//------------------------------//
// Chp 10: Justification 
// Story: Frie-n-emy 
// by Guy Balkur 
//------------------------------//

//Equestria//
//Sweet Apple Acres 0600 hours//
//5 hours after slip space rupture.//

Light beamed through one of the windows inside the barn. The beam traveled onto the face of a sleeping Elite, one who woke upon the light reaching his face. Bathou’mus lifted his neck and gave it a good stretch before slowly raising himself from the ground. As his bad leg began to heave itself up, he felt a sudden jolt of pain from the extension. Realizing it was still recovering, he started to ease his motions as he tried to keep the healing process. Bathou’mus looked around to make sure he was still in the same place as before. The barn began to shine brilliantly from the sun’s powerful glow. He could smell the fresh morning penetrate his sense of smelling, giving him a shudder in pleasure.

He realized that his helmet was still on; his large hands grabbed at it and lifted it off so that he could fully embrace the fresh scent of the morning. He felt the remarkable onslaught of hay and dirt lift inside his sense of smell in a more
precise way. He closed his dragon-like eyes, absorbing every ounce of splendor he could. Before long, he heard a knock come from the barn doors, snapping him from his trance. The doors opened as Applebloom made her way inside.

“Um, Bathy?” She asked as she poked her head through.

“Yes, little one?” He said as he placed his helmet back on as to not startle the young filly. Applebloom opened the door even more as she walked through it to find the monstrosity standing in the center, with
his arms lazily hanging at his sides.

“Uh, the guards came by and have taken those no good burglars off to the town jail. It’s okay to come inside the house if ya want to.” She said as she trotted up to the Elite.

“I will follow your lead.” He said as he wobbled slightly towards her. Applebloom noticed his limp, giving him a worried
expression.

“Ya okay, Bathy? Did those no good ponies hurt ya?” She said as she looked at the wrapped leg. Bathou’mus gave a small chuckle as he knew that those ponies were as sloppy as a terrified grunt without his squad leader.

“No, this is nothing to be worried about. I’ve done what I could, all I can do now is wait for my anatomy to reconfigure the wound, creating a metabolism that will regenerate the muscle and flesh to its proper…..” Bathou’mus looked at the ever-confused filly, noticing its lack of understanding the biological terms he was using.

“I can heal very fast.” He said simply.

“Ooohhhh.” She said in confirmation. “Well come on then, you deserve a good breakfast. I’m sure that Granny will be more than happy ta serve ya up some.” She said as she opened the barn door for him. Bathou’mus walked as careful as he could as to not disrupt his wounded leg. He nudged past the doors and kept his pace near the little filly that
trotted next to him.

“I can’t say how happy me and ma family are fer ya help, Bathy.” She said with a cheerful tone. Bathou’mus kept silent as he absorbed the scenery around him; to his right, he could see a vast orchard of fruitful tress. He assumed it was fruit as each tree bared soothing red colored circles that secreted dew from the skin around them. To imagine taking a bite out of the seemingly crunchy red wonders would have refreshed any type of being in a dehydrated state.

“Hey Bathy?” Applebloom asked as they closed in on the house.

“Yes?” he asked as he eyed the now visible land.

“That necklace ya showed me last night. Who gave that to ya?” She asked with as much innocence she could muster. Bathou’mus stopped abruptly, trying to figure a way to tell the little one about his past without disclosing any vivid detail about his race’s stupidity to annihilate the humans.

“My father did.” He said in a solemn tone. Applebloom turned around as
she noticed him staring at the ground.

“Really?” she said as she trotted back up to him. Bathou’mus looked up as she came back into his view, her little smile gave him a sense of happiness that made him forget the horrors of his past.

“Yes, he was a noble person.” He said, hinting at the ‘was’ part of it. Applebloom looked down as she heard the ‘was’ part emphasized.

“I’m sorry Bathy.” She said looking down in sadness. Bathou’mus knelt down as his helmet came even closer to her face.

“It’s quite alright little one.” He said as his mandibles lifted inside his helmet into a cheerful grin. Applebloom looked up into his helmet’s visor, smiling again as well. She turned around and lifted the makeshift curtain that covered the hole that Bathou’mus made. They both made their way through to find the place rampaged around. A shelf laid in their path as Applebloom jumped over it to reach the kitchen. Bathou’mus stood at the entrance, looking at the mess with a
bemused expression. The mess of cluttered furniture and debrief, made his left eye spasm for a moment.

“Oh Granny! He’s here!!” She called out as she made her way into the kitchen.

“Well don’t keep him a’waitin’. Bring him to the table for some good old fashion breakfast.” She said.

“Sure thang.” Applebloom turned around to invite the Elite to the table. She turned the corner to find the place almost completely cleaned. Save for the makeshift door, the place looked like it was remolded and ready to sell.  The stunned Applebloom’s mouth literally hit the floor as her awaited chores were now completely finished. She looked up as she saw the Elite place the shelf next to the wall near the couch where the knocked out Big Mac slept. Bathou’mus was careful to make sure his body didn’t cause any more damage to the house. Each step was carefully calculated to guide his massive body through the living attire as he tidied up. He looked at the stunned Applebloom, finding her expression rather mussing.

“I apologize. I just hate messes.” He said as he carefully squeezed himself through to the kitchen. Leaving the stunned Applebloom to marvel at the completely cleaned room that only took him twelve seconds to rearrange.

He made his way to the table to find a chair waiting for him. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were sitting across from him, Spike sat next to Sweetie as he munched on his meal. In front of him sat a chair. He shook his head as he moved it away as to not break it. His appearance made all of them stop their chatting and gawk at him. Bathou’mus sat down carefully as his neck could easily stand straight without having to bend over to accommodate the house’s low ceiling. He sat on his good leg as he put the left one off to the side as to not put any more pressure on it. When he was properly seated, Granny placed his meal in front of him. Bathou’mus looked at the plate, finding what he made out to be sorts of human-like dishes.

A piece of flora was stuffed in between two slices of bread; finding it closely similar to what humans called a ‘Sandwich.’ Two pieces of sliced bread with a combination of other proteins and minerals to give the devourer a full hearted meal. Since his body was unable of properly digesting the flower sandwich, or what he decided to dub as a ‘Flor-which.’  He passed the dish to Applebloom.

“I’m sorry, but my body is unable to digest that.” He said. Applebloom nodded in response as she decided to accept his offer in almost completely consuming the sandwich in one happy bite. Next to it was a mound of yellow slops of what seemed like scrambled eggs. He looked up to his right as Granny slid a glass of orange juice to him. She sat down at the far end of the table, sitting ever so carefully. Bathou’mus felt a small nudge at his side as Spike pointed to his helmet.

“Hey, dude, the helmet.” He whispered. Bathou’mus realized his little blunder and lifted his arms to pull it off. All around the table, everypony stopped to look at the terrifying features his race was known for. Bathou’mus looked around to find each eye growing to abnormal sizes. He closed his eyes and sighed.

“I apologize for my features, if it makes you uncomfortable I will…” He began to put the helmet back on but was stopped by a dismissive hoof from Granny.

“Aww shucks there, no need fer that sonny.” Granny stated before munching on some stagnant porridge. Bathou’mus put his helmet at his side, looking at the old pony with some amount of acceptance. He bowed slightly before lifting one of the utensils up to eat his meal. Before he could, the little dragon made a “Wow” Sound, stopping him from poking at his meal. He looked down at the young reptile whose eyes shined from the supposedly wonder the elite had.

“Dude, you look more like a cross between my species and a Minotaur.” He said trying to come to terms to the physical origins of the Elite, in his own way of understanding. Bathou’mus had both rows of mandibles shut, the top row only moved slightly as to allow passage of oxygen. He turned to the mound of the yellow fluff nuggets. He awkwardly grasped the fork and tried his best to lift a portion of the mound. He lifted it up to his mouth, and extended both rows of mandibles as he tilted his entire head back. He dropped the yellow substance into his mouth closing his mandibles immediately as the ragged teeth chewed the egg to appropriate size for digestion.

The taste reminded him of the rich delicacy that his race only had a limited supply for. It was a substance that not even his commander in chief could even afford. The only time he did indulge in the substance was when he was invited to consult with Thel’ Valdemee and the high counsel before being transferred to the Redemption. They wanted details on his survival before allowing him to be assigned to a not-well looked upon ship in the covenant fleet. Mostly because the majority of covenant species on the ship were brutes and they never had any means of true honor amongst them. Bathou’mus savored each bite before swallowing the rich delicacy, his eyes opened as he looked at Granny with a smile.

“Most excellent, what is this amazing substance?” He asked in curiosity.

“”Scrambled eggs dearie.” She said with a chuckle. “I take it ya like it?”

“Yes, it is very delicious.” He said as he picked another portion of
the mound to devour.

“Hey granny, Is Big Mac gonna be alright?” Asked a concerned Applebloom.

“Now just hold on there dearie, he’s gonna be up sooner than a jackrabbit on winter wrap up.” She said as she took another bite of her porridge. Applebloom looked back at the Elite, who was still happily munching on the scrumptious mounds of yellow eggs.

“So what are we going to do about Bathy?” Asked Scootaloo. The Elite looked at the young filly before he remembered what it was that he was supposed to be doing. He carefully wiped his mandibles with his forearm as to not spread his saliva when he talked.

“Uh, Granny? I welcome the hospitality, but there are some questions that I wish to discuss with your planet and your kind.” He stated. Granny smiled her cheerful wrinkles at him before nodding.

“Ask away sonny.”

“What is this planet referred to as?”

“Well, Equestria I would assume.” She said unsure if her memory was in check.

“And where exactly am I?” he said pointing to the living attire around him.

“Yer on Sweet Apple Acres, home to the finest applebucked apples in all of Equestria.” Said an enthuastic Applebloom. Bathou’mus took a moment to speculate his surroundings now that they had a name to it.

“Now sonny, if you’d be so kind enough to explain what you are exactly, that would be most appreciated. Because we normally don’t get a giant walkin’, talkin’ behemoth such as yerself around here every day.” She said simply. Bathou’mus looked around the table to see hungry eyes awaiting his answer. Even Spike seemed intrigued at the Elite’s origins.

“I am a Sangheili. From the planet Sanghelios. We are….we were a proud race of noble beings who lived to appease the honor code.” He said sounding a bit distraught.

“So yer a warrior race er something?” Granny asked now intrigued.

“Yes, we were the strong hold of the covenant military.” Finding it difficult to not give away too much information.

“Wait, why do you keep saying were?” Said Sweetiebell in a confused tone. Bathou’mus looked at his helmet laying at his side, remembering when he first put it on as a member of the spec ops clan. His young mind was still blinded by the prophet’s lies. Making him a bit frustrated that he never saw it in the beginning.

“My race has been led astray by a disrupted government. I and a group of rebels were trying to make contact with another race for support. I was assigned to make a deal with one of their soldiers. But before we could…” a sudden gust of wind traveled faster than a Skirmisher on a caffeinated beverage. The mighty Elite looked at his side to find the once sleeping Stallion, fully engrossed into the dish that had sat next to the Elite. Big Mac wasted no time in hastily devouring his
meal before realizing where he was.

“Uhhh… Granny?” He asked as Granny chuckled.

“Knew that yer favorite meal would unknock that thick skull of yers.” She said.  Big Mac turned to face the Giant Elite that sat higher than the fully grown standing Stallion. Big mac didn’t feel all that threatened till he remembered why he was knocked out the night before.

“Wait, I don’t remember those bandits being as big as you. Granny, where the hullabaloo are those rotten ponies?” He asked sounding a tad frustrated.

“BIG MAC!!!!” Shouted Applebloom. She tackled her big brother with as much force as she could muster. Big mac grabbed at the young filly in a tight embrace.

“Applebloom. Yer alright there sis?!” He asked as he searched her face
to find any signs of damage.

“I’m fine, thanks to Bathy!” She said pointing a hoof to the giant being. Big Mac turned to face the mighty creature with a confused look. Bathou’mus looked back at him, seemingly amused at the affectionate display in front of him. Big mac looked around the room to find everypony looking at him with cheerful faces.

“If it wasn’t for Bathy, we’d be done for.” Said Sweetiebell. Spike gave a frown as she nudged him with her hoof.

“Alright, fine. He saved us from those jerks. In a pretty awesome way too.” He added before turning to Sweetie to give her an ‘are ya happy?’ kind of face.

“More like in an amazingly awesomely way.” Shouted Scootaloo.

“It’s alright Big Mac, he’s the reason you were weren’t waking up inside the cellar this morning.” Said Granny. Big Mac walked up to the Elite, extending his hoof in a grateful manner.

“Thank you, Thank you for saving my family.” He said with a little sniff.

“Of course, it’s what anybody with true honor would have done.” He said, grabbing the hoof and shaking it up and down. Big Mac smiled and decided to join the fillies around the table for some good old fashion breakfast.

“Well, can anypony tell me what exactly happened?” he asked before taking a bite out of the freshly baked apple breakfast fritter, stuffed with caramelized apples and cinnamon baked crust to give the aroma of freshly made sugar toasted sweetness.

“Well…..” Began Scootaloo. “We were all coming back from Zecora’s and then Applebloom heard a crash from the house, and then…”







//Equestria//
//Sweet Apple Acers 0700 hours//
//6 hours after Slip space rupture//


Bathou’mus lost his concentration for a moment from his heroic tale of saving the fillies. Especially when the little winged orange one threw in how they were bravely trying to hold off the Timberwolf horde while Bathy was battling the grey earth pony, who somehow took on a final form or something. He didn’t care at the moment. His mission was top priority in his mind, wondering if the humans aboard that ship actually took the heretic’s offer. Maybe they were on their way to the heretic station right now and have already started a relationship that could end the war.

The Redemption was no longer a threat, that overload would have ripped the ship into two halves. Knowing the report of the humans’ victory over the first super carrier on Reach. He could only comprehend how his luck that the brutes really never understood how to maintain control over a ship let alone a squad unit, was what actually made it all possible that no humans had to suffer from his hands. That gave him a sense of peace and stability. Knowing he saved the innocent from a pointless war, innocents that he himself had slaughtered countless times before seeing the true light.

Bathou’mus cupped his hand below his mandibles as he tried to think. He looked up at the ponies around the table, noticing that they were all laughing at the ridiculousness of Scootaloo’s story. Each pony had a beaming smile on their face as they enjoyed themselves and the company they had. The last time he ever felt genuinely accepted was when he was grouped with Konthou, Rega’lily and Muffeme’. The three people he really felt connected to. Not only did they save his ass and him, theirs, but they gave him a sense of family. Konthou always looked up to him as a fatherly figure. Bathou’mus never really liked the traditional raised by your uncle bullshit the covenant installed for his culture. He and a few other high ranked military Sangheili were the only ones that were raised by their true fathers.

Konthou was young, very young, being only considered a Rookie on the mission they were first assigned to.  Not to mention the two giant worm brains that kept making a mess of things.  Those two nearly drove Bathou’mus to insanity with their constant dis-orderness and un-balanced walking cycles that made him grip his mandibles tight. Thinking about his
friends made his expression sadden.

‘I do hope Konthou was at peace with himself before his final moment. I remember when I wished for death after me and ‘Refumee found the oracle. Finding the strength to move on and maybe even correct my mistakes was a lot harder than I anticipated.’ All around the table, everypony stopped their talking as they noticed the Elite’s depression.

“You okay there, sonny?” asked Granny. Bathou’mus looked back around, finding their acceptance and hospitality very comforting to his moral.

“Yes, I am.” He said as he smiled. Everypony would have lied if they said that his smile, didn’t gave them some sort of uneasiness. Being that his mandibles curved into a downward sharp v formation with the opened slits.

“I have to say, you all treating me as if I were one of you, has really caught me off guard. I cannot express my gratitude for your hospitality.” He said before taking another chunk out of the mound of scrambled eggs.

“Think not’en of it sonny. Tell the truth, we’ve had even weirder thangs come’n’go here.” Granny said as she slurped her porridge. Bathou’mus raised his brow at the questionable phrase to him not being a strange enough occurrence. Before he could ask what sorts of wonders this planet held, there came slammed door, getting the attention of all the ponies sitting around the table. Bathou’mus turned his neck around towards the direction of the sound.

“Granny? Applebloom? Big Mac? It’s me Applejack, Twi’s here with me too. So is Pinkie.” rang Applejack’s voice.

“That was one awesome party!! We should do that again.” Yelled Pinkie.

“You mean have another metal beast come crashing through the royal ceiling?” Asked an annoyed Twilight Sparkle.

“Yep.” Replied the hyper pink pony.

“We’re in the kitchen dearie, having breakfast with a guest.” Said Granny with a casual tone.

“Oh, okay. Hey nice job sprucing up the place Applebloom, looks like its a-ready to be sold and put on tha market.” Applejack complimented.

“Oh that was Bathy, not me.” She replied modestly.

“A who?” Applejack asked turning the corner. Twi and Pinkie followed their friend who abruptly froze in place. Twilight trotted up to her friend who could only sputter out non sensible phrases

“Applejack, are you okay?” She asked, worried for her friend’s sudden act of pure fear. Applejack said nothing to her friend, but instead looked at Twilight with her left eye twitching. Applejack grabbed Twilight by her head and tilted it to face the Elite who had taken interest in looking directly at the new party of ponies. Bathou’mus reached over the table to grab a napkin. He proceeded to wipe his mouth before talking to the new party of ponies.

“Hello, my name is Bathou’mus.” He said as he held out his large hand in a greeting manner. Before Twilight and Applejack could respond, Pinkie immediately grabbed the large fingers and nearly ripped the Elite’s hand off from the excitement.

“OH WOWWY!! YOU LOOK JUST LIKE THAT GIANT WALKING TALKING METEOR THAT CRASHED THE PARTY EXCEPT YOU HAVE THE REVERSE COLOR SCHEME AND LOOK MORE SPOOKY LOOKING  AND LOOK LIKE YOU’RE ABOUT TO HURT SOMEPONY BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE A HEART OF GOLD BECAUSE…MPFMHMPM!!” Pinkie’s mouth was hastily shut as Twilight and Applejack held her down. Twilight raised herself from the ground as she took in the Elite’s presence. Bathou’mus felt something uncomfortable click inside his head as the pink mare continued to explode her words all over Applejack’s hoof.

“Uh….Greatings Bathou’mus, my name is Twilight Sparkle, student to princess Celestia.” She said. “That there is Pinkie Pie.” Twilight pointed her hoof towards her. Pinkie smiled and muffled a loud hello
from beneath Applejack’s hoof.

“And this is Applejack.” Now pointing at Applejack who blew her mane from her face as she nodded at the Elite. Bathou’mus kept his eyes on the purple one, who subtly  began to sweat from the amount of fear his presence was bringing.

“A pleasure to meet you all.” He simply stated as to not provoke anymore fear.

“So, uh. Anypony want ta fill us in on what the hay is going on?” Applejack said before letting Pinkie go.

“Uhh well ya see, we were coming back from Zecora’s when…..” Scootaloo began.

“Excuse me, but may I ask as to who this princess is?” Bathou’mus asked with much interest.

“She’s the co-ruler of Equestria, and also the one who raises the sun every morining.” Twilight responded. Bathou’mus leaned in closer towards Twilight as he folded his digits together.

“Interesting, would it be too much to ask for an audience with the her?” Bathou’mus asked in a humble tone.

“Not at all, I’m sure there’s a connection to you and that walking talking meteor we found while at the Gala.” Twilight said as she magically pulled out a quill and parchment.

“Spike, please take a letter to the Princess.” She said before handing the equipment to her faithful student. Spike rolled his eyes as he took hold of the quill.

“Geez Twilight, five minutes in and you’re already asking me to do stuff.” He said with a scant amount of humor.

“Awwww, I’ve missed you too Spike, by the way how’s the fever?” Twilight said as she trotted over to Spike. Spike let out a small sneeze of flames that traveled across the table and would have scorched Bathou’mus if he didn’t lower his neck to the side.

“I’d say better than yesterday.” Spike said as he readied himself to start writing.

“I’m glad you’re doing better my number one assistant.” Twilight said as she nuzzled him. “Alright, Dear Princess Celestia……”





//Equestria//
//Sweet apple acres 0730//
//6.25 hours after slip space rupture//


Bathou’mus looked around the fields outside. Enjoying the peaceful atmosphere this planet possessed, and pondering his new objective to discuss his plans with the ruler of this country. But one thing he couldn’t figure was what next after that. These ponies aren’t technically advanced yet, so that probably means going back is out of the question. Bathou’mus turned around to find the purple pony trotting up to him with a very uncomfortable grin on her face.

“Sooooooooo, have a minute to discuss your origins and species’ agriculture?” She said as she lifted another quill and parchment. Bathou’mus sighed as he began to sit down next to the patio as Twilight kept her gaze on the Elite as he placed his helmet at his side.

“Very well, but you must share some of yours as well. This Princess, why is she the ruler of this land?” He asked.

“Well, she is an Alicorn, a very powerful being that is worshiped here in Equestria.” She answered. “Only three Alicorns exist today, Princess’s Celestia, Luna and my new sister in law, Cadence.” “Interesting. I am to meet the princess Celestia?”

“Yes, she also said that she was bringing the walking, talking meteorite with her because she thinks it has something to do with you.” Twilight said as she folded her hooves underneath her body. Her horn glowed brilliant lavender as the quill began to write on the parchment.

“You’ve mention this moving asteroid before, what significance does it have to…” Twilight raised her hoof as she manually paused his sentence.

“Please if you don’t mind, my turn to ask questions.” She said. Bathou’mus gave a audible gruff as he nodded at her.

“Okay, what is your species like?” She said with an adorable smile.

“Advanced…..” He said clicking his mandibles.

“Oh don’t pull that on me…..” Twilight said with an annoyed tune. “I mean specifications. Like what your race is known for or some type of origin story.”  Bathou’mus scratched the back of his head, thinking of how to tell her about his race in an uplifting way.

“We were a race that believed in true honor. Before the covenant, my people strived to perfect the honor code. We all had a sense of individualism when our government first started, and we were drifting into setting a republic for ourselves, but all that changed when the San 'Shyuum Invaded. They promised our race a chance to spread honor to all species in the galaxy.” Bathou’mus paused as he noticed the rest of the ponies from inside had come out to hear his tale.

Applebloom sat next to him as Granny could be heard squeaking in her rocking chair. Big Mac sat close to Pinkie who was giving Bathou’mus a giant smile. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo sat on the grass in front of the house. Applejack leaned against the makeshift doorway as Spike sat a few meters away from Twilight. The mighty Elite decide to keep going as Twilight’s quill stopped.

“After a few decades of helping to shape the covenant, the San 'Shyuum installed new and religious laws for all covenant to abide to. At first it seemed harmless as having a sense of religion was nothing taboo in my culture, but soon after our encounter with the humans, another race. Instead of asking them to join our forces, the San 'Shyuum ordered full annihilation on them, as they were deemed unworthy of living. So, we slaughtered as many as we could. Blinded by the truth that was in front of us the entire time.” He stopped as the truth came out about his kind. Twilight’s quill stopped from her broken concentration.

“Wait, you were ordered to kill a race for no other reason besides the San 'Shyuum  saying they were unworthy?” Twilight said with an amount of fear in her throat. Bathou’mus hung his head in shame as the entire group of ponies looked at him with a new sense of fear. Awaiting the slander of his actions, he closed his eyes as he sighed once more.

“Wait, didn’t you say you were part of a group of rebels er something like that?” Asked Applebloom  in confusion.

“Eeyup.” Confirmed Big Mac.

“I heard that as well.” Said Granny. Bathou’mus now saw his chance to explain himself as the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming.

“Yes, after the destruction of one of the "Sacred" rings, me and my head commander ‘Rufemee had come across an Oracle. A being the so-called-gods had left a behind as a means to follow the great journey. It told us about
the lies the San 'Shyuum  were spreading in order to have complete control over all species in the covenant armada. Me and ‘Rufemee decided it’d be best for me to return to the covenant and see if I could get any more information from the higher chain of command. We were able to cover my tracks and keep my status as a high ranking Spec ops class. After my consolation with the high counsel; they deemed it necessary to send me to a ship called the Redemption.” 

From there he stopped as he noticed a giant blur emanating from the horizon of the fields. Standing up cautiously, he could make out the silhouette of a massive chariot, speeding towards them. His motions brought the attention of all the ponies as they all too noticed the chariot closing in.

“Why if it isn’t Celestia herself.” Applejack stated. Bathou’mus bent down to pick up his helmet. Placing it on his head, the first thing he noticed was a red blip on the radar that somehow disappeared in a flash. Bathou’mus now felt his muscles tighten as the chariot parked itself in front of the house.

“Well, we’ll finish this up for another time. What do you say Bathou-“ Twilight looked back up to find the Elite gone from her vision.

“Bathou’mus?” She said as the doors of the chariot leaped open to reveal the princess slowly trotting out of the vehicle. Everypony respectfully bowed their heads as she made her way to them.

“Greetings my little ponies. How have things been since the gala?” She asked with much concern.

“Well, after the crash, we all went our separate ways after we made it back to the train station. Except fer me Twi and Pinkie. When we got here, we found another one of those talking Asteroids inside ma kitchen.” Applejack said. Applebloom quickly stood up and trotted up to her older sibling with a look of anger.

“He’s not a silly old rock!! His name is Bathy!” She shouted.

“Um does anypony notice that Bathy isn’t here?” pointed out Scootaloo. Eveypony examined the area to find the massive being absent. 

Celestia looked back at the group of ponies fumbling around trying to find the elite. She used her magic to scan the area until she found a trail that led up onto the roof. She looked up to find a giant blue blur jump up and tackle the air next to her. She managed to doge but his intentions were not meant for her. His massive body tumbled around in the grass until he was flung off from an invisible force. Bathou’mus used his weight to roll himself to his feet as he again stood in a defensive stance.

“Show yourself!!.” He hissed. 

Standing a few yards away, a faint yellow armor began to appear out of thin air as the Spartan revealed
himself. Bathou’mus’s instincts were right, it was the same demon from the Redemption.

“How in the holy hell did you survive?” Alan asked as he raised his fists. Bathou’mus tilted his head as they began to circle one another.

“Could ask you the same thing. Demon.”

Celestia and the others stood in shock as the two titans began to circle one another.

“Uh, princess, shouldn’t we do something?” Asked Applejack.  Celestia nodded slightly as she began to trot up to them. Turning her head, she looked back at the younger fillies.

“I believe the three should go inside, for their own safety.” She said as she continued on her way. Big Mac nodded as he gathered the fillies around him and proceeded to bring them inside the house. Applebloom poked her head out the door and looked at the giant blue Elite, feeling worried that something might happen to him. “Please Princess, don’t let anything bad happen to Bathy.” She said before turning back inside the house. Celestia nodded as she continued on her way to confront the two behemoths.

“One thing is bugging me about this whole ordeal. Why in the living fuck would you want to help my race?  Sure, I bought the
heretic story because it was a valid reason. But this all seems too cryptic for my liking. You and your kind have proven to be nothing but honor hungry freaks. Wanting appease your gods by annihilating us. So give me one good reason to believe you’re any different.” Alan said as their pacing stopped. Bathou’mus leaned down, as he knew no amount of words would change the human’s state of mind. This was going to end in a bath of blood, one way or another.

“Besides killing my so called covenant brothers, I have already proven my separation from the covenant. You may not accept it, and you are willing to kill me for reasons beyond my understanding. But take heed that I won’t die standing. Prepare for battle stubborn human.” He stated as the Spartan too leaned forward in a pre-emptive striking pose.

“Best answer, of all day..” Alan said as he tried thrusting his body at the Elite, but finding his pose stuck from movement. He
pulled with all his might as he felt his muscles refuse to move. Bathou’mus saw his chance as he too tried to lung at the human, but he too found his body unmovable. Trotting at a slower pace, both Twilight and Celestia made their way to the two beings that froze in place from the magic barriers.

“Enough, there will be no blood shed here. As long as I am here, you two will calmly discuss your disagreements with me---“

“Release me……NOW!!!” Shouted the Spartan. His voice felt like low thunder as he turned his helmet to look at the princess. Celestia kept her face a neutral level as she increased the magic force on the Spartan.

“Not until you two agree to cease this pointless bloodshed.”

“Big mistake, Princess.” Alan stated as his arms slowly fought the magic restraints. Lifting his data pad, he tried all his might to activate the emp blast to disrupt her magic transmission.  Celestia noticed his actions and applied direct pressure to his shrapnel wound. Alan grunted slightly as the repairing muscle was soon pulled slightly apart.  The pain was almost unbearable for any human to withstand, but all it did was just add to the Spartan’s adrenaline. Celestia felt her magic again increase towards the wound until the Spartan’s shoulder gave way and fell to his side in a painful jerk, disabling him. Celestia tried once more to confront the two.

“I have no knowledge of your two’s history. But as long as you are here, in MY land, there will be no cold-blooded murder. Am I understood?” She said with an air of authority. Bathou’mus the entire time, was in a state of confusion, but his instincts could tell when a seemingly powerful being was pissed. So he nodded in confirmation. Twilight looked up at the princess with a smile.

“I do believe Bathou’mus understands. Should I let him go first?” She asked. Celestia looked at the elite who not once showed any signs of struggle. Smiling she nodded. Bathou’mus notice the strange purple energy leave his body, allowing him to move freely. He looked at the Spartan with the same look he gave him back when they first met.

“You must be princess Celestia.” He said as he walked passed the Spartan. He fell on one knee as he respected her authority. Pleased by his actions Celestia bowed too.

“And you must be Bathou’mus. A pleasure to meet you.” She said as she lifted her hoof up. The elite grabbed it as he made his acquaintance with her. Celestia trotted up to Alan as he could only stare in disbelief at the Princess’s actions. His helmet hid his emotions quite well, but the powerful princess could tell he was more than displeased with her.

“Alan, I know you must hate me right now…”

“Understatement of the millennium.” He replied coldly.

“But please, respect my wishes. Do not hastily engage in battle, especially when it is in my land. I have a duty to not start an
incident that could very well affect this entire planet. Alan, please.” She pleaded. Alan remained quite as her eyes looked past his visor and into his heart. Knowing full well that he needed to trust her in order to get through this in one piece. His helmet tilted up and down as he complied to the princess’s demands. Celestia gave a small smile as she slowly released him from his magic imprison. Falling on one knee, Alan lifted himself back up to his full height. Reminding her of his size and power.

“If anything is to continue, we must all first rid ourselves with any aggression that could hinder our progress to better understand each other. Bathou’mus?” Celestia said as she looked at him. The Elite folded his hands behind him as he straightened back. 

“Would you be so kind as too---“ A sudden raise of Bathou’mus’s hand stopped her speech as he lifted his hand to his helmet. “KONTHOU!?!?!” Shouted the surprised Elite. Everpony tilted their heads at him; even Alan casted a glance at the sudden outburst.

“By hell’s flames…..Bathou’mus. Are you here too?” Konthou replied.

“Yes, my brother. Are you alright?” Bathou’mus said as he walked back and forth.

“I’m fine. One of the humans that were with us, has made it through too.” Bathoumus looked back over his shoulder as he eyed the Spartan.

“So it would seem. The demon, Alan, has made it through too.”  As Bathou’mus continued his conversation, Alan looked at his dislocated limb. Celestia noticed his actions as she trotted up to him, her horn glowing as she proceeded to heal him. Alan used his other working arm to snap it up and with lightening reflexes, jerked it in place with a loud snap.

The princess looked him over with a shocked expression; his immunity to pain surprised her as he rolled his now functioning shoulder. Alan looked at the princess as he finished rotating his shoulder. Celestia looked down, as she knew she had lost his trust with her actions. Alan walked towards her as he noticed her sorrow. He awkwardly placed his hand on her shoulder, as he could understand the heavy decision she had to make in order to keep her land safe.

“You did what needed to be done in order to protect your land, I understand that.” He said calmly. Celestia looked up at him as he looked back at the Elite. “But, if you want to keep your land safe. You must understand the relationship with his race, and mine.” Alan looked back at Bathou’mus who had stopped his chat as he slightly jogged up to the two. Twilight found herself prancing up to the princess too as she took out yet another quill and parchment to record one of the most historical moments in Equestrian history.

“Princess, I have news regarding our current state of affairs.” The Elite looked at the Spartan who had folded his arms. “This concerns you too, Demon.”

“Even, though I like the name, it’s starting to sound a little overly
dramatic for my liking.” Alan responded with a hint of annoyance.

“Your race has thrown much more finer insults such as Freak, Fuck-face, Sangalickmaballs, and my personal favorite, Blarg–Tards.” The Elite deadpanned. 

Alan chuckled a bit. “Blarg-Tards that’s a good one.” 

Celestia rolled her eyes at the two. “Please, may we stay on task?”

“Yes of course.” Bathou’mus shifted his attention on the princess as he heard the purple pony murmur her notes to herself. “Blarg-tards.” She said as she placed a period on that sentence.

“As you are aware. The only two anomalies here are me and the.... human. But I’ve just received news that one of my squad mates has made it as well.” He paused as the Princess gathered the information presented to her. 

“Demon.” He said now turning his attention to the Spartan.

“Both of your squad mates are here too.” Alan dropped his arms as he felt hope rising from the depths of his heart. Realizing both his squad mates are here, the Spartan activated his comm. to see if he could get a signal from them.

“This is Spartan 027, is anybody out there?”  No response. Only the sound of static came through for a whole two minutes.

“This is Spartan 027, does anybody re—“

“Well well, never thought you’d be here captain crunch.” Replied Daniel. Alan felt his excitement rise as Daniel’s voice came on the radio.

“Lieutenant Daniel! What’s your status?” The Spartan replied. Celestia and the others stood silent as Alan talked to his teammate.

“Well, you know just hanging with Skittles here, said she was leading me to some sort of apple farm.”

“It’s called Sweet apple acres, and STOP CALLING ME SKITTLES!” Shouted Rainbow dash. Twilight dropped her quill as soon as she heard Rainbow’s voice.

“IS THAT RAINBOW DASH!!??”

“TWILIGHT!?! WHERE ARE YOU?” Rainbow responded through the Daniel’s helmet.

“UGH GET OFF MY FACE!” Shouted Daniel in annoyance.

“Uh, hello?”  Another voice said through an open channel.

“Sergeant Sam! Good to hear you again.” Alan responded with enthusiasm.

“Yo Buzzneck! Good to see that you decided to join the party!” Said Daniel.

“DANIEL?!  COMMANDER?! Oh dear lord, I thought I was the only one who made it through. Where are you guys?”  Alan lifted his data pad up as he typed in a set of coordinates for both parties to follow.

“I want you all to meet me here at these coordinates. We’ll explain things better if we all were at one location.”

“Hurrah!” Responded Daniel.

“Sir yes sir!!” Shouted Sam.

“Um……Sam…” Came Fluttershy’s small voice.

“Oh sorry. Sir yes sir.” Sam’s voice came back in a hushed tone. Alan stopped his radio chat as the company around him looked at him. Celestia stood still as Bathou’mus waited to continue the conversation.

“It looks like we’ll be having more guests over.”  Alan stated.

“I say we should await the excess company before we explain our situation with the Princess.” Bathou’mus said.

“Wait! What about Rainbow? And Fluttershy?” Twilight asked in a worried tone.

“Peace Twilight. They sound as if they are in good company.” Celestia looked at the Spartan with a concerned look to confirm her assumptions about his company. Alan nodded without hesitation.

“Is your friend attending as well?” Alan asked.

“Of course, he said he was bringing a friend named Zecora.”

“Zecora? What does she have to do with this?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, would you gather remaining elements of harmony. We will set this meeting up inside the barn.” Celestia asked. Twilight bowed slightly before returning to the farm house.

“Alan, Bathou’mus.” She said now getting their attention. “These are grounds of peace and harmony. No confrontations are to be met here. Am I understood?” She stated.

“Of course.” Agreed the Elite. Alan looked at the princess for a moment before he complied.

“Yes, your highness.”