Chapter 2
“They are called humans,” Princess Celestia said. “ Banished from Equestria several thousand years ago, they developed a civilization on a distant planet called Earth.” Twilight and her five friends, Rarity, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash listened with great interest. “So how did Chris come here?” Twilight asked with wide eyes. The Princess thought for a moment. “I’m not sure exactly, but perhaps by talking to him we can learn the truth.”
With a wave of her hand, she sent for the human. Moments later two mighty stallions dressed in glorious armor carried Chris in, holding his arms so as to steady him while walking. When they brought him to a chair, he sat and bowed his head.
“Princess, does he really need to be shackled like that? “ Pinkie Pie asked, referring to the ankle shackles that connected to a collar around his neck. They were cold, rusty steel chains, fit for perhaps a prisoner, but certainly not a guest. “Princess Luna has insisted, it’s a matter of safety for the kingdom. We do not yet know what Chris is capable of,” she proclaimed, as if Chris wasn’t there. “Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie exclaimed, her smile returning and replacing the unfitting furrowed brow.
Celestias’ smile quickly faded as she turned to the human. “We banished your people long ago, why should I not do the same?” She gave off the scariest vibe Chris had ever felt. He shifted in his seat, which he quickly realized was a bad idea as the guards raised their heads and glared at him.
“Well Princess, I did not plan to come here. I was transported unbeknownst to my own knowledge. I apologize for any trouble my sudden appearance has caused, and if I am not welcome, I understand. I simply ask for help returning to my own home.” The Princess opened her mouth. “However,” Chris interrupted, “I’m not entirely sure I would like to leave at this moment. I have no ties to anyone at home, and I believe I was sent here for a reason. I’m not sure what it is, but I have this feeling that I was rescued by twilight and her friends for a reason.” He smiled as he ended his sentence, and looked towards Twilight. “I wish to do no harm, I only wish to thank you for your help, and your hospitality,” he shook his chains and chuckled, “however different it may be.”
He sighed as he finished, wincing at the pain surging through his chest. It had only been three weeks since his arrival, and his wounds hadn’t quite healed yet.
“I believe you,” the princess said, matter-of-factly. “I was there during the banishing. Humans were mean, only concerned for themselves. They attempted to overthrow us, but their brutish assault was quickly snuffed out.” Celestia seemed almost regretful of what she had just said, noticing the insulted look on Chris’s face. “However, not all of them felt the same way, and it certainly seems like you are a kind and trustworthy soul.”
Chris sighed in relief. The guards moved in front of him and unchained him. He stretched, smiling wide at his new found freedom, but quickly lowering back into the chair once the pain from his injuries hit him again.
“I feel compelled to tell you, however, that you can not leave this land yet. I must ask you of your assistance,” Celestia said. A quizzical look washed over Chris’s face. “What do you mean?”
“When you first arrived in the hospital, I scanned your future to see if It intertwined with Equestria,” she explained, “and I’m afraid your destiny has just begun. I cannot reveal everything to you yet, but I can tell you that my faithful young student rescued you for a reason not even known to her.” Twilight blushed. She never tired of hearing praise flow from her mentors’ lips. “You are needed to prevent a dangerous and very real disaster. I can’t exactly say when it will happen, but you seven are necessary to prevent the end of Equestria.” The entire group felt she said this way to calmly, as Pinkie and rarity demonstrated with very different, yet somehow similar, over dramatic gasps as usual.
“Twilight, you and your friends are the elements of harmony, as you very well know. What you do not know, is that long ago, the humans possessed and element of harmony.” The room fell silent. “It is considered to be the most powerful of them all. The element of strength. It is said that the element of strength only appears when there is a force greater than the elements of harmony can handle themselves.” Chris was shaking. He realized what the princess was getting at. “I am the element of strength,” He said. All eyes turned to him. “Are you saying I was brought here to save your world?”
“As well as yours, human,” Celestia said. “Because the elements are linked, if our world falls, then unfortunately yours does as well.”
Chris felt his heart sink. Everyone was counting on him, here in this strange world as well as his own. He knew what he had to do, and for some reason he wasn’t scared. ‘At least, not yet,’ he thought.
“I do not yet know when this catastrophe will happen, or what it will bring, but I need you to be here so that our world will not fall. Millions of lives are in your hands, Chris.” “I suppose I have no choice then,” He said as he rose. “Well princess, I suppose if I am to stay here, I will need someplace to stay, as well as supplies, food, water, clothing, and the like,” he said. He looked down at himself for the first time in a long time. His shirt was mangled, a reminder of his brush with death. He didn’t even have a jacket anymore, and his pants were worn and torn just like the rest of him.
“Do not fret, darling, we I will make you look simply divine,” Rarity said as she walked forward. “And ah can supply ya’ll with all the apples you can eat, as well as a place to work. Its not much, but the farm could use an extra hand, and ya’ll will make a nice bit if’n yur good at it,” Apple Jack said with a teasing smile. Chris chuckled at her accent, he thought it was adorable. He didn’t hear many people talk like that where he was from.
“As for your living arrangements, I will see to it that you have your own place to stay near Twilight,” Celestia said as chris noticed Twilight blushing. “It wont be free, but it will be accommodating. For now, you can stay with Twilight and Spike in the library.”
As they finished working out the details, everyone bowed to the princess and began to exit the summons hall. As the six pony friends exited, Celestia spoke. “Chris, wait a moment.” Chris turned and bowed. He wasn’t sure why, but it seemed to be customary in front of the princess. She lowered her voice and whispered to him, so as to make sure no one else could hear. “You have one chance. I know what kind of beings you humans are.” Chris gulped, immediately scared out of his mind.
“If you harm one creature that does not deserve it, you will be dealt with. Element or not, I will not stand for it.”
Chris cringed. He wasn't sure what she meant, or even if it was a real threat. He knew he could not chance it though, he had no idea what the princess was capable of. Could she strip the element from him? Well, if that's the case, do they even need him? He wasn't sure he wanted to ask that question. Whatever they wanted him to do, he knew he would do it. The princess seemed to be his only way of returning home. He still wasn't sure if that was what he wanted, but he didn't want that door closed till he made the decision himself.
“Not to worry princess, you have my word. I will not harm a soul unless harmed first. And I vow to never take a life.” Celestia smiled, shifting instantly from ominous to friendly. “Thank you for cooperating. Please enjoy your stay, and let me know if anything is not to your liking. I encourage you to become close to Twilight and the others. Know this; your powers will not reveal themselves until you have completely bonded with the other elements. Do not fail your quest, for our sake as well as your home’s sake.”
As he exited the hall, he was lit aflame by sadness. He couldn’t go home. He was stuck in some new place against his wishes, and everyone around him is a horse. He wondered what troubles would face him in his coming experiences. He sighed as he realized it might be best not to think about it, and climbed into the carriage where the girls were chattering away.