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// Chapter 5 Human Admirers Among Xenos 
// Story: Abaddon the Redeemer in Equestria 
// by CC12-06 
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Twilight blushed in embarrassment and apologized to the Astartes for the overly melodramatic display. 

Twilight Sparkle: Sorry about those three, they can overreact sometimes when seeing new visitors, I'll go check to make sure they're ok. 

Twilight trotted towards the three uncurious ponies as Abaddon wondered if this was how these strange xenos showed hospitality to all their guests. 

The inhabitants were hiding in their homes, his transhuman sight allowing him to effortlessly see the poor attempts of some of the ponies, trying to discreetly observe him as his brother from behind window shutters and doors. The town almost looked entirely empty; a tumbleweed even bounced across the dirt road as if to cartoonishly emphasize that point.

Almost, being the keyword as he saw a mint-colored pony sitting on a bench next to a beige-colored one, excitedly waving in the direction of him and his brothers, in stark contrast to the depressing scene. Her companion, contrarily, looked at them with suspicion. 

Abaddon was incredibly confused, he'd never seen an alien take the initiative to greet him or any of his brother and cousins but did the only reasonable next course of action he could think of, he waved back. 

The mare reacted instantly, leaping off the bench and running as fast as she could to the Marine demi-squad. 

Once again, he and his brothers were stunned, something that was becoming all too common in the single day they had been on this bizarre world. 

A xeno was rushing happily towards a force of mankind's Avenging Angels of Death. It was something completely unprecedented. Legiones Astartes units had made peaceful contact with various xenos species before, but they always showed a mixture of fear, trepidation, nervousness and awe. 

None had ever shown genuine joy such as the pony galloping at them now. 

The five mares who remained with the Astartes moved to intercept the mint-colored pony, afraid that she may disturb their heavily armed and armored guests. 

Rainbow Dash, of course, was first and asked the pony in her characteristically rash manner. 

Rainbow Dash: Uh, hey Lyra, what are you doing? 

The five friends blocked the pony named Lyra, stopping her onrushing charge towards the Terminators before she answered cheerfully. 

Lyra Heartstrings: I'm going to meet your new friends and ask them if they're humans. They look just like the ones in my books but...bigger. 

Lyra proceeded to wave at the Astartes again, the CMCs who were still with the Marines, waved back. However, Abaddon this time did not return the gesture.

For the umpteenth time in the less than 24 hours they had arrived on this planet, the Lunar Templars were dumbfounded. 

This pony knew of humans? Had humanity colonized this world? If so, why hadn't he and his brethren met any? 

The five ponies looked confused as well, Rarity herself asking. 

Rarity: Darling, aren't humans just some foal's story? 

Abaddon chose now to interject and speak with this, "Lyra". Whatever information he could gather from her could make the difference between whether or not his company could reestablish contact with the wider Imperium and rejoin the Crusade. 

Granted, he did not expect much usefulness from any data he could gleam from the currently madly exuberant mint-colored equine, jumping like Pinkie Pie, but it might at least be something worthwhile. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: Miss Lyra is correct, we are indeed humans, as for our larger stature, that shall be explained later. 

Abaddon and his fellow Legionaries walked towards Lyra who had now been rejoined by her beige-colored friend. Their armor whirred as they moved, leaving large deep footprints in the dirt road. 

The five mares and three foals stepped aside as they watched anxiously at what would happen between their guests and the two friends. 

Lyra, seemingly unaware of the delicate situation around her, continued to jump in place with glee, talking rapidly. 

Lyra Heartstrings: You're really, really humans? That's wonderful! Where did you all come from! What're your names'? Can I touch your hands? Oh, look at me getting all hyper. 

Abaddon was pleasantly surprised to find a xeno that recognized the preeminence of mankind, and so spoke with a hint of warmth in his voice.   

Ezekeyle Abaddon: Hello Miss Lyra, I am Ezekyle Abaddon, also known as the Redeemer, from the Imperium of Mankind, First Captain of the Lunar Templars Legion, Legiones Astartes, First Company Justaerin. These "gesturing to the other Terminators" are my brothers. Allow me to mention that it truly touches our souls that you acknowledge the worth of humanity. 

Lyra became even more energetic after hearing his greeting, saying. 

Lyra Heartstrings: You guys have an Imperium? That means there's even more of you, right? I'm your biggest admirer in all of Ponyville and maybe even Equestria. I've always wanted to meet a human! 

Lyra's friend decided now to calm her down, fearing she might annoy the giants. 

Bon Bon: Alright Lyra, I think you've said enough. 

The beige-colored pony turned to look at Abaddon, suspicion still evident in her eyes, but smiled apologetically and explained. 

Bon Bon: Sorry about my friend, she gets easily excited when it comes to anything to do with humans, not that, that's a bad thing.

She quickly added at the end. Abaddon was about to reply that he was not offended at all, in fact, he was quite happy with this latest development, when he was interrupted by a returning purple book worm. 

Twilight Sparkle: Hey Lyra, hey Bob Bon, what are you two doing here? 

Turning to Twilight, Abaddon responded. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: These two kind mares were curious as to the identities of my brother and I. Something I found interesting from them was that we humans are known here. Librarian Sparkle, do you know anything about us as well? 

Twilight looked shocked by this revelation and spoke in bewilderment. 

Twilight Sparkle: I always thought that humans were just a myth and never looked much further. 

Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight pondered for a moment before looking to Lyra and Bon Bon. 

Twilight Sparkle: Lyra, Bon Bon would you mind joining us. 

Comments would be appreciated