and began his journey into the deeper reaches of Everfree forest.

There were some twists and turns involved in Cuatro's route that made the trip seem longer than intended, so he decided to take the time and reflect on what he had learned so far with his friends. Cuatro had grasped the concepts of honesty, loyalty, and kindness, and had a long way to go with laughter. He wondered what Rarity would teach him in terms of generosity; if it meant either giving things away or being courteous to everypony he meets.

Cuatro stopped in his tracks when he heard a rustle in the bushes. He looked around and noticed nothing was near him until another was heard to his right. The strange alicorn quickly turned to see nothing once more.

"There is something lurking around here..."

He then heard steps and looked behind him to see the bipedal monster from his dreams standing a small distance. Cuatro quickly turned and went to activate his cero at it, only to see it vanish in front of him, save for the glowing yellow eyes that appear to be advancing slowly as a set of growls was heard. The strange alicorn noticed more glowing eyes joining the first pair, followed by a rancid scent gracing his nostrils.

Soon, three silhouettes showed themselves from the shadows to see that the three sets of glowing eyes belonged to what appeared to be wolves made entirely of wood. Cuatro was intrigued with seeing a unique species of monsters linger about in the forest, though was not too thrilled with his only option.

"It appears I would have to defend myself again..."

The leader of the three wolves continued its advance with a hungry growl and stared down its prey, who only stood idly by, as if not intimidated at all. It began to circle around the strange alicorn, with the other two following suit as they somehow salivated from their wooden maws. Cuatro shifted his eyes at the circling beasts and anticipated their next move.

One of the wolves felt it circled for too long and decided to lunge at Cuatro from behind with a snarl. Cuatro simply flicked his tail at the wolf's muzzle and surprisingly made the attacker shatter into a pile of branches and splinters. The other wolves did not pay any mind to one of their own falling, and growled threateningly at Cuatro before they decided to lunge at him as well, only to be met with the strange alicorn spinning around and lashing at his remaining opponents using his tail. They, too, shattered to pieces around him.

It was considered to be the easiest battle he had ever been in, but he looked back to see his tail was decorated with small splinters. Seeing it as no trouble, he closed his eyes and activated his horn, wrapping each splinter in his tail with a magical aura and pulling them out all at once, dropping them into the snow afterwards. He continued his route after stepping over the many pieces that once made up of the wooden wolves.

When he was a good distance from them, he was unaware that the fallen pieces of bark were all wrapped in a green aura and began to float on their own as they converged.
_____

Cuatro managed to come across another house made out of a tree, only this one was decorated with hanging bottles and exotic masks of different kinds. He felt that he had reached his destination, and approached the front door to knock on it. The strange alicorn waited patiently after knocking, and noticed the door open to reveal Zecora, who smiled up at Cuatro.

"So you've finally come. Hello to you!
Now I can see your healing through."

Cuatro gave a small bow "Hello, Zecora..." The zebra bowed back in respect "May I come inside, please?" Zecora nodded.

"You need not permission to enter, friend.
I shall bring your trouble to an end."

Stepping back into her home, she allowed for Cuatro to make his way inside and see that the interior was meant to match the rough wilderness that was the Everfree forest. There shelves containing flasks of different liquids along with different ingredients that made up of plants; more carved masks that hung on the walls; bottles hung from vines on the ceiling. In the middle of the room rested a cauldron with a bubbling brew.

Zecora grabbed Cuatro's attention and guided him to a chair next to a table. She then trotted over to one of her many shelves and sifted through her assortment of potions and plants. Cuatro observed the zebra mare search diligently and chose to speak "It would seem you must actually have a potion prepared for an occasion like this..." Zecora stopped her search and looked back at Cuatro.

"One may not know when a sickness may rise,
So it is best to prepare than to be surprised."

Cuatro replied "You must have your work cut out for you to have such a large number of cures around your home..." He looked down for a moment in thought while Zecora resumed her search.

"Then again...if she is an experienced doctor..."

It was a thought, but Cuatro was willing to believe that Zecora may explain his random reactions towards Luna after she was finished curing his first problem. He watched her grab a dark green and somewhat withered plant containing a large root with her teeth and trot over to Cuatro. She placed the item on the table and looked at him.

"This bitter root shall mend your mind,
And ensure your senses will be refined.
Be sure to take your time to eat it,
For only one bite is most unneeded."

Cuatro looked down at the plant "I see..." He levitated the plant to his eyes, then proceeded to take his first bite to chew. He stifled a light grunt when he got a taste of the plant's mentioned bitterness. After gulping his first bite, he continued to the next one at a decent pace, growing used to the bitter taste in his mouth. When he consumed it entirely, he let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Such a strong plant...I hope this will rid me of my mental trauma..."

The strange alicorn turned to Zecora "Thank you for your help, Zecora, but now I ask of another favor from you..." The zebra mare hummed in question "It involves a mare...Princess Luna, to be exact..." Zecora tilted her head.

"What could be your trouble with the princess of the night?
Does her presence cause you to run in fright?"

Cuatro shook her head "Absolutely not. In fact, it is entirely different...A feeling that I cannot come to understand..." He looked down as he elaborated on his explanation

"Whenever I see her, something happens to me, followed by a great number of other things depending on her actions towards me...I look into her eyes, and I somehow find myself paralyzed until I choose to avert my gaze...Whenever I make physical contact with her, my body tends to act on its own, whether it is my wings, my legs, or my own heart. When she speaks, it fills me with comfort, especially when she is in the best of moods..."

"She is forever in my thoughts whenever we are apart, and I cannot be certain if it is because she controls the moon, or if we are both friends...I feel...entirely different when I'm at her side...And if her name were to be slandered, it drives me to punish those who would do so...These reactions always happen when I am with Luna...I don't know how I feel about her..." He looked at Zecora, who listened intently with a neutral stare "Can you tell me why this happens?"

Zecora stared for a moment until she began to chuckle, even holding a hoof over her muzzle as her laughter grew in volume. Cuatro went to ask why until she spoke.

"You act as if you do not know
Why your reactions toward Luna tend to show!"

Cuatro blinked "But I don't...I do not know why I do feel this way for Luna. Can you not tell me?" Zecora finally ended her laughter and spoke with a warm smile.

"The feeling you bear is not unheard of.
The answer is obvious: You're in love!"

Cuatro's pupils slightly shrank at the words that came out of Zecora's mouth.

"...Love...I-...I love Luna? The same way Spike feels towards Rarity?"

Zecora's smile widened when she noticed the faint blush on Cuatro's face.

"There is no doubt at all that what you feel,
Is love for Princess Luna that is very real!"

Cuatro looked down at his chest, placing a forehoof on it "I...I never thought that I would act this way out of affection...or that I would discover this feeling so late." Zecora shook her head with a frown.

"For how you feel towards Luna, you're not to blame.
You managed to know once you chose to explain.
If she does not know, then it would be wise
To confess your love when the moment shall rise."

Cuatro stared at Zecora, then nodded "You're right...It is better to let her know rather than keep it a secret forever...But I am torn between seeing her as a friend or a lover...I'm not certain if she would even feel the same way, or if she were forbidden to do so..." Zecora smiled at Cuatro.

"There is no need for you to be so flustered,
Though it seems this talk has left your mind clustered.
Perhaps you should return home and think about
How you will later let your feelings out."

Zecora's words have sunk into Cuatro, and the strange alicorn rose from his seat with another small bow to his host "Thank you very much for all of your help, Zecora. I will remember this..." Zecora nodded to Cuatro as he made his way towards the door. When he opened the door with his magic, he looked back at the zebra mare "Before I go, I have to ask...Do you share love for somepony just like me or Spike?" Zecora stared for a moment before she smiled.

"I am an independent mare,
Living in my home without a care.
But as for thoughts on a significant other..."

Zecora looked away as her smile widened. A light blush could easily be seen on her muzzle.

"I often think about Applejack's brother..."

Cuatro blinked "Big Macintosh? Hm..." He wondered if Zecora and him ever conversed at times. The strange alicorn figured it would be best to ignore the thought since he had some of his own. He waved a hoof to Zecora, who returned the gesture as he left Zecora's hut to go back to Ponyville. Cuatro made sure to keep his map intact as he moved along. Deciding to make sure if the root he devoured had taken effect, he looked around to see no bipedal monster in sight before continuing his trip back home.

"Zecora was very helpful with both of my problems...I no longer feel threatened by that vision, and..."

He felt both his heart and legs stop as he thought about how he figured out his affection for Luna. Now Cuatro had to choose where and when would be the correct time to make his feelings known to her and see what she thinks. Feeling as if he hindered his own pace, he continued to trot back to Ponyville.

Little did he know that when he had stopped, a crushed blue flower unveiled itself in one of Cuatro's hoofprints.

To be continued...

Capitulo Veintinueve

View Online

Capitulo Veintinueve

Embarrassment

Cuatro continued along his path in the Everfree forest, with thoughts of Luna and his love for her clouding his mind. He was more flustered than Zecora had assumed, as he tried to pay attention to the trail while moving ahead on his way.

"Luna...If it were possible, would she accept my love? Would my love get in the way of our friendship?"

It was nearly unbearable for the strange alicorn to try and process a proper answer, and he found it hard to ignore his thoughts with how much it bothered thim. He stopped once more and sighed to himself.

"What can I do? Should I try to talk to her sometime, be it tonight or tomorrow? Would she be willing to listen to my feelings?"

As he thought, several steps and growls were heard from behind, and grew in volume him from where he stood. Cuatro turned himself around to see three more wooden wolves like the ones he had confronted before. A closer look indicated that they were in fact the same wolves the strange alicorn faced with how they held the exact body features. They closed in on their prey with growls that sounded with both malice and hunger, while Cuatro stared back at them with his tail swaying from right to left once.

"How have they come back to life? Are they connected with the Everfree Forest?"

Cuatro took a step back while studying the beasts in front of him, trying to wonder how they appear unharmed from their last encounter rather than the piles of branches that became of them after they were dealt with swiftly. He felt that it would be wise to run off and avoid further conflict knowing their supposed longevity, but it was a moot thought with how the wolves would possibly pursue him back into Ponyville. He awaited the first strike from any of the wolves that continued to advance towards him, his tail swaying back to the right.

Instead of circling Cuatro, the middle wolf lunged forward with a snarl; the same tactic they had used before, much to the strange alicorn's disappointment. He simply used his tail to smack the wolf back into pieces. While the pieces of once what used to be a wooden beast shattered, the remaining wolves advanced without a second thought for their fallen comrade.

He figured they would have gone with a different strategy after their first attempt, but it would appear that Cuatro had to deal with these wolves trying to seize their prey, only to be crushed again. The two wolves dashed towards Cuatro, and the strange alicorn swung his powerful whip-like tail at them, shattering them into a pile of branches.

Cuatro counted himself lucky that his tail did not turn out splintered like before, but he was more focused on how his opponents somehow returned from the dead. He solemnly stared down at each of the piles that once made up of the wolves, and to his surprise, the many pieces were wrapped in a green aura and began to float into each other. The strange alicorn was under the impression that they would come back as three wolves once more, but instead, the pieces converged with one another into one fixed position.

Rustling was heard, and Cuatro shifted his eyes left and right to see many bushes and trees wrapped in a green aura as well. They were plucked from their rooted areas and joined the floating pieces of bark as they formed what appeared to be a giant version of the wooden wolf. Once complete, the wolf's yellow eyes glowed and leered down at its prey, and it opened its wooden maw to let out a low, guttural roar in Cuatro's face. The strange alicorn stood undeterred while its mane and tail breezed back from the force of the wolf's roar.

Cuatro looked back to see that he was approaching a vast clearing; a good place to end his foe. With one more glance at the giant wolf, he used his Sonido to blur out of its vision and appear in the middle of the clearing. While he waited for the wolf, he contemplated on his current situation, and what he had faced with the dragons earlier today.

"...Was I wrong to practice kindness when fighting the dragons? I was close to unknowingly killing one, and yet here I am about to do the same to a wolf without any remorse...Would my friends have done the same?"

His thoughts were cut short when the giant wolf dashed and bowled past the trees to arrive at the clearing to roar at Cuatro again before raising a paw to swipe.

Cuatro effortlessly dodged by flying upward and examining his attacker below while figuring out a way to destroy it. He wondered if it was justified for him to fire a cero at the beast.

"It would be the best choice, knowing its capability..."

He flew down and activated his horn while the giant wolf prepared for another strike. While he did so, however, Cuatro's focus was also met with a small thought that crept into his mind like the other times he had practiced his magic. As he compiled the thought that came to him, the green aura covering his horn slowly faded into a deep black. The strange alicorn then unconsciously uttered these words while the new aura charged up.

"...This is an espada's fully powered black cero..."

The horn produced a black ball entirely different from the green ball from when Cuatro had practiced magic in the past.

"Cero Oscuras..."

Aiming upward towards the monster's head, Cuatro fired a large black beam that made the exact sound of his previous cero. It engulfed the wolf's head entirely, along with most of its upper body; the arms were singed to where they were separated from the elbows with the intensity of Cuatro's attack. The beam had scathed some of the trees behind the wolf as it traveled upward into the sky for many to see back in Ponyville.

Lucky for him, the citizens that have witnessed the beam were able to pass it off as Cuatro practicing more of his magic, though some still feared his power.

When the beam had subsided, Cuatro looked to see that despite the trees that have suffered the newly-developed cero, what remained of the giant wolf was its lower torso and its severed paws. The lower body toppled before it leaned forward and collapsed before breaking into several larger pieces of wood. Feeling as if he had finally won for sure, Cuatro turned to leave.

Only to realize that he had dropped his map.

It must have happened when he had chose to speed towards the clearing. He looked back at the path he had taken to see that it was nothing but unrooted trees over the snow. The strange alicorn was disappointed with himself for not remembering his map, but then looked up to see that while the sky was nearly dark, it was clear enough for him to fly up and see if he were close to town. He unfurled his wings and hovered into the air. He hovered over the forest and looked around for any sign of Ponyville.

To his luck, he managed to find it looming in the distance. However, as he gazed upon it, his vision slowly faded to several shades of blue; mostly a bright shade of cerulean. Confused at the happening, he looked around to see that everything was the same shade of blue.

"What happened?"

Feeling as if he needed to look for help, Cuatro decided to get a good look at Ponyville before he used his Sonido. He landed in Ponyville to see many retire for the night, but when they looked upon them, they reacted differently. Some held shock similar to when he was first introduced to the other ponies; others, namely the fillies and colts, tried to hold back their laughter as their eyes watered. He trotted along into Ponyville, until he noticed Carousel Boutique nearby. The strange alicorn approached the front door and rapped on it three times to wait for an answer.

As expected, it was Rarity who answered "Hello? Can I hel-WAHAHA~!!" Rarity's eyes shot wide as dinner plates, and she scampered back as she looked upon her unexpected visitor "Cuatro! What happened to you!?"

Cuatro looked down at Rarity passively and replied "If you're referring to my vision, then all I can see is blue...The other ponies were reacting differently around me for some reason..."

Rarity looked back at the remaining ponyfolk going into their homes before she winced up at Cuatro "Oh dear...How did this happen, darling?"

Cuatro shifted his eyes to look back "It happened while I was in the Everfree Forest. I'm not sure what might have caused this, but a part of me wonders if it was from fighting those wooden wolves..."

"...Or perhaps a side effect from the bitter root Zecora offered to me?"

Rarity was all the more shocked at Cuatro's words "You were met with timberwolves!? They didn't hurt you, have they!?" Cuatro glanced back at the fashionista as she practically oozed with worry.

"So that is what they are called..."

Cuatro shook his head "No, they have not...Even in their fused form, I was able to defend myself..."

Rarity heaved a sigh of relief "You really shouldn't have us worry like that, Cuatro! As for your..." She gave Cuatro a once-over until she winced "problem...I have just the thing before Twilight can see you! Come inside, please!" As requested, Cuatro made his way into Carousel Boutique. Rarity guided him to the middle of the lobby and chose to have him stay "Wait right here and I'll be right back!"

"Rarity? Who's at the door?"

Cuatro did not expect to hear Spike's voice, and he watched the purple dragon waddle down the stairs to look. When he noticed Cuatro, he jumped slightly with a surprised yelp, then began to laugh after a moment of pause. The strange alicorn blinked "Why are you laughing at me?"

Spike pointed towards a nearby mirror as he laughed "See for yourself!"

Cuatro followed the purple dragon's claw towards the directed mirror, and he was surprised to see that he was covered from head to toe in blue spots of different sizes; Even his own eyes were blue rather than green. He blinked at his reflection "How did this happen?"

Spike stopped his laughter to wipe a tear "You must've stepped in some Poison Joke while you were in the Everfree Forest!" He looked down in thought "Kinda weird when I look at it. It'd be hard to spot some of them in the middle of winter. Not to mention remaining alive under all that snow! Maybe it's because they're magical plants..."

Cuatro blinked "Poison...Joke?"

Rarity nodded to Cuatro's question "It's an insufferable plant known to cause various effects to the ponies that touch them, as if playing a joke. Hence the term 'Poison Joke'. Me and my friends happened to have discovered its effects firsthoof..." She shuddered unpleasantly at the memory of having so much hair on herself.

Cuatro looked down at Rarity "Am I infected somehow?"

Rarity smiled "I wouldn't really say so since it is just those spots all over your coat and the matching color in your eyes. But don't fret! I'm sure I have a drinkable antidote up in my bathroom. Just stay put while I go get it."

Spike chuckled "I'd say you lucked out with what you got right there, Spottro!" The purple dragon laughed after spouting out his nickname to the strange alicorn.

Rarity glared sternly at Spike "Honestly, Spike, cut that out! You could hurt Cuatro's feelings! What would Twilight think of you doing this right now?"

Spike instantly stopped and fidgeted with his claws as he looked away penitently "Sorry about that..." He muttered in remorse. To Cuatro, it would seem that he would respond more quickly to Rarity than he would to Twilight.

Rarity looked back up at Cuatro "I'll be right back, darling! It won't be long!" She said as she made for the stairs

Cuatro watched Rarity trot away "I'm curious...Is Sweetie Belle asleep?"

Rarity nodded as she ascended the stairs "But of course! She has school tomorrow, after all!"

As Rarity made her way up, Cuatro focused his attention on Spike "What are you doing here at this time of night? Does Twilight know that you are away?"

Spike nodded "She's the one who gave me permission to stay here!"

Cuatro pressed on "Was it of your request?"

Spike frowned "Actually...no. She seemed a bit off while you were out in the Everfree Forest. She just wrote a letter to the princess, had me send it, then just told me to stay here for the time being!"

Cuatro stared, then looked away "I see..."

"Either she had a friendship report of her own, or Twilight must be discussing something personal with Princess Celestia..."

Spike scratched his head "I'd say she's worried about you with how long you've been gone. Good thing you didn't stop by looking like-...like-" He held a claw over his mouth as he snickered again.

Cuatro stared at Spike, then heard hoofsteps to see Rarity descend from the stairs with a very nervous grin on her face. Spike once again instantly stopped his laughter before it could properly start. The fashionista approached Cuatro with her grin unchanged "Ummm, Cuatro, I'm afraid we have a bit of a problem..."

Cuatro stared at Rarity, knowing she returned to him emptyhoofed before he assumed the situation "You have no antidote for my condition?"

Rarity sighed "I really did not see this coming, I assure you. I was most certain I still had a bottle or two left! Sadly, this means you'll have to go to Twilight and see if she has one of her own." She looked away with a frown, already feeling sympathy for Cuatro's embarrassing appearance.

Spike pointed at Cuatro "My advice is to get to that pronto! Like I said, she's possibly worried sick about you!"

Cuatro nodded "I understand..." He shifted his eyes towards the front door and felt a shiver down his spine. Not from Twilight's worry, but from the thought of facing her in his current state.

"...So this is what true embarrassment feels like..."

The strange alicorn turned around and made for the door "I will see you both later..."

Rarity and Spike waved Cuatro off "Goodbye, Cuatro!" The fashionista replied sincerely.

When Cuatro made his way outside, his vision was still slightly obstructed by the various shades of blue. While his sight proved to be troublesome, it did not mean that he was lost. Remembering the location of Ponyville Library, Cuatro blurred out with his Sonido and managed to reach the front door.

However, before he reached a hoof to the door, he remembered that Twilight would easily catch his appearance. He felt more of his earlier embarrassment and wondered if it would be wise to just waltz in for Twilight to gawk at his appearance. Taking his time, the strange alicorn formulated a plan. When he found an acceptable strategy, he activated his horn.
_____

Twilight sat on the sofa in the library, and was busy reading through Cuatro's list of memories while the clock on her wall ticked away and broke the silence around the library. She grew both worried and impatient for Cuatro's return with how dark it was getting outside, and tried her best to remain calm 'He probably made a wrong turn in the Everfree Forest on his way to-What am I thinking!? If anything, Cuatro's intelligent enough to know where he's going!'

While she pondered on Cuatro's whereabouts, the lights in the library shut off by themselves, instantly jerking the lavender bookworm away from her thoughts as she looked up and around "What's going on?" She heard the door open, and quickly shut, causing her to jump from the sofa "Who's there?"

"I cannot let you see me, Twilight..."

"Cuatro, is that you? Did you do this?" Twilight called out as she tried to make out the strange alicorn's shape in the darkness.

"I admit to it. Know that I cannot let you see my form..."

Twilight cocked her head to the side with an arched eyebrow "Why not? Are you hiding something from me? Or did something happen?" She heard careful trotting near her and move towards the bathroom.

"I will be with you shortly..."

"Hold it!" When she managed to see Cuatro's tail, Twilight activated her horn and wrapped it in a magic aura, holding it in place "Let me just get the lights so I know what you're talking about!" Ignoring the light grunts from the strange alicorn, she tried to multitask turning on the lights with her magic while keeping her hold on Cuatro. When the lights were on, she tried to focus her sight on Cuatro...

Only to have her vision blocked by two forehooves gently pressed against her eyes.

Cuatro had his forehooves cover Twilight's eyes. It was more embarrassing than his form, but Cuatro had to do something to make sure Twilight could not see him "You can't..."

Twilight only stood with a frown despite her eyes being covered "You're awfully persistent, aren't you?"

There was an awkward silence between the two while Cuatro held his position on Twilight, and the lavender bookworm finally responded "Would you please take your hooves off my eyes, Cuatro?"

Cuatro replied "Only if you tell me where you keep your antidote for Poison Joke..."

Twilight was stunned at the response "Poison Joke? But those are hard to come by in the Everfree Forest this time of year! How did it happen?"

Cuatro felt he was stalling time with the question being asked of him "I must have stepped on one by mistake with how I was unable to detect it..." A part of Cuatro blamed himself for how badly his mind was wrapped on confessing to Luna "Now, the antidote?"

Twilight answered while her eyes were covered "Third drawer under the bathroom sink. Now can you please take your hooves off my face?" She asked in an annoyed tone. She was happy to see Cuatro comply to her request.

She was not happy when her eyes were met with a magical beam in place of Cuatro's hooves...

The lavender bookworm yelped in fright. When the beam connected with her eyes, she did not feel pain, but it was surprisingly dark "Huh? I can't see a thing!"

Cuatro calmly trotted to the bathroom while Twilight tried to feel the air with a hoof "I will be back to reverse my spell..."

Twilight figured out what spell Cuatro was talking about while she tried to move around "A blind spell? Cuatro, get back here!!" She snapped irritably. When she leaned forward to feel air, she accidentally fell facefirst onto the floor with a grunt, followed by a frustrated groan.
_____

Later, after Cuatro mended the spots on his coat and the blue from his eyes, him and Twilight sat on the sofa together and chatted, though the lavender bookworm was still miffed at Cuatro's method of concealing his appearance. Cuatro bowed "I only wished to keep myself out of your view until I was more bearable in your sight. I am very sorry for what I've done..."

Twilight sighed "What's done is done. I suppose you didn't know much about what is found in the Everfree Forest. Honestly, I never expected you to be so self-conscious after your encounter with the Poison Joke. For a stallion like yourself, you must have really developed a sensitive side while you stayed in Ponyville!" She giggled to herself.

Cuatro looked away "I must make sure to be more careful when inside the Everfree Forest...I ran into some timberwolves and dropped the map in my haste..."

Twilight frowned "Were you outnumbered?"

Cuatro shook his head "There were three...They somehow revived and merged together into a larger one...Which reminds me..." He activated his horn and wrapped his list of memories along with a quill towards him. The strange alicorn jotted down three more notes to add. He had forgotten to add 'Luz de la Luna' as of yesterday. When he was finished, Twilight wondered what Cuatro had written down, but he set it aside as he continued "I was able to defeat them finally, but that was when the Poison Joke had taken effect on my body..."

Twilight smiled "Well, at least you're safe and sound. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you by tomorrow."

Cuatro remembered something important and spoke "About that...Before I came here, I stopped at Carousel Boutique to see that Spike had taken refuge there upon your request...He mentioned that you had written a letter to Princess Celestia?"

Twilight's smile wavered "So you know, huh?" She looked away "You see, Cuatro, I made an appointment to speak with Princess Celestia tomorrow, and I'd like it if you would come with me as well." She looked back at him "I sent Spike to Rarity's so he could enjoy a small break before we come back later tomorrow. You don't mind, do you?"

Cuatro stared, and processed that he would travel Twilight to Canterlot. Perhaps tomorrow would be the right moment to approach Luna and finally admit his hidden love for her. With a curt nod, Cuatro responded "Not at all...I will gladly accompany you to Canterlot...May I ask why you would wish to speak with Celestia?"

Twilight looked away with a sad frown "Please understand, Cuatro. This is kind of a personal matter between me and the princess...I need to clear things up and hopefully get a better grasp on what I need to do in the future." She spoke in a sullen tone.

Cuatro could feel the weight of Twilight's sorrow in her voice. He wondered what had caused her to be this way, especially after enjoying one of Pinkie's parties. The strange alicorn unfurled a wing to drape over Twilight's back in order to try and give her comfort. She looked up at Cuatro after his gesture "I may not know of what your matters are, but I'm sure she will give you a good answer for your future actions...Somehow, she managed to do the same for me..." He admitted nonchalantly.

Twilight stared at Cuatro, and smiled at him before she leaned her head on his chest while wrapping her forehooves around him in a hug "Thanks, Cuatro." She then broke the embrace and hopped up from the sofa and trotted towards the stairs "I should probably get to bed. We have a big day tomorrow."

Cuatro nodded to Twilight, but chose to stick with his normal routine and go outside to the roof of the library to gaze upon the moon before actually feeling the need to sleep.
_____

(Canterlot Castle - 3 hours earlier)

Princess Celestia rested in her chambers and read her newly received message with a disapproving frown. Her day was going well, but this very letter had dampened her spirits to the point of wanting to turn back time.

Dear Princess Celestia,

We need to talk about Cuatro, as well as to why you gave the Elements to me. I plan on visiting you tomorrow with Cuatro at my side for good measure, but our conversation will be with us alone. It may sound demanding, but I need to know what exactly is going on with what you were thinking when you have done this.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta

View Online

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...

Capitulo Treinta y Uno

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Uno

Dance

Cuatro and Luna strolled around in the halls by themselves as they enjoyed their own quality time. Cuatro wished to try and confess now, but remembered something as important to bring up to his friend "Luna, about the last time we socialized together..."

Luna stopped to looked over at Cuatro "What about our last moment of leisure, Sir Cuatro?" She asked curiously.

Cuatro looked away with a faint blush "When we parted ways, I acted inappropriately, and I must apologize for it..."

Luna blinked "What dost thou speaketh of-" She caught herself as she remembered how they ended their time the other day "Oh..." Luna perked up in realization "Oh!" She then giggled "Sir Cuatro, tis nothing to apologize for on thy part! It is not so much thine fault as it is our own!"

Cuatro looked back as his blush faded "Huh? But I-" He nearly flinched when Luna placed a hoof on his shoulder.

Luna gave Cuatro a reassuring smile "Fret not about the past. If anything, we enjoyed the time that we've spent with thee."

Cuatro stared into Luna's eyes and finally nodded "Alright..."

Luna tilted her head "We can never really understand why thou art so hesitant when we address thee, Sir Cuatro...Is something on thy mind?"

Cuatro looked at Luna "Yes, actually...You see, this is something that I have thought about for the longest time..." He paused, wondering if it was even appropriate to confess his love in the middle of a hall.

"...I must make this special for her..."

Cuatro looked away "Before I speak, could there be a better place to converse rather than the hall?"

Luna stared at Cuatro before looking over at a large pair of doors nearby, smiling at what was behind it. She turned to Cuatro "We're merely a hoof's inch away from the ballroom. Would that suffice?"

Cuatro nodded "Of course..." The two alicorns reached the doors and opened them to reveal a vacant, but enchanting ballroom that held vast columns and a statue of an alicorn wearing a gown. Cuatro looked around and admired the ballroom's scenery.

"Perfect...Now is the time to make my confession known..."

He went to speak, but Luna cut in before he could give the first word "We see that thou art pleased with the display of architecture." She said with a smile "Surely, thou must enjoy a good dance every now and then!"

Cuatro stared before he shook his head "Actually, I do not favor dancing..."

Luna frowned "Dost thou speak the truth?"

Cuatro nodded "I've tried once at my welcome party, but it was a deplorable display of movement...I'm not the best dancer..."

Luna gave a light huff "Tis a lie! Thou art an alicorn, Sir Cuatro; A pony gifted with grace in movement! Clearly, thou give thyself nary much credit!"

Cuatro looked away "You flatter me, Luna. But I truthfully am no dancer..."

Luna stared before she smiled "Then could we perhaps see a demonstration of thy movement for ourself?" Cuatro looked back at Luna "We wish to see if our judgement is in good standing! Would thou like to dance for us?"

Cuatro sighed "Forgive me, Luna, but I cannot oblige to your request..."

Luna frowned at her friend's answer "Not even if we say please?"

Cuatro felt bad to deny Luna the chance to see him dance, but in his mind, it was for the best.; the strange alicorn would rather not have the one he loves observe him performing a dance in poor form "I'm afraid not...I'm sorry..."

Luna stared at Cuatro for a moment, before a mischievous smile crept onto her face. She narrowed her eyes "Sir Cuatro, we command thee to dance!" She stated in a firm tone.

Cuatro perked up and looked at Luna as she stood with her expression.

"Is she...taking advantage of her status as a princess?"

He stared at Luna while she waited patiently for him to comply "Well? Would thou disobey a direct command from your princess?" She asked in an inquisitive tone. Cuatro flinched and decided to listen to Luna. He took a step onto the dance floor, but was stopped by a midnight blue hoof. The strange alicorn looked over at Luna, who held a different smile "Not alone..."

Cuatro stared at Luna; how both her stare and smile nearly drove his inner focus to ruin "You mean...?"

Luna took a step towards Cuatro, her smile unchanged "Sir Cuatro...Would thou do the honor of dancing with your princess?" She held out a hoof "For a short time?"

At that moment, Cuatro had to muster most of his incredible strength to maintain his composure after hearing those words. He was given the opportunity to dance with the most beautiful mare he had met in his life when he did not favor doing so in the past. He stared before carefully taking Luna's hoof with one of his own and bowing his head while closing his eyes "I shall comply to your order, Princess Luna..." He looked to see Luna take her hoof away.

Luna chuckled "We've told thee before, Sir Cuatro, to call us Luna. Now come, so that we may see just where thy judgement lies in dancing..." The two alicorns trotted onto the dance floor; Luna held a playful smile while Cuatro advanced with a lump in his throat.

"...It will be an endeavor to try and dance again...And with Luna, of all ponies..."

When they reached the center, they looked into each other's eyes, and Luna's smile widened "Should we lead since thou art reluctant to do so?"

Cuatro felt that he should at least aspire to impress Luna "No...It wouldn't be fair to have you do all of the work..."

Luna arched an eyebrow with an impressed smile "Assertive in thy task, art thou? We've never expected this from thee, Sir Cuatro..."

Cuatro fought the urge to cave in under Luna's quip and continued "You commanded me to dance with you, and it is only best that I carry out your order in the best fashion..."

Luna stared at Cuatro and nodded to him, giving him the cue to begin the dance. Cuatro took a step forward, to which Luna took a step back. Upon seeing this, he decided to take another step and see that his partner had taken another step back.

"Perhaps this is how most ponies dance..."

Cuatro took some steps back and watched how Luna approached him with an amused expression on her face. He decided to perform some sidesteps, to which Luna mirrored with relative ease as she kept her eyes on him. Cuatro stared back as he danced with Luna, and felt a warmth in his heart while he gazed into her dazzling eyes.

"...I've never felt this way before...It's not just love..."

He began to circle around Luna in his movement, and she responded by doing the same. They twirled around the dance floor with deft movement; Cuatro actually managed to keep up with his partner with each step he took. What he did not expect was Luna ending the twirling session to stand parallel to his left and sidestep with him; they stepped to the right for a moment before switching back to the left.

"It seems I'm not trying hard enough with my dancing..."

Cuatro continued sidestepping with Luna until he felt the need to turn and face her again to where they stepped back and forth. They locked eyes with their own respective expressions while dancing; Luna's was one of carefree bliss, whereas Cuatro's remained unchanged. Despite this, however, it would seem that the strange alicorn was enjoying this experience as time passed by.

His enjoyment soared entirely when Luna approached him and gently leaned her head under his chin while dancing. Cuatro had to restrain himself from blushing furiously and shaking tremorously from Luna's contact. In fact, he carefully rested his head over Luna's as they danced closely. The feeling of Luna's starry mane caressing against Cuatro's cheeks felt utterly divine.

The warmth in Cuatro's heart spread throughout the rest of his body while he maintained his deft movement. This was one moment he imagined whenever he thought about Luna.

Feeling that the building sensation of dancing with Luna had given him the much-needed drive, Cuatro found his voice while they danced "Luna...I believe now is the opportune moment to speak to you..."

Luna replied without looking at Cuatro "Art thou referring to thine earlier thoughts?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes...I've only discovered this recently, and I wish to make it known to you and see how you react to what I have to say..."

Luna gave a soft smile while she danced with her partner, then broke the embrace they shared as she stared intently into his eyes "Then speak, Moon Shield; share thy thoughts with us."

Cuatro managed not to be swayed by Luna's smile and continued "Luna, ever since I first met you...I was surprised by both your appearance and how you were able to control the moon that I am fond of gazing at in the night..."

"And?" Luna asked, wishing for Cuatro to continue.

Cuatro tried to look into Luna's eyes without feeling pressured despite dancing with her "The time that we've spent together, no matter how short it was, was perhaps one of the best moments I've experienced despite my memory loss...How I was able to meet with you and be considered a friend...And it was only the day before that I have finally come to understand why I act so differently around you in terms of speech and movement..." Cuatro decided to stop his dance so he could make his confession as coherent and special as possible.

The two alicorns stopped and stared into each others' eyes. After Cuatro hesitated in his moment of pause, he concluded his feelings "Luna...I-...I lo-"

"Cuatro! There you are!"

Cuatro and Luna looked over at the ballroom's entrance to see Twilight smiling at them. Luna smiled back while Cuatro harbored the strange feeling of wanting to smack Twilight. The lavender bookworm trotted up to the two and tilted her head "You two seem silent. I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" The strange feeling inside of Cuatro grew worse after her question.

Luna chuckled "Well, Sir Cuatro was about to tell us something important before thou chose to grace us with thy presence, Twilight Sparkle. May we ask why thou art showing up like this?"

Twilight scratched her head with an awkward chuckle "Sorry..." She then smiled "I actually came by to let Cuatro know that I was done speaking with Princess Celestia!" She looked over at her pale friend, and her brightened mood slightly wavered 'I just hope Cuatro won't put himself through anymore danger...'

Luna nodded "Ah, so thou art wishing to depart so soon?" She looked at Cuatro "Could thou perhaps share with us thy thoughts before thine departure, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro stared back at Luna smiling, then looked down. Something about Twilight's interruption ruined the mood for Cuatro's confession...

"This was unexpected..."

He looked back up "Perhaps I'll share it with you the next time we meet..."

Luna gave a small pout "How disappointing..." She felt Cuatro's anxiety and laughed "Fret not, Sir Cuatro! We understand thy current frustration! Thou can confide to us at a later time, preferably in the near future." She said with a warm smile.

Twilight switched her gaze between the two alicorns and frowned "Did I miss something?"

Luna's smile took a mischievous turn as she spoke "Only that thy friend lied about himself being a horrible dancer." She narrowed her eyes at Cuatro "We expect an apology from thee, Moon Shield!" Cuatro flinched and went to bow, but stopped when Luna placed a hoof on his chest while laughing "Sir Cuatro, thou art so adept at amusing us!"

Twilight tried not to laugh after witnessing Luna's small trick. On the inside, she was curious as to what Cuatro wanted to say to Luna before she somehow interrupted them.

Luna approached Cuatro and gave him a small hug "We thank thee for dancing with us, Sir Cuatro. We hope to see thee again very soon!"

Cuatro enjoyed the embrace as he replied "I shall...Count on it..."

Luna broke the embrace and smiled up at Cuatro "We shall hold thee to it then."

Twilight watched the two alicorns and was moved at the scene 'Oh, Cuatro...' She then decided it was time to go "Come on, 'Sir Cuatro'" She spoke Luna's nickname in a teasing tone "It's about time we get going!"

Cuatro nodded to Twilight "Understood..."

Luna held up a hoof "We shalt travel with both of thee in the hopes of seeing our sister in the halls. We wish to return to her." The trio departed from the ballroom and made for the castle's vestibule.

While they trotted in the halls, Cuatro stole a glance at Luna and her serene eyes while she looked ahead. He felt deterred by the interruption, but he knew that there could be a better time to confess his love to Luna.

"When the time comes...I hope you can understand my feelings, Luna..."

Twilight thought to herself on how to better approach any future situation that could trigger Cuatro's tendency to black out in a fight 'If we're lucky, we won't be met with anymore dragons...Then there's the possible danger that lurks within the Everfree Forest. I could go with him...But if I'm too busy, I should ask if anypony is willing to travel with Cuatro to keep him occupied and level-minded with each trip depending on the day...' She was willing to do whatever it takes to ignore the Elements of Harmony as a last resort for handling Cuatro.

They reached the castle's vestibule where the trio wished to part ways, and Celestia was found on the floor next to the staircase leading to the castle entrance. Luna approached her sister and stared "We see that thou chose to leave the throne room, Tia. Was it to pursue Twilight Sparkle, or was it for other matters?"

Celestia gazed on the trio of ponies "A little of both actually. There is something I wish to ask of my faithful student..."

Twilight took a few steps forward, nervous as to what the princess would ask of her like this "What can I do to help you, Princess? Does it involve royal business?"

Celestia shook her head "Not exactly, Twilight..." She looked down at her student with an intent gaze "...I wish to have Cuatro stay at the castle for a little longer..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Dos

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Dos

Solution

Twilight blinked "What? But why would you want to keep Cuatro around? Is there something you have in mind?" She did not expect this particular request from her mentor after they had shared a heart-to-heart conversation about Cuatro's mysterious condition 'What are you planning, Princess? Hopefully nothing dangerous...'

Celestia nodded "I only wish for Cuatro to remain here so that I may try a method that could possibly restore his memories. It is something I need to look into before actually doing it." It sunk in as truth to her student, but the solar princess had other plans...
_____

(Earlier - Throne Room)

Celestia pondered to herself about Cuatro's latest conflict and how it nearly blew out of proportion according to Twilight's explanation 'This isn't good...If what Twilight was saying is true, then he could be recovering his memories at the wrong time...And that would put Equestria in more danger. There has to be a way to contain his second nature of fighting mercilessly to avoid any bloodshed...Unless...' Celestia's eyes widened in realization "Of course!"

Her idea seemed profound, but a part of her nearly wished she'd never condone the idea 'If it's what it takes, then I'll have to try and bind his violent behavior with an advanced mind spell...' According to Celestia, the only drawback from using said spell would further impede Cuatro from regaining his memories, but she would be willing to take risks if it meant protecting her land. She had already felt guilty for keeping his origins a secret from other ponies, but there was no other alternative unless no lives were lost.

Celestia closed her eyes 'There is still the matter of wondering how he'll react when his memories return...But only time will tell...' She decided to go out and find Twilight and Cuatro to share her idea.
_____

Celestia held a convincing smile while she hid her true intentions "So, Twilight...Are you willing to lend me Cuatro for the time being?"

Twilight looked down "Well, if it means another attempt at restoring Cuatro's memories, then..." She faced her mentor with a smile "Sure! By all means!" She looked over at Cuatro "Are you okay with this, Cuatro? I'm sure the princess could help you out in any way possible."

Cuatro looked at Twilight "What about you? Will you remain as well to witness Celestia's success?"

Celestia shook her head "I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Cuatro. Twilight has business of her own to attend to back in Ponyville. Besides, you'll be sure to meet her when you're done here."

Luna looked over at Celestia for a brief moment before smiling at Cuatro "Look at it this way, Sir Cuatro. Now we have more time to spend with each other!"

At that point, Cuatro decided that every cloud had a silver lining. He nodded to Celestia "Very well...I shall place my trust in your effort for the time being..." He said in a straight tone and looked over at Luna.

"It might also help me to recover from my previous mistake..."

Celestia donned a satisfied smile "Then it is settled. If you all will excuse me, I'll need some time to prepare myself." She said as she trotted away from the group.

While her sister distanced herself, Luna was curious to what Celestia had in mind for Cuatro 'Sister...Will thou truly restore Sir Cuatro's memories?'

Twilight watched Celestia leave and then turned to Cuatro and Luna "Well, I suppose this is goodbye for now. I'll see you back in Ponyville if you ever come back soon, Cuatro!"

Luna nodded to Twilight "Fare thee well, Twilight Sparkle. It was nice to see thee again."

Cuatro spoke up "I will be sure to return very shortly if Celestia is successful..."

Twilight smiled at Cuatro "I look forward to it!" She trotted down the stairs and exited the castle.

The two alicorns watched Twilight leave, and then Luna looked over at Cuatro with a playful smile "Sir Cuatro, thou realize that thou can tell us what was intended for our personal knowledge?"

Cuatro's eyes widened slightly at Luna's tone. He looked at her and watched how she held such a teasing atmosphere with her expression. Regardless, she was right in her statement.

"...Not here..."

Cuatro replied "Could you perhaps lead me to another iconic area of the castle?"

Luna blinked "Again? Thou make it seem if this information is entirely sacred!" She examined the expression on Cuatro's face to see if he was hiding something 'Unless...'

Cuatro gave a curt bow "Please, Luna...Will you at least acknowledge this request of mine?"

Luna stared at Cuatro before she smiled "So be it, then. Clearly, thou art adamant on wishing to impart thy words to us with the proper scenery! Come, Sir Cuatro. Follow us..." She said as she trotted down the stairs towards the gates leading outside into the courtyard with Cuatro following close behind.

They went along a shoveled trail behind the castle walls that lead towards the royal garden, where some of the castle's rare and prized flowers that remained in bloom were covered in snow. There was an ornately-paved dock up ahead that stood over a small frozen pond. They stepped onto it and Luna held an amused smile towards Cuatro "Is this iconic enough for thee? Or must we guide thee back to our chamber?" She asked in a teasing tone.

Cuatro fought a blush as he replied "This is satisfactory...Don't worry..." He wondered why Luna would even consider him confessing in her bedroom. Unless it was another joke, Cuatro had mixed feelings about the proposal.

Luna chuckled before she spoke "Now, would thou be willing to speak to us, Moon Shield?"

Cuatro nodded "Yes...I believe I can actually confess to you now much better than before..." He took a deep breath "I may as well come out with it now so I do not end up making matters worse..."

Luna tilted her head "Oh?"

Cuatro stared into Luna's eyes, even finding the courage to take a step closer to her "Luna...I want you to know that..." He paused when he noted the look of rising curiousity on the princess' face "I love you..." Cuatro closed his eyes as he continued

"At one moment, I was pleased when we became friends, but I did not realize until recently that it was more than just friendship to me...I was completely blind to the particular emotion during the time I had spent with my friends in Ponyville, and I was even confused with how I've even acted differently around you..." Cuatro opened his eyes to look at Luna, who was surprisingly calm while he confessed to her "It was love...love for you and nopony else...When I had discovered my feelings with the help of a friend named Zecora, I was unsure on how you would look at me once I've brought it to your attention; if you would either be surprised or disappointed with me..."

Luna was silent, and finally put on a soft smile "Oh, Sir Cuatro..." She uttered in a touched tone. As they stared, she continued "It was rather nice of thou to come clean to us, but to be truthful..." She held a grin that was mixed with embarrassment and amusement "We were...basically aware of thy feelings the moment we caught thee blushing at the Donut shop!"

Cuatro's eyes widened "Wh-Wha-...?" All that thought he had put into his confession seem to have been wasted with what has been brought up.

Luna giggled at Cuatro's reaction "Tis the truth, Sir Cuatro! Everypony knows that the slightest hint of red on one's face is an indication of either embarrassment or affection! Knowing thy many...reactions..." She emphasized in a teasing tone with a brief chuckle "...It was clear to us that thou hath taken a fancy to our company! The exhibition of thy wings was most unexpected, but as mentioned earlier, tis not so much thine fault as it was our own." She looked up at Cuatro with a warm smile "Looking back on the time that we've spent as friends...t'was a most enjoyable experience indeed. And while it may seem that thy efforts are for naught, thou hath truly shown us true happiness with thy company, even if thou art unable to smile."

Cuatro stared at Luna "So does this mean that...you accept my feelings?" He asked in his usual tone, though entirely hopeful in his thoughts.

Luna approached Cuatro as her smile widened "Verily. To thy credit, thou art the most interesting pony we've come across in our time bar Twilight Sparkle, who taught us how to be more friendly towards other ponies!" She placed a hoof on Cuatro's chest, causing his heart to nearly jump into his throat "But thou art different...Thine is but a most exuberant experience wrapped within thy calm and stoic appearance! We're most pleased with thy display of affection!"

The fact that Luna acknowledged his feeling and offered to return them with her own had Cuatro's mind reeling with several ideas on how to react. His mind was brought back to reality when Luna spoke up "Sir Cuatro? Could thou be so kind as to bring thy face closer towards us?"

Cuatro stared before he carefully did as requested. Luna lidded her eyes slightly "Closer..." The strange alicorn brought his face closer towards Luna as she whispered "Close thine eyes, so that we may present thee with a surprise..."

A surprise? Cuatro had a mind to what she had planned and proceeded to do so. While Cuatro's eyes were closed, Luna quietly levitated a snowball with a smirk on her face, then pelted Cuatro with it before bursting into laughter.

Cuatro grunted in surprise after getting hit with the snowball, then rubbed it off of his face to look at Luna "Another snowball fight?"

Luna ceased her laughter to smile at Cuatro "Art thou willing, Moon Shield?" She asked as she levitated more.

Cuatro stared before he levitated some of his own "I accept your challenge, Luna..." The two then proceeded to have their second snowball fight with the same amount of effort as their last one.
_____

Celestia was in the Royal Library, looking up a book on mind spells. She remembered to look through the Starswirl Wing to find the more astute spellbooks, and managed to pinpoint the best one she could find.

After skimming through each page, she finally found the proper spell needed for Cuatro's situation 'Here we are. To bind certain aspects of the mind...' She read each line needed, and she gasped when she fell on the requirements for the spell:

"In order for the user to bind the given aspect of mind inside of another being, the subject must reveal it entirely for the spell to be effective."

All former traits of thinking binding Cuatro's behavior was an easy task had left Celestia as quickly as they came. An image came into her mind of a robed figure with wings glowing and transforming into a whole different being; with blackness that trailed from both his eyes and the hole in his chest. She sighed, now knowing that she had no choice but to try for the sake of protecting Equestria from Cuatro's growing power. After studying how to perform the spell, she closed the book, placed it back on the shelf where she found it, and departed from the library to look for Cuatro.

She trotted the halls in silence, reflecting on when she first tried to restore Cuatro's memories and supposedly 'failed'. With what she had collected, it would have been a mistake to give him back his memories altogether back then. It was comforting to know that he was in good hooves after he chose to stay with Twilight and her friends, but Celestia could not let his latest fight go after her student brought it to her attention. The results would have been too grim if he had went through with killing the dragons that visited Ponyville; he probably would not have stopped there. As for how the spell had to be performed, it was as simple as it was tedious...

She would have to reawaken his dark side.

It was too much to think about at the moment, but all she could do was maintain her composure while she seeked out her 'subject' around the castle. When she passed a window that peaked out into the royal gardens, she caught a glimpse of Luna and Cuatro throwing snowballs at each other while dodging or blocking whatever came their way. Celestia watched how her sister looked so happy when she was around Cuatro, while his own face did not make even the slightest change. The two alicorns had stopped to look at each other, and Celestia looked upon Luna's bright smile once more. As uplifting as it was, it can only last if the spell is successful. Celestia heaved a sigh as she thought about how to orchestrate where and how to cast the spell. She heard footsteps and caught a guard trotting in the hall with a spear in his forehoof and stopped him "Excuse me..."

The guard instantly stopped and bowed in genuflect to his ruler "Yes, your majesty?"

Celestia looked back out at the window to see Luna talking with Cuatro "I would like for you to go find Cuatro in the royal gardens and inform him to meet me in the throne room...alone..."

The guard bowed to Celestia once more and galloped down the halls. Meanwhile, the solar princess hung her head with her eyes closed 'I'm very sorry for this, Luna, but his destructive power must be contained...' She trotted back to her throne room to await Cuatro's presence.
_____

Cuatro and Luna finished their snowball fight in a draw, though Luna still found much entertainment in her opponent's participation "Another epic wintery skirmish if we do say so ourself!" She beamed at Cuatro.

The strange alicorn bowed his head to Luna "I wish only for your happiness, Luna...My love for you knows no bounds..."

Luna chuckled and approached Cuatro with a brief nuzzle on his cheek "Thou would proclaim thy affection so openly now that thou hath revealed it to us?" She asked inquisitively, albeit teasingly.

Cuatro gingerly returned the nuzzle "If I must, unless you object to it..."

Luna looked up at Cuatro with a smirk "That would be nary much fun if thou would willingly surrender thyself to us for our own personal pleasure."

Cuatro blinked "Would it not suit you?"

Luna turned away to hold a hoof to her muzzle and stifle a fit of laughter "Enough of thy words, Sir Cuatro! Let us focus on something other than us!"

Cuatro stared at Luna's mirth "But all I can focus on is you, Luna...Along with my friends, you've given me a reason to live..." Much to his carefree manner in his statement, his last sentence had triggered something he has not felt for a short while: A hammering migraine. Cuatro clenched his eyes shut and grunted as he held his head and felt the familiar sensation of a shaded memory playing in his mind.

"Kill me...Hurry up. I don't even have the strength left to walk..."
"If you don't kill me now, it will never be over..."
"I won't do it!"
"What?"
"I said no! This...This isn't the way I wanted to win!!"
"Hmph...In the end, you still never do what I want..."
"Are you afraid of me...girl?"
"...I'm not afraid."
"...I see..."

The shaded memory had finally subsided in Cuatro's mind followed by his headache. There was no new points of interest for him to add to his list, but he knew the particular memory that had sprung inside of him.

"That was...the first memory I've come across in the Everfree Forest...But it doesn't make any sense...Did I wish for death?"

This bothered the strange alicorn more than his supposed history as a murderer. According to his practice on magic, he was seemingly powerful for a pony, and yet after witnessing the very first memory he had collected, he wanted to die right then and there.

"There was talk of victory...Was I bested in combat?"

He opened his eyes after rubbing his temple, and looked to see Luna frowning in concern. His heart skipped a beat before he spoke "Please forgive my action, Luna...This has not happened to me for a while, but I'm fine now..."

Luna placed a hoof on Cuatro's cheek "Thou art sure of thy health? We've only noticed thee suffer a migraine only once. Twilight Sparkle claims that they are possibly connected with thee reclaiming thy memories."

Cuatro gently placed a hoof on the one Luna placed on his cheek, feeling more warmth despite the outdoor temperature "I would think of it to be true...What I've discovered was the very first memory I've come across during my period of amnesia..."

Luna perked up at the response and drew her hoof back "Really? What is it that thou remember, Sir Cuatro?"

Cuatro stared at Luna in silence. At one point, it was too much to bear to come out with a possibly grim memory in front of the alicorn that he loved, but he also should not keep too much from her since she was kind enough to accept and return his feelings "I wished to-..." He took a deep breath, and Cuatro hung his head as he reluctantly continued "I wished to die...to be killed..."

Luna could not believe what she had heard "What!? Of all the memories thou hath reclaimed, one of them involved thee desiring to shed thy mortal coil!?" She asked in an incredulous tone.

Cuatro regretted his choice of words upon seeing Luna's mood and sighed "I cannot lie to you, Luna...But I'm uncertain as to why I would want such a thing. Despite my memories, I wish to cherish my life from here on out until the entirety of my past returns to me. When that time comes, I shall see to my promise of smiling for you..."

Luna managed a ghost of a smile after what was said, setting Cuatro at ease "Tis true...Thou hath promised to smile for us when thy memories returned, but we're now curious of what went on in thy past..."

Cuatro stared at Luna for a moment "I understand...About another activity, why don't we take a stroll around Canterlot? We could find means of leisure if we traverse through the streets..."

Luna smiled "An encouraging thought from thee. Shall we depart?"

Before Cuatro could answer, his ears perked when he heard approaching hoofbeats behind Luna. He looked behind her to see a guard galloping towards them and stopping carefully in front of the two alicorns "Cuatro, Her Majesty Celestia wishes for your presence at her throne room!" The two alicorns traded gazes upon the news.

"Celestia must have her secondary method prepared for me..."

Cuatro looked back at the guard and nodded "Thank you for the message. I shall be with her momentarily..." He said as he looked back at Luna "My deepest apologies for this happening, Luna..."

Luna sighed, but still managed to smile "We musn't feel too bad about this. If our sister is successful in restoring thy memories, it also means that we get to see thee smile!" She gave Cuatro a small hug.

Cuatro enjoyed the small embrace before turning to the guard "Can you take me to her while I talk with Luna?"

The guard shook his head "I'm sorry, sir, but she requires for your presences and nopony else!"

Luna was surprised at the news and narrowed her eyes "And why were we not informed of this?" She asked in an irritated tone.

The guard shivered under Luna's question "I-I'm sorry, Princess Luna! It's what your sister had told me!" He cleared his throat and turned away "I have some duties to return to right now. Please do not keep the princess waiting, Cuatro!" He trotted off, though he was still shaken from Luna's anger.

Luna scoffed "Unless it were some kind of lone process, We're confused as to why Tia would just cast us aside on a momentous occasion!"

Cuatro tried to comfort Luna by nuzzling her cheek "I don't want to see you angry...It can't be helped if she wishes to see me one-on-one to try and restore my memories..."

Luna remained still before she sighed and returned the nuzzle "Nonetheless, this was not expected nor appropriate of our sister. But if she were to be successful, thou would be wise as to come to us first. Understood?" She looked up at Cuatro with an expectant glance and a playful smile.

Cuatro gave a curt bow after looking into her eyes "As you wish, Luna...Why don't we trot together until we reach the throne room?" The two alicorns trailed off towards the castle's main entrance, where they would make for the throne room.

Needless to say, Cuatro was in a state of bliss when he trotted with Luna in the halls. He figured it was an accomplishment coming to terms with his affection for Luna, but how would he explain it to his friends once he came back to Ponyville? They have not yet known about his feelings towards Luna save for Zecora, who practically spelled it out for him. Perhaps he would let them know about it once he was finished with his current matter.

They reached the throne room doors, and Cuatro and Luna faced each other before Luna smiled "We'll be waiting for thee, Moon Shield..."

Cuatro replied instantly "As will I, Luna..." He turned to the doors, then opened them up with his magic as he made his way inside.

He noticed Celestia sitting on her throne with her eyes closed, as if she were meditating the whole time, and she opened her eyes when she spotted a visitor "Ah, you've arrived, Cuatro. I'm glad you could make it..." She said as she rose from her throne and trotted down the carpet "Can you please close the doors so we can begin?"

Cuatro looked back at Luna staring at him, then activated his horn as he closed the doors. He took his time so he could get a good look at Luna before undertaking another memory restoration process. He then turned back to face Celestia "...I'm ready..." He spoke in a straight tone.

Celestia nodded with a calm expression "It's good that you are...What we're about to do will be no small feat..." Her horn glowed with a bright yellow aura, and the brightness grew intensely before it shrouded the entire throne room.

Luna noticed the traces of brightness from behind the doors, and they instantly died out. She was unsure if her sister's method was that quick, and chose to swing the doors open to see that absolutely nopony was in sight; there was neither hide nor hair of Celestia and Cuatro "What!? What is the meaning of this!?"
_____

Twilight was riding home on the Friendship Express back to Ponyville. While the train ride was tranquil to everypony else on board, she was bothered by several thoughts after her visit with Celestia. Most of the thoughts consisted of worst-case scenarios if Cuatro were unable to control his hidden violence and went on a rampage. Another thought was how Celestia wished to restore Cuatro's memories when her first and foremost method had somehow failed.

The final thought that had bothered her most of all was how she would go about her business once she comes back. Apart from Canterlot and Ponyville, she had a bad feeling about what would transpire in both locations, but she couldn't place her hoof on it 'Maybe I'm just overthinking this...I should just try and relax before I end up making things worse for myself...'

She took a deep breath to calm herself, and Twilight willed herself to enjoy the train ride home in peaceful silence. However, she still could not shake the thought of what Celestia had in store for Cuatro.
_____

Back in Ponyville, it was snowing lightly around the town due to the pegasi's weather schedule. Rainbow Dash flew in the sky on her way to the library with a book in her hooves. When she reached the front door, she opened it and looked around "Hey, Twilight! You home?" She noticed that the library was empty save for the presence of Owlowiscious, who was sitting in his perch staring back at Rainbow Dash.

The cyan pegasus brushed it off and hovered her way inside as she called out "Twi? Hello~! I wanted to stop by to show you my novel! I just finished it and I figured I'd let you be the first to read since you love to so much!" Twilight made two mistakes in her haste to see the princess; One mistake was that she did not tell any of her friends before she had left; Another mistake was leaving the library unlocked in the belief that Spike would return home before her. Rainbow Dash looked around and scratched her head with a free hoof 'That's weird...Usually I'd find Twilight, Spike, or even Cuatro around here!' She turned to the door leading to the basement and held a knowing glance 'Maybe they're doing some kind of experiment downstairs?' She decided to place her finished novel on the checkout desk and glide over to the door, opening it up to see that none of the machines were on in the laboratory "Hey, Twilight! You down here?" She went further into the basement.

As she hovered down the stairs, she looked at each of the machines and noticed a small bump behind one of them "Huh? What's this?" She flew over and poked at it to see if it was metallic like the rest of Twilight's machinery, but noticed there was some gems on it. She pulled it towards here to see that it was a chest and tilted her head at the familiar structure 'How long has Twilight had this?' Rainbow Dash proceeded to open it up...

While Rainbow Dash was inside the laboratory, Spike had just returned from his time at the Carousel Boutique; he felt that he should at least tidy the place up for when Twilight and Cuatro return from Canterlot. He hummed as he made his way inside, looking around to see where he would start "Okay, nothing's too out of place right now. Maybe I can just dust the shelves and sweep the-"

"WHAT THE HAY IS THIS?!!?!"

Spike instantly darted his head over to the basement door to see it hang slightly open. It was unnerving to know where not only the voice came from, but who exactly it belonged to. He made a dash for the door and looked down in the laboratory to see Rainbow Dash stare wide-eyed at the chest containing the Elements of Harmony "...Uh oh..." He uttered as his face was plastered with anxiety.

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Tres

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Tres

Encumbrance

The Friendship Express had just reached Ponyville and arrived in front of the station, leaving a small blanket of steam as it slowed to a stop. All Twilight can do now is go back and study at the library while waiting for the results on Celestia's method involving Cuatro. When she had thought back to it, she grew worried about the success rate of her pale friend regaining his memories 'There I go again! I should just be happy that Princess Celestia is trying to help Cuatro after her first attempt didn't go so well. Besides, I still have to tend to my studies back at home...'

She shook off her worry and made a beeline for the library. Twilight felt the snowflakes decorate her mane and face accompanied with a light breeze. It was comforting for a short moment before Twilight shivered "I probably should've brought a scarf..." She thought out loud on the way home.

As she trotted back, she was met with Pinkie Pie zipping in front of her with a wide grin "Hi, Twilight!" Her grin disappeared as soon as it came when she decided to look around "Huh? Where's Cuaty? Is he not with you? Or is he playing hide-and-seek?"

Twilight chuckled at Pinkie's random question and chose to enlighten her as she trotted back "He's staying in Canterlot so the princess could help with trying to restore his memories again! Isn't that wonderful?"

Pinkie's smile instantly returned upon hearing the news "Really? That's so splendorific for words!! This calls for a party once he gets back!" She replied as she pronked next to Twilight, traveling at her side.

Twilight continued "It gets better...I've heard from Luna that she and Cuatro danced together! Here we thought he wasn't such a good dancer at his welcome party, but all he needed was a push in the right direction!"

Pinkie gasped and stopped before catching up to Twilight with a toothy grin "Did he enjoy it!? Please tell me he enjoyed it! Cuz if he did, he's one step closer to putting on a good smile!"

Twilight held a thoughtful glance "Honestly, I couldn't tell. In fact, he sounded a bit disappointed when I talked with him and Luna."

Pinkie blinked before she nodded "Aaaaah, I gotcha!" Before Twilight could ask why, Pinkie held up a hoof "Not yet, Twilight! You'll know soon enough!" She said as she continued pronking back with Twilight to the library.

Twilight looked ahead "If anything, I'm anticipating Cuatro's memory retrieval to be a success! We all know that Princess Celestia takes each of her magic sessions seriously!"

Pinkie rolled her eyes "Nooooo~, YOU take them seriously! Princess Celestia knows what she's doing!"

Twilight shook her head with an amused smile "Oh, Pinkie..." When they had finally reached the library, she opened the door and spoke up "Spike! I'm home! And Pinkie's gonna visit for a moment!"

"What about everypony else, huh? Or did you not tell them yet?"

Twilight looked ahead and noticed a very cross Rainbow Dash standing in the middle of the main lobby with a nervous Spike fidgeting his claws next to her. Twilight arched an eyebrow "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here? And what exactly are you talking about?" She asked innocently.

Rainbow Dash bared her teeth "Don't play dumb with me, egghead! You mind telling me why you've been keeping a secret from us this whole time?"

Spike held out his claws with pleading eyes "I swear, Twilight, this isn't my fault! I didn't know about this once I got back!"

Pinkie tilted her head innocently, oblivious to the tension flooding in the room "Didn't know what? Is there a surprised planned?"

Rainbow Dash huffed "Allow me..." She stepped to the side to reveal the Element chest sitting behind her, though her narrowed eyes were kept on Twilight, demanding for a firm and detailed explanation.

Twilight gasped and shifted her glance between Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Pinkie, who eyed the chest curiously "Hey...Isn't that?"

"Yeah..." Rainbow Dash interrupted as she opened the chest and revealed the elements "They're here...and in Twilight's lab to boot! How long have they been in here anyways!?" She snapped in a commanding tone.

Twilight never thought that her secret would be exposed so soon despite the fact that her friends were bound to know the truth sooner or later. However, she had to keep to her agreement with Celestia and leave out the explanation on how the elements were primarily issued to her in case Cuatro chose to go berserk. She sighed "Look, I know this seems shocking to you-"

"Shocking!?" Rainbow Dash interrupted loudly "You have the only thing that helped us save Equestria twice sitting in the basement of your house! Why wouldn't it be shocking!? No, scratch that! Answer my first question! How long did you have these and why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Twilight took a deep breath before answering "I've had them for about four days now. I was even confused to why they were given to me, but I just left them in my basement until a large situation would turn up!"

Pinkie turned to Twilight "But nothing big really happened except for when Cuaty went manticore crazy on those dragons the other day!" She paused before thinking it over "Say...He was pretty scary that time. You don't think that he's..."

Rainbow Dash was catching on to Pinkie trailing off in her theory and managed to figure it out herself "But that can't be the real reason, could it? I mean, sure he went overboard that time, but Cuatro's our friend! And he's even got amnesia, so I doubt he would even remember being some kind of..." Her eyes slowly widened "monster..." Her ears flattened 'Oh, Celestia, please let me be wrong...' She thought to herself fearfully.

Spike, calmed down from his anxiety from the elements being discovered, piped up "You know, I kinda thought the same thing when we got the elements, but Cuatro couldn't possibly be the problem! He fought to protect us, after all!"

Pinkie grinned "Yeah! And besides, we still have to see how he acts when he gets his memories back anyways! I'll bet he won't act all down in the dumps once that happens!" The party pony stated, optimistic about the situation at hoof.

Twilight found her courage from Spike and Pinkie's defense and chose to reveal a truth that she had kept to herself "I thought about it, too...And if there's one thing that I remember from spending time with Cuatro, it's that he trusts us. And I trust him, too! Not only that, I planned to make sure that what we teach him in terms of friendship would guide him and make him a better stallion, maybe even the best in Equestria!"

Rainbow Dash snorted "Pretty easy coming from somepony keeping so much secrets from him! What else have you been hiding, hm?" She asked, still agitated with Twilight's ulterior motives.

Twilight frowned in guilt "It's only the elements, and I feel very bad about that..." She steeled herself and spoke in a firm tone "But it's better this way! Do you know how he would react if he found out about the elements?"

Pinkie nodded knowingly "I see where Twilight's coming from. Cuaty would be pretty peeved if he found out the elements were for him!" She then poked a hoof to her chin "Actually, he'd probably be curious about them and peeved if we tell him that they were meant to be used on him!" She shrugged as if she ran out of ideas.

Spike spoke up again "You shouldn't even be attacking Twilight about this, Rainbow! The princess sent them to her, after all!" He rubbed his stomach with a unpleasant frown "Didn't like having to deliver the mail, though..." He muttered in displeasure.

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow "Hey, you're right! Does she know something about this? Did she just want to give them to us for safekeeping in case Equestria would be in danger?"

Pinkie looked around "No danger here! Nothing but us ponies!" She turned to Spike "And a dragon, too!"

Twilight shook her head, figuring out how to explain this to her friends. She decided to roll with Rainbow Dash's convenient theory and pass it off as truth for the sake of holding up her agreement with Celestia "Yeah. I wouldn't blame her wanting to give the elements to us after that whole mishap with Discord! We were lucky to get them back and working that time!"

Rainbow Dash sighed "Don't remind me...I still can't believe I thought ONE cloud was Cloudsdale!" The group shared a small laugh before Rainbow Dash held a serious face "As for the elements, you can't just keep them from us forever, Twilight. That was totally uncool!"

Twilight bowed her head in apology "I know, and I'm very sorry for that. It was nerve-wrecking to just receive them from the princess, but all she wants is to make sure Equestria is safe with our help!"

Pinkie crossed her forelegs "Well, we can't exactly call it OUR help if you kept the elements to yourself!" She spoke in a comically stern tone "Let's go the others about this so they know, too! Wouldn't wanna knock them out of the loop since we're in this together!"

Twilight, feeling that it couldn't be helped anymore, decided to agree with Pinkie on the matter "Right. But we'll need them to come here in the library so we can all be together about this! Pinkie, can you-"

"One step ahead of you, Twilight! Leave it to me!" Pinkie interrupted with a mock salute as she galloped out of the library in search of Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash shook her head in amusement "Deja vu, huh? Only difference is that Cuatro's not around..." She paused "Say, why didn't he come back with you from Canterlot?"

Twilight looked outside from a window "He's staying with Princess Celestia when she offered to try and get his memories back again. All we can do is wait for him."

Rainbow Dash smiled "Really? Well, that's our princess for ya! I hope he does get them, though..." She approached Twilight and looked outside the window with her "You know...I really wanted to learn that Sonido thingy of his. Sucks that I had to push him too far to where he won't now!" She spoke in a wistful tone.

Twilight smiled and patted Rainbow Dash on the back "Don't worry. I'm sure he can forgive you and teach you some other time if he felt like it."

Rainbow Dash smirked herself "Here's hoping you're right..." They looked outside, and the cyan pegasus could've sworn she had noticed a glimmer of green light that stretched into the sky from a far distance "Huh? What was that?"

Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash "What's wrong, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash pointed out the window "Over there! South of Ponyville and very far away!"

Twilight followed Rainbow Dash's hoof and caught the light herself. Spike was curious himself and joined the two mares in gazing outside. It looked so familiar to her eyes with how it towered into the sky at an unimaginable height...

...And then it hit her...

With eyes wide as dinner plates, Twilight stared hypnotically at the distant green light while Spike and Rainbow Dash studied her expression "Uhhh, Twilight? You okay?" Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. With no response, she nudged the unicorn out of her trance "Hey! Equestria to Twilight!"

Twilight shook herself and looked at Rainbow Dash "Are they back yet?"

Rainbow Dash directed her gaze towards the front door "No, and that surprises me that Pinkie would be late like this. Unless she chose to give them the full story before coming here." She held a disappointed frown "Have fun trying to explain everypony else about the elements..."

Twilight sighed "Don't remind me." She looked out the window to see that the green light had vanished "Well, in any case, I owe you and Pinkie an apology." 'Maybe Cuatro, too, if he were to find out as well...'

Rainbow Dash gave Twilight's shoulder a friendly jab with a hoof "Don't worry about it right now! Let's just get down to business and wait for the others to get here!"

Twilight nodded and chose to trot up to her sofa and sit down, waiting patiently for her friends to arrive. Spike decided to grab some food, with Rainbow Dash joining him in the kitchen. When she was alone in the main lobby, Twilight could now think to herself about what has happened. She had seen many things from the window of her home, but that green light meant one thing, and one thing only:

Cuatro is out there somewhere...and he is fighting again...

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Cuatro

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Cuatro

Treachery

(An hour earlier)

The intense light had subsided, and Cuatro brought down a wing shielded in front of him to see what has happened. He did not feel any different in mind after he had observed Celestia's magic. In fact, the only thing different was that he was in an area other than the throne room.

He looked around to see that he was now in a vast barren land; There were distant canyons, nearby boulders, and the sky was clear as day; The air was humid and the sun was seen shining up over Cuatro. After taking in his new surroundings, he looked ahead to see Celestia a short distance away with a stoic expression on her face. Cuatro obviously figured that something suspicious was going on "Princess Celestia...Where are we, and why are we here?"

Celestia replied in a calm tone "Our current location, Cuatro, is the southern badlands; Hundreds of miles away from both Canterlot and Ponyville...Here, nopony will have to bear witness to what shall take place."

Cuatro stared ahead "You're referring to your new process? It seems to me that you have other motives if you decided to bring me all the way out here...What are you planning? I would figure your second method wouldn't involve the longest relocation possible..."

Celestia nodded "You're very observant. I actually brought you here because I've heard about your latest fight. It was dreadful to know that you've nearly murdered a dragon; an adolescent, no less. It would have taken a serious toll not only on yourself, but the rest of Ponyville as well."

Cuatro kept silent before he found his voice "How did you know? Did Twilight tell you of my actions from her point of view?"

Celestia replied "Yes, but that shouldn't matter now. What I'm about to do will have to require your full cooperation..."

Cuatro had a feeling that he got more than what he bargained for by agreeing to stay with Celestia. He already felt tensed by how she seemed so calm about this whole ordeal of arriving at the southern reaches of Equestria where absolutely nopony was around. He decided to pry and see what Celestia was getting at "As long as you're truthful about restoring my memories, I shall comply...What do you desire, Princess Celestia?"

Celestia took a deep breath before she furrowed her brow "Cuatro, I wish for you to engage me in combat. I want to see your power for myself."

Now Cuatro was convinced that something was amiss "I fail to see how a repeat of my last mistake would be a profound option for retrieving my memories...Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Celestia's expression did not change "I am entirely serious. Your power prevents me from restoring your memories. I need you to show it all to me so that I can at least ensure that my method will be successful." She said, twisting her truth without any trouble.

Cuatro gazed into Celestia's eyes and noted how she was actually ready to fight. But for what other than what she brought up? Unless she wished to punish him for his actions, there was something bothering Cuatro about the princess' request.

"What does she know about my power? More rather, why would I want to fight her?"

There was one thing that held back Cuatro from complying to Celestia, and she was waiting for him in Canterlot. He couldn't bear the weight of Luna's sorrow over seeing her sister wounded from a challenge that he accepted. Cuatro stood still and stared ahead at Celestia "...I won't do it..."

Celestia's expression went from determination to surprise "What?"

Cuatro did not waver "I said that I politely decline your challenge, and shall continue to do so for both of our sakes..."

Celestia closed her eyes 'He couldn't possibly know about the mind spell...Could he?' "May I ask why, Cuatro?"

Cuatro did not hesitate to reply "I only wish to avoid this fight because of your sister...I feel that I would pay dearly for any regretful action that I would choose to take in this situation. Not only that, but I could upset Luna to no end. I do not wish that in the slightest...and I say all of this because I love her..."

Celestia now knew full well why Luna seemed so cheerful whenever Cuatro is mentioned or around. Admittedly, she was even touched that the strange alicorn would hold such feelings for her sister and would go so far for her sake, but she knew what she had to do. She opened her eyes at Cuatro and spoke "Do you truly feel that way towards my sister, Cuatro? You love her with all of your heart?"

Cuatro nodded "I will not deny my feelings of affection towards Luna, nor will I abandon them. She has even helped me with my decision of learning the Magic of Friendship. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for me, and I hope to do my best in seeing my lessons through..." He stated in a straight tone.

Celestia took in this information and sighed to herself "I'm honored that you would say such a thing, but I beseech you to show me your capability. There is no other way for me to approach this situation."

Cuatro shook his head "Then I will wait until another reveals itself...I'm sorry, Celestia, but I refuse to fight you...If anything, you have wasted a trip to this particular area and I am disappointed that you would even ask such a thing from me..."

It was at that point that Celestia had no other alternative but to provoke Cuatro. She lit up her horn and fired a small beam, to which Cuatro easily moved his head to the right and dodged; The beam struck a boulder far behind him. The strange alicorn shifted his eyes to where the beam passed him, then back to Celestia "I told you that I would not fight...Did you not listen?"

Celestia frowned "I'm sorry, Cuatro, but I cannot stand for you opposing my request. I'm doing this to help you..."

"Help me how? Are you aware of what happens when I fight?" Cuatro asked inquisitively.

Celestia nodded "This battle will not only help with your memories, but with your self-control in fighting as well. One final time I beg, please accept my challenge and show me your potential..."

Cuatro closed his eyes "My mind is made up...I will do no such thing...If you continue to attack, I will only dodge until you find the sense to bring us back to Canterlot and consider your newest process to be another failure..."

This was it. Now Celestia needed to do the impossible in order to give Cuatro the drive to fight her. She stared at Cuatro and felt a pang of fear in her heart over what she was about to do "Very well then...What if I told you that my first attempt of restoring your memories nearly succeeded?" Cuatro's eyes instantly shot open.

"What?"

Celestia saw that she had grabbed his attention and continued "When we first met in Canterlot, back when I tried helping you with your amnesia, I was close to bringing you back to your past self. I was able to know about yourself, but I was unable to continue the process of returning your memories altogether. I was hindered by what was seen in your eyes; what was done of your own accord; how you chose to live back then. I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing with how grim your past was..." She watched how Cuatro went completely silent with his eyes widened slightly.

"She-...She knows? She knows about my past and yet she refused to reveal it to me?"

After he stood paralyzed for what seemed like an eternity from hearing Celestia's confession, he regained his composure, but was not entirely calm "...How much do you know?" He spoke in a low tone. Cuatro watched how Celestia did not even say a word while observing his tension "I'll ask you again...How much do you know?"

Slowly and surely, the familiar feeling of anger began to well up inside of the strange alicorn as Celestia continued to keep silent and gaze with her neutral stare. For the first time ever, Cuatro raised his voice to a shout while maintaining his usual expression "Answer me!!"

Celestia closed her eyes "This is all I can tell you. If you're so willing to figure out your past, then you'll have to try a different way..."

Cuatro stared at Celestia, realizing what she was doing. The worst part was that it was working. Cuatro couldn't bear to be left in the dark no longer after he had acquired so much fragments of his past and held the knowledge that Celestia had kept it all from him for reasons unknown. His horn glowed with his green aura, and he summoned a Luz de la Luna next to him "...I accept your challenge..." He uttered as he stared down Celestia.

Celestia opened her eyes and looked back at Cuatro "Thank you..." She stated before she got into a defensive position. She awaited Cuatro to make the first move, and he blurred out with his Sonido 'As expected...' Her heart skipped a beat after she detected his presence to her left, his magic spear readied to strike at her. She quickly dodged the swipe from Cuatro's spear and countered with a magic beam.

Cuatro flew into the air, avoiding the magic beam, and looked down at Celestia with invisible contempt as he readied his spear. He swooped down with his Luz de la Luna pointed forward.

"Why would she do this? Is it because of my history of murder?"

Celestia brought up a magic barrier around herself, to which Cuatro collided with fiercely and drew back after a small bit of recoil. He approached the barrier and continuously swung at it while Celestia's horn was glowing more brightly.

"What kind of benevolent ruler does Twilight make her out to be for her to do such a thing?"

Celestia's barrier cancelled out the exact moment she teleported, leaving Cuatro to slash the air and look around. He looked up to see a boulder flying towards him from behind and slashed it in two, with the two cut rocks flying down at different angles. He looked behind him to see Celestia firing another magic beam and quickly hopped to the right. Cuatro felt the need to use his weapon as a projectile, and launched his Luz de la Luna towards Celestia.

Celestia gasped with widened eyes 'Oh no!' She quickly teleported away again when the spear came close to her. After coming into contact with the ground, it had caused an explosion that engulfed a good portion of the area around it. Cuatro himself was slightly overwhelmed by the demonstrated power as he flew into the air while the explosion expanded. The energy had vanished to reveal that his attack had created a large crater.

"Could this be the reason she kept my past out of reach? Was I this destructive?"

Cuatro felt that he hadn't used the full extent of his power yet, but he did not have time to ponder his existence. He surveyed the badlands for any sign of Celestia. He then felt a presence looming over him, and looked up to see Celestia with what appeared to be a floating magical blade bursting down towards him. Cuatro, seeing how the blade was too close to him, chose to defend himself with a hoof.

He expected a deep gash, but Cuatro looked up after hearing a loud clash to see the blade not even cutting into his skin as it pushed next to his foreleg. Celestia struggled with her blade while she pushed it against him 'Of course...His hierro is still active here...' She thought as she distanced herself from Cuatro while the two alicorns descended to the ground.

Celestia stood with her glowing magic blade floating next to her, and Cuatro stared her down as he conjured another Luz de la Luna at his side. She examined how Cuatro's mindset hasn't changed from the small period of their conflict 'Nothing...I'll need to prolong this fight before I can implement the mind spell...' She readied her blade and dove into a charge, galloping towards Cuatro with conviction in her eyes.

Cuatro anticipated her gallop and decided to do the same. The two alicorns clashed against their respective blades while they locked eyes. Celestia studied Cuatro and how calm he appeared, then noticed how his tail curled up, bracing herself instantly as she dove back. His tail soared over Celestia, knocking off her regal tiara as she felt her heart stop again 'I forgot how versatile he is in combat...' She was right behind a boulder as Cuatro brought back his tail and spun himself. Celestia then leaped into the air as the strange alicorn's tail diagonally sliced through the boulder like a hot knife through cold butter. The boulder slid off before landing into the dirt with a thud.

Celestia hovered in the air and watched how Cuatro looked up at her with his catlike eyes. She couldn't make out if she had awakened his violent nature, but she knew he was going to attack again. Cuatro flew upwards at Celestia, who swooped down towards Cuatro and their weapons clashed with each swing they took, their weapons giving off vibrant light each time they met.

Cuatro blurred out with his Sonido for Celestia to swing at the air, moving back to the ground as he grasped his spear with his tail and lit up his horn; His horn's aura went from green to black as he focused on Celestia.

Celestia noticed the aura on Cuatro's horn and braced herself as she quickly bursted further into the air. Part of her tail was singed from the Cero Oscuras that traveled across the badlands and razed the landscape behind her. She looked down at Cuatro and her eyes widened to see that he prepared another one. Celestia quickly banked to the right when the next shot was fired, then attempted to dive in towards the strange alicorn before he could attack again.

As fast as she came, however, Cuatro's cero was ready to fire. Celestia was lucky to react quickly and avoid another shot while she flew at him. While she neared him, She readied her blade for a strike, but noticed how his tail - which still held his Luz de la Luna - swung towards her. Celestia realized it was futile to attack and swooped back into the air. However, she was not lucky enough to dodge as Cuatro's spear cut into her midsection as she flew upwards. Celestia stifled a pained grunt as she distanced herself from Cuatro.

Celestia's wound was light, but dripped with blood nonetheless after taking another hit from Cuatro. She studied his facial features from the air once more while he turned to look at her. Celestia noticed that he had a different look in his eyes; a look that was bereft of any feelings 'I must be getting close...I'm lucky to have made it this far without any major injuries...' She prepared herself for another strike with her blade floating at her side.
_____

Cuatro, while fighting Celestia, felt somewhat different; too different, to say the least. It reminded him of his previous nightmares and what had occured when he gazed upon the supposed 'Las Noches'.

"This is-...I'm aware now...This was practically what I had felt when I fought with the dragons...It feels so...familiar..."

Earlier, Cuatro had wished to avoid losing himself in the field of battle, but as time went by, he had gradually felt more attached to this feeling. He found himself to be more collected and knowledgeable in his current fight; Although, another force was slowly causing him to lose touch with reality once more. Unaware of said force, Cuatro acted more calculating in his fight with Celestia after his acceptable counter when she chose to fly at him. He watched her in the sky with her blade at the ready.

"...Conviction...tinged with brief anxiety...She must be feeling wary about my power..."

Using his horn, he took the Luz de la Luna from his tail. After that, he had conjured two more spears to go with his first one. He watched Celestia's pupils tremble at the sight.

"Holding back fear while awaiting my next move...A careless gesture for one who has lived for so long..."

He launched one of his spears up at Celestia and blurred out with his Sonido. Celestia, unnerved by both moves, decided to dodge out of the way while keeping her eye out for Cuatro. She watched the tossed projectile connect with the ground far away from her for another explosion, then felt a chill run down her spine and quickly lit up her horn before she nearly felt the swipe of a spear on her head.

Teleporting herself a few feet away from Cuatro, she noticed that he has two more spears while his eyes were more calculating, albeit empty to her observation 'This must be it. I should hurry with the spell!' Thinking quickly, Celestia canceled her magic blade while she activated her horn.

Cuatro deduced that she was preparing for another offensive magic beam and decided to lunge in with both his spears pointed.

Celestia saw this and acted fast with her magic when he came in close 'Now!' With a well-aimed zap, she fired her mind spell in the form of a beam as it connected with Cuatro's forehead. As expected, he stopped in front of her as the magic dissolved 'That should do it...Now to teleport back to Canterlot and permit Cuatro to go back to Ponyville...' She went to activate her horn, but she noticed that both of Cuatro's Luz de la Lunas were still active 'Wait...He should have abandoned his weapons...Unless...' Her eyes widened, and the alarm bells rang in her head as she noticed one of Cuatro's spears were slowly raised. She quickly flew backward, but was unable to avoid Cuatro's strike; It had grazed her left cheek, giving off another wound as Celestia felt more fear in her heart than before.

Cuatro drew back his Luz de la Luna and stared at Celestia "I do not know what that was...but all I can say is that I'm puzzled to think that it would have any chance of inflicting damage upon myself...Were you about to restore my memory?"

Celestia covered her cheek while she hovered in the air and stared at Cuatro with befuddled eyes. She noticed that he was still vacant in emotion, but somehow retained his mind throughout the fight 'This cannot be! I was certain that I've drawn out his dark side that time. Perhaps I'll have to try harder...' She lit up her horn and conjured another magic blade as she pulled down the hoof covering her new wound. Celestia narrowed her eyes "It was nothing but a misfire in my magic. I won't slip up next time."

Cuatro gave a light scoff "As expected from somepony like you, princess..." He flew at Celestia with both of his spears aimed at her. Celestia blocked each attack sent to her with her blade while attempting to attack herself. While Cuatro fought, he felt lightheaded despite his advantage over his opponent.

"I feel that I've dragged this fight on long enough. I must force her to surrender and return my memories at once..."

Cuatro reeled back both of his spears then brought them down in a harsh chop. Celestia was able to block, but she was forced downward towards the ground from the might of Cuatro's strike. When she recovered in midair, she was instantly met with another chop that she instinctively blocked, sending her back onto the ground with her hooves planted. The impact from her landing had caused the earth around her to crack fiercely.

Celestia was ready to brace herself again, but noticed how Cuatro merely hovered down and landed in front of her. He glanced at her with his emotionless stare "You've seen what I'm capable of...and through that observation, you have bestowed unneeded injuries on yourself...This fight is meaningless and you know it..." He stated in a calm, but empty tone; it was entirely different from how he would talk to other ponies.

While he expected his words to sink into Celestia, she did not falter despite her wounds "You underestimate me, Cuatro. I'm not like the ponies that you've lived with for some time."

Cuatro's brow furrowed slightly "It is pointless to continue...Your efforts are both futile and distracting...I do not know what exactly you would gain from this battle as the victor, but I'm certain that you've made the biggest mistake keeping me away from my past and choosing to fight me...Clearly, you know of my power throughout our match..."

Celestia stared before she closed her eyes with a nod "You're right...I do know your power, Cuatro, and many other things about you." She opened her eyes in a narrowed fashion "But I also know that I would do anything for my little ponies! I acknowledge your power, but there is never a time for me to back down from the likes of you when my land is threatened. So even though I know how powerful you are...I will do my best to see my challenge through!"

Cuatro went silent upon hearing Celestia. Normally, he would pass it off as idle banter between opponents, but there was more to it; not just from Celestia's valor as a ruler of ponies, but the familiarity of her words. Combined with the unknown force eating away at Cuatro's mind through his fight, it intensified into another migraine upon him. He grunted loudly in pain as he reared onto his hindlegs, clenching his head with his forehooves. Celestia took a step back upon seeing this. Cuatro then fell forward as he covered his head along with his eyes as a shaded scene had played in his mind...

"Do you think I should give up...Just because you're stronger than me?"
"I've always known you were strong...Nothing I see now will change my mind..."
"...I will defeat you...Ulquiorra!!"
"Nonsense...Ichigo Kurosaki, those are the words of those who do not know true despair."
"So I will show you. This...is what true despair looks like."

When the scene had played out, Cuatro's grunting had stopped, though he strangely froze into position with his forehooves still covering his face. Celestia, for her part, was confused "Cuatro? What's wrong?"

Cuatro did not respond, and remained in his fixed position for a brief moment before his horn began to glow. Celestia tensed up and held up her blade, then noticed how his aura went from green to black. Before she could conclude it was another cero, Celestia was overtaken when a vast shockwave of blackness expanded from Cuatro's horn, covering most of the landscape around him and Celestia.

Celestia had trouble standing her ground as the shockwave whipped around her; it felt as if a massive weight had been placed on her 'This power...It can't be...' She looked ahead at Cuatro and noticed a black residue leaking down both of his cheeks, with some of it dripping onto the ground. His ears were also found twitching erratically. It was at that moment that Cuatro had slowly dropped his forehooves covering his face. Celestia was devastated at what she had beheld.

His ears were a few inches longer and more feral in appearance; No longer where his eyes green, but Cuatro's irises were now an eerie yellow, with his sclera being a deep green; Blackness had trailed from both of his eyes as if he had cried several dark tears. This sight was all that Celestia had feared when she imagined him go rogue.

This is what true despair looked like...

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Cinco

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Cinco

Despair

It has happened now: Cuatro had drawn out his latent potential as a powerful anamoly to Equestria. He continued to stare at Celestia in complete silence while she regained her footing from his exerted power. There was no rationality in his mind; not even any clear emotion of malice. All he did was stare, and it pierced into Celestia's soul without effort.

Celestia grunted while she waited for the shockwave to die down. She stared back at Cuatro and felt herself trembling from both his demonstration of power and the look in his eyes 'I-I've done it...But I have to hurry before it's too late!' She was successful, but was now more than cautious about Cuatro's new form. Celestia activated her horn, but Cuatro instantly blurred out with his Sonido upon detecting her action. She gasped, but was then met with a strong force connecting with the back of her head that sent her forward at an immense speed.

She did not see that Cuatro was flying with his hoof stretched out as he carried her in his punch. He then tossed Celestia forward, causing her to tumble across the badlands and constantly injuring herself with every rock in her way.

Celestia managed to recover onto her hooves and stop her painful travel in a skid. When she looked at the direction she came from, there was no sign of Cuatro. That changed when he instantaneously appeared in front of her. Before Celestia could react, Cuatro spun himself and had brought his tail upward to smack Celestia in the gut. The air escaped from her lungs before she was sent skyward at bullet speed. She flew into the air against her will from Cuatro's hit, and caught a glimpse of him waiting for her to approach him from above. He caught her neck with his tail, and loosened his grip to bring a hoof to Celestia's face, sending her back down.

Blood trailed from Celestia's nostrils as she rocketed towards the ground, and she had never felt so powerless in her time since the changeling invasion. She collided with the ground with the impact taking a serious toll on her back. Celestia had laid there for a moment before she recovered, feeling pain all around her body 'This power...It's too much. If I don't act fast, all hope might be lost...' When she stood on her hooves, she noticed how Cuatro appeared a great distance from her, staring her down with his haunting eyes.

Nothing was on his mind other than the thought of punishing his opponent. When he was certain that the distance between him and Celestia was great, Cuatro's horn lit up with a green aura and a green sphere began to materialize in front of him, expanding in size. It then grew out into a horizontal line, though it wasn't another Luz de la Luna.

It was entirely different from the spears he normally conjured; This one took the appearance of a large arrow that trailed with streams of pure destructive energy. It radiated with more intense light than his other attacks while it floated in front of Cuatro.

Celestia - from Cuatro's hidden memory - knew exactly what it was. Her eyes widened and her heart stopped as she gazed upon his new attack "No..." She whispered as he stared back at her while he readied his weapon "Don't do it..." Her urging fell on deaf ears as he continued to stare. Celestia found the strength to call out to Cuatro with a glare "Cuatro, I command you to cease at once!!" Sadly, her warning was fruitless as he went to strike. Before he tossed it, he uttered his first words prior to his small transformation.

"...Lanza del Relampago..."

With that, he launched the spear as it headed towards Celestia at a remarkable speed. Her heart buckled with fear as it neared her face without pause. Acting fast, she clenched her eyes and lit up her horn when the projectile was close to touching her. There was a bright light, and Celestia managed to teleport the Lanza del Relampago high above her as it trailed off into the badlands. When it had contacted with the ground at a long distance, it had triggered the largest explosion ever witnessed in the history of Equestria.

It expanded greatly with unparalleled force and easily ascended into the heavens, letting off a green shockwave that stretched across the sky. The shockwave was seen even in Appleloosa and Dodge City before cancelling out after passing over both towns.

Celestia would have been blown away by the display of power had she not sent the Lanza del Relampago to such a far distance. But when she looked back to see Cuatro, he wasn't there. Before she could pinpoint his exact location, she was brutally sidechecked by the strange alicorn onto the base of a canyon. Celestia's body was limp and decorated with injuries while Cuatro held her in place with a magical aura. She tried to avoid it, but she couldn't stop looking into Cuatro's eyes. He conjured another Lanza del Relampago with ease and held it up to Celestia's neck.
_____

Luna trotted along the halls of her castle, bitter with the responses she received from the guards on the topic of Celestia and Cuatro's whereabouts. She decided to go back to her chambers to look out on her balcony while waiting for their return. She heaved a sigh as she thought to herself about Celestia claiming to restore Cuatro's memory 'We do hope Tia is successful in her endeavor to aid Sir Cuatro. The way she had been acting was most unsettling for us all, and yet she chooses to keep to herself? It is most confusing...'

Feeling as if she were overthinking about her sister, Luna decided to change to the subject of Cuatro if he actually did get his memories back 'Imagine if Sir Cuatro's name were actually correct once he rediscovers his past...' A chuckle escaped her lips as she continued to think 'His smile would be a spectacle to behold once he returns...'

She was happy to finally share feelings with another alicorn that appreciated her night to no end. Luna was particularly curious on where Cuatro was born, or how he had come to be in Equestria. It was confusing to realized that there existed another alicorn aside from herself, Celestia, and Cadence. Nonetheless, she couldn't wait for his return. As she stared out to the vast horizon in thought, a distant gleam of green light caught Luna's attention 'What is-...??' She studied the light and where it had stood 'It must be far south from the castle, but why is it so familiar?'

Then she realized that she bore witness to a similar sight as her eyes widened 'Sir Cuatro!? But he was with-...' A gasp escaped her lips as she shouted "Guards!" Two of her night guards instantly bolted into her room on command. She turned to them with narrowed eyes "We're to be gone for a short while! Defend this castle in our absence!"

The two night guards bowed in reverence "Yes, your majesty!" They replied simultaneously.

Luna stared back out into the towering green light and squinted her eyes while her horn lit up 'Hopefully we won't be too far from the light before it vanishes...' She then winked out using teleportation magic.
_____

After utilizing her magic, Luna reappeared over a vast canyon in the southerm badlands, a small distance away from where the light began to recede 'There! We must hurry!' She flapped her wings and flew vigilantly towards the light. Many thoughts swam in Luna's head: Why was Cuatro way down south with Celestia? What was her sister planning? How much power does Cuatro possibly have to cause such a display of magic and why did he do it?

When the large green light vanished completely, Luna hovered over the sky and looked around the area below her for any sign of Cuatro and Celestia. When she spotted two figures north of her location at the base of a canyon, she swooped down to investigate. She descended to the ground and looked ahead, seeing what appeared to be her sister being held by an entirely different Cuatro pointing a large magic spear at her. At that point, her mind nearly shut down; the same alicorn that admitted his love to Luna appeared to be holding her sister and was about to issue the final blow. She regained her senses and channeled the Royal Canterlot Voice "CUATRO!!"

Before Cuatro went to strike, he turned to the direction the voice came from and spotted Luna staring with a shocked expression. He stared dispassionately before his eyes widened slightly upon seeing her "Lu...na..." He whispered as he gradually came to his senses; his eyes slowly reverted back to their normal colors while the black tear lines on his cheeks faded out; his ears receded to their regular length.

He went to ask why she was here, but Cuatro did not anticipate a blue magic beam shot at chest, sending him a few feet away from Celestia as he recovered in the air. It did not hurt physically, but the pain was clear as day to Cuatro to know who fired that beam. He noticed how Luna knelt at Celestia's side after gently laying her on the ground, and instantly carried the largest amount of regret for his actions.

"What have I done? To have acted so rashly, I've lost control of my senses once again..."

Luna held one of Celestia's hooves "Sister! What hast happened to thee!?" She asked with lush concern.

Celestia's vision cleared to see Luna staring down at her and she struggled to speak while she took labored breaths "Luna...I-...I'm sorry..."

Luna shushed her sister as she gently stroked the hoof in her grasp "Please, strain thyself no further...We'll get thee back to Canterlot posthaste! Worry not!" She spoke in attempt to rekindle hope upon witnessing her sister's condition, but ended up hanging her head down and biting back tears for what has happened.

Cuatro looked at the damage that was caused during his black-out period, then at the last pony he had hoped to bring misery towards. He cautiously approached the two alicorns with invisible anxiety looming inside of his heart "Luna...I...I-"

"Take not a step further..." Luna spoke through gritted teeth. Cuatro instantly stopped and watched a single teardrop sail down her cheek as she trembled in a mixture of anger and sadness "Why? Why would thou do such a thing?" She asked in a low tone.

Cuatro found it hard to respond upon seeing his beloved alicorn in such a mood "Luna...I can explain...She wanted me to do this..." He felt as powerless as Celestia back when they had fought.

Luna brought her head up before she jerked her head towards Cuatro and shot him the most vicious glare imaginable "We're to believe that our sister wanted this from the likes of thee!? Is that it!?"

Cuatro flinched at her tone of voice and continued to defend himself "I didn't want to from the start, believe me...But, about Celestia...She knows-"

Luna bared her teeth as she snapped "Withhold thy precarious explanation! If thou didn't wish to harm Celestia in the beginning, what hath she done to convince thee to mortally wound her!?" She was blinded by anger over what Cuatro had done to her sister.

After she had attempted to quell Cuatro's dark side, Celestia now felt that she had her plan to protect Equestria from his power had blown out of proportion. She was now laying injured, with Luna considering Cuatro to be the monster that she wished to contain 'I've made a mistake...' She lightly moved her head to grab Luna's attention "Luna...Don't-" She grunted in pain, unable to finish her sentence.

Luna instantly turned back to Celestia and held back her rage as her tone softened "Tia...We'll get thee back on thy hooves soon enough. Just please hang on..." She closed her eyes as she held her sister.

Cuatro could not take seeing Luna like this as he instinctively approached her. Luna narrowed her closed eyes when she heard his hoofsteps "Go..." She stated firmly as Cuatro stopped in his tracks "Just go away..."

Cuatro stared and braved himself to speak up "Please, Luna...I did not mean for all of this to happen..." He took another step.

Luna bared her teeth again "We will not repeat ourself again. Take to the skies and be out of our sight..."

Cuatro could not believe what Luna was saying; He willed himself not to. How else would he make amends to the one he loved "I beg of you...Hear me out...I never-"

Luna instantly faced Cuatro as her eyes glowed brightly with white light "LEAVE US AT ONCE!!" She bellowed in the Royal Canterlot Voice, shaking the area around her.

Cuatro's eyes widened as he stared at Luna's ire. It was as if his heart were torn asunder by his own actions fueled by Celestia's incentive. He could have ignored her request to fight, but was too caught up in wanting her to reveal his past to him. After a moment of glancing at Luna hyperventilating in fury, he managed to retain his usual expression, though he was not at ease. He unfurled his wingspan and slowly hovered into the air as Luna's glare continued to chip away at his inner defenses. After one last look at what he had caused, he blurred out with his Sonido, leaving Celestia and Luna by themselves in the badlands. A thought had crossed Cuatro's mind before he left the regal sisters behind.

"...I'm a monster..."
_____

Back in Ponyville, the element bearers were gathered in the library's main lobby for Twilight and her explanation regarding her possession of the elements. After she gave her side of the story (Even if it was a half truth), she heaved a sigh "So that's the whole deal. I'm very sorry to have kept this from you all for so long; especially since you're the best friends a pony could ask for!"

Applejack shook her head "T'ain't nothin', Twi. We understand that y'all were mighty flustered about this. Jus' try not t' leave us out of it next time!"

Rarity moaned with displeasure "I wouldn't imagine if we actually DO end up facing a dire threat that could put all of Ponyville on the line!"

Twilight felt a lump in her throat upon Rarity's scenario and fought the urge to gulp and make her anxiety known. She forced a smile "We don't wanna tempt fate at all, do we, Rarity?"

Rainbow Dash nodded "Yeah! It's not like we can't beat whatever comes our way, right?"

Fluttershy frowned "I'm still scared to think that we'll end up using the elements soon if the princess brought them to Twilight back then..."

Spike waved a dismissive claw "I wouldn't worry about that! Besides, if we do end up in trouble, we have Cuatro on our side! If anypony could protect us in our time of need, it's him!"

Fluttershy whimpered when Spike accidentally brought up how Cuatro handled the dragons "B-But what happens if he goes too far?" The entire room fell silent on this thought.

Pinkie was the one to break the silence "Hey now, everypony! Cuaty's not one to repeat the same mistake twice! He's about as smart as Twilight!" The others calmed down and took in Pinkie's optimistic response.

Twilight gave a warm and hopeful smile to Pinkie's words "Yeah. We know Cuatro cares about us, even if it means learning from his past actions."

Rarity rubbed her chin with a hoof "Speaking of the past, how long before Cuatro regains his memories and meet up with us? The anticipation is nearly tearing me apart!"

Spike scratched his head "Something tells me he'll still act like himself once he does. Anypony else feel the same way?"

Pinkie snorted "No way, jose! I'd say he'll act loads different once his memories come back! In fact, I think he'll be super duper happy to be himself again!" She grinned to herself at the though "Just wait! Cuatro will be at the front door and greeting us with a smile from ear-to-ear because his day turned out to be swell!!"

On cue, the front door swung open to reveal a certain pale alicorn, though he did not carry the facial features Pinkie had described. Cuatro's expression was unreadable; he wore a small frown, and his eyes were hidden under his mane. The others, save for Pinkie, were startled by both Cuatro's return and how he had looked "Hey! That's not how I pictured you coming back! Shut the door and try again!" Pinkie complained in a pout before she cocked her head to the side "Or are you playing a prank on us?" She asked inquisitively.

Her answer came in the form of silence as Cuatro stood for a brief moment before dragging himself into the library, passing his friends as if they weren't even there. Each mare grew more curious as he made his way up the stairs. Pinkie turned to her friends "Was it something I said?" She asked innocently.

Twilight followed Cuatro up the stairs and watched him lay on his bed, curling himself up. Anypony would pass it off as making themselves comfortable, but Twilight and the others knew it was something else. The group gathered next to Cuatro as he laid down, then Spike was the first to break the silence "Yo, Cuatro! You alright?" He looked away awkwardly when he received no response.

Fluttershy frowned "Oh dear...Did something bad happen to you? Please tell us..."

Cuatro had finally spoke for the first time he had arrived back in Ponyville "...I wish to be alone..." He stated in a withered tone.

The others traded glances that ranged from confusion to concern. Rainbow Dash spoke up, trying to ignore the downcast atmosphere Cuatro was basking in "Did Princess Celestia help with your memories at all? I'd figure you'd be more happy about that..." She rolled her eyes "Well, more like Pinkie, but you know..." She muttered nonchalantly.

"It was a failure..." Cuatro replied instantly, paying no attention to the looks of shock and sympathy on his friends' faces "Please...I don't want to bother you all with my presence...Just leave me here..."

Rarity frowned "Cuatro, you know you can tell us what's bothering you. We're your friends! We'll help you out in any way we can!"

Pinkie chimed in "Am I gonna have to throw another party to put some sunshine on your dark and lonely day?" She asked with a chipper smile, hoping to cheer up Cuatro.

They awaited a response from Cuatro, and he slowly shifted himself to where he turned his head and faced his friends. Each of their spirits were dampened when they gazed upon his face; It was surprising for them to see his eyes eliciting a different emotion for once, but it was not one that they had hoped for.

Profound sadness.

His eyes were lidded in a somber display and his friends took in his image with discontent. Each of them felt their ears flatten the longer they had stared at him. Pinkie, however, did not choose to let Cuatro's mood bring her down as she approached him with a grin "Come on, Cuaty! So today wasn't the day! That doesn't mean that there's no hope left! Maybe you can get your memories by tomorrow! And just think of what Princess Luna would say once you do!" At that moment, Pinkie noticed how he had shut his eyes and turned away after stifling a light grunt. She blinked at the reaction she received.

Twilight knew that Cuatro's mood had involved Celestia somehow, but she doubted that the entire reason for his depression rested on how the princess had failed to help him once again. She turned to her friends with a solemn frown "Girls, I think we need to give Cuatro some alone time..." Twilight urged in a soft tone.

Pinkie was flabbergasted "What? But he's already spent enough alone time with the princesses and now he's acting twice as sad as we usually see him! We should-" She felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to Applejack, who closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. Pinkie finally frowned at this.

Rarity approached Cuatro and gave him a light pat while he faced away from his friends "Take care, darling. I'm sure you can get over whatever is bothering you..." She said with a hopeful smile.

Fluttershy inched towards Cuatro to give him a brief and reassuring nuzzle on his cheek before going back with her friends as they left the library. When the others were gone, Twilight requested Spike to brew some tea in the kitchen while she chose to remain at Cuatro's side. She took a deep breath "I know you want to be alone, Cuatro...But can you please tell me what's wrong with you?" She frowned "What happened with the princess?"

Cuatro gave a sideway glance to Twilight before he looked away "I've harmed them..."

Twilight perked up "What!?" She hissed, holding back a shout for Spike to hear.

"I've harmed Celestia...And in doing so, I harmed Luna as well...She wished to help with my self-control in combat rather than restore my memories, and I've ended up repeating the same mistake by going too far without any awareness of my actions...This is all I can say for now..." Cuatro stated in a straight tone, though was still depressed.

Twilight looked down with her mind in turmoil 'The princess lied to me? And now Cuatro has nearly killed her as well...What do we do now!?' She felt that Equestria was more than vulnerable with Celestia being put out of commission for a short time, but she was conflicted upon how she should feel about what Cuatro has done. It did not help that her friends were not fully aware of the elements' purpose of containing Cuatro the moment he would go rogue in Equestria.

But when she looked at the alicorn in front of her, her last thought had vanished completely. To her, it was as if Cuatro lamented his entire life while coping with his amnesia. Twilight held nothing but sympathy for her friend over what has happened, and hoped that he would recover and make things better for himself in the near future. She gave Cuatro a small hug with no exchanged embrace and trotted down the stairs to join Spike in the kitchen.

Spike readied the boiling teapot and noticed Twilight trotting in with a frown. He hopped off of the stool that granted him enough height to reach the stove and waddled up to Twilight "How long do you think he'll last before he gets better?" He asked.

Twilight sighed and looked back towards the stairs "I don't know, Spike. Hopefully, it won't carry on after this day is over. We'll just have to wait and see what happens..."

Spike crossed his arms "So cheering him up's out of the question?" He looked down "Actually, nevermind. I don't even know what would cheer Cuatro up. This is the first time he's ever acted like this!" The purple dragon stated incredulously.

Twilight turned to Spike "Maybe we can try something later today. A little time to himself would be healthy for him since it'll give him time to think. He'll end up talking to us about his problems soon!" She regretted her last sentence, wondering how her friends will react to Cuatro's folly.

Spike shrugged "Works for me. Anything to help out our Moon Shield, right?" He quipped to lighten the mood. The teapot whistled, signalling for the tea ready to be prepared "Well, why don't we have a cup or two while coming up with ways to cheer Cuatro up?"

Twilight smiled "That sounds good. I should probably get him a cup as well since he enjoys it, too." She looked back at the stairs once again and held a sad expression 'Cuatro...If only we could take away your pain...None of this is your fault...'

Cuatro only curled himself up in his bed and thought to himself about how he was born with such power and why he was struggling with his control over fighting. Was he not destined to have any friends? Did he even have any in his hidden past? Did he not deserve to be loved? These questions did not matter when a familiar topic flickered in Cuatro's mind.

"Emptiness...Maybe-...Maybe I'll be nothing more than a hollow shell of a pony..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Seis

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Seis

Regret

Luna managed to teleport herself and Celestia back to their castle, right in the middle of the front courtyard. She carried her injured sister on her back as she made her way inside in search of the infirmary, paying no mind to the many faces of shock on the guards she had passed. Her expression was stoic, albeit bitter as she trotted through the halls. The earlier scene she had witnessed continued to plague her mind to no end. Why did he do it? Why did he come so close to killing her sister? She was aware of Cuatro bearing some ill feelings towards Celestia, but the way he had acted had nearly thrown her into a state of disarray.

She shifted her eyes back with a sad expression when she heard her sister breathe while she was unconscious. The teleportation had finally knocked her out when she proposed to take her back to Canterlot herself. Despite that, her breathing patterns were still in tandem due to her current condition. Luna had finally reached the doors of the infirmary and made her way inside, seeing how it was surprisingly vacant.

There were times when sicknesses would arise, and there have been some guards that have slipped up during their training to end up in bed rest, but the royal infirmary has been rarely used as of late. A peach-colored earth pony nurse showed up from another part of the room and gasped as the color drained from her face upon seeing Celestia in her condition. She galloped towards the regal sisters and spoke with a trembling voice "P-Princess Celestia!? What has happened to her!?"

Luna replied "She was-..." It was at that point when she realized how harmful it would be to completely state the reason. She was still angered, confused, and hurt over the fact that Cuatro was responsible for nearly destroying her sister, but while she herself favored honesty, it would be too much to think about how her subjects would react to a powerful alicorn being the cause. She took a deep breath and held a mask of neutrality on her face "She was a victim of unforeseen circumstances. We request one of thy beds for her recovery." She stated in a calm tone.

The nurse quickly nodded "Of course, your majesty! Please follow me!" She lead Luna and Celestia to the nearest bed seen next to the entrance of the infirmary. Luna carefully laid her sister on the bed while the nurse frantically prepared every medical device needed for her examination and treatment.
_____

After examining Celestia and treating her wounds, the nurse took a deep breath and turned to Luna with a thin smile "It seemed tedious from the start, but I believe your sister is bound to make a swift recovery in the next day or so. There were only some minor cuts and bruises on her body, and her muzzle was damaged, but nothing too severe to worry about!"

Luna was calmed and pleased with the news, though she still had a distant aura around her "Well, we alicorns are very durable to certain conditions...And knowing our sister, it won't be long until she is back on her hooves. We thank thee for thine assistance."

The nurse bowed in genuflect "A pleasure, your majesty! I, or anypony else wouldn't dream of what would happen if either of you were met with a tragic fate!" She brought her head up with a fearful frown "This was most unexpected for us all!"

Luna gave a solemn nod "Indeed..." Both of them perked up when they heard tired murmuring and looked to see Celestia stirring from her slumber. They both carefully approached her and observe her waking up.

Celestia went to move after she had opened her eyes, and ended up clenching them shut as she felt a sharp pain. Both Luna and the nurse were worried "Your Majesty, please be still! You were just placed in bed an hour ago!" The nurse pleaded with worried eyes.

Luna watched her sister carefully "Tia, can thou speak?" She asked in a low and hopeful tone.

Celestia took a deep breath to ease herself from the pain she felt before she spoke "I can...Thank you both for helping me in my time of need..." She said as she gave a warm and grateful smile. She then looked up at Luna and how she had a frown on her face despite what she had said. Celestia knew that look in Luna's eyes; she wanted an explanation about what had transpired back in the badlands. With a deep breath, she turned to the nurse "Your assistance is most appreciated, but can I ask that me and my sister be alone for the moment?"

The nurse bowed "As you wish, princess." She said as she made her way out of the door, shutting it behind her.

When Celestia was certain that she and Luna were alone, she closed her eyes "I owe you an explanation, Luna..."

Luna lightly furrowed her brow "Verily. What were thou thinking when wishing to fight Sir Cuatro? What did thou hope to gain!?" She scolded.

Celestia sighed and relaxed herself back onto her pillow as she stared up at the ceiling "Luna, about Cuatro...There is so much that I had to keep to myself in order to keep peace in our land. You're already aware of my previous attitude prior to when I first met with Cuatro, yes?"

Luna nodded "It was as if thou were on high alert, but that doesn't answer our question! What hath thou kept from me? Neigh...From all of us! Twilight Sparkle and her friends are just as involved in this as we are!"

Celestia closed her eyes again as she dreaded what she was about to tell her sister "You've already noticed his demonstration of power earlier...It was positively lavish in amount. What you have just seen was only a mere fraction of it. I didn't anticipate you saving my life in the nick of time, but I was happy you have." She then turned to Luna with a sad frown "What I did to persuade him into fighting...was revealing that I knew of his past all along..."

Luna widened her eyes "What!?"

Celestia gave a brief nod "When I first met Cuatro, even I was both curious and confused to see another alicorn appear in Equestria out of nowhere. His presence alone nearly startled me upon first glance." She turned her head back up at the ceiling "Then there was when I was actually willing to give back his memories when I heard of his amnesia. Before I could wrap up the entire memory spell, I was able to examine the entirety of his past." She closed her eyes

"It was most foreboding, Luna. Back then, he was a monster; a fierce master of combat and a heartless murderer. The look on his face was a both a giveaway and a potent clue to his past. He lacked feelings, in fact he detested them and claimed they were a distraction. It is complicated to say, but he is a departed soul from a distant realm of death, not even a pony in origin back then. Judging from what I've gathered, he lamented his existence before he evolved into a more powerful being. From that point on, he was taken in by a mysterious and calculating individual named Sosuke Aizen, and was loyal to him until his unfortunate end."

"Unfortunate end?" Luna parroted as she listened intently. She was engrossed with what she was now learning about the one she had loved.

Celestia closed her eyes "This is where it gets both saddening and ludicrous in thought...A boy named Ichigo Kurosaki was the only one who managed to best him in battle, but from an unknown phenomenon that even I cannot explain. Before he had died, he felt that he had finally realized what it meant to have feelings; to have a heart."

Luna was breathless 'So that was what Sir Cuatro meant when he stated about lacking knowledge of the heart...And the mention of Ichigo as well...' She looked at her sister with a calm glance "Why did thou not tell us about him sooner, sister? Thou hast carried the heaviest burden and look where it hath guided thee..." Luna frowned.

Celestia turned and gave a firm and solemn glance "I understand you are furious with me, and no doubt my faithful student would act the same, but it was all I could do. His power is nearly immeasurable, and if used at the wrong time, could wreak havoc upon our subjects. I sent Twilight the elements in case his memories were to return early." She looked down "I see now that it was a mistake in hindsight, but I needed to make sure everypony was safe." Celestia looked back up at Luna "As for how he acted in the badlands...It wasn't his first time." Luna awaited the explanation "According to Twilight, he had faced some teenage dragons and they have managed to trigger his second nature of fighting. He nearly killed them in the process."

Luna was shocked "That cannot be!" Thus far with her sister's explanation, Luna had trouble forming a proper opinion on Cuatro.

Celestia frowned "And what you've seen back there...I wished to contain that second nature and stop any future bloodshed he would've caused without knowledge of his actions." She looked away with a regretful expression "I was close to doing just that...yet I ended up drawing out all of his hidden power from that fight." She closed her eyes "Before I had left the castle, I was touched by how you appeared so happy around Cuatro while I tried to keep his past under wraps, even moreso when he admitted his feelings in front of me. I tried my best to ensure both your happiness and Equestria's safety through my method, and it fell apart in the end. I felt as if I've carried this on for too long..."

Luna stared at Celestia in silence. After a moment of pause, she took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes at her sister "To some degree...Thou hath earned that beating with what was shared..." She stated in a mildly cross tone.

Celestia held a wry grin "I know...I suppose that was all I needed to realize that I couldn't handle this problem alone..." She looked up at the ceiling with a frown "However, you or Twilight would have acted as rashly, if not more than myself if I were to share this knowledge with you when I discovered this. I couldn't risk your lives upon observation of his former life...While I was cautious of both his power and his past, I believed in giving him a second chance upon witnessing the event of his death. When I offered him the decision on where to stay, I only wished to see what route he would take when starting his new life. How he came to Equestria is still a mystery to me..."

After hearing Celestia's story, Luna was satisfied with what was gathered, though was still confused on how to go about the situation. In retrospect, her sister was even correct about what would happen if she chose to be open about Cuatro's past. She shook her head in an attempt to clear her head "This is too much to bear..." Luna muttered.

Celestia gave a dry chuckle "It is, isn't it? It wouldn't be the first time we had to take leaps and bounds to hide Equestria from a disaster." She looked at Luna "As for what I said about Cuatro and his feelings for you, I was serious." She smiled warmly "It filled me with pride and joy to see another alicorn fawn for you after so long."

Luna held a thin smile "Tis true...We were flattered to meet somepony who enjoyed our night above all else..." She then remembered her lashing out at Cuatro and frowned as she hung her head 'Oh dear...Sir Cuatro must be devastated after we've vented upon him...'

Celestia observed her sister and sighed "I owe you the most deepest apology, Luna...You and Twilight." She stared at the ceiling "I should probably open up to her and the other elements and hope for both their trust and forgiveness..."

"It is not just us..." Celestia looked over at Luna, who held a stern stare "Thou must apologize to Sir Cuatro as well!" Her expression softened as she looked away "And we should to the same..." She muttered despondently.

Celestia nodded sagely "I understand..." She faced the front door of the infirmary "But I cannot return his memories yet..."

Luna turned to Celestia incredulously "What? Why not!?"

Celestia frowned "Luna, you've heard what I said about his past...He might have grasped the concept of the heart on his supposed deathbed, but it wouldn't be wise to just return his memories and expect everything to remain sound. There is also the matter of discussing the full story with Twilight..." She felt a pang of guilt upon the very thought of how her student could feel about her confession "It's better for him to lift his spirits and see if he can continue to learn about friendship. Please understand..."

Luna frowned "Then what of Sir Cuatro and his knowledge of thee denying him the privilege of regaining his memories?"

Celestia turned to Luna "I leave that up to you...No doubt he wouldn't give me any of his time after what I've done to him..."

Luna lightly stomped a hoof "Thou underestimate his patience! Sir Cuatro can be most understanding considering how he hath put up with thee giving him solid answers whilst avoiding to reveal the truth!"

Celestia smiled "That, and he is understanding with you most of all..." She frowned pleadingly "Please, Luna...I know that what I've done has left many scars, but for the sake of Equestria, Cuatro is not to know of his past. It wouldn't sit well with the friends he has made or the lessons he has learned. Can you not help me with that?"

Luna stared, and after contemplation over the reason, nodded reluctantly "Very well, Tia. We'll abide to thy reasons for now...But we expect thee to keep thy word in explaining and apologizing to Twilight and her friends. As we've made clear, they're just as involved in this as we are..." A thought had occured to Luna after she agreed to Celestia's deal: For as long as she had met him, she did not look into Cuatro's dreams at all. She smiled inwardly at the thought of communicating with Cuatro in his sleep.

Celestia nodded "I will..." She looked up "In fact, if I'm to recover by tomorrow morning, I'll invite Cuatro and the element bearers to a conference."

Luna stared out the window "And we'll make sure that Sir Cuatro will keep calm and move on after we've spoken with him..." She closed her eyes "We're pleased thou would finally open up to us, sister."

Celestia smiled "So am I..." She responded softly "I think it's best to continue with your royal duties while I recover. It won't be long with my knowledge of healing magic."

Luna gave a curt nod and made her way out of the infirmary. She looked back at her sister for a brief moment before opening the door and leaving. Now she knew what to do once night falls, though she felt sad to leave Cuatro in the dark.
_____

Later that day, Pinkie trotted her way towards Ponyville library with a large sack on her back and a determined smile on her face. When she reached the door, she made her way inside and sported a toothy grin "I'm back~!"

Twilight was found on the sofa reading a book with a cup of tea at her side, and looked up when she noticed Pinkie's entrance "Pinkie, what are you doing back?"

Pinkie hopped up to Twilight while she balanced the sack on her back "What does it look like? I'm here to cheer our mopey little friend up! I'm not leaving until I see that he's back to normal!" She answered with her signature bright smile.

Twilight shook her head "You're going to face a rough challenge...We've given him enough time to himself and he still hasn't opened up yet.

Spike waddled into the main lobby with a frown "I know he's sad and all, but it's starting to get a little troublesome! I think Pinkie's the ideal choice for getting Cuatro up on his hooves."

Pinkie gave a mock salute "Just leave it to me! Where is he at?"

Spike pointed a claw up the stairs "He hasn't left his bed since he got back. Twilight even gave him a cup of his favorite tea and he didn't drink so much as a drop of it!"

Pinkie held a serious gaze as she rubbed her chin "This is serious...Well, I'm not gonna let THIS one get past me! Pinkie Pie away~!!" She said as she went into a pouncing stance with narrowed eyes before nonchalantly pronking up the stairs with a chipper smile. Twilight and Spike glanced at each other and decided to join her to see if she'll end up being successful.

When Pinkie spotted the mass of black and white on the guest bed, she squinted her eyes 'Target acquired...' She inched her way over and nudged at Cuatro three times, earning his attention "Hello there, Mr. Sad Sack!" Pinkie bucked the sack off of her back as it landed on the floor, pointing to it with a grin "I'd like you to meet Mr. Happy Sack!" She dug into the sack and pulled out an item "He even has is own hacky sack!" She chirped as she began playing with it in front of Cuatro.

Cuatro's mood had lightened during his moment of solitude, but Pinkie's premiere effort in cheering him up had no effect "I appreciate you giving me your time, Pinkie, but I'm in no mood for games..."

Pinkie stopped playing with her hacky sack and quirked an eyebrow "Who said anything about games? I'm here to cheer you up, silly!" She dove into her sack, ruffling inside of it "Now let's see what can be the key to making you feel better!" Pinkie's head popped out with a grin, followed by her forehooves holding a plum.

Twilight and Spike were easily thrown off by Pinkie's random item "A plum?" Spike asked.

Pinkie turned to her friends "Not just any plum! A HAPPY plum! And there's more where that came from, too! My happy plums will make anything happy!" She turned back at Cuatro and reeled back her hoof holding the purple fruit "Open wide, Cuaty~..." Pinkie quipped as she held a look in her eyes similar to an archer aiming for their target.

Cuatro stared "...But I'm not hung-" He was interrupted as Pinkie shoved the plum in his mouth, causing him to grunt in displeasure. When it was deep enough, Pinkie brought out her hoof while Cuatro gulped down the plum and gasped for breath.

Twilight frowned "You didn't have to do that, Pinkie!"

Pinkie crossed her hooves "Sure I did! This is one of my many advanced ways of cheering anypony up! Now we play the waiting game..." She said as she stared diligently at Cuatro, who managed to catch his breath.

There was silence, and Pinkie frowned when she saw that Cuatro's features have not changed "You gotta be kidding me! You must have some high-quality super sadness if one happy plum isn't enough! Looks like we'll have to feed you some more!"

Spike winced "I don't think stuffing Cuatro's face will cheer him up, Pinkie. Can't you find another way?"

Pinkie rolled her eyes "Oh, alright! Let's have a looksie!" She dove back into her sack and sifted through her contents, muttering to herself "Okay, we have a...jokebook, party cannon, flugelhorn, a sombrero, and-..." She froze in her search.

Twilight was curious "What's wrong? Are you missing something?"

Pinkie paused for a moment before speaking in a low tone "No...I have just the thing for Cuatro..." The mentioned alicorn stared at Pinkie's frozen form.

"Hopefully not another plum..."

She pulled herself out, and in her hooves rested a cube with each of its sides containing nine squares of six different colors "Behold! The answer to your problem!"

Cuatro stared at the cube "What is that?"

Pinkie grinned "It's something I found on my own time! It's pretty fun!" She twisted a portion of the cube and it twisted into a different side, and repeated the process on a different side, leading up to the middle as the colors became more mixed "All you gotta do is make sure every color's the same on each side! This isn't a game, but I know that you're smart like Twilight, so this should be fun for you! It's a puzzle!"

Twilight examined the cube with a smile "I'll admit, I'm curious to try myself, but if Cuatro feels up to it..." She stared at Cuatro expectantly. To her, Pinkie was onto something upon noticing Cuatro's invisible curiousity.

Cuatro contemplated the cube and wondered if he would be able to solve this mysterious device. He levitated the cube out of Pinkie's hooves and brought it in front of him, shifting each possible portion he found. In no time at all, he was engrossed with it, constantly shifting each portion while paying rapt attention to each side and their changing colors.

Twilight and Spike were stunned to see Cuatro's depression give way to focus on the cubic puzzle 'Pinkie Pie, you're a genius!' The more Cuatro shifted the cube, the more Twilight wished to have a go at it once he was finished.

Pinkie held a triumphant smile upon watching her successful plan in action. She was impressed when she noticed that Cuatro was close to completing it in such short time. He finally finished it, with each side of the cube being one color instead of nine different ones, and Pinkie clopped her hooves together in joy "Alright, Cuatro! You're really good at puzzles!"

Cuatro studied the cube "I'll admit, this is quite a puzzle you've presented to me...It managed to take my mind off of my troubles..." He levitated it back to Pinkie's hooves and rose from his bed "I believe you've actually succeeded in cheering me up, Pinkie...Thank you..."

Pinkie grinned "No problemo, Cuaty! If I play my cards right, I'll have you smiling in no time!" She lifted her sack and smiled "Well, my work here is done! See you later, everypony!" Pinkie then trotted down the stairs and out of the library, her accomplishment met. Twilight, Spike, and Cuatro waved goodbye as she left.

Spike took a deep breath before smiling "Pinkie really is a master of brightening up everypony's day!"

Twilight giggled "I'll say." She looked up at Cuatro "It's good to see you're feeling better, Cuatro."

Spike waddled up to him and patted one of his forelegs "Don't be discouraged about your memories, buddy! I'm sure you'll get them back soon!"

Cuatro went silent, and the memory of his fight with Celestia slowly returned "My-...My memories..." He stated in a near-sullen tone.

Twilight perked up and frowned anxiously before she thought of an idea "Um, hey, Cuatro! You remember your list of collected memories you've kept downstairs? Did you pick up anything at all?"

Cuatro paused for a moment in thought "Now that you mention it...I have..." He trotted past Twilight and Spike towards the stairs "Excuse me..." Unbeknownst to him, Twilight heaved a quiet sigh of relief. He made his way down and approached the sofa where his list of memories laid. Cuatro levitated the parchment towards him along with a quill as he thought carefully over what he had collected.

"...I will defeat you...Ulquiorra!!"

Cuatro remembered hearing that small addition to his memory; the same one he had collected back at the spa five days ago. The name had sounded entirely different from the other exotic terms he had collected. It wasn't from Mexicolt, nor was it Neighponese. It grew more familiar the more he sounded it out in his mind.

"Ulquiorra..."

It would be wise to write it down and focus on it at a later time. He jotted down the strange name and set his list on the table "I wonder if I'll ever gain all of my memories and figure out my origin in Equestria..."

Twilight and Spike smiled compassionately "You will, Cuatro. We're sure of it." Her words were sincere, but she was clouded with doubt and worry over her opinion of Celestia.

Spike's stomach grumbled, and he chuckled awkwardly before piping up "Why don't I make us some dinner? You guys just sit tight!" He scampered into the kitchen, leaving Twilight and Cuatro alone.

Twilight looked at Cuatro hanging his head and trotted up to his side "Please, Cuatro...Don't be sad. Maybe she'll explain herself for what she's done."

"It's not so much her..." Cuatro's eyes lidded in sadness once more "It's Luna..."

Twilight listened intently "You've said you've harmed her...was it intentional?"

Cuatro shook his head "No...Nor was it physically...and now I've ruined my chance of sharing my affection with her..."

Twilight perked up "Affection? You mean-"

"Yes..." Cuatro turned to Twilight "I love Luna...With all of my heart..."

Twilight stared before she held a touched smile "Oh, Cuatro..." She stared at him with a reassuring glance "We'll think of how to approach the princesses tomorrow. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'm sure we'll make things right for both of us!" She gave a determined smile.

Cuatro stared, and leaned his head in for a small embrace for the first time, catching Twilight by surprise "I appreciate what you've done for me, Twilight...You and your friends...Words cannot express my gratitude..."

Twilight smiled warmly as she returned the embrace "It's what friends are for, Cuatro..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Siete

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Siete

Relapse

Luna was lucky to conclude her meetings with the nobles without matters becoming too grave about Celestia's absence. She sighed to herself upon bearing the weight of one meeting without her sister, but she had to be patient for her to be in good health. She was more distraught over making sure Cuatro never gets his memories back. Hearing about his dark past had bothered Luna, but she felt that he would have changed when she knew about him grasping the concept of a heart back then. She stopped in her tracks when she realized that there was a fatal flaw in her routine: Celestia was needed to lower the sun so that she could raise the moon.

She hoped that her sister could muster the energy to move the sun so that nothing would seem too wrong in Canterlot. Luna trotted to the infirmary to check on Celestia and her health.

When she reached the infirmary, she made her way inside and noticed Celestia laying on the bed with a patient look in her eyes, as if she never gained her injuries "Sister...We require-"

"I know...I think I can manage to do so without the hindrance of my condition." Celestia interrupted her sister with a calm tone.

Luna frowned "Art thou certain about this? The strain of moving thy sun whilst in bed rest could bring thee the worst fatigue."

Celestia smiled despite her injuries "I'm recovering at an acceptable pace, Luna...I was lucky to hold my own for so long in battle. Besides, I've done this longer than you can imagine, and with both the sun and moon..." She added in a mildly cocky tone.

Luna paused before she smiled "Then we'll stay with thee as we move our moon, so that we may watch over thee..." She approached her sister and gently laid a hoof on her chest, Celestia taking it with one of her own. The two regal sisters closed their eyes and activated their horns as the celestial bodies in the sky began to move in their determined cycle; The sun lowered over the horizon outside to signal the day's end, whereas the moon rose to cast a pale glow as the stars appeared across the night sky.

When they finished, Celestia gave a light grunt. Luna saw this and went to react, until her sister raised a hoof "Don't worry, it's nothing. I'll be in better spirits by tomorrow..."

Luna frowned "Please rest well, Tia...We've much to cover tomorrow." After receiving a curt nod from Celestia as a reply, Luna decided to go back to her room to retire for the night. She climbed the tower leading to her room and thought to herself 'What should we tell Sir Cuatro once we meet with him? And what would the best course of action be since he cannot know of his past?' She sighed inwardly as she frowned 'We should be more hopeful that he accepts our apology and is willing to listen to our explanation...'

She thought back to when she noticed Cuatro look more menacing in appearance; namely his eyes and how they leaked trails of black tears. Looking back on it, they seemed to have more meaning upon her knowledge of Cuatro's past. To Luna, she felt that he really has been filled with despair with how he was considered to be a heartless murderer. Was he forced into such a life at the time? Luna reached her room and made her way towards her balcony to view her moon with a sullen frown 'Sir Cuatro...Hopefully we can show thee true happiness...'
_____

Later that night, Cuatro sat on top of the library and gazed up at the moon while snow lightly fell frpm the sky. His eyes were lidded as he stared at its pale glow, his mane collecting more snowflakes.

"I remember wanting to watch the night sky with Luna..."

Feeling as if he had gazed long enough, Cuatro shook the snow off of himself, spread his wings, and glided down from the roof to the library's front door. He went inside and quietly went up the stairs into his guest bed so he wouldn't disturb his friends' slumber. As he made himself comfortable, he continued to think about Luna; he wished he could take back what he had done to her. All he could do now is wait for tomorrow and see what Twilight could do for him. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Much to his expectance, his dream consisted of the same lifeless desert with the rock-like trees, whitened sands, and the blackened skies. The only thing different about the scenery was the moon that hung over him; Not only was it full, there was what appeared to be a familiar silhouette staring with pupilless eyes while its mane flowed in a breeze. Cuatro could distinguish that particular shape anywhere while he carried light sadness in his heart.

"Luna...I hope things will turn out right in the future..."

Cuatro decided to move along so he could repeat the same cycle for a third time. He reached Las Noches in no time at all and contemplated on whether or not he should continue to stare at it.

"What is the significance of this dream? Why does this keep happening to me?"

On cue, he heard a piercing and warbled roar and turned to see the same bipedal monster holding a katana. Instead of fear, Cuatro faced the beast with sorrowful acceptance, realizing it was only a repetitive dream and nothing else "Go ahead...It doesn't matter to me anymore..." He stared at the monster calmly while it charged its attack.
_____

Luna had seen many dreams that invovled several scenarios that were either flamboyant in imagination or random moments, most of which were cheerful in her eyes, but this was the exact opposite; it was even different to how she had seen certain nightmares in the minds of young fillies and colts. She watched Cuatro face off with the most peculiar creature without any notion of self-defense; there was even that look of sadness in his eyes she had noticed when he first began his dream.

She couldn't bear the sight and knew what she had to do in order to approach him. Luna's silhouette faded from the moon, but her voice had sounded in the vast area "Sir Cuatro! Be ye not deterred in mind!"

Cuatro perked up and looked around "Luna? But where-...?" This sudden happening had thrown the strange alicorn in the most deepest pit of confusion as he tried to spot the source of Luna's voice. He stared back at the monster about to attack and felt his heart buckle, until a blue beam had pierced its chest from behind, eliciting a roar of pain and surprise from the monster.

With a second hole made on its body, it had began to dissolve into nothingness from its upper region. While it had done so, a famiilar figure stood in its place, staring at Cuatro with regretful eyes. His own eyes had widened slightly upon first glance "...Luna..." He turned his head away and closed his eyes "No...this is just a dream..." Cuatro said to himself, morose with the thought of Luna in his mind.

Luna frowned at his action "Indeed it is. But make no mistake, Sir Cuatro..." She took a few steps towards him "We're as real as thine despair..."

Cuatro opened his eyes and carefully glanced back at Luna, who gave a thin and hopeful smile when they locked eyes. He didn't know what to make of this, nor could he believe if she were actually telling the truth "If you're really Luna, then how are you able to reach me in my dreams?"

Luna placed a hoof on her chest "We're the princess of the night in more ways than one. It is our duty to watch over the dreams of our subjects." She frowned "We've ignored thee for the longest time, and for that, we apologize...But we must also apologize for what hath been enacted between our sister and thee." She said in a penitent tone.

Cuatro's eyes widened slightly at the thought of both Luna actually being in his dreams and apologizing for something that wasn't her fault. He regained his composure and spoke "It was nothing...I should apologize as well about your sister. You didn't know about what had happened, but I do...Celestia-"

"She hath brought thy conflict and thy memories to our attention..." Cuatro instantly silenced himself upon Luna's interruption "Celestia was most shaded with her agenda for the longest time under the reason of Equestria's protection, even keeping the knowledge of thy past away from us and Twilight Sparkle." She shook her head "It was taxing to gather what she had shared with us including battling with thee, especially since she was fully aware of thy power..." Luna smiled up at Cuatro "In a sense, we should thank thee for getting our sister to finally open up to us..."

Cuatro did not believe that Celestia would even keep Luna away from what she knew. But while the thought was there, he couldn't help but feel content to see Luna smiling again and feeling better after his fiasco with her sister "My pleasure...But I fail to comprehend why she couldn't return my memories sooner."

At his words, Luna's smile vanished "About that..." She looked away with a sad look in her eyes "This may sound entirely absurd, even from us...but she is unable to restore thy memories..." Before Cuatro could question why, Luna looked back at him as she continued "Please don't be angered about this, Sir Cuatro! We were just as outraged as thee before she had brought about her reason."

Cuatro looked down "It's not that I'm angry...not at you...I never would have thought Celestia would go so far to do this. I would be willing to understand, given my power and expertise in fighting, but I want to know where I once resided in Equestria prior to my secret past..." He said as he looked down in deep thought.

Luna approached Cuatro and snapped him out of his deep thought with a nuzzle "As do we, Sir Cuatro...But she still decides against this notion...If it brings thee comfort, she is willing to explain herself to Twilight Sparkle and her friends by tomorrow."

Cuatro looked down at Luna, unable to return the embrace due to his fixation of wanting to know more about Celestia "What was Celestia thinking when she committed these actions of her own volition? Am I really a threat to Equestria with or without my memories?"

Luna looked up at Cuatro "Sir Cuatro...Our sister may be wary of thy power, but she believed in offering thee a second chance when she let thee stay in Ponyville. It was only the news of thy previous conflict that led to her rash decision. We only hope that thou could do the same for her just this once...for us?" She looked into Cuatro's eyes pleadingly.

Cuatro stared down at Luna and closed his eyes "It is hard for me to turn a blind eye towards Celestia, especially after all that she had done to me and everypony else..." Luna was downcast at his words "However..." He opened his eyes again "If my friends can forgive me for what I've done wrong in the past...then I should at least follow their example and do the same for your sister..." He leaned his head closer towards Luna's "And for you, as well...I owe you for hurting you back there..." Cuatro looked into Luna's eyes after his statement.

"Sir Cuatro..." Luna uttered as she looked back into Cuatro's eyes. They stared for a moment until Luna closed her eyes and leaned in to press her lips against Cuatro's, taking him by surprise as his pupils shrank to pinpricks. The feeling was intoxicating to him, but he was able to return the kiss as his eyes closed in bliss. This may be a dream, but the kiss felt all too real to Cuatro, and he savored the moment while sharing it with Luna.

When they parted lips, Luna smiled up at Cuatro "We're pleased that thou art willing to understand us..." She looked around at the lifeless desert surrounding the two alicorns and felt her heart sink "Such a terrible nightmare that thou hast suffered through. This is none of which we've seen in the minds of other ponies!"

Cuatro looked around "This wasn't the first time I've dreamt of this place..." Luna turned to Cuatro in surprise "My presence here marks the third visit into this ominous realm...It seems familiar to me."

Luna cocked her head to the side "Could this place be linked to thy past?"

Cuatro stole a small glance at 'Las Noches' in the distance before turning away "Quite possibly...I believe that what I'm residing in could be considered Hueco Mundo...and that large palace over there is Las Noches..."

Luna was intrigued "And this happened three times already? What is the significance of the creature thou hath faced?"

Cuatro turned to Luna "It was how my dream ended twice...I stared at it with trembling fear, and for some reason, I accepted my fate while said fear had vanished from within me..."

Luna turned to look at Las Noches and felt an ominous force "...And what of this 'Las Noches'? Dost thou find any significance there as well aside from memories?"

Cuatro was silent before he spoke "Before I had faced the beast you just vanquished...I always found that place after treading along the sands. If I end up looking at it for too long, I feel as if my memories spent in my amnesia were being robbed from my mind...I also feel a deepening feeling in the pit of my heart that I reject simply by looking away..." He looked up at the full moon "It's frightening, Luna...I don't know what lies beyond my period of observance towards Las Noches, but I feel that I would end up losing everything I've learned; My lessons on friendship, the very friends I've made...and you..."

Luna stared at Cuatro with a frown before her eyes became determined "We're beside thee now, Sir Cuatro. The beast shalt hinder thee no more. We'll stay at thy side whilst thou can gaze upon this 'Las Noches' at thy leisure."

Cuatro looked back at Luna "But what if this feeling shouldn't be tapped into? What would happen if I end up forsaking everything I've witnessed in this life?"

Luna shook her head "Thou will not...We'll see to it." She smiled "Thou art in capable hooves, Moon Shield..."

Cuatro felt himself gain more confidence after Luna called him by his earned title. He took a deep breath with his eyes closed, and slowly turned his head towards Las Noches. He then proceeded to open his eyes and gaze upon the gloomy architecture. The more he stared at it, the more he felt his mind slipping away into a state of emptiness.

Luna watched how Cuatro was remaining neutral throughout his session of glancing, and when she caught motion on him out of the corner of her eye, she looked down at his chest and gasped at what was happening.

Cuatro's chest appeared to be receding inward around his sternum until it showed what appeared to be a large gaping hole inside of himself; the other end couldn't be seen beneath Cuatro's mane, but Luna was dumbfounded to see this transformation. It didn't stop there as two small trails of green residue leaked down from his eyes and went down a straight trail reaching his chin; a strange object resembling a horned helmet formed on the left side of his head from floating white particles.

Luna felt as if Cuatro was changing entirely and tried calling out to him "Sir Cuatro! Art thou well?"

Cuatro perked up at the sound of Luna's voice and looked over at her with the new additions on his body. His memories slowly returned the more he stared at her "Luna...What happened to me?"

Luna gawked at Cuatro's new form, at a loss for words "We-...I-....I don't know!" She responded, not using the royal 'we' "Sir Cuatro, dost thou not remember anything upon looking at that palace?" She asked, astonished by Cuatro's transformation.

Cuatro stared at Luna, then examined one of his hooves. Nothing was amiss so far, so he began to feel his chest until he felt the gaping hole located on his sternum. His eyes widened slightly "What is this? Another clue to my past?" His forehoof continued to explore around his chest up to his head. He felt no trace of his new tear lines and continued upward until he felt his strange helmet; he caressed it slowly and felt the texture of a strong bone-like material beneath his hoof. He looked up at it "I don't know what to make of this..."

Luna frowned "Did thou feel any different when thou first laid eyes on Las Noches?"

Cuatro looked down in thought "All I felt was my mind ridding itself of my new memories...then it was as if I've blacked out as I stared. Then I heard a voice..."

Luna listened intently "What did it say?"

Cuatro looked at Luna "It said...'I shouldn't be alive'...What makes things troubling was that it sounded like-..." He looked down with invisible confusion.

Luna frowned as she wished for Cuatro to finish "Like what? Like who? Please tell us, Sir Cuatro!"

Cuatro found his voice upon Luna's request "It sounded like..." He looked up at Luna "Me...It sounded like me..." Luna was surprised by this knowledge while she and Cuatro stared in silence. Cuatro spoke up "I don't know if all of this is a clue to my memories, but now I'm uncertain if I even want to find out..."

Luna frowned and nuzzled Cuatro's chest despite his new hole "We can try to figure things out by tomorrow, when our sister recovers...Until then, we'll remain with thee until the end of the night..."

Cuatro returned the embrace, placing a hoof over Luna's back as he returned a nuzzle on her head "Thank you, Luna...You don't know how much this means to me..."

Luna broke the embrace and smiled up at Cuatro "We could say the same for thee, Moon Shield..." They looked at each other, and they closed their eyes to kiss for a second time as they stood in the lifeless desert, which felt as if it had a fresh breath of life for the first time in a long while.
_____

"WHAT!?!?"

The three teenage dragons, who managed to return to their home beyond south of Equestria, cringed under the volume of the mature dragon towering over them. He was a large black dragon with a broad upper frame, majestic wings, and a spiked tail; His underbelly was decorated with silver scales and his eyes were a menacing amber "You mean to tell me you three brats not only snuck away from your nest, but you've also lost a fight!? With a PONY!?"

Boil piped up nervously "W-W-Well, he wasn't an ordinary pony! Honest! He was an alicorn! A strong one, too! He managed to take Quake down easily!"

Quake grunted in embarrassment "It's true...What makes him so weird was that he was about to kill Garble over here, but suddenly stopped and apologized to all of us!"

Garble growled "He made a mockery of us dragons just by acting like we were friends or something! It was so stupid to be bested by one pony and being shown sympathy-"

"SILENCE!!" The three dragons instantly lost their voices and cringed again at the might of the mature dragon's voice. Smoke billowed from his nostrils as he bared his fangs and growled in his breath "I wont stand to have some random pony smear the good name of a dragon in the mud! Each of your punishments will be severe for your impudent behavior, but his will be more fitting..." He snorted as more smoke puffed up from his snout "I'll make sure he will never see the light of day for his insolence!" The dragon stated in a dark tone. He spread his wings and turned to the darkened horizon caused by the night. Before he took off, he turned his head to glance sideways at the three dragons "Garble...What did he look like? The alicorn that did this to all of you?" He asked in a leveled tone.

Garble did not hesitate to describe Cuatro's features "He's tall, white, has bat wings and this super long tail!" He extended his claws to emphasize his description "His eyes are green, too!" He gleefully pictured Cuatro suffering under the power of a full-grown dragon.

Quake flinched "W-Wait! You think this is a good idea? I mean, he's a strong alicorn! What if one dragon isn't enough?"

Garble darted his head at Quake "Are you stupid or something? This is a good chance to bring pride back to us as dragons!" He hissed indignantly to his large friend.

Boil whispered as well "But what if Quake's right? I mean, he barely used any of his magic on us, and you've seen how he laid a punch on you!"

Garble grunted at the memory and slowly caressed his cracked underbelly with a claw. He gritted his teeth and snarled "It was a lucky shot and you know it..." Garble muttered bitterly.

The mature dragon snorted "That's all I need to know! Now I'll pursue this defiant pony and make him wish he was never born!" He took off into the air and roared loudly, shooting out a jet of bright yellow flames before he flew away "No living creature is a match for a dragon!!"

The three dragons watched their elder fly off into the night, and Boil turned to his friends, namely Garble "You think it's a good idea to send Goldoa after that alicorn? Sure he's one of the strongest dragons, but-"

"But nothing!" Garble interrupted "What's done is done! He gets to teach that namby-pamby pony a lesson, and we get the satisfaction of knowing he'll die!" He smirked to himself.

Boil held an unamused glance behind his yellow hair "You do realize we're still in trouble, right? I don't know why we could've just faced our parents first before talking to Goldoa!"

Garble scoffed and looked up into the night sky "Doesn't matter now! We knew what we had to do when we came back here! All we can do now is wait and see if he'll do some damage! We might not have gotten Spike, but at least we'll get that dumb pony for what he did to us!"

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Ocho

View Online

Capitulo Treinta y Ocho

Incentive

As dawn broke in Ponyville, Cuatro stirred from his slumber and rose into a sitting position on his bed, thinking back on his dream. Luna managed to save him from a repetitive nightmare and helped him in viewing Las Noches to see if he couldn't find more clues to his past. He remembered the features that were added onto his body and the voice that was heard in his moment of gazing. Cuatro drew a hoof to his chest to see if his hole had remained and felt that it wasn't there. After assessing that his chest was still whole, he moved to feel his head to see if his helmet was there as well, only to feel his mane.

"Nothing...So it was only just a dream..."

Cuatro quietly rose from the bed and trotted to the stairs while his friends were asleep, all while contemplating his dream. There were questions that needed to be answered, but what was gathered from him viewing Las Noches had nearly drove Cuatro to ignore his ambition to retrieve his memories. One thing alone had managed to keep him going to seek the truth: His promise to smile for Luna when he returns to his former self. He couldn't go back on a promise to a friend, and he definitely would not ignore Luna's. Her assistance in Cuatro's dream had been most endearing in his opinion, but it wasn't the highlight of it all; His mind drifted back to when he shared his first kiss with Luna in the dream world.

"I must thank her properly for acknowledging my affection and returning it in kind. But what can I do to please an alicorn princess other than simply sharing my love for her?"

When he reached the main lobby, he continued to think about Luna, but stopped when he looked at some of the picture frames that hung on the library's walls. He scoped out the many times that were spent with Twilight and her friends. His eyes stopped on a picture with Twilight as a filly with a huge smile standing next to Princess Celestia. Cuatro's train of thought shifted instantly.

"...I wonder if Twilight would ever look at Celestia the same way after all that she has done. I worry for her since she unknowingly played a part in all of this until now..."

Cuatro hung his head, not knowing what today might hold for him or his friends, or if it would go accordingly to his standards. Luna stated that Celestia would explain herself to Twilight and her friends today, but he wondered how they would react to her news, or if Celestia would be wise enough to come clean to all of her deeds. He decided to scan the shelves for another book to read in order to pass the time and wait for Twilight and Spike to wake up. When no books came to mind, he turned to the sofa and noticed his list was still resting on the sofa's arm. He trotted over to sit on the couch, levitating his list to look at his newly-documented word in silence.

He couldn't pinpoint it, but the more he stared at the word, the more he felt himself falling into deep thought over it. It almost held a force similar to what was felt in his dreams.

"...Ulquiorra..."

Could it actually be his name? Was it a small mistake to be given the name thought up by his friends now that this new word nearly took over his mind? A small beam of sunlight flashed over the word, and he traced its length to the window of origin to see the sun continuing to rise; While he does not favor Celestia, her spirit was to be commended for raising and lowering her sun after their battle. But then he thought back to her reason for fighting and what was said by Luna.

"I'm considered a threat to her, yet she permitted me to live back when she first examined my past...I hope Luna was correct when she mentioned Celestia actually offering me a second chance while she was cautious of my power..."

He wondered if he could maintain control of his violent nature once he regained his memories; A hopeful theory at best, thinking back to his small memory as a killer. Cuatro stared at his list, then closed his eyes as he raveled it back up with his magic. His eyes opened at the sound of hoofsteps, and he turned to the staircase to see Twilight and Spike making their way down "Ah...Good morning to you both. Did you sleep well?"

Spike turned to Cuatro and rubbed his eyes before he smiled "Well, somepony sounds a lot better today. Morning, Cuatro!" He greeted.

Twilight gave a quiet yawn before she smiled "We did sleep well, thanks for asking. I see you're in better spirits now."

Cuatro nodded "Essentially...I believe I'm another step further to finding out about my past."

"That and other things..."

Twilight woke up from Cuatro's statement "Really? Is it another one of your collected memories?" She asked eagerly.

Cuatro turned to his rolled up list "In a way, yes...But I believe I should prepare for today before I can delve into this further." He rose from the couch "I feel that I should try and learn generosity today...I've already been met with lessons from Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy in that order..."

Twilight nodded "Rarity it is then. Hopefully we can catch her at a good time, though, since she usually works on days like this."

Spike pointed up a claw "Breakfast first! THEN we can grace her with our presence!" Twilight rolled her eyes at Spike's not-so-subtle praise to Rarity and made her way into the kitchen with him while Cuatro followed the two shortly after.

Twilight sat down at her own chair while Cuatro did the same. Spike was busy preparing breakfast while they waited patiently. Twilight looked at Cuatro with a frown "About the other day..."

Cuatro nodded "In due time...I'm certain you'll get your answers soon enough."

Twilight held a small smile "I'm glad you're feeling better about this..."

When Spike was finished with making breakfast consisting of hay bacon and eggs, his cheeks puffed before he belched a stream of green fire that vanished to reveal a scroll. Twilight darted her head over and quickly grabbed it with her magic, bringing it towards her "A message from the princess?" She unraveled the scroll and read its contents aloud "Dear Twilight, I would like for you and your friends to visit the castle. There is something that I wish to tell you all that involves Cuatro. I hope for your forgiveness once all has been explained." She stared at the letter before looking at Cuatro "Looks like there's been a change in plans for today."

"So it would seem...It appears I was correct in my statement." Cuatro said in a straight tone.

Spike frowned "We're gonna visit Princess Celestia so early in the morning? But I just made breakfast! And what about Rarity?"

Twilight turned to Spike "We'll eat first before we gather our friends. I don't know what will become of all this, but we're headed for Canterlot today..." She said in a serious tone as she looked down in thought 'Princess...' Twilight hoped she wouldn't be deceived a second time.
_____

Over the skies of the Everfree Forest, all was quiet save for the small gusts of wind and the falling snow. That all changed when a large black mass sped over the forest, flapping his majestic wings as he nearly blew the trees away.

Goldoa had mustered most of his stamina to fly to Ponyville in search of Cuatro to enact proper judgement and show his pride as a dragon. Like many of the elder dragons in Equestria, both his strength and physical prowess knew no bounds. It had been ages since he had found a worthy opponent, be it one of his kin or a pack of hydras; sometimes he would even go out of his way to end ponies that would trespass onto his land or try to claim his precious horde for themselves.

What stifled his lust for battle was the truce between dragons and ponies that had acted as a thorn in his side for generations. He would have no more of it after hearing of Cuatro's actions; It gave him permission to kill one of the ponies that he despised for so long.

Goldoa sniffed at the air while flying, then snarled when he caught the scent of ponies and a view of Ponyville over the horizon "I'm getting close...That impudent pony is mine..." He growled as he flew towards Ponyville.

From Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was ready to plow more snow from last night's snowfall, but looked up to see Goldoa flying towards Ponyville over the Everfree Forest with widened eyes "Land Sakes!!" She abandoned her plow and galloped into town to find and warn her friends.

The dragon was even seen from Fluttershy's cottage when she wanted to feed her outdoor animals. She gasped and flew into Ponyville in search of her friends. Eventually, Fluttershy and Applejack met up on the same trail. She looked down at the farmpony in fright "Applejack! Did you-"

"Yes Ah did! We gotta hurry an' find th' others!" Applejack replied hastily as she did not let up in her pace.
_____

At Ponyville, Twilight, Spike, and Cuatro departed from the library in search of their friends. They walked in the cold snow further into town and stopped at town square to figure out how to gather everypony in little time. Twilight faced Spike and Cuatro "I think we should all split up and meet at the station so we won't be late to see Princess Celestia. Where do you two want to go?"

Spike smiled "I can go grab Rarity!"

Cuatro stared at Twilight "Then I shall seek Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash..."

"Hey! What about me?" Said a familiar bubbly voice.

Cuatro turned around to see Pinkie standing behind him "Did you all forget about me or something?" She asked in a comically miffed tone.

Twilight noticed her friend and blinked "Pinkie? I'd figure you would be at Sugarcube Corner. We were about to spread and search for our friends."

Pinkie tilted her head "For what? Does the princess need to see us again?"

"Precisely." Cuatro answered "Since you're present now, that only leaves us to find Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack."

Pinkie smiled "I gotcha covered for finding Dashie!" She arched an eyebrow "But why would the princess wanna see us again? It's only been four days since we've all went to Canterlot!"

Cuatro stared at Pinkie "According to the letter Twilight had received, it appears she wishes to confess to something..."

Twilight nodded "It's true. I'm not sure what she's referring to, but we'll get the full gist of it once we arrive. I'll go look for Fluttershy so we can move things along."

"Then I shall go find Applejack if Spike still wishes to find Rarity..." Cuatro stated. Before the group could disperse, a faint sound reached Cuatro's ears as one of them twitched. He quickly darted his head towards the source of the sound.

Twilight noticed Cuatro's abrupt action and felt tense "Cuatro? What's wrong?"

"A dragon! Another dragon!!"

Distant townsfolk ran around in a panic, some fleeing into their homes if nearby. Cuatro and the others noticed Applejack and Fluttershy headed towards them, then stared up at the sky above them to see an enormous black dragon flying in their direction.

"It seems that those dragons were serious about their threat...This isn't a good time..."

Spike trembled at the sight of the approaching dragon "Look at him! He's huge!"

Pinkie widened her eyes "Quick! Somepony shout at him before he hurts us!" She screamed in fright despite her random words.

Twilight felt a lump in her throat as she watched the dragon descend towards them 'He must be after Cuatro! What do we do!?'

Goldoa finally reached Ponyville, and he narrowed his eyes to slits after catching a glimpse of Cuatro standing with his friends. Stopping Applejack and Fluttershy in their tracks, He descended towards them and landed on all fours in between the two groups as he caused a tremor from his landing. The black dragon inhaled before bowing his head at Cuatro to roar at him.

Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie covered their ears and cringed at the dragon's volume, being carried back from Goldoa's roar, while Cuatro stood still as his mane and tail were carried in the breeze; the fountain behind them crumbled from the roar and turned into a pile of rubble. Goldoa brought down his snout as smoke began to billow from his nostrils "So...you're the alicorn I've heard about." He stated in a leveled tone, though his aggression was detectable.

Cuatro stared up at Goldoa "From your fellow dragons, correct? Yes...My name is Cuatro. If you're aggravated by what was told, I did not wish for myself to get carried away." Applejack and Fluttershy gathered with the others as they also stared up at the black dragon.

Goldoa scoffed "I could care less about what was said involving your loathsome comrades. It is you I'm after! I was told that you carried immense strength for such a puny pony!"

Pinkie piped up "Hey! He's actually one of the biggest ponies when you look at it!" She retreated when Goldoa shifted his piercing eyes towards her.

Cuatro looked at Pinkie, then back at Goldoa "May I ask who you are? Judging by your ire, you won't be leaving us anytime soon..."

Goldoa gave a hollowed laugh "You have nice manners for an alicorn..." He raised up to where he stood on his hindlegs, looking down at Cuatro as if he were a simple ant "I am Goldoa! I'm one of the strongest dragons you'll ever see! My reason for coming to this pathetic settlement was for you and you alone..." He pointed a claw at Cuatro "You've made a mockery of our kind to attack three of our hatchlings! Therefore, you'll have the privilege to fight a real dragon and see if your strength can actually be measured!!" He growled.

Cuatro stared up at Goldoa "In my defense, they wished to harm, if not kill my friends. I couldn't let that happen...Had it not been for my friends' intervention, they would've been lost forever..." He looked back at Twilight, Spike, and Pinkie Pie with invisible gratitude.

Goldoa passed off Cuatro's explanation as a taunt and more smoke billowed from his nostrils "You insignificant gutter snipe! You would boast your power to the likes of me!?"

Cuatro shook his head at Goldoa "Never. As I've made mention to you, I got carried away in the middle of our fight. That was nothing more than a mistake on my part..."

Goldoa balled his claws into fists "Then let us see if you wouldn't repeat that mistake!" He pointed down at Cuatro "Come, you impulsive worm! We shall have this fight; a duel to the death!"

Cuatro tensed up from what was said and looked down.

"I can't...I've caused so much trouble whenever I do decide to fight...If my second nature were to be left unchecked..."

Goldoa watched Cuatro silently contemplate his actions and growled impatiently "You're being hesitant? I'd expect you to simply dive into this fight like you have before! Or are you bothered by your life on the line?"

Cuatro sighed, then looked up at Goldoa "I refuse your offer. When I had fought back then, I had no other option since I could not reach a point of compromise with your fellow dragons. I wished to avoid conflict and resolve the issue in a more peaceful matter, but I failed. Will you not accept my words?"

Goldoa snarled "I didn't come all this way to have you brush me aside! If you will not act honorably on this, then perhaps you require proper incentive!" He waved a claw over Ponyville "Either accept my challenge, or your entire village will be torched to ashes!" The ponies that remained outside gasped in fear and trembled at the thought of their homes burning to the ground.

Cuatro was silent. This was the third time he had been forced into confronting an opponent through unescapable circumstances. He couldn't risk losing himself in battle one more time or his friends to be lost by his actions. Cuatro closed his eyes.

"...I have no choice. If I ignore this any longer, Ponyville and everything inside of it will cease to be. Not only that, this confrontation was from my past actions...It would be both irresponsible and cowardly to turn away from this now..."

Cuatro had come to his final decision. He opened his eyes and looked up at Goldoa "I accept..." His friends gasped while Goldoa held a small, but sadistic smile "...Under two conditions..." The dragon's smile had left when Cuatro did not finish.

"Considering that you've come all this way to challenge me to a death battle, I wish to share my final moments with my friends before engaging you in combat. Moreso, it would be dishonorable to fight while you're not at full strength, therefore we both should prepare to give it our best when the time comes." He closed his eyes "My second condition is to hold our battle at a vast area where we won't be bothered by anypony around us." He turned his head and looked over at Canterlot in the distance, then to the far left of it "...That plain near the mountains resting far away from Canterlot would be sufficient, would it not?"

Goldoa paused, then glared down at Cuatro "You lie...You'll only seek help from the princesses, won't you!?" He growled indignantly at the thought of Cuatro pulling an incognito attempt at an ambush.

Cuatro looked back at Goldoa "I will do no such thing. They will not be involved in our fight, nor anypony else...It is clear to me that I've brought this upon myself, so who am I to back down?"

Goldoa stared before he broke into a fit of laughter "Quite daring of you, alicorn! Admirable even! To think that you would be so willing as to acknowledge your life being at stake and even having our battle at full strength, perhaps I've underestimated you!" He spoke with halfhearted respect "Very well then..." He pointed up a claw "You will have one day to make your peace starting now! Then we shall have our glorious battle!" He unfurled his wings "I must warn you...Do not keep me waiting! I shall wait for your arrival at the desired location in search of sustenance!" He said as he hovered into the air, then flew off with a roar.

As the dragon distanced himself. The townsfolk murmured fearfully while Cuatro watched Goldoa leave in silence, then pondered his actions in hindsight. Now he will have to summon all of his magical knowledge in order to hold his own in his fight.

"Cuatro..."

The strange alicorn opened his eyes and turned to Twilight, who frowned despondently "You're not serious about all of this, are you?" She asked in a sad tone.

Cuatro stared at Twilight "I'm sorry you had to witness this, but nothing good can come from this if I said otherwise. Besides, all of this had stemmed from what I've commited back then. This is my burden to bear, not yours..."

Pinkie smiled "I'm sure you can convince that grumpy dragon to not fight you, Cuaty! You have what it takes to make sure Goldoa won't move the tiniest inch!" She grinned brightly. Her grin wavered when Cuatro stared at her in silence "You CAN do that, right?" She asked hopefully. Pinkie's grin instantly vanished when the strange alicorn shook his head.

Rarity was seen galloping into town square. She met up with her friends with a look of fear "So I'm not the only one that saw what has happened! What was that enormous dragon doing in Ponyville?"

Applejack frowned "His name's Goldoa, an' he came fer Cuatro. He wants t' fight him in a one-on-one battle to th' death."

Fluttershy whimpered "Why did this have to happen now? Is there any other way out of this?"

A prismatic blur soared towards town square and revealed to be Rainbow Dash hovering as she looked at the direction Goldoa flew away. She then looked down at her friends "What did that dragon want? Why's he going to Canterlot!?"

Cuatro looked up "He's not particularly going to Canterlot, but the neighboring plains. I'm to fight him by tomorrow..."

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes "Seriously?" She grinned confidently "Something tells me he's not gonna be coming out of this without any injuries!"

"He won't...I've been challenged to a deathmatch..." Cuatro stated in a matter-of-fact tone, causing Rainbow Dash to nearly grow pale while she descended. Cuatro looked around to see that everypony was accounted for "It is good that you're all here. Now we can make for the train station..."

Rainbow Dash shook off her stunned expression "What for?"

Twilight tried to ignore Cuatro's predicament and spoke in a straight tone "We're needed in Canterlot. Princess Celestia wants to see us for a moment."

Rainbow Dash scratched her head "Does she know about that dragon?"

Cuatro shook his head "Not yet...I would say that it is wise she doesn't know, but I doubt this information will be kept hidden forever..."

Spike approached Cuatro, looking up at him with a frown "Cuatro, I-...I'm sorry!" He hugged one of Cuatro's forelegs tight as he started to tear up "You shouldn't have to go through this! This was all my fault! If I didn't tick off Garble and the others, none of this would've happened!"

Cuatro stared down at Spike, then placed his free forehoof over Spike's head, earning the purple dragon's attention as he looked up "What's done is done...You mustn't be acting this way since this isn't your fault."

Spike sniffled "B-But-"

"I've caused all of this, Spike...not you." Cuatro stated tersely, albeit calmly. He caressed Spike's head "This is something I must take care of on my own...It wouldn't be right to have you all placed in harm's way if I were to act differently on this situation."

Cuatro's friends held heavy hearts over his words. It was hard for them to accept his current position, and even envied how he remained calm over it. Rainbow Dash broke the silence with a thin smile "I gotta say, C...You're more brave and crazy than I am to go through with this." She said in a respectful tone with hidden sorrow.

The strange alicorn turned to Rainbow Dash "Bravery and madness had nothing to do with my decision. This was nothing more than an extorted request..." He looked down "Then again, I should know better than to consider it as such; It is my duty to keep you all safe..."

"But this just isn't about keeping us safe! You're going to risk your life to stop a powerful beast!" Twilight stated anxiously "I got a good look at Goldoa, and he wasn't kidding about his strength! He's an elder dragon! Their power is honed through their extensive experience throughout their lives."

Rarity frowned "Then that can only mean that..." She turned to Cuatro with a sad expression "Cuatro might be in for his biggest challenge yet..."

Cuatro turned to Twilight "There was nothing else I can do, Twilight. Please understand...I didn't want it to come to this."

Pinkie frowned "None of us did, but you sure did!" She went up to Cuatro "I never even got the chance to see you smile..." Pinkie whimpered with a genuine pout.

Cuatro looked down at Pinkie "That may be, but it wasn't my intention to make my final moments with my friends full of sorrow. We have one day to bond and reminisce before I partake in my fateful duel."

Twilight and the others stared at Cuatro, then smiled at his words. A single tear dropped down Twilight's cheek "You're very considerate, Cuatro..." She said in a quiet tone.

Cuatro nodded "And I have you to thank for that." He looked at his friends "All of you have taught me lessons that I've taken to heart since the day I've met you." He looked at Applejack "Applejack, you took me in despite me being a stranger, and have taught me how to be honest and trustworthy towards those I consider friends..." He received a tip of Applejack's stetson and a warm smile in response.

He turned to Pinkie next "Pinkie Pie, you've taught me the value of laughter and happiness, even if I wasn't able to laugh myself..."

Pinkie giggled "That doesn't mean won't get you to someday!"

Cuatro faced Fluttershy "Fluttershy, back then you had feared me, but have come to accept me with your unending kindness, and even teaching me that I, too, need to be compassionate towards others..." Fluttershy smiled at Cuatro with trembling pupils.

He then faced Rainbow Dash "You, Rainbow Dash, taught me that I should remain loyal to those I hold dear, though your method of education could be questioned..." Rainbow Dash merely chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of her head.

Rarity was next for Cuatro "Rarity, though I haven't been able to properly learn generosity from you yet, I believe that you've also helped me learn about friendship as well."

The fashionista nodded with a smile "In due time, darling. This may be your biggest ordeal, but we all have faith in you." Rarity stated in a kind tone.

Cuatro turned to Twilight and Spike "The both of you were kind enough to let me stay with you and refresh my memory in learning magic." He closed his eyes as he continued "But what I'm grateful for out of all of you combined..." Cuatro opened his eyes "Is that you've let me discover the true meaning of a heart...For that, you all have my deepest gratitude. I'm happy to have you all as friends..."

Rainbow Dash felt her eyes water from Cuatro's words "C-C'mon, Cuatro! Don't try and get sappy with us now!" She said with a fake smile and a faltered tone.

Pinkie Pie had a river of tears trail from her eyes as she sniffled, then blurted out "Group hug, everypony!" The element bearers and Spike gathered around Cuatro and held each other together in a nearly crushing hug. Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash tried their best not to cry; Pinkie and Fluttershy both felt their eyes flow with more tears; Rarity and Applejack embraced their friend without having to shed any tears despite their feelings towards Cuatro's predicament.

Rarity broke the embrace and took a deep breath "Well, now that we've shared this sentimental moment, aren't we supposed to be headed for Canterlot?" She looked at her friends.

Twilight nodded and wiped her eyes "Yeah, that's right." She looked back at the townsfolk around her and the others; they were still shaken from Goldoa's arrival "I don't think everypony's gonna sleep soundly knowing that Ponyville's in danger..."

Cuatro looked at Twilight, then at the frightened ponies around him "Indeed..." He broke the embrace and calmly trotted up a few steps to stand by the ruined fountain. Thankful for not having to raise his voice, Cuatro gradually earned the attention of the townsfolk around him "Attention, everypony..." He took a deep breath before he gave his speech.

"Ever since I've arrived, I never thought myself to belong here in Ponyville or the rest of Equestria due to both my appearance and shaded background, but with the help of my friends, I was lucky to be accepted by you all. To show you all my gratitude, I won't back down from this challenge. I will do my best to ensure Ponyville's safety and make it to where all of you won't be subject towards Goldoa and his destructive nature. This I swear to you all..."

The townsfolk stared before some of them began to cheer; The Cutie Mark Crusaders were the ones to start it while they stood in the crowd. Eventually, the entire town cheered Cuatro for his speech, putting him and his friends at ease.

After they relished their applause, Cuatro turned to his friends "Let us make for Canterlot now. We should make the best of our time together."

Rainbow Dash nodded "And how! Let's get moving!" She proclaimed vigorously as her spirits lifted. Cuatro and his friends made for the train station with their destination set. Now all that remained for Cuatro was to endure what Celestia would tell him and the others, and prepare for his greatest battle yet.

To be continued...

Capitulo Treinta y Nueve

View Online

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...

Capitulo Cuarenta

View Online

Capitulo Cuarenta

Rekindle

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!"

To be continued...

Capitulo Cuarenta y Uno

View Online

Capitulo Cuarenta ya Uno

Revelations

The group stood dumbfounded at Twilight's statement, and Rainbow Dash spoke up "No fooling? YOU'RE gonna do the spell?" She said as she pointed at Twilight.

Twilight nodded "That's right. Princess Celestia taught it to me so we would have a better shot at making sure Cuatro wouldn't disregard us! It's sure to work!"

Applejack smiled "Well, that's good news! Why don't we go look fer 'im an' see if he's wantin' t' do it right now?"

Rarity nodded "I agree. It's getting late and we all need our rest won't we? Best to get it over with knowing tomorrow's plans."

Pinkie smiled "Let's go! I wanna see what happens when Twilight works her magic!"

Twilight giggled "I think he might still be in Luna's room. Let's go find him!" She said as the group made for Luna's chamber through the hallways and the stairs.

When they reached the doors to Luna's chambers, Pinkie quickly trotted in place with excitement, squealing with joy "This is gonna be so great!" She hissed with barely-contained mirth. What stopped her prancing was a faint sound that reached her ears "Huh? What's that?" Pinkie turned to the door and blinked "I hear something in Luna's room!" She approached and laid an ear on the door, and confirmed it to be the sound of bedsprings constantly moving up and down "Huh...Something's going on in there with Luna's bed..." She said to her friends with a curious eye.

Twilight's ears perked up "I hear it, too. Cuatro and Luna must still be inside." And then it hit her: Cuatro and Luna are inside of her room, with the bed constantly moving up and down. When Twilight pictured what was going on, her eyes widened and her face turned crimson.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head at Twilight's reaction until she came to the same conclusion, widening her eyes as she blushed herself. Her wings raised slowly the more she heard the sound. It wasn't long until Rarity and Applejack caught on as well, their own cheeks flushing; Applejack covered her face with her hat and Rarity fanned herself with a hoof.

Fluttershy blinked, oblivious to her friends' reactions "What could be going on in Luna's bedroom?" Rarity trotted over to the timid pegasus and whispered in her ear. Fluttershy's eyes widened, and her wingspan flung out as her face became red as a cherry "Oh...my..." She uttered awkwardly.

Spike scratched his head "Why's everypony blushing? Aren't they just jumping on the bed?"

Pinkie arched an eyebrow "I'm with you, Spike-o! There's nothing embarrassing about jumping on the bed!"

"Isn't this fun, Sir Cuatro?"

They all turned to the doors to hear Luna's voice muffled behind it. Pinkie grinned "See? They're having fun on the bed! Simple as that!" The other mares tried not to facehoof over Pinkie's response.

Twilight looked away while biting her lower lip "Maybe we'll give him some more time...Let's just go somewhere else for now." She said as the others agreed, following her.

Applejack nodded "Y-Yeah...He earned this, Ah guess..." She said as she looked back with a wince.

Spike followed along with a quizzical glance "Why are we leaving Cuatro now? Can't we just give him his memories back now? What's the holdup?"

Twilight didn't face Spike as she trotted "I'll tell you when you're older..." She said in a flat tone as they left from Luna's doors.
_____

Luna smiled in bliss as she was on the bed with Cuatro "Well? Is this not the finest bed that thou would have the pleasure of jumping on?" She said as the bedsprings moved up and down with their rhythm.

Cuatro jumped on the bed with Luna "Forgive me, Luna, but I cannot see the enjoyment behind jumping on your bed when we are both capable of flight..."

Luna giggled "Tis the feel of the royal bed when bouncing off of it that makes it the best experience, Sir Cuatro! It is most enjoyable indeed!" Luna proclaimed while she jumped up and down.

"Admittedly the feeling of bouncing on this bed is enjoyable, but it surprises me that this came to mind after our moment on the balcony..." Cuatro stated while he continued to jump. While the idea was random, he wasn't against pleasing his princess.

Luna ceased her jumping and hopped off of the bed "We only wished to share the texture of our bed with thee? Is that so wrong?" She said with a small and insincere pout.

Cuatro hopped off as well "I wouldn't say so, but what if somepony were listening in on us doing this?"

Luna stared, then perked up before she looked away with a sheepish smile "Oh, of course..." She muttered awkwardly before facing Cuatro again "Well, not that we would pry on the matter, but when will thou be willing to regain thy memories, Sir Cuatro?" She asked curiously.

Cuatro stared at Luna, then looked down "I'm not sure...My friends seem more eager about it than I do. Perhaps they're very curious about who I once was before I came to know them..."

Luna frowned "Thou knoweth that is one reason beneath the true intention..."

Cuatro looked away "Yes...I know..." He stated in a withered tone.

Luna tilted her head "Thou art very hesitant about this occasion. Were the discoveries in thine dreams too much to handle?"

Cuatro shook his head "I don't know if I want to go back...I've grown used to my new life...My new name, my new friends, and you..." He looked into Luna's eyes "Had I not faced the confrontations during my time with you all, I would possibly cast my past aside and enjoy the new memories thoroughly..."

Luna smiled "We know..." The two shared a small embrace "Even if thou art hesitant about reclaiming thy memories, we do not think any different of thee, Moon Shield..." She said as she nuzzled up to Cuatro.

Cuatro nuzzled back with his eyes closed "Thank you very much for your words, Luna...You may be a princess and the one who controls the moon, but you'll always be more than a friend to me..."

Luna smiled and broke the embrace briefly to lay a small kiss on Cuatro's lips "We think the same of thee."

Cuatro enjoyed staring into Luna's eyes, but then realized that perhaps it wouldn't be right to hold out on getting his memories back. Perhaps he needed to face them now that he was able to get them back and not be hindered by what was seen in his dreams. He looked at the door "I'm going to find my friends now...I believe I should go through with this small trial since it is inevitable..."

Luna nodded "And we shalt wait for thee to return here."

Cuatro looked back at Luna "You're not coming?"

Luna shook her head with a smile "We want this to be a surprise. Mind you, thou still promised to smile for us once thine memories return..." She said with a teasing smirk "We shalt wait for thee to meet with us once the spell is done."

Cuatro stared at Luna, then nodded "Very well, I hope to see you soon..." He said as he opened the doors and trotted outside. Luna figured he would trot out at a vigorous pace, but he stopped at the threshold, not even facing her "Luna..." She stared at Cuatro with an inquisitive glance while he stood "If I don't come back...find me..." He said in a serious tone before trotting out into the halls.

Luna watched him leave and shut the doors, then lightly sighed to herself as she went to her bed and made it before laying down for the moment, thinking about what Cuatro may act like when he remembers himself.
_____

Cuatro trotted through the halls in search of his friends, wondering where they could possibly be.

"Perhaps if I looked into the guest rooms?"

Before he could turn back, Cuatro heard the faint sounds of his friends near the castle's vestibule. He decided to trot over and saw them all conversing at the main floor. Cuatro trotted down the stairs while the others were engrossed with their conversation "Hello, everypony. I was looking for you all." They all were startled by Cuatro's words, and they stared back at him. An awkward silence filled the room "Is there something wrong?" Cuatro asked as he looked at his friends.

Twilight frantically shook her head "N-No! Nothing's wrong! Nothing of the sort!" She said with an awkward grin.

Rarity grinned in the same fashion "Don't worry about us, darling! We were just talking about you is all." Fltutershy looked away, fidgeting her hooves while her face was as red as a cherry.

Rainbow Dash looked at her friends, then back at Cuatro "So, what brings you here?" She flinched "I-I mean, ignore that! We were looking for you!"

Cuatro blinked at Rainbow Dash's quick response and spoke "I see...Well, I was only jumping on the bed with Luna. She wished to show me how her bed was fun to bounce on..." Applejack sighed in relief, and the others except Pinkie and Spike followed suit.

Spike smirked "I knew it the whole time! I dunno what everypony was thinking when we heard you back there!" Everypony but Cuatro and Pinkie widened their eyes after Spike's words.

Pinkie waved a hoof "Oh, but enough about that! We WERE looking for you, Cuaty!" She zipped up to Twilight and pointed a hoof at her with a grin "Princess Celestia taught Twilight how to use the memory spell, and we wanted to know if you were ready to do it!"

Cuatro stared at his friends, then nodded "Then we've reached a common goal. I came to you all to ask if you wished to join me for the procedure, but I suppose there has been a slight change."

Rainbow Dash looked around "Wait a minute. How come Luna's not here with you? I figure she would've wanted to see this with us!"

Cuatro held up a hoof "She wished to remain in her room. Luna wanted to be surprised by what I know..."

Twilight smiled "I guess she's missing out for the moment." She then looked into Cuatro's eyes "So, Cuatro...Are you ready?" She asked in a serious tone.

Cuatro stared, then took a deep breath "Yes...I'm ready. Begin the spell while I remain still..." The group stood and watched intently at what was about to commence.

Twilight nodded and took a deep breath of her own "Okay...Here we go..." She said as she focused her horn and made it glow with a magic aura. Cuatro closed his eyes and ducked his head down so that Twilight would be able to meet his head. When her horn touched Cuatro's forehead, the spell began, and Twilight mustered all of her focus to see the spell through. As she performed the spell, several blurs of images passed through her mind; there were creatures that didn't appear to be like ponies, and a majority of them held blades in their hands; pure destructive energy was seen being used to cause massive explosions; A skeletal beast was seen roaring and charging a beam from its long horns; the last image seen was a lady with orange hair who looked sad while her arm was stretched out.

Feeling that she was almost done, Twilight continued with the spell, and her magic wrapped around Cuatro, causing his eyes to open and glow a white light. Afterwards, there was a brief flash before the magic subsided, and Twilight drew herself back as she rubbed her temple with a forehoof "Oh wow...That was heavy. I could barely make out what I've seen through the spell..." Twilight muttered in a daze. Fluttershy and Spike approached and comforted her in case she were to fall over.

Rainbow Dash pointed a hoof "Everypony! Look at Cuatro!" The group did what was said and examined their friend, who currently had his head hung down. Everypony gathered around the strange alicorn and waited for a response, pondering if Twilight was successful in utilizing her memory spell.
_____

The darkness had lifted; his mind was no longer in flux. He remained silent while recovering from the minor shock provided from whatever had brought him to his senses. When he felt that he was in a better condition of health, he raised his head and looked ahead at the many sets of eyes that laid on him, waiting for a reaction.

Seven of them, all of which were unfamiliar in his time. But what was familiar was what he had been through before all of this.

He remembered his orders from his superior; he remembered all of the minor roadblocks he had faced throughout his servitude, including the girl who filled his mind with curiousity and the boy who had refused to properly end his life; he remembered what he had discovered while he faded into oblivion.

He remembered everything.

To be continued...

Capitulo Cuarenta y Dos

View Online

Capitulo Cuarenta y Dos

Epiphany

The strange alicorn tried to comprehend his presence in this world while looking down at the many curious eyes on him. They were starting to distract him.

"I have no reason to be here..."

He looked behind him to see the front gates to the castle, then turned around and placed a hoof on it, only to focus his attention on his raised limb.

"This is troublesome..."

"Cuatro?"

A questioning voice gained his attention. He looked back to see the lavender unicorn frowning at him "Are you wanting to go outside?"

Why are they calling him that? Do they know of his rank? He shook it off and answered "Yes, I would like that...Would you open the door?" He asked in his familiarly hollow tone.

The unicorn must have felt it with how she flinched at his response. She gave a small smile "Sure..." She replied as her horn began to glow. A good amount of power is detected from it. He heard the door open, and gazed upon the chilling evening sky with the snow laying on the ground, reminding him of his old home. He trotted outside, leaving behind the group that made up of six ponies and a small dragon.

"Hey! Wait up!"

A brash tomboyish voice was heard. He shifted his eyes back to see that it belonged to the cyan pegasus, who flew after him with a look of confusion; the other ponies and dragon chose to follow after him as well. He was already having trouble comprehending his current existence. It wouldn't do to have them follow wherever he chose to go "You should go back inside. Your presence hinders my progress..."

He didn't notice the many looks of shock and hurt after his remark. The lavender unicorn spoke up "Cuatro, what are you saying? It's us! We're your friends!"

This had to stop now. He proceeded to halt in his tracks and turned to face the group that refused to leave him while they stood out in the cold courtyard, the wind whistling around them "I am not Cuatro...I was never regarded as such, nor do I choose to be at this very moment..."

"I like it...From now on, until my memories return, I shall be known as Cuatro..."

His eyes widened slightly. What was that just now? A faint image with a voice sounding like his own? Perhaps he miscalculated somehow. He regained his composure and stared at the group in front of him. The pink pony tilted her head "So you're NOT Cuatro?"

He stared back at the one who questioned him "...That was my name for a time...I didn't mind it..."

The orange pony with a stetson frowned "Then mind tellin' us who ya are? We were hopin' y'all would just stay an' enlighten us with yer past."

He stared at the orange pony. Why did he feel connected to her? He hesitated before he identified himself to the group in front of him "My name is Ulquiorra Cifer...I am an arrancar, or more technically, an espada. I rank as the fourth strongest in power."

The pink pony gasped "So THAT'S what your cutie mark meant! You're part of a group?"

Ulquiorra blinked. A cutie mark? He looked at the ponies and noticed there were markings on their hindquarters. Upon the knowledge that he was a horse himself, he looked back and gazed upon his own marking; His ranking number as an espada had remained with him.

"What is the meaning of this? Why am I here?"

The former espada looked at the group "I will ask you all two questions before I assess the situation correctly...Who are you all and what is my business here?"

The lavender unicorn frowned, feeling hurt "You don't remember us? It's me, Twilight Sparkle. Me and Spike let you stay with us to help you learn magic."

"It would kill time, and I would incorporate more knowledge and fruitful information into my mind. Many ponies should read for the sake of understanding what needs to be figured out in their lives, including certain conundrums that plague their daily routine..."

"Y-Yes! That's a plausible reason for reading! Feel free to look at any book you like while you're here!"

Another one. Ulquiorra felt uncomfortable by this sudden happening. He looked around himself, but then stopped when he noticed the orange pony about to speak "An' Ah'm Applejack! Me an' my little sister found you in a snowstorm a few days back! We introduced ya t' our family!"

"So yer th' new feller Applejack an' Applebloom were talkin' 'bout! Good t' see ya, sonny!"

"...You regard me as a son...Are you my mother?"

"Granny Smith's not yer mother, silly!! She's our granny!"

Ulquiorra flinched when he heard his voice again. Hearing his own voice again had filled him with confusion and faint guilt.

Wait...Confusion and guilt?

This wasn't possible. As he recalled, Ulquiorra did not hold any feelings that were related to the aspect of a human heart, yet he is witnessing them within himself right now. He shook his head and looked at the pink pony, grinning as she introduced himself "And you remember me! I'm Pinkie Pie! Don't you remember when I tried teaching you how to laugh?"

"Okay, Cuaty! Since I'm gonna be teaching you about laughter, it's only wise that we coach you in the basics!!"

"You mean how to laugh?"

"Yes indeedy! Smiling is one thing, but everypony loves a good laugh once in a while, and so should you! Now, let's get started! Show me...a smile!!"

Ulquiorra stifled a light grunt. Whatever was happening seemed to be having a serious effect on him.

"This is wrong...This is all wrong. What is going on with me?"

He couldn't wrap his head around why he's alive, why he is currently a pony, or what his connection was between the ponies in front of him. The cyan pegasus spoke up with narrowed eyes "You'd be stupid to forget about me! I'm Rainbow Dash! We raced and you somehow beat me with your Sonido!"

"Have you been teleporting this whole time!? That's cheating, you know!!"

"Judging by the distance, we are over the western edge of Whitetail Woods, correct?"

"Yeah...why?"

"Then I was correct in my judgement that this particular area we're hovering is the race's checkpoint?"

Ulquiorra was getting flustered and gradually irritated by these constant images and voices lingering in his mind. It gave way to more confusion over the fact that he continued to inwardly flaunt feelings he never beared in his time as an arrancar. The next pony to speak was the white unicorn, who frowned sadly "If you're struggling to grasp any of the memories we've spent together, then let me remind you that I'm Rarity." She smiled at him "I was quite overtaken by your appearance once we've met."

"For heaven's sake, Pinkie! Don't pester this...this...dashing rogue..."

"A pleasure to meet you, darling! My name is Rarity! Pinkie Pie has informed me that you have amnesia, and let me be the first to give you my condolences..."

"Of course...Much appreciated."

He stifled a light grunt when he felt another image. Ulquiorra could not remain here out of wishing to be away from all of this, yet he needed the information so he knew the proper action to take. He willed himself to stand still as he watched the yellow pegasus take a few steps. Tears were welling up in her eyes "Y-You don't remember me? It's me...Fluttershy..." She muttered sadly "We fed my animals together..."

"Oh, isn't that just wonderful? I think they like you now!"

"I believe they're still cautious of me despite my display of kindness..."

"You're not happy about this?"

"Perhaps they could see past my appearance and accept me as their friend if I manage to visit you more often..."

"That's good to hear from you, Cuatro...I think you did well with helping me feed the animals. This is a good start for your lesson on kindness!"

Ulquiorra held a hoof to his temple as he felt more strain on his mind. This had to stop "Enough..." He said as he regained his composure, not letting the past images bother him "I've gathered your names, now explain to me the reason as to why I'm here..."

Twilight frowned "We don't even know that. You just popped out of the blue."

"She means the Everfree Forest, if you're wondering!" Pinkie interrupted obliviously.

Twilight continued "We thought you were a lost piece of Equestria's history until we brought you to Princess Celestia. Even she didn't know about you until she went through your memories!"

Applejack spoke up "She let ya stay with us so y'all could start a new life in Ponyville! We've been trying to dig up yer past ever since!"

Spike piped up "You've been gathering different words by the passing day! Like when you said Ichigo back at the day spa!"

Pinkie chimed in "Or when you said Hueco Mundo back at the library!"

So they know of his place of origin and the one opponent that managed to best him through unexplainable means. Ulquiorra wondered if they knew as much as this Princess Celestia "How much of my memories have you collected?" He asked inquisitively.

Twilight stared back at Ulquiorra "Not too much. Most of your memories were discovered on your own..." She said as she felt her heart sink.

Ulquiorra looked at Twilight "I see...It's best to say that your goal is now meaningless since I've acquired all of my memories." He looked behind himself "In fact, my very presence in this world does not make any sense whatsoever."

Pinkie widened her eyes "What are you talking about!? You're here because your our friend, remember?"

Ulquiorra shifted his eyes back at Pinkie "And you expect me to accept that as a solid fact related to me being here? Unacceptable...I shouldn't be here, nor can I condone it..." He thought back to when he was defeated by Ichigo; He remembered him wanting to properly kill him in order to end the fight and have him emerge the victor, only to be refused of his request while he faded into oblivion.

All this had happened, yet he is alive and breathing in a different form. Why?

Twilight felt her heart twist itself upon seeing the strange alicorn act this way 'No...No, this can't be true! Princess Celestia told me that if I performed the spell, it would boost my chances of making sure he wouldn't forget us!' She shook her head "That's not true..." She called out to Ulquiorra "That's not true and you know it! You've done plenty of things with us, and you enjoyed our company! This isn't like you just to brush us aside like insects, Ulquiorra!!" She said with narrowed eyes.

Rainbow Dash nodded "Yeah! This is all stupid! Why don't you just come back inside with us and forget that all of this even happened?"

Ulquiorra turned his head to face Rainbow Dash "You expect me to forget this event when I'm currently witnessing it? What do you take me for, Rainbow Dash?" He watched Rainbow Dash bare her teeth and twitch as she growled.

Applejack frowned "C'mon now, Ulquiorra! This is all gettin' real silly! We might not know it, but y'all 're here in Equestria fer a reason! An' ya found it while ya had amnesia!"

Ulquiorra gave a light scoff "You must remember that I had amnesia when this happened; I wasn't myself...Therefore, your argument is invalid..." He watched Applejack recoil at his statement.

Pinkie, throughout the conversation, felt her spirits dampen the more she heard Ulquiorra give off cold remarks to her and her friends. She tried to ignore it all as she forced a laugh "Good one, Ulqui! You had us all going there for a second! All this meanie talk and you were just kidding around! Maybe that session of laughter actually paid off, huh?" She said with a hopeful grin. It vanished when Ulquiorra's soulless eyes landed on her.

Ulquiorra could not put up with Pinkie's words "I am not 'kidding around'. All of my words have been both solemn and eloquent to each of you, yet you all choose to disregard what I say."

Rainbow Dash snapped "That's because we all know it's a load of horseapples!! You're not the alicorn we know! You're just acting like we've never met before!"

Ulquiorra stared at Rainbow Dash "You are correct...All of you are nothing to me now...Accept that fact and move on." He ignored Fluttershy beginning to bawl.

Spike felt himself tear up "Wow...Now that's just low..." He uttered in disbelief.

Rarity gasped "The cheek! Are you not listening to yourself!?"

Pinkie began to sniffle as her mane and tail mysteriously deflated until their puffiness had vanished; Her coat darkened in hue while this happened. She now had a straight mane hanging down over her saddened head "T-Take that back..." She whimpered as tears rolled down her eyes.

Ulquiorra watched Pinkie wallow in sadness. For some reason, he began to feel guilty again. Considering it as a distraction, he replied "I will do no such thing...These are facts. You would be wise as to take them to heart..."

Twilight was torn between breaking down into tears or spouting angry words at Ulquiorra over the damage he has caused "Are you insane? You mean to tell me you don't remember any of the times you shared with us? You're just thinking it was all just some kind of farce!?"

Ulquiorra stared at Twilight and how she was having trouble with her emotions. The more he stared, the more he was unaware of the next image that played out in his mind.

"Tears? Twilight, why are you crying?"

"I-I'm sorry about this, Cuatro! I only came here because I-...because I was worried about you!"

"Worried? Why exactly? I've told you that I wanted to practice my magic at a safe distance...I didn't want anypony to get hurt...Is there something else to your worry?"

"Cuatro, the only thing I'm worried about is...is what might happen if your memories return! I couldn't bear to wonder what would happen next! I can only hope if you even look at us the same way the moment that time comes!"

This mishap was worthy of punishment courtesy of Lord Aizen. These images continued to pool in his mind, and he couldn't fathom why. He felt a small pang of guilt and sadness in his heart as he stared at Twilight.

"No...This is-...This is another distraction...This was why I despised feelings...What was I thinking?"

He never hesitated in his thought, nor did he ever falter when processing it like this. Was this the cost of maintaining emotions? The former espada continued to stare at Twilight as the wind continued to blow past him in the night "I don't know what you're planning, but it will not work...Not on me...I've made myself abundantly clear that you're all nothing to me...Simple as that."

Twilight bared her teeth "What about Princess Luna!?!" She barked.

Ulquiorra widened his eyes at this. Something about the mention of this 'Princess Luna' had struck a serious nerve inside of him. While it was frustrating, he was beginning to grow more curious with all of these ticks that went on in his conversation with his supposed 'friends'.

Twilight felt tears stream from her eyes "I said what about Princess Luna?" When he had no answer, she continued "Back when you lived with us, you told us all that you've made a promise: To protect us from any danger no matter what the cost. Princess Luna gave you the drive to make that promise! You made a promise to us...to Ponyville...and to her!"

"Thou hath shown great promise as a friend and a considered thyself a protector of those thou deem most dear to thy heart! Thy strength admirable, thy devotion commendable, and thy commitment to our night most astounding! And for those facts alone...We would gladly dub thee Sir Cuatro, the Moon Shield!"
_____

"Luna has bestowed a title upon me out of both the goodness of her heart and her judgement of my character...I must be loyal to those that I hold dear..."
_____

Was this all for real? Did Ulquiorra honestly do all of this while he was in a state of amnesia? All of these images were clouding his mind, hindering his calm, and crippling his judgement. He placed a hoof on his temples once again.

"Make it stop...Make it stop!"

The former espada never thought that he would shout at himself in his mind. It was as if these ponies were playing a very astute mind game with him, and they were starting to win.

Twilight hyperventilated, but calmed down as Ulquiorra looked confused. She held a smile while more tears streamed from her face; it was laced with a disturbing mixture of sadness and false hope "You knew that this was all pointless the moment you got your memories back...All this time, you were trying to come up with an excuse to leave us all behind when you knew all about what we've been through together. Just come back inside the castle and we'll call it a night..."

Ulquiorra stared at Twilight and her friends. Every little thing that emerged throughout his conversation had taken a toll on his mind. The worst part was that it was growing to pass off as profound truth. He took a step back, causing Twilight's smile to vanish.

Applejack's eyes widened "Ya wouldn't..." She uttered.

"Don't..." Twilight said in a leveled tone "Don't you do this to us...You heard what I said, didn't you?" She stared at Ulquiorra, who took another step back as she spoke "You're making a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your days...You know that. Just stop all of this and come back inside...Cuatro..." She whimpered Ulquiorra's former alias as more tears streamed from her eyes and pierced through the snow on the ground.

Ulquiorra felt his heart buckle at the mention of 'Cuatro', and took more steps back "Don't you leave us..." Twilight continued as he backed up "I mean it...Don't leave us..."

Twilight trembled in anger and sadness as she called out to him "I said don't leave us!! Stop this already and come back to us!!" Ulquiorra stopped, not by Twilight's request, but of his own accord. He then performed his Sonido, blurring out of existence in front of everypony's eyes. Twilight hung her head briefly as she bared her teeth, then flung her head towards the heavens.

"ULQUIORRA!!!"
_______

Ulquiorra reappeared a good distance outside of Canterlot; His head was hung down as he stared at the endless blanket of snow below him. Never had he felt this way in his entire life. He didn't choose to look up or behind him when he simply trotted ahead while he pondered the reason for his existence; All while more images swam through his mind.

"I feel as if-...as if I should go back...But I can't...I made this choice, and I must know my reason for existing in this world..."

The thought of Ulquiorra currently living in a different form had taken priority over his newfound frustration. What divine power granted him the opportunity of starting all over? Why does he even exist upon the knowledge of his death in his previous life? What did it all mean?

He stopped when he noticed the bark of a tree in front of him. Ulquiorra raised his head to see that it was a lone tree in the snowy field. On the tree were the words 'Tia + Lulu, Best sisters' carved in the bark. He stared at the words, and then an image popped in his mind.

"This is where we spent most of our youth when we're not busy at the castle...Tia and I, we would usually play here sometimes."

"I see...It is a good place."

Ulquiorra continued to stare at the words, and then brought a hoof onto the tree, sliding it down slowly as he caressed the cold bark. He mysteriously felt a faint sense of nostalgia and longing while he did so, and when Ulquiorra stared at his limb, he finally recalled one of his own memories.

"I see now...What I hold in the palm of my hand...is a heart..."

The former espada drew back and stared at his hoof. Absolutely nothing was resting on it while he examined it.

"I can't believe I thought such a thing back then...Or was I wrong? Was a heart not in my grasp, but inside of me this whole time?"

Ulquiorra had yet another conundrum to worry about while he stood with his mixed emotions and images. But they had to wait when he detected a presence behind him "Why did you follow me?" He asked, not facing who was behind him.

A few feet away from him stood a midnight blue alicorn with a starry mane and tail, staring at Ulquiorra with stoic eyes and a small smile "If we remember correctly, thou wished for us to find thee if thou did not return to our chambers..."

Ulquiorra stood, then looked down "I have...haven't I?" He asked halfheartedly.

Luna chuckled "Well, we suppose not, since it was 'somepony else' that requested this from us..." She saw how Ulquiorra did not move or respond from her quip "Applejack told us everything, since Twilight Sparkle was incapable of doing so...we know that thou art confused beyond belief." She gave a sincere smile "We had a feeling thou would flee to this very spot of thine own accord..."

Ulquiorra stared at the tree "I...remembered this spot...You showed this to me, didn't you?" He questioned hesitantly.

Luna nodded "Then there is hope..." Ulquiorra turned his head to give Luna a sideways glance "We've heard that thou art having trouble distinguishing thyself between the memories that thou hath acquired and the memories spent through thy amnesia. We've come to enlighten thee and set thy mind at ease..."

Ulquiorra turned and faced Luna "And how do you propose to do that?"

Luna only smiled at Ulquiorra "Come to us..."

Ulquiorra stared at Luna, and decided to comply since he had nothing else to lose. He slowly trotted towards her until they were facing each other at a closer space. Luna closed her eyes and activated her horn, and a magical field began to surround them both, startling the former espada as he darted his head around.

"What is going on?"

When the field subsided, the scenery around Ulquiorra and Luna had changed. Instead of a vast field of snow, they were surrounded by a vast and cratered land composed of dust; There was a faint glow around the land and in the sky, which had more brilliant stars. His eyes widened when he noticed that instead of a moon in the sky, there was a planet.

"It cannot be..."

Ulquiorra looked around, then noticed Luna standing in front of him with a smile as her mane and tail flowed in a nonexistent breeze "Congratulations...Thou hath earned the privilege of being on the moon."

The former espada stared at Luna with his widened eyes "How is this possible?" He asked with surprise tinted in his usual tone. It was disorienting to be on the moon, yet at the same time he felt a sense of excitement from it.

Luna shook her head "Nevermind how...What matters is our method of enlightenment..." She took a step forward "Ulquiorra Cifer...Would thou do the honor of dancing with us on our precious moon?" She said as she looked into his eyes.

Ulquiorra tried to figure out the meaning behind Luna's stare, and an unknown force beckoned for him to accept her offer. He took a step forward "Very well..." He uttered unconsciously.

Luna's smile widened, and she nodded to Ulquiorra. To him, it must mean that she wanted him to begin the dance. He took another step forward, only to have his partner step back; he performed the same action with the exact results. The former espada decided to back up a few steps, only to have Luna approaching him. He tried sidestepping to see that his partner was mirroring his actions. While he looked into her eyes, another image unknowingly played out in his mind.

"Horseapples! What kind of crazy talk is that? First of all, you're an alicorn, silly! You're like, the strongest kind of pony there is! Secondly, who said you DIDN'T have friends?"

"What are you-"

"We're your friends! Since the moment you met all of us! We're really happy to have you here, Cuatro!"

Ulquiorra felt deterred in mind, yet he continued to dance with Luna. He began to circle around her, and she did the same as they twirled about on the moon. The former espada saw Luna stop circling with him and stopped parallel to his left, sidestepping with him as another image came to his mind.

"I...Forgive me, Luna...I'm only confused about all of this information. Your sister doesn't trust me?"

"It would seem that way, yes...And she would not fully reveal to us as to why. But thus far, while thou art so different...thou show great promise as a friend..."

Another mention of friendship. While he danced, Ulquiorra ended the sidestepping and faced Luna as they stepped back and forth while gazing at each other. Without warning, the princess of the night approached Ulquiorra and rested her head under his chin in an embrace while they danced. At that point, the former espada's eyes had widened as one last scene had played in his mind.

"But what I'm grateful for out of all of you combined...is that you've let me discover the true meaning of a heart...For that, you all have my deepest gratitude. I'm happy to have you all as friends..."

At that point, Ulquiorra had stopped dancing, ceasing his movement and catching Luna's attention. She broke the embrace and gave Ulquiorra some room as she examined him. Luna was touched at what she saw.

In front of her stood an alicorn with penitent and watering eyes. He leaked genuine tears as he held a look of realization. Ulquiorra looked down at the stains he had made in the ground.

"Tears...Am-...Am I crying?"

How this was possible did not matter to Ulquiorra anymore. What mattered now was that he now realized that while he was without his memories, he had discovered the true meaning of a heart with those that he had considered his friends and that the one standing in front of him - the mare that he loved dearly - was the one who had opened his eyes when he was blind to it all. He stared at Luna as more tears streamed down his face "Luna...I-I'm sorry..." Ulquiorra said, nearly choking up in his apology.

Luna stared at her beloved alicorn with a relieved smile "Welcome back, Moon Shield..." She replied softly. Luna approached Ulquiorra and embraced him while he let out more of his sadness and regret.

The full moon cast a brighter glow over the sky that night. In Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia stared up at the moon from her tower, smiling warmly at what had caused the moon to do so.

To be continued...

Capitulo Cuarenta y Tres

View Online

Capitulo Cuarenta y Tres

Bind

The next morning, Ulquiorra found himself in bed wrapped in Luna's forelegs. He murmured as he stirred in his slumber and woke himself up. The last thing he remembered was dancing with Luna and breaking down shortly afterwards. He was curious on how all of this was possible, but then remembered the damage that was done by him the other night.

"I've made a mistake...I tried to pay more attention to my true memories, only to scar the ones that were made while I was without them..."

The former espada looked up towards the doorway leading to the balcony, seeing that the sun was out behind the clouded skies. He then looked down at the mare that slept next to him. She looked so peaceful with that smile on her face.

"Luna...I cannot thank you enough for your enlightenment..."

Ulquiorra gave a quiet sigh as he sat up in Luna's bed and reflected on what was said last night. His eyes lidded when he thought back to Twilight's sadness.

"Luna informed me that Applejack explained the situation rather than Twilight...No doubt she is still sore over what I've done to her..."

A murmur snapped Ulquiorra out of his reverie, and he turned to see Luna waking up from her own slumber. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at Ulquiorra "We see that thou hath slept well..." Luna said as she woke up.

Ulquiorra nodded "Essentially...The rest was much needed after my tragic mistake..."

Luna smiled "Indeed...Thou were so overwhelmed by the truth, that we had to give thee proper rest ourselves through a sleep spell, but not before thou apologized to us a second time and made the choice to return."

That explained how he slept so well. Ulquiorra looked down "This is all too much for me to handle...I'm still confused on how I even came to be in this world, and in my current form..."

Luna sat up in her bed and reached out a hoof to Ulquiorra, lightly placing it under his chin. She directed his face to look at her own as she smiled softly "There is no need for confusion. Clearly there could be a reason of profound truth that would suffice as an answer to thine problem..."

Ulquiorra stared at Luna "Even if I don't belong-"

"Hush, Ulquiorra! Lest thou bring thyself back to a state of regret..." Luna said with strict and narrowed eyes that urged the former espada to listen to reason. Her expression softened "Of course thou belong here with us in Equestria. Art thou not a pony like us?" She asked in a calm tone.

Ulquiorra stared "Currently, yes...I am a pony now. But I'm still lost..."

Luna smiled "Then leave it to us to guide thee..." She dropped her hoof under Ulquiorra's chin "We will not let thee wander aimlessly in this world whilst thou art in a state of disarray."

Ulquiorra stared into Luna's eyes, then reluctantly reached out to give her a hug. He was hesitant, since he never did so when he was an espada, but his memory of embracing Twilight for all of her help gave him the courage; Luna returned the hug while he thought to himself. His eyes lidded once again when he thought of his friends.

"Applejack...Twilight Sparkle...Spike...Pinkie Pie...Rainbow Dash...Rarity...and Fluttershy...I've hurt their feelings. What will I do now since they possibly haven't recovered from what I've said?"

"They do not hate thee..."

Ulquiorra perked up while he was still hugging Luna, who held a neutral expression "The Elements of Harmony, they are thine friends, so it is only proper that thou would make amends with them and nurse thy friendship..."

The former espada felt his spirits drop, his mind clouded by doubt "I've said unforgivable things to them, and even deserted them when they kept calling me back...What would they see inside of me after all that I've done?"

Luna smiled and faced Ulquiorra while her hooves were on his shoulders "They will see Cuatro and not Ulquiorra if thou actually chose to go back to them. Thou underestimate the power of friendship, especially when thine friends are well-versed in the very magic of it..."

Ulquiorra stared "How will I explain my reason of returning here with you?"

Luna shook her head with an amused smile "Such a simple question calls for a simple answer." She held out a hoof that touched Ulquiorra's chest "Thou hath decided with thy heart..." Her hoof raised up and touched the former espada's forehead "Not with thy mind...That is all that will matter to them, and they shalt accept thee with open hooves..."

Ulquiorra took in Luna's words and looked down at his chest. He mulled over what was said, and he slowly came to a well-established conclusion.

"So I've held a heart inside of me this whole time...I've only just begun to experience it completely...Perhaps it was given to me when I passed on in Hueco Mundo..."

Feeling invigorated, he looked up at Luna with a serious look in his eyes "I must see them...I must see my friends and make things right..." He said with determination behind his usual tone.

Luna's smile widened "Then we shalt go together..." The two alicorns rose from the bed and made their way out of Luna's room as they opened the doors with their magic. They trotted the halls, and went down the stairs as they continued through the castle.

Ulquiorra turned to Luna "Are you most certain that they do not think differently of me?"

Luna smiled at Ulquiorra's introverted question "They wouldn't be thine friends if they did. The Elements of Harmony can be very forgiving of other ponies..."

Ulquiorra looked down "Even me?"

"Especially you..."

The former espada perked up at the new voice, and the two alicorns stopped to see Princess Celestia standing in front of them with a smile on her face "You may not realize it now, Ulquiorra, but you've made a large impact on their lives. They cherished what you've done for them and wished that you would stay with them forever." She stated in a kind tone.

Ulquiorra stared at Celestia "You even manage to welcome me back as well...Was I not a threat to you?"

Celestia closed her eyes with a frown "You were before, but it was only because I chose to go through your past." She opened her eyes with a smile "And despite what I've put you through, you even managed to forgive me that time. I don't see any other reason why they would not do the same for you."

Ulquiorra stared at Celestia, then bowed his head "Thank you, Princess Celestia...Perhaps I'm anxious as to what may transpire in the future..."

Celestia shook her head "It's no problem at all, Ulquiorra. The future could hold good things for you." She smiled warmly "In fact, since you're so attached to Luna, you have my blessing..." Ulquiorra raised his head with a surprised expression, causing Celestia to widen her smile "Well? You DO love my sister, don't you?"

Ulquiorra stared at Celestia, then looked over at Luna, who smiled lovingly at him "It's true...I do love Luna..." He nuzzled her cheek, and she returned the embrace "I never thought I would share this feeling with somepony else..."

Celestia was touched at the scene "Well, perhaps now is the time to share a similarly sentimental moment with your friends, hm?"

Ulquiorra broke the embrace and nodded to Celestia "Of course...Do you know where they are?"

Celestia turned away and looked back at Ulquiorra "Come with me. I'll lead you to them right now..." She said as she began to trot away.

Ulquiorra took a deep breath, feeling more anxious about facing his friends and hoping they would look at him the same way. He trotted after Celestia with Luna at his side.
_____

After following Celestia, Ulquiorra was guided towards the dining room, where food had been laid on the table. Next to the table stood all of his friends, each noticing his appearance as he walked in. Ulquiorra stared at them all, then looked away with lidded eyes "Everyone..." He uttered penitently "I've done you all wrong the night before, and I want to try and start over today...Can I ask for your forgiveness?"

Applejack trotted up to Ulquiorra with a stoic glance "Lemme tell ya somethin', Ulquiorra..." She said in a leveled tone "After what y'all did last night, me an' th' gals had a right mind t' smack ya upside yer head. What ya said t' us that time really hurt."

Ulquiorra nodded "I know...And I'm sorry for that..."

Applejack huffed "Wasn't finished. Anyways, while ya said some pretty cold stuff, we remembered that yer past wasn't somethin' we wouldn't wanna see anypony go through, an' ya had a tough time wonderin' why yer here, so it ain't too bad." She smiled "Princess Celestia told us about how ya came back t' us, so it's water under th' bridge."

Ulquiorra's eyelids were raised upon hearing Applejack, and he turned his head to face her "Are you serious?"

Applejack arched an eyebrow "Ya callin' me a liar, sugarcube?" She asked in a teasing tone.

Ulquiorra stared at the farmpony, and remembered that she was the Element of Honesty, and the same pony that took him in and started him out on his journey into living in Equestria. He turned to the others "And all of you think the same way?"

Rarity flicked her mane "Not exactly the same way, but we forgive you as well!" She said with a smile.

Fluttershy frowned "Please don't do that again, Ulquiorra..." She then smiled "I know you've acted differently back then, but we're still your friends."

Pinkie Pie, who had her mane and tail restored to its former puffiness, pointed a hoof with narrowed eyes "Just don't ever do something like that again, you big meanie pants!" She called out in a comically cross tone.

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and looked away with a cool expression "I forgive you, too. I'm just that kind of mare sometimes..." She shifted her eyes and held a smug smile "But you'll have to teach me Sonido if you want me to mean it..."

Twilight and Spike stood with each other, and they walked up to Ulquiorra as he looked down at them. Spike flashed a friendly smile "It's good to have you back, Cua-I-I mean, Ulquiorra." He looked down in thought "That's gonna take some getting used to..." He muttered to himself.

After hearing out Spike, Ulquiorra turned to Twilight "Twilight...I'm-"

Twilight held up a hoof "I heard you the first time." She responded in a straight tone before smiling "You really had us all going back there. I should've expected that Luna would be the one to drag you back after we tried convincing you to stay with us."

Luna smiled "Thou should thank Ulquiorra for wanting us to pursue him if he didn't return. He is indeed an intelligent stallion!"

Ulquiorra heaved a sigh of relief "I'm pleased that you're willing to accept me again after what I've done to you..."

Twilight chuckled "Well, Ulquiorra, even you should know that friendship's all about second chances." She stared up at him a cheerful smile "I'm glad to have you back, too..." The two ponies shared a small hug as they closed their eyes.

Ulquiorra was happy to start a new life with his friends and the one he loved most, but then he remembered a particular event that was scheduled for today, causing his eyes to shoot open "My deathmatch..." Everypony felt their hearts sink "All of these events and I've nearly forgotten about it..." He looked down "It appears I'll have to cut this moment short and get it over with..." Ulquiorra said to himself.

Twilight frowned "Are you not ready to go through with this?"

Ulquiorra looked down at Twilight "Where I once hailed from, you must be ready for anything and everything...Especially if it is death..." Everypony but the princesses went pale at the former espada's words.

Spike shivered "Hueco Mundo must really be a scary place..." He said in a frightened tone.

Ulquiorra nodded to Spike "Indeed...and it is best that nopony knows of its existence. But that doesn't matter now..." He broke the embrace and trotted to a window, staring out at the vast snowy fields near the distant mountains "I must prepare and overcome this trial, so that Ponyville will not have to suffer..."

Rarity frowned "But Ulquiorra, we've only just got to know you now! Are you actually looking forward to this?" She asked incredulously.

Ulquiorra looked back at Rarity "I've accepted a challenge to a battle. In life, I've grown accustomed to fighting several opponents. This is a normal experience for me to have my life on the line, even if it didn't feel that way to me back then..."

Rarity winced "I'm starting to miss you having amnesia after you said that..." She said in a reluctant tone.

Fluttershy frowned "Can't you convince him not to go through with this fight? I could help you if you want."

Ulquiorra shook his head "To avoid a challenge that I've already accepted would be the most disrespectful gesture imaginable, and it would cost all of Ponyville in the mix. Upon the knowledge that dragons are fierce and stubborn creatures, I doubt that Goldoa will listen to reason..." Fluttershy frowned after Ulquiorra's explanation.

Applejack sighed "Well, there ain't no use talkin' ya outta this. At least we won't worry about ya goin' in too deep and losin' yer mind while ya fight."

Pinkie grinned "Why don't you sit with us and eat breakfast first? You can't fight a giant dragon on an empty stomach, right?"

Ulquiorra stared at Pinkie, then nodded "I suppose that would be a wise decision. Then I will depart and begin my fight..." He said as he trotted to his seat. The others followed suit and sat themselves down. Before they dug in, Ulquiorra spoke up "Maybe I was wrong about not belonging here...All of you have taught me the value of a heart, and you seem more interesting than humans..."

Pinkie giggled "Tell that to Lyra..."

Ulquiorra continued despite Pinkie's quip "I want to thank you all again for looking over how I've acted in the past. This battle may vary in time, but I will make sure I come out victorious...I'll come back to you all, and start a new life."

Luna smiled "We'll be waiting..."

Celestia nodded "Then let's enjoy this meal while we can before we see Ulquiorra off." She said as everypony ate their breakfast. While eating, Ulquiorra thought to himself on how he would fight Goldoa.

"I will be out of my element without my zanpakuto..."

He examined his features, starting with his tail, and unfurled one of his wings.

"Wait...My wings and tail...Am I in my Segunda Etapa form?"

Ulquiorra levitated a spoon up to his vision as a substitute mirror and looked into his eyes. They seem to be normal as opposed to his look of 'true despair'.

"Perhaps I'm in a more dormant state of my Segunda Etapa, since my spiritual pressure hasn't affected anypony around me yet..."

He felt that while he hadn't witnessed Goldoa's full strength, Ulquiorra could have more of a chance at winning his fight. He went back to eating so he would be properly nourished before departing from Canterlot.
_____

Later, everypony stood outside the front gates of the castle; Ulquiorra stood by himself while the group stared at him a few feet away "I'll return to you all soon...Goodbye for now..." He said as he unfurled his wings and turned away.

Spike waved "Good luck, Ulquiorra! We're counting on you!"

Pinkie smiled as she waved "I'll throw you an 'Ulquiorra beat the dragon and saved Ponyville party' once you come back! Just don't be too long, okay?"

Ulquiorra gave a curt nod to Pinkie, and then looked out to the fields far from Canterlot.

"It's time..."

He hovered into the air and blurred out with his Sonido, leaving his friends behind. When he reached his destination, Ulquiorra searched the area for his opponent, then moved forward when he spotted a blackened mass up ahead.

Goldoa was seen standing patiently with a stoic, yet spiteful look in his eyes, and he smiled sadistically upon seeing Ulquiorra arrive "So you finally come to me, alicorn...I was beginning to think you would abandon your word and cower in fear! It would have saved me the trouble of waiting to lay waste to your precious village!" He taunted.

Ulquiorra frowned "You're gravely mistaken to believe I would go back on my word, or even turn tail against a beast such as yourself...Moreso, I recall that you've merely coerced me into fighting you by threatening to destroy Ponyville. Clearly, your abhorrent behavior knows no bounds..." He remarked condescendingly.

Goldoa snorted "You would talk down on me!? And just who do you think you are to do so!?" He snapped irritably.

Ulquiorra stared down his opponent "Back then, I referred to myself as Cuatro, but at that time, I was in a state of amnesia. Right now, you will know me by the name of Ulquiorra Cifer." He stated, deciding to ignore his former title as espada number four "I must say that for a powerful dragon, you seem to be very ignorant to those you choose to talk with..."

Goldoa growled as smoke billowed from his nostrils "I need not dwell on formalities forever, especially when I'm about to tear you apart! Any last words before we begin?" He said as he readied his claws.

Ulquiorra closed his eyes "If you're as powerful as you claim to be, then know that before this battle is over..." He opened his eyes and looked up at Goldoa "I will show you the meaning of true despair..."

Goldoa roared "Die!!" He raised a claw and brought it down Ulquiorra, slamming it into the ground as he grinned evilly. His grin vanished when the former espada appeared in front of him over his claw "What!?"

Ulquiorra frowned "Never underestimate your opponent..." He flew up towards Goldoa and struck at his chest with a forehoof, knocking the wind out of his lungs and forcing him back a few feet away.

His chest wasn't wounded, but Goldoa felt the punch. He scoffed "Was this the same tactic you used on those hatchlings? I commend you for inflicting pain, but it will take more than that to harm me!" Ulquiorra studied his opponent in silence.

"His body does indeed support more constitution compared to the dragons I've fought before. Of course, he is an elder dragon, so I mustn't hold back..."

Ulquiorra blurred out with his Sonido, and reappeared behind Goldoa. He activated his horn and caused his green aura to turn black as he fired a Cero Oscuras onto Goldoa's back, eliciting a roar in pain as he flew forward, his back scorched from the blast.

Goldoa recovered and turned to face Ulquiorra as he leered at the former espada "Now you're just trying to annoy me!!" He inhaled before breathing out a large jet of bright yellow fire towards Ulquiorra, who easily dodged out of the way and flew in towards Goldoa for another strike with his forehoof. After landing another hit to the dragon's chest, he was knocked back again, and grew more annoyed "Perhaps I should follow your example and best you at close combat! Come here, maggot!" He said as he flew at Ulquiorra, claws at the ready.

Ulquiorra dodged at each of Goldoa's attempts to slash at him, all while keeping an eye on his movement. The dragon growled in irritation over how the former espada kept a straight face throughout his fight "You cannot avoid me forever!! Is this your idea of confronting me?"

The former espada held out a hoof that easily stopped Goldoa's right claw, much to the dragon's surprise "No...But you make a good point. I shouldn't drag this battle out for long since I have my friends waiting for my return..." He said as his horn lit up, conjuring a Luz de la Luna at his side "Let us finish this quickly, shall we?" Ulquiorra blurred out with his Sonido, and reappeared in front of Goldoa, repeatedly stabbing him in his chest several times in quick succession.

Goldoa grunted at each attack, then roared when he had enough, trying to swat Ulquiorra away, only to have him dodge as he distanced himself. Now his chest was decorated with several small stab wounds as he growled "Impressive...No creature has managed to harm me to this degree before!"

Ulquiorra pointed his Luz de la Luna at Goldoa "I've only begun to show you what I can do. Prepare yourself..."

Goldoa bared his fangs "Gladly!!" He roared as he dove in and opened his gaping maw towards Ulquiorra. The former espada moved back and slashed at the dragons snout with his spear, landing another hit as he reeled back from the pain. While Goldoa was phased, Ulquiorra swooped down and slashed at the lower region of his chest, causing a gaping cut that leaked with more blood than the dragon's stab wounds.

Ulquiorra then flew around until he was at the back of Goldoa's neck and went to slash at him there. Goldoa heard him fly back and acted quickly as he whipped his tail towards him. Ulquiorra noticed this and blocked the tail with a hoof. Goldoa sneered 'Got you!' The dragon quickly turned around with a prepared claw and swatted Ulquiorra away like a bug "There!"

The former espada recovered with a brief shake of his head "Well-played...You've landed a hit on me. But will it give you the advantage in this fight?"

Goldoa snorted "You insolent worm! I will crush you!!" He said as he unfurled his wings and flew at Ulquiorra again with his mouth open. The former espada flew backward and readied another strike, but widened his eyes when he noticed fire about to escape from Goldoa's throat. He flew upward and avoided the jet of fire that nearly scorched his body.

Ulquiorra saw Goldoa stop his attack and aimed up at him for another breath of fire, making him fly out of range. He watched how the dragon tried to have his stream of fire catch up to the former espada, but he only swooped down towards his face in an attempt to strike at his eye and blind him. Goldoa saw this and brought up a claw to swat Ulquiorra away, only to have him bank to the left before approaching his head at the side, slashing at the dragon's ear.

Goldoa roared in pain and growled "I'll get you yet, you annoying little gnat!!" He looked around and wondered if he could use the field to his advantage. When he noticed he was near the mountains, he grinned when an idea came to mind. He inhaled deeply before he let out a deafening roar towards the direction of the mountains.

Ulquiorra wondered about Goldoa's tactic until he heard a massive rumble. He looked towards the mountains and his eyes widened when he seen an approaching wave containing a massive amount of snow.

"He brought about an avalanche..."

The former espada quickly flew up so he would avoid the oncoming wave of snow and looked down to see Goldoa fly after him. He went to stab at Goldoa until he opened his mouth when he was near Ulquiorra. Feeling as if he were about breath more fire, he went to dodge out of the way, only to have Goldoa snap his jaw down and catch his tail.

Goldoa growled as he bit down on Ulquiorra's tail, and shook him when he didn't hear any sound of pain. He flew downward and flung Ulquiorra into the ground, then slammed down on top of him as he reached down and bit at one of his forelegs. He pulled his head back and yanked the former espada's limb forcefully, and he eventually tore out Ulquiorra's foreleg as his eyes widened; blood splattered from his dismembered area. Goldoa tossed away the dismembered foreleg and held a dark grin "How do you feel now, alicorn? That was only the beginning! I'll work my way around the rest of your body soon enough!"

Ulquiorra stared at Goldoa as he stifled a light grunt, then looked at his dismembered area.

"Wait...if I have my powers as an arrancar...then that must mean..."

He stared, and soon enough, a red substance shot out like a water from a hose before melding and solidifying around where his foreleg once laid. It then became white as the rest of Ulquiorra's coat, leading the former espada to come to the conclusion that he still carried the ability he thought of.

Goldoa was stunned as his eyes widened in disbelief "Witchcraft..." he whispered incredulously.

Ulquiorra stared up at Goldoa "High-speed regeneration..." He corrected in a serious tone as he aimed his Luz de la Luna up at Goldoa, who hopped back when the former espada launched it. The spear flew over until it touched the large patch of snow miles behind him and triggered a large explosion that brought up a flurry of snow, though the explosion engulfed most of it in its range.

Goldoa shielded himself from the oncoming snow and growled in irritation, though was still surprised about Ulquiorra's hidden technique 'That's impossible...For as long as I've lived, I've never seen a pony capable of performing that ability! Not even an alicorn! Who is he?' When the snow stopped, he looked back to see that Ulquiorra was hovering with his usual expression "Where did you learn that technique? Nopony can be able to perform what you've shown me!!"

Ulquiorra hovered "If it will suffice as an explanation, I wasn't a pony before..."

Goldoa growled "Then what are you!?"

Ulquiorra replied "I used to be an arrancar, but those days are gone now..." He examined himself "I've come to accept this new form of mine, even if it appears unorthodox to my standards." He looked up at Goldoa "And the bonds I've forged have helped me see to that..."

Goldoa snarled "Whatever you are, it was only luck that you've managed to damage me this much throughout this battle!!"

Ulquiorra frowned "You would make excuses of my endeavors in combat...I am not even fighting you at my full strength..."

Goldoa pointed a claw "So you're holding back then? Are you hesitant about going through with this challenge!?"

Ulquiorra stared, until he contemplated over Goldoa's words. Back in his time as an arrancar, he would kill without hesitation or even a second thought towards those who would die by his hands. Right now, he could have easily finished off Goldoa, yet he hesitated in doing so.

"Have I really lost my touch? Did these ponies actually change the way I think?"

While it may seem that the last question could be easily answered, Ulquiorra realized that he had agreed to a death battle that involves the existence of Ponyville. It wouldn't be right to keep this up forever "You're right...maybe I have been ignoring the means of the challenge I've accepted...and for that, I will not hold back." His horn glowed with a green aura that changed to black, and he conjured a massive shockwave that whipped around him and Goldoa in a field of blackness.

Goldoa had trouble standing up as he felt himself grow heavy "Wh-...What is this!?!" He shouted as he regained his footing. He looked ahead to see that his opponents eyes were closed while leaking a black residue; His ears grew in length and changed in appearance. Ulquiorra opened his eyes to reveal that he was back in his Segunda Etapa form, staring at Goldoa with his menacingly hollow eyes.

"As I've made clear beforehand...You will know true despair before this fight is over..."

To be continued...

Capitulo Cuarenta y Cuatro

View Online

Capitulo Cuarenta y Cuatro

Change

At Canterlot castle, the vast black shockwave was seen from Celestia's tower, where the whole group chose to spectate the match from. Rainbow Dash felt her heart sink as she stared at it "Whoa, did anypony else feel that?" She asked curiously.

Spike held a claw to his stomach "Yeah...It's like something's filling me with sadness...What's Ulquiorra doing out there?"

Celestia stared with a knowing glance "Segunda Etapa..." Everypony looked at her "Ulquiorra held a special skill back when he was an arrancar; the ability to change his appearance with more power. He started out with his regular arrancar form, and changes into a stronger form known as his resurrección."

Twilight looked up "Resurrection? That seems deep...So he's in his true form?" She stated after translating the term.

Celestia continued "What makes Ulquiorra a formidable opponent in battle is that he is the only arrancar to carry a second form that draws out the entirety of his power. His resurrección is known as Murciélago, and his second form is known as Segunda Etapa, where his energy is so powerful, that it would bring despair to his enemies if they were to witness it up close..." She looked down wistfully.

Luna frowned "Thou hath witnessed his power for thyself..." She looked out into the fields at the vast shockwave and held a sad expression 'Ulquiorra...Dost thou still feel despair after all that we've done for thee?'
_____

Goldoa felt heavy despite him growing used to the shockwave around him 'This power...It's unlike anything I've ever seen! My opponent is something else...' He thought respectfully, though was not ready to bow out. He looked ahead at Ulquiorra in his Segunda Etapa form "Your power is intriguing...Ulquiorra, was it? Maybe there's more to you than meets the eye!" He called out as he unfurled his wings and readied his claws.

Ulquiorra stared "You've yet to see what I can do in this form before I end your life..." He said as he blurred out with his Sonido. Before Goldoa could pinpoint his position, he roared when he felt a powerful force crash into his right side, quickly pushing him towards the mountains with ease as he crashed into a pile of snow and rubble.

Goldoa emerged from the pile and looked around for Ulquiorra. He noticed him appear in front of him while hovering "You!!" Goldoa attempted to strike at him with his right claw, only to have it easily stopped again.

Ulquiorra quickly spun around to have his tail smack Goldoa across the head, knocking him out of the snow pile as he skidded across the plains. He watched Goldoa struggle to get up, and felt himself hesitate again.

Goldoa turned his head at Ulquiorra and growled at him; there was a deep mark where the former espada slammed his tail on the side of his head. The dragon unfurled his wings and he flew upward, turning to face Ulquiorra as he went to dive at him. Ulquiorra countered by charging up a Cero Oscuras, and it shot up at Goldoa when he got close, striking him in the chest where his many stab wounds laid, intensifying the pain as he was blown back from the blast.

Goldoa recovered and roared in anger as he blew a jet of fire down at Ulquiorra. The former espada perked up and narrowly avoided the stream that melted the snow and singed the ground below it. He studied Goldoa and watched him inhale to breathe another jet of fire, deciding to fly upwards until he reached the dragon's level of altitude.

Ulquiorra stared at Goldoa, and then activated his horn as he conjured a Lanza del Relampago at his side, ready to use it as a melee weapon for his fight.

"This shall be over soon...I mustn't let this battle go on..."

Goldoa growled before blowing more fire at Ulquiorra, who easily banked to the left in the air and closed the distance between the two with his radiant lance pointed forward. When he noticed, Goldoa ceased his fire and went to grasp his right claw over the Lanza del Relampago when it got close to him 'The same trick won't work twice on me! I'll just simply grab his spear and-'

The pain and shock were both nearly unbearable for Goldoa to handle when his claw made contact with Ulquiorra's lance. At the touch of it, the lance had caused the dragon's claw to disintegrate into nothingness as if it were a drawing being erased from paper; Goldoa could not even roar over how painful losing his claw had felt.

Ulquiorra drew back his Lanza del Relampago while Goldoa distanced himself as he clutched the profusely bleeding wound on his arm "A wrong move on your part...It may have worked before with an earlier opponent, but my Lanza del Relampago cannot be blocked so easily head-on. You've lost a claw for your mistake..." Ulquiorra chided.

Goldoa snarled in pain while gazing upon his opponent "How!? How are you able to exert so much power in one weapon!?" He called out, overwhelmed by Ulquiorra's technique and how he was effortlessly wielding it.

Ulquiorra furrowed his brow "How indeed..." He flew towards Goldoa, who flew backward while the former espada came closer as he readied his lance for an oncoming strike.

Goldoa could not believe he was backing away from a small pony who appeared to have an immense amount of power inside of him. He knew the princesses had divine power of their own, but the alicorn in front of him appeared to be stronger than both of them combined. He grunted and stopped himself as he blew another jet of fire at Ulquiorra. Goldoa may have underestimated his opponent to the point where he lost one of his claws, but that doesn't mean that he would run from his own challenge. He needed to remember that he was a dragon; a powerful creature that has been around since before Equestria's birth.

Ulquiorra flew to the right and easily dodged the fire "It's no use..." He said as he readied his lance as he drew near Goldoa. He approached the dragon's left shoulder and raised his lance to quickly bring it down in a chop. The lance's broad edge easily sliced through Goldoa's skin and tore through his bone until it cut off the left arm entirely.

Goldoa nearly felt hazy over the amount of blood that he lost in his fight. Had he really bit off more than he could chew? He bared his fangs and tried to muscle through the intense pain in his body as he spun around to swing his mighty tail at Ulquiorra, only to have that easily chopped off as well when it came close to him. The pain was now too much to bear as he turned to face the former espada. Goldoa saw what appeared to be Ulquiorra preparing his lance for the final blow, only to have it vanish in front of his eyes.

Ulquiorra stared at Goldoa and his many battle wounds. His injuries combined with his blood loss had compelled him to descend towards the snow-covered ground, with Ulquiorra following after him. When they touched the surface, Goldoa's hindlegs sank into the snow as he dropped to his knees while Ulquiorra easily stood while staring up at the wounded mass in front of him "You have been defeated..." He proclaimed bluntly,

Goldoa coughed "Y-You...You're different from what has been brought into Equestria in the past...A being like you shouldn't even exist." He gurgled; his body sagged and drooped forward as more of his strength was drained from himself.

Ulquiorra did not change his expression as he looked up at Goldoa, but then his eyes lidded "You are correct..." Goldoa could not muster a surprised expression upon the former espada's reply "In fact, I also consider myself an oddity to this world, even without my memories..."

Goldoa groaned "Memories? Wait..." He muttered "You told me that you went by a different name before changing it today. Were you...somepony else?"

Ulquiorra nodded "I was...And it was an otherworldly experience to discover what this world had to offer while pondering the means of my existence here...This place has nearly changed the way I think. A hint to this fact was my hesitation in battle..." He explained in a straight tone.

Goldoa stared before he hacked and coughed again. It soon gave way to a weak fit of laughter "So...you're really not like them..." His body slumped forward even further "For as long as I lived, I despised ponies...especially you for your atrocious act of besmirching my kind's name..."

Ulquiorra closed his eyes "And you showed absolute disregard to my reason and chose to be headstrong in your ideals above all else..." He opened his eyes and stared up at Goldoa "An admirable trait if you were representing a group, but all you've done was force me into defeating you in order to preserve the safety of Ponyville and everypony inside of it..."

Goldoa uttered a weak scoff "You wouldn't understand...A dragon remains prideful to the end, even if the odds are against them; I was only foolish not to fathom your power before challenging you. This battle has convinced me that your very presence here means trouble for those around you, friend and foe alike..." He coughed as his wounds leaked more blood, staining the snow around him and turning it into a bright red.

Ulquiorra took in Goldoa's words, and felt his own heart sink when he contemplated them "I-..." He looked down "So, even if I'm victorious...I'll only endanger those I hold dear in the future?" Ulquiorra said to himself as he thought about his friends and Luna.

Goldoa grunted "If you were a dragon, you would be worshipped, hated, loved, and feared...But you're entirely different from any pony I've seen in my time..." He inhaled deeply as he coughed again "I don't know how you ponies think, but I believe that they are too naive to accept one such as yourself...The power within yourself labels you as nothing more than a pariah to your own kind..."

Ulquiorra was silent as he heard Goldoa's words. He did not know if he was complimenting or berating him, but he did touch on a vital issue. What would happen if he were to use his powers at the wrong time, forcibly or otherwise? He shook his head when he remembered the ponies that accepted him "You're wrong..." Ulquiorra looked back up at Goldoa.

"It may have been as you've said so in the past - I even thought as such - but many ponies have come to accept me, even if I'm unlike anypony they're familiar with. There may come a time where my power proves a hindrance to my friends, but this is not one of them...I was brought here by your stubbornness and pride after I've spared the lives of your fellow dragons. All you're doing right now is running at the mouth as your life is coming to an end..." Ulquiorra furrowed his brow "I will continue to live on and experience this new life bestowed upon me, and I'll make sure that those that I hold dear remain protected from any danger..."

Goldoa stared at Ulquiorra as he stood tall, his resolve showing in his seemingly dispassionate eyes. He groaned in pain "Your conviction is commendable, but my words still stand...Even if I'm defeated, I will carry my pride to the grave. As for yourself...I'd hate to be you if your power ended up being the very destruction of Equestria..." He grunted as he slid even further, hacking up blood in his jaws "My time...has come..." Goldoa cast a weak glance at Ulquiorra, no malice in his eyes "I started this match, now it is up to you to finish it...Give me...an honorable death...here...on this battlefield..." He uttered in a withering tone.

Ulquiorra stared in silence at the sight of Goldoa about to pass away; there was a faint sense of pain in his heart over watching what he had done to him. It even reminded him of how he passed on himself. Regardless, he knew the exact terms of Goldoa's challenge.

"...There is nothing I can do now...He barely has the strength to walk..."

The former espada lit up his horn, the green aura shifting to black as he prepared for the final blow "You will be remembered for your pride as a dragon...Goodbye, Goldoa..." He blasted his Cero Oscuras, and when it collided with the dragon's chest, it tore through the wounds that revealed his underbelly behind the scales and razed through his chest until the beam burst out through his back, tearing through some of the bone structure of his wings.

Goldoa was now a lifeless husk that hung with a gaping hole in his sternum, and his corpse fell forward as it brought up a flurry of snow that was carried by the winds. Some of it blew around Ulquiorra as he gazed upon the corpse in front of him for what felt like an eternity, mulling over Goldoa's dying words.

"...I cannot be a problem to this world...I won't let it happen..."

While he tried to believe his own words, he looked over at the distant city of Canterlot and thought back to his friends. He thought he noticed a blue speck inching towards him in the distance.

"I should hurry back to Canterlot, now that this battle is over..."

Ulquiorra gave one last look at Goldoa's corpse before he unfurled his wings and blurred out with his Sonido, leaving behind the body of a once proud and powerful elder dragon.
_____

The Cero Oscuras was seen from Canterlot Castle until it vanished. Spike looked out from the railings "Whoa! Check it out!" He said in an awestruck tone.

Twilight examined the attack and thought to herself "That looked like one of Ulquiorra's ceros..." She looked up at Celestia "Isn't it?"

Celestia nodded "You're correct, Twilight, though it was no ordinary cero. What Ulquiorra had performed is what could be considered 'his' cero: A Cero Oscuras."

Twilight looked over at the field and noticed no activity going on after moments have passed "Nothing's happening..."

Applejack frowned "So it's over then? What could be keepin' Ulquiorra?"

Luna stared out into the vast plains in silence, then unfurled her wings as she took off from the balcony, much to everypony's surprise.

Twilight held out a hoof "Princess Luna! What are you-" A hoof rested on Twilight's shoulder, and she looked up to see Celestia, who shook her head.

"Let her go, Twilight. She'll come back soon..." Celestia stated in a calm tone.

Rainbow Dash stared out at Luna's shrinking figure "Is she that worried about Ulquiorra? I mean, he's a super strong stallion, isn't he? He'll come back for us in a heartbeat!"

Princess Celestia smiled to herself "Even the strong need assistance, Rainbow Dash. Just give Luna some time..." She said as the group watched the princess of the night fly out into the plains.
_____

Princess Luna frowned to herself as she flew across the sky, thinking about Ulquiorra as she went 'Could he be seriously injured? Or is something keeping him from returning to us?'

She figured that her words had reached Ulquiorra that morning; Luna even saw the look in his eyes when she stated how the former espada had decided with his heart for the first time. It was intuition at the moment, but Luna knew that something was wrong with Ulquiorra.

While she flew, a figure blurred in front of her, causing her to stop in her flight as she gasped in surprise. She looked into the eerie yellow eyes of a different alicorn and the blackness that trailed from his eyes that resembled tears. The very look in his eyes made her uncomfortable since it brought memories of his time with Celestia "U-Ulquiorra?"

Ulquiorra stared in silence until eyes were restored to their normal green as the blackness on his cheeks faded away "Luna...Have I kept you waiting?" He said as he hovered with Luna in the air.

Luna stared until a smile came onto her face "For a time." She frowned in concern "Art thou injured?"

Ulquiorra shook his head "My physical condition is satisfactory as always...I've only lost a foreleg in my fight with Goldoa..."

Luna widened her eyes "What!?!" She blurted out, dumbstruck over what she had just heard.

The former espada noted the surprise on his loved one's face and realized she was not aware of all his abilities "As an arrancar, I am able to regenerate any of my body parts except for my organs at an incredible rate, thus giving me a higher advantage in battle..."

Luna was amazed by what was told "Thou art a most intriguing stallion, Ulquiorra...And to think that there lies such immeasurable power within thyself." At the mention of power, Ulquiorra looked away, his frown deepening as he looked despondent to Luna's eyes "Ulquiorra? What troubles thee?" She asked in a concerned tone.

"Luna..." Ulquiorra said reluctantly "With my power...will I put all of Equestria in danger?" He turned to face her "Could my presence here mean despair to those around me?"

Luna stared at Ulquiorra and studied the look in his eyes; he was both sad and serious in his question. She gave him a comforting smile "Ulquiorra, we've been over this. Thou hast many friends waiting to welcome thee back at Canterlot, and they cannot wait any longer. All of us hath grown accustomed to thy presence and we could not be happier to consider thee one of us." She leaned in further with a loving gaze "And most of all, thou art our beloved...We would not steer thee wrong with our words, Moon Shield..." Luna closed in and kissed Ulquiorra as he returned it in kind.

After their lips parted, Ulquiorra stared at Luna as she smiled back at him. He owed Luna so much for all of her help, from encouraging him to stay with and learn from his friends to her divine intervention of when he was Cuatro and not Ulquiorra. In fact, he felt that while he wasn't himself at the time, he felt more connected to his friends and Luna than he ever was to any living being; even Lord Aizen.

While he was Cuatro, he admitted that he felt happy despite him not showing it to his friends. Luna's words had lifted his spirits, and combined with her infectious smile, it had given his new heart so much warmth as opposed to the chilling cold in his previous life. When he stared at Luna for so long, what was considered to be both impossible and improbable to Ulquiorra had finally happened to him...

He smiled.

To be concluded...

Capitulo Final

View Online

Capitulo Final

Happiness

Back at Canterlot, Pinkie was frantically trotting in place with a look of anxiety plastered on her face "Oooooh, what's going on over there!? Are Ulqui and Luna in danger? What could be taking them so darn-" A blur interrupted her words as she stopped and smiled peacefully "Oh, there they are." She said in a leveled tone. The group gave the two alicorns room to land on the balcony to converse with them.

Rainbow Dash zipped up towards Ulquiorra "Ah-ha! So he wasn't hurt! I knew he'd come around eventually!" She crossed her forelegs at Ulquiorra "What kept you? Do you know how long we've been waiting?"

Ulquiorra bowed in apology "It will not happen again...When I was finished with my battle I had...some thoughts..."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow "About what?"

Luna chuckled as she nuzzled Ulquiorra "Mainly about the future, if the explanation shalt suffice..."

Rainbow Dash blushed "Whoa! Forget I asked!" She drew herself back and looked away as her face became crimson "That's your business, not mine!"

Celestia approached Ulquiorra "I see you're victorious, as expected. Was the battle tedious for you?"

Ulquiorra stared at Celestia "In a sense...Goldoa seemed to rely more on his words than his naturally born strength in combat..." He looked down and thought back to what was said to him.

"Your conviction is commendable, but my words still stand...Even if I'm defeated, I will carry my pride to the grave. As for yourself...I'd hate to be you if your power ended up being the very destruction of Equestria..."

The former espada felt a chill down his spine for the first time, and it somehow earned the attention of his friends as he looked at all of them. Applejack frowned "Are ya sure yer fine, sugarcube?" She asked with concern.

Ulquiorra stared at Applejack "I cannot lie to you when I said that Goldoa almost managed to best me with his words..." He closed his eyes "He acknowledged my power to the point of considering myself a threat to all of you..." Everypony frowned "But with the help of Luna, I know that deep down he is wrong..." He opened his eyes and smiled for the second time "I've been accepted by those that I consider my friends, and I'm standing next to the love of my life...Nothing could make me more happy than I already am..."

Everypony was speechless, dumbfounded, and slackjawed all in one, namely Pinkie Pie. Spike pointed a claw with widened eyes "U-...Ulquiorra? Is that you?" He asked incredulously.

Twilight was amazed "I can't believe it...He's...He's-"

"He's SMILING!!"

Pinkie felt like she could dance around Ulquiorra and Luna, but settled for hopping up and down jubilantly with a wide grin "This is so awesome!! Ulqui's actually smiling!! He said he saw no point in it, but he's actually smiling!!"

Spike cheered as well "Yeah!!" He caught himself and turned to Pinkie in confusion "Wait, what?"

Rarity stared at Ulquiorra "My my...Such a winning smile on your face. It suits you just fine, Ulquiorra!" She said in an impressed tone.

Luna looked up at the former espada "We could not agree more." She said as she stared with a loving smile.

Ulquiorra stared back at Luna "I have you to thank for it..." They shared a small kiss.

Fluttershy was enthralled with Ulquiorra and Luna's display of affection "This is all so incredibly wonderful. I-..." She fluttered into the air with a cheerful smile "I just don't even know what to say!" Fluttershy proclaimed brightly.

Twilight smiled "I'm glad we finally gave you a reason to be here in Equestria, Ulquiorra. But what will you do now?"

Ulquiorra looked down as he pondered in thought "If I were to plan for my future after this day, I suppose it would be wise for me to learn the Magic of Friendship before I return to Canterlot with Luna..." He looked at his friends "I still have very much to learn from all of you..."

Rarity smiled "That is correct. You've yet to learn Generosity from moi!" She said as she placed a hoof on her chest.

Pinkie tittered with laughter "This is so great!! Throwing a party for this occasion would be so appropriate right now!"

Ulquiorra frowned "Not now, please..."

Pinkie paused, then sighed "Fine, I'll wait~!" She said as the group, save for Ulquiorra laughed together.

Celestia smiled "Personally, I believe the party should be held in Ponyville after Ulquiorra manages to deliver the good news to everypony there."

Pinkie gasped "Hey! That's right! We should totally go back to Ponyville and celebrate!" She said as she beamed at Celestia's idea.

Applejack smiled "Well, t'ain't no reason t' stay here much longer, is there?"

Rainbow Dash pumped a hoof in the air "Yeah! Let's go home and party like it's the Summer Sun Celebration!" She said with a confident smirk.

Celestia nodded "Luna and I will come with you, provided we give you all proper transport back to Ponyville. Will that be alright?"

Ulquiorra paused before smiling again "Yes...Let us all go to Ponyville together..." With the decision final, the group went to prepare for their trip back to Ponyville to tell the ponyfolk of Ulquiorra's victory.

They were all escorted back by a set of royal carriages pulled by royal pegasus guards, save for Rainbow Dash, who chose to fly home by herself while performing tricks around her friends on the way back. When they had arrived, the townsfolk bowed in reverence when they caught sight of the princesses. After they were told to rise, they noticed Ulquiorra, who proclaimed his victory and sent the entire town into a frenzy of applause, considering the former espada a hero; it was surprisingly easy to explain how he had his memories returned to him.

The party that followed after that day could be the biggest party that Pinkie had ever planned in her life.
_____

One month later...

The alicorn that was once called Cuatro, who was later known as Ulquiorra Cifer, had come a long way while he experienced the Magic of Friendship with his friends. It was nearly safe to assume that he was ready to go back to Canterlot, where he would officially start his new life. But before he could, there were some things that needed to be taken care of.

Ulquiorra was ready to leave with Twilight and Spike on the train to Canterlot. Twilight looked back to her friends "Let's hurry up, everypony! The others are probably at the station waiting for us!"

Spike ran up to Twilight "We're coming! Hold your horses!" He replied as he caught up to the lavender bookworm.

Ulquiorra trotted with his friends "So I'm about to witness a play based around Equestria's history for myself..."

Twilight smiled at Ulquiorra "You're going to love it, Ulquiorra! This is something we enjoy doing around this time of year!"

Spike chimed in "And wait until Hearth's Warming Day rolls around the corner! It'll be a blast now that you're here!"

Ulquiorra smiled "I look forward to it..."

When they reached the station, the trio noticed their friends waiting by the ticket stand. Rainbow Dash scoffed "There you are! We really have to teach you how to go faster!"

Twilight tossed a teasing smirk Rainbow Dash's way "The same way you thought you were able to learn Ulquiorra's Sonido?"

Rainbow Dash flinched and looked away "Sh-Shut up..." She muttered dejectedly.

Twilight giggled "Easy, Rainbow, I didn't mean it. But it's a good thing everypony's here."

Pinkie grinned "You bet! Now Ulqui will see our mad playing skills for himself!"

Rarity smiled at the former espada "I do hope you'll enjoy our fine presentation of acting, Ulquiorra! This is a very special tradition in Canterlot!"

Ulquiorra looked down at Rarity "What are your roles in this play?" He asked curiously.

Applejack held up a hoof with a smile "We'll tell ya on th' way there. We got a train t' catch!" She said as the group agreed, purchasing their tickets and preparing to board the Friendship Express.

The train ride to Canterlot seemed to be as quick as Rainbow Dash as the group of friends shared many moments together throughout the ride, including their own preparations for Hearth's Warming Day. When they arrived at Canterlot castle, they were welcomed by the guards, who led the group to the throne room where Celestia and Luna waited for them.

Ulquiorra and Luna shared a loving embrace when they saw each other again, and Celestia smiled at the group "I look forward to tonight's presentation. I'm sure that all of you will deliver like you did last year!"

Luna turned to the others as well "Yes. We, too, cannot wait for thy peerless acting!" She looked at Ulquiorra "Dost thou not agree, Moon Shield?"

Ulquiorra nodded "Yes...I await the presentation as well. Surely, you'll tell a wondrous tale."

Pinkie giggled "Well, that's more of Spike's job! He's pretty good at it, too!"

Spike puffed out his chest with a smug smile "Well, I don't wanna brag or anything, but I can tell a mean story..."

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smile "We should probably go rehearse our lines. We'll see you all tonight!"

The alicorns waved off the group as they left the throne room. Ulquiorra stared as the doors shut, and he looked down "It will be hard to leave my friends once I've collected all of my lessons..." He said with faint despondency in his voice.

Celestia smiled "You won't be separated from them completely. You're free to visit them whenever you please. But I wonder how you'll start your new life in Canterlot once that happens..." She said with a teasing smirk.

Ulquiorra perked up and looked back down with a faint blush "I...haven't planned that far yet...Normally, it would be easy for me to assume my next goal as Cuatro..." He shook his head "I do not know the appropriate action to take once I start living here..."

Luna tilted her head "We've never expected thee to be this flustered. Could thou be anxious about the future?"

Ulquiorra sighed "Perhaps...These emotions I've come to experience are particularly intriguing, though they still fill my mind with questions pertaining to my previous self..."

Celestia closed her eyes "From what I've gathered out of your memories, you were very curious about the heart, even claiming you've discovered it in the end. There is so much to learn from the heart you possess, including the emotions it carries."

Luna nodded "Tis true, Ulquiorra. Emotions play an integral role in each of our lives. Thou art only beginning to discover its full power."

Ulquiorra turned to Luna "So it seems..." He smiled "I'll be sure to come back to you once I considered myself to be well-versed in the Magic of Friendship..."

Luna smiled "And as always, we shalt wait for thy return..." She narrowed her eyes "Just try not to make us come for thee again if thou choose to act out." Luna quipped in a teasing tone.

Ulquiorra gave a light scoff with his smile "I'll do no such thing...Not to you..." They shared a nuzzle together.

Celestia shook her head with a smile 'Those two go so well together...'
_____

Later that night, several ponies gathered in the theater and watched the play acted out by the Elements of Harmony with Spike providing a narrative in a mock posh tone. Celestia, Luna, and Ulquiorra were watching the from the balcony as the play went on.

Ulquiorra was nearly captivated by what was shown in the play; how the ponies were prone to conflict and conquest. He felt a connection to what he once acted like when they reached the part with the Windigoes freezing the leaders of the pony tribes, leaving only their loyal subordinates about to succumb to the same fate.

He watched how they shared a sentimental moment and managed to overcome the vicious cold brought about by the Windigoes with the power of friendship courtesy of Twilight's (Or Clover the Clever's) surprising spell. It was heartwarming to see that friendship was what saved their lives in the end and convinced them all to live in harmony in their new land of Equestria. What had made him the most impressed over the play was the song that was sang at the end by both the actors and the audience; Ulquiorra and Luna embraced one another as they listened while Celestia sang with her subjects.

"The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns we cannot drift apart
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through (will see us through)
We are a circle of pony friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very eeeeend~!!"

The End

Author's Notes:

*sigh* Well, it's been a good run, folks. This story is officially over! And now it's time for some notifications.

Special thanks goes to:
Kami, for presenting me the idea for an Ulquiorra fic that I denied at first, only to go through with it later (Damn you, brain )
SkiddleZIzKewl for accepting my apology and looking past me posting another Ulquiorra fic on this site (Thanks again, man )
Io, TheMadPuppeteer, and Netikras01 for their contribution of fanart. Never have you guys made me feel so loved
To you, my readers, for flocking in and giving this story a moment of your time.

Honestly, I never thought it would be this popular with your help. Personally, I figured it was a stroke of luck and the size of the Bleach fandom that got this story its many ratings, but that's just me

Now that this story is over, I recommend another good read that's basically another Ulquiorra in Equestria fic. Let me tell you, it is awesome Go have a look!

In closing, if you were satisfied with this story, I'm glad I helped. For those of you that do not like this story or what was inside of it, you have my sincerest apologies for not appealing to your tastes. Now I'm off to finally work on Giving Chaos and Kick About! Los Lobos!

Thank you all for reading! Peace!