The Strange Happenings of Artanis

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She still seemed shaken by what I was capable of. Luna was still in a state of shock. I gave her a quick smile as Celestia gathered her thoughts. "Well, it is strange that Changelings would appear after the Queen was banished. Why would they appear?" She seemed to stumble once again but Twilight quickly recovered her teacher. "Princess, how is it possible that Artanis was pulled here?"

She seemed determined to get answers, as was I but I had some patience for that due to what happened moments ago. I was able to jump between Luna and her attackers with little effort. Had I have been on Earth, that would not have happened. I then wondered if the properties of this planet were able to let me do such things. I had to shake that thought as the sun princess's eyes came around and met mine. "Tell me Artanis, what were you doing before you arrived here?" I thought hard before answering. "Well, I just got home from working, and I took a shower, and went to bed. Before I drifted off though, I felt a pain in my chest and a tingling sensation. I shrugged it off thinking I was tired. Then I had a dream where I was pulled into a vortex of some kind." I left out an example of what the vortex looked like, fearing the already tense situation would be more so than now.

The princesses were conversing between themselves now. They parted and Celestia spoke again. "Dear Artanis, the manner in which you were brought here was an accident. It should not have happened." Twilight's ears were sinking below the princess's words. I gave her a quick nudge to indicate it was ok.

"Unfortunantly, at this time we cannot send you back. And so with that in mind, it would seem you are in need of a place to stay. And I must reward you for saving my sister. So, on behalf of all of the citizens of Equestria, I hearby welcome you as a new resident of Equestria." Luna seemed to gain a smile and looked at me. She seemed grateful for me jumping in there. I returned her smile and un-sheathed my katana and laid it out in my hands. I stared at Celestia, and took a knee once more. I bowed my head. "My princesses, in return for your generosity and your kindness, I offer my blade and my services to you." I felt the sword rise from my hands and looked up. Celestia had used her magic to take it from me. She then used her magic to take my scabbard off my hip and she re-sheathed my sword and looked at me. "Thank you once again Artanis. I must ask that you leave your weapon with me. For you see, we do not carry such things. However, I do realize the dangers of the outside world. So, with that said. . ." She walked up to me, and she bowed her head and her horn touched the top of my head. I felt some sort of energy run through me. Not painful, but it was there. I instantly felt energized. She motioned for me to rise.

"Artanis, for showing loyalty to those that you do not know, and showing courage to stand up in the face of adversity, I hearby bestow upon you three gifts. Magic, the ability to fly, and. . ." She then levatated what looked to be a handle. I outstretched my hand and the object was placed in my hand. I gripped it and then my hand was surrounded by some sort of blue aura. I felt this coming from me and then the object was bathed in the same glow. Both ends extended into a staff. My eyes widened at this. I knew how to use one.

The princess of the sun then walked to a balcony, where a massive crowd had gathered. Celestia then rose her voice. "Citizens of Equestria, as some of you know, there has been rumor of another being in our midst. Well, there is. His name is Artanis. He is from another world and as such, stranded. He looks to seek your friendship for he will be here a while." Taking my cue, I stepped up between Luna and her sister. Luna was still smiling, I returned it and looked out at the crowd. "Citizens of Equestria, your princesses have allowed me to stay in this wonderful place. And, as it was said, I am seeking your friendship and understanding. For as long as I am here, I vow here and now, that as an ambassador of my race, I will stay true to this place. I hearby offer my hand in friendship, in hopes it will be returned." With that, the cheer was deafening. I then raised my staff and extended it outwards. "For Equestria"! I shouted.

-A Few Days Later-

Getting a job in Ponyville isn't a daunting task, especially if you have what others don't, hands. I was working in the Apple Family's orchard with Applejack who was more than willing to give me work. I was loading a basket of apples onto a cart, when Applejack piped up. "Y'all hear that?" I cocked my head to one side and listened. It sounded like many hooves. "Sounds like a stampede." I said. She nodded and took off. I made sure I had my staff and followed. She was in a full gallop, and remembering Twi's instruction, I put one hand out and waved it in front of me. I was already fast but the spell I performed made me as fast as Applejack, and faster. I saw what the distrubance was. A herd of cows were headed straight for Ponyville. I made my way to one side of the herd while AJ went to the other side. I heard Wynona bark as she ran ahead of the herd. "Put 'em up Wynona"! AJ commanded. The dog obeyed and jumped on top of one of the cows. AJ did the same and produced a rope. "AJ, get them sorted. I'll head 'em off at the bridge!" I yelled. She nodded and lassoed the lead cow. Pulling my staff out, I performed the same speed spell and got ahead of the herd. Then, using another spell I learned on my own, I produced a fireball in my free hand and lit both ends of my staff. Putting out the ball of flame, I used my right hand to put the staff into a spin. The herd spotted this and changed course, while AJ with the cow she roped, hauled it back with a mighty pull. The herd turned and and stopped.  AJ had a conversation with the herd and as if nothing happened, trotted back to where they came from. We both crested a hill overlooking Ponyville. And with that. a massive cheer came up from the crowd of ponies. AJ reared back and kick her front legs up with a YEE HAW!