//------------------------------//
// Part 6 Magical Demonstration 
// Story: Abaddon the Redeemer in Equestria 
// by CC12-06 
//------------------------------//

Lyra practically burst with glee, saying. 

Lyra Heartstrings: Join you all with the humans! Yes Yes! YES!

Abaddon could hear his brothers chuckling at the mare's enthusiasm underneath their helms over his vox-bead. 

Bon Bon sighed, accepting that there was nothing she could do to divert her friend from hearing more of these newly arrived visitors. 

With an "Alright then" from Twilight, the group of eight mares, five Astartes and three fillies made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. 

When the considerably sized farmstead came into view, Abaddon was forced to admit, he was impressed. Rows upon rows of apple trees spanned the whole visible horizon. Even with his transhuman sight, he could not see where the orchards ended. 

It was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenes of nature he'd ever gazed at. Especially considering most of the locations he'd seen were the either active warzones or the densely packed cities of capitals where negotiations for a newly discovered polity to join the Imperium were usually held. 

He voiced his sincere opinion to the pony who apparently called this place home. No harm in making a good impression on their guides to smooth over relations.

Ezekyle Abaddon: I am impressed Miss Applejack. This farm is obviously excellently cultivated and well maintained. How is it that your family efficiently manages such a large area? 

A wide smile appeared on Applejack's muzzle as she explained with evident pride. 

Applejack: Ahh shucks, it ain't nothing too special. Just some good old hard work. The whole family helps out, even little Applebloom here and old Granny Smith. 

Twilight herself chipped in, commenting. 

Twilight Sparkle: You shouldn't sell yourself short Applejack, you've done a lot to keep this farm going. 

The rest of the Main Six nodded in agreement. Applejack blushed from the praise while Applebloom beamed. 

Deciding to change the topic Applejack pointed out. 

Applejack: The barns over there, just hold on a bit while I tell Big Mac and Granny we're having guests. 

Walking down the well-trodden dirt path, Applejack entered the Apple family home. After a short while, she returned with Big Mac and Granny Smith in tow. 

Introducing both new parties, Applejack spoke. 

Applejack: Granny, Big Mac, these are the newcomers I was telling yawl about. Abaddon and the rest of you, this is my grandmother, Granny Smith and my big brother, Big Mcintosh, but we just call him Big Mac. 

Granny Smith and Big Mac were clearly surprised by the size of the never-before-seen creatures, but commendably collected themselves, smiled friendly and said: 

Granny Smith: Howdy there, nice to meet yawl, got a say we don't usually run into anypony your size. 

Big Mcintosh: Yup. 

Putting on his diplomatic smile again, Abaddon responded. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: Greetings Madam Smith and Mr. Mcintosh, we have come here in hopes of using your barn to converse in some privacy, if you would allow it. 

Grinning, Granny Smith replied. 

Granny Smith: Sure yah can, as long as you allow me and Big Mac here to join, it's been a while since I've heard a good story. 

Abaddon nodded in agreement. The group, now joined by a stallion and an elder, made their way to the barn and entered. 

The thirteen ponies sat down, but the five humans remained standing. Slightly confused by this, Twilight decided to ask her first question. 

Twilight Sparkle: Excuse me Mr. Abaddon, sorry if I'm asking something rude, but why are you all still standing? 

Answering her question, Abaddon clarified. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: No apologies necessary, Librarian Sparkle, to explain, we cannot sit because the armor we are wearing limits our movements to a certain extent. 

Gasping, Rarity exclaimed. 

Rarity: Oh, that is simply dreadful, it must be ever so tiresome for you all to wear such burdensome panoply. Please allow me to craft some less restrictive garments for you all in the future. 

At what the seasoned warrior mistook for the fashionista's thinly concealed attempt to unarmor them, Abaddon carefully stated. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: Thank you for your concern, Miss Rarity, but that will not be needed. The armor we are wearing is power armor, unlike passive protective suits it moves when we do. In other words, despite its weight and certain constraints on our mobility, we are not strained by it. Instead, it strengthens us. 

Rainbow Dash: THAT. IS. AWESOME. 

Rainbow Dash declared, then she asked. 

Rainbow Dash: How strong are you guys with this armor on? 

Twilight found herself curious about this as well. Although she was more intrigued by how this "power armor" worked and how these humans created it. Did it move through magic or something else? 

Responding to Rainbow's question Abaddon explained cautiously. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: I am unaware as to the physical capacities of your species or what measurements of strength are used here, therefore, I'm afraid I cannot give a specific answer to your question. 

Twilight thought over Abaddon's answer until she heard Lyra excitedly yell. 

Lyra Heartstrings: I know a way you can show us, you can lift those haystacks over there. 

Twilight became anxious as to how their guests would react to Lyra's insistence, but her worries were allayed when Abaddon replied. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: That is optional, if the Apples agree. 

Shrugging her shoulders, Granny Smith said: 

Granny Smith: Go on right ahead Mrs. Show us what you got. 

Nodding, Abaddon went to the nearest stack of barrels. He wasn't especially miffed by the pony's request; a show of Imperial strength was a common practice when encountering new civilizations for the Imperium. 

Picking up a large stack of hay bales, he easily lifted up with only one hand. Then he ordered one of his brothers to place another stack on top of his. 

The ponies were impressed seeing the Marine holding aloft two stacks of hay bales with only one limb. Most ponies would only be able to carry one hay bale at a time, much less two stacks at once. 

Ezekyle Abaddon: I would be able to hold more if someone here were tall enough.

Seeing a chance to show off to their visitors, Twilight called out. 

Twilight Sparkle: Please allow me. 

Using her magic, she cast a telekinesis spell and raised a third stack of hay bales on top of the ones Abaddon held. 

Twilight smiled proudly at the Astartes before she realized something wasn't right. Abaddon's face was grim, and his brothers were taking up combat stances.

Comments would be appreciated