Prologue

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The Chief walked under caution across the hard light bridge to the Composer’s firing area to finish off the Didact and end his campaign against Humanity with the nuke on his back. The Chief stopped dead in his tracks, and attempted to see farther by putting his head farther in front of him. He saw the Didact starting to vanish from sight in the beam, then in a flash of light he vanish completely from the beam. The Chief only took a few steps until he heard the Didact.

“You persist too long after your own defeat.”

The Chief spun around, raising his Battle Rifle and preparing to shoot the Didact, only to be met with nothing but blank space. The Chief lowered his Battle Rifle cautiously and took four steps backwards, then turned around. He did not make it far, only to sense the Didact’s presence right behind him.

“Come then warrior, have your resolution." The Didact challenging said, landing in position after slowly levitating himself down.

The Chief spun around again as fast as he could. Right as he was about to shoot the Didact, he was pushed away with extreme force from the Didact’s Constraint Field. The Chief was pushed away several feet, then fell on the bridge. The bomb fell off his back, and the Chief slid a couple more feet. He pushed himself up while he was still sliding on the bridge, then stopped sliding in a crouched position. Then, the Chief looked up to see the Didact’s position, then his eyes moved to the bomb, and the Didact clearly knew what he was going to do next. The Chief took off with all the speed his legs could offer to reach the nuke.

But he wasn’t nearly fast enough.

Right as he was about to reach the bomb, the Didact grabbed him in his Constraint Field and the Chief froze solid. The Chief was then lifted into the air in a straight position, his arms slightly extended and his hands in a claw like shape. The Didact’s helmet morphed off his head piece by piece

“So misguided,” Didact said with a note of profound derision. The Promethean slowly levitated John, walking to his right over to the Composer’s pit, where all the Humans from Earth were being composed into the Didacts new servants. The Didact stopped moving when he had the Chief in a good position above the Composers pit, then the Didact put his left leg behind him.

“Humanity’s imprisonment is a KINDNESS.”

The Didacts hand made a fist and the Chief’s shields flickered as the Constraint Field was crushing the life out of him. The bridge started to flickered and looked as if it were about to collapse. The Didact looked down in dismay, fearing it may collapse beneath him. But, what he saw instead were multiple hard light human females raising out of the bridge, whispering thing the Didact couldn't understand. Didact looked to his right with a face of confusion and saw more of the same females. He looked back at the Chief and then back again, seeing yet more females emerging from the framework of the bridge..

“In that case, you won’t mind if we return the favor,” the AI said with hostility.

“Your compassion for Mankind is misplaced!” Didact declared, looking down at the one female that was talking.

“I’m not doing this for Mankind,” Cortana retorted.

The main Cortana jumped at the Didact’s left arm and then attached it to the bridge. Then, the other Cortanas joined in and jumped at all his limbs. The Didact morphed his helmet back on when one of the Cortanas attached to his arm that was grasping the Chief. With that, the Chief gained control over his body once again, but fell towards the Composer’s pit.

Before he could begin plummeting, he grabbed on to the bridge just in time, preventing him from falling to his doom. The Didact was grunting and using all his strength to break free from his hard light shackles. The final Cortana attached to his head, preventing it from moving about. The Chief looked up and got a perfect view of the Composer’s beam hitting Earth in the American Southwest, right on top of New Phoenix.

John looked down to the Composer’s pit. There was absolutely no way he was going down there, he still had a mission and he planned on completing it. Master Chief got his grip on the bridge and looked up at Earth, bringing his other hand up on the bridge. With all his strength, he pulled himself up and brought his left arm up onto the bridge.

Then, with another burst of strength, he pulled his right arm up on the bridge and brought his left arm down, grabbing a Pulse Grenade from his waist, he then brought up his left arm with the Pulse Grenade in his hand.

John put his right arm in front of him, then pushed himself up while running forward towards the Didact as fast as he could. When he got close enough, he planted the Pulse Grenade on the Didact’s chest, Immediately, the Didact punched the Chief with enormous strength and knocked the Spartan off his feet. The Didact picked up a critically injured Chief in his Constraint Field. He was going to end this Human filth once and for all, such was his determination.

As if on cue, the Pulse Grenade detonated right on the Didact’s chest, making him take a few steps back from the blast and leading him near the edge of the bridge. The Didact grunted, in serious pain, and lost his balance on the bridge and fell over into the Composers pit. He reach out his arm in a futile attempt to grab on to the bridge, but failed and lost control over his body. He fell, spinning on his side over and over again until he fell into the Composer’s energy stream, quite possibly to his death.
It may have looked like that, but a spontaneous slipspace portal opened up amidst the maelstrom of energy, and he went through it seemingly on complete accident

It was another peaceful day in the Crystal Empire. Crystal Ponies went about there day, and the foals playing with their friends, and lovers’ combined affection helped power the Crystal Heart and magnified its strength across the entire empire.

Princess Cadence enjoyed the view from the balcony of the Crystal Tower, It was a beautiful afternoon. Cadence always loved to see her subjects having a wonderful day, and this was all possible because of Twilight and her friends, but most importantly it was because of Spike's heroism that them all. It was he who took the Crystal Heart from the evil Sombra and helped Cadence restore the Crystal Empire to its former glory. There was nothing that could ruin this day.

"Princess, we require your attention at the Mirror Room at once!” One of Cadences guards shouted from behind her, breathing heavily from his run over here.

“Whats the matter?” Cadence asked, confused on why there was a problem specifically in the room where the Mirror Portal was kept, as she turned around and faced her guard.

“We don’t know exactly, but the portal is acting up and doing very strange things!" The Crystal Guard explained to Cadence, while searching for a explanation in his head, but couldn't find one.

"What do you mean acti-”

“Princess, I think its best if you saw it yourself, for I can't truly explain what it's doing."

“Alright, we better hurry before anypony gets hurt." Cadence pointed out, making her way past the Crystal Guard, as the guard the caught up.

The Princess and the crystal guard made there way to the Portal Room with urgency to get there. But when they did, the portal looked as if a gateway to eternal darkness had open and had blue swirling substance around the eternal darkness. The Guards circled the portal with there spears raised at portals entrance.

“What is going o-” Cadence never got to finish, as a pony in weird glowing armor was spontaneously tossed out of the portal towards Cadence and her guards with little but too no warning.

“Princess, get down!” The guard that escorted Cadence her dived at her to avoid any harm against her from that strange pony.

They got out of the way in time just as the strange pony hit the door sharply behind them. The pony was still conscious, it seemed, grunting in pain and holding his chest.
“By the order of the Princess, stop right there!” A guard run up to the pony with his spear raised and ready to protect the Princess against any harm.

“ *cough* *cough* “Get...those weapons *cough* away from...me!” *cough* The pony then got up on his hind legs, but fell as he was assailed by further bouts of coughing.
“Explain yourself this instant!” The guard demanded, taking a step closer towards the pony and raising his spear slightly more.

“You will not *cough* treat me with such *cough* disrespect!” The pony shouted, who then stood at his full height. Cadence was quite surprised at his stature. He was about six feet tall, maybe even a few inches taller then Celestia herself! He wave his hoof in front of him quickly. The guards went flying back several feet as they were hit by an unseen force, then the massive pony made a run for it.

“Wait come back!” Cadence shouted, trying to sound calm over what she just saw. That pony just sent her guards flying with merely a wave of his hoof. The pony outright ignored her and keep running, trying to get away so he could heal his injuries without interruptions. The Pony went into a coughing fit and fell to the ground. He looked up to see more guards coming.

“Halt intruder!" The leader of the group of guards a ordered, continuing to run towards him.

The Guards made a circular formation around the pony, with their spears facing him. The stallion just sat there coughing, then after a few seconds, he stopped and looked as if he was about to fall down.

Blackness was coming over his eyes; he was going to pass out. He just simply couldn’t handle the pain of his injuries anymore. Didact did nothing more but let the blackness over take him, and the last thing he heard was that feminine voice that called out to him saying to stand down, no doubt addressing her soldiers. With that, he finally lost all consciousness.

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Stranger

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"In this hour of victory, we taste only defeat. I ask why. We are Forerunners, guardians of all that exists. The roots of the galaxy have grown deep under our careful tending. Where there is life, the wisdom of our countless generations has saturated the soil. Our strength is a luminous sun towards which all intelligence blossoms...And the impervious shelter beneath which it has prospered.”

“I stand before you. Accused of the sin of ensuring Forerunner ascendancy... Of attempting to save us from this fate where we are forced to… recede...Humanity stands as the greatest threat in the galaxy. Refusing to eradicate them is a fool’s gambit. We squander eons in the darkness...while they seize our triumphs for their own. The Mantle of Responsibility for all things belongs to Forerunners alone! Think of my acts as you will. But do not doubt the reality. The reclamation… has already begun. And we are hopeless to stop it."

One hour after assault

“Ok, tell me again, this pony or whatever he was, simply just waved his hoof, and all your men just went… flying!?” Captain Shining Armor asked, with anger and suspicion on how this stranger was able to do such an act with such little movement, as he sat behind a desk in his office.

“Yes sir,” said Commander Flash Sentry. It was his first day leading his own battalion of guards, and with his luck, there just had to be some sort of space pony, or whatever it was, barging in through the Mirror Portal and promptly tossing his men around as if they were nothing but simple ragdolls, while Flash stood in front of Shining desk in a professional stance.

“And you’re telling me that this ‘pony’ didn’t have any horn?” Shining Armor questioned Flash, as he waved his hoof in front of him.

“Yes sir, for all I know.” Flash Sentry pointed out, looking down in shame.

“But this just leaves us with one more question: how did he do it without the assistance of a horn? Where is he getting his magic?” Shining questioned Sentry and himself.

“Yes sir. I know its hard to believe, but I know what I saw, and there wasn’t even a magic aura surrounding me and my men, I'm just confused as you are Captain" Flash Sentry declared. Still in his professional stance.

Shining Armor sighed, thinking on how this was all possible without the usage of a horn. “Dismissed.”

“Yessir.” With that, Flash Sentry made his way out the door

Shining Armor sighed in relief as he closed his eyes and rested his head on the chair. "At least Cadence is ok,” Shining said to himself.

Cadence made her way to the hospital where the mysterious pony was being held. After he had passed out, Cadence took him to the hospital because he was coughing like crazy, something damaging must have happen to him before he had arrived there. Cadence entered the hospital waiting room, earning bows from her subjects as she went.

“Rise, please.”

The ponies in the waiting room then went back to their things, but were still uncomfortable a bit in the presence of royalty. Cadence walk up to the mare behind the counter.

“Can I help you, Princess?”

Before Cadence could answer, the doctor replied in a hushed voice, “Oh..you must be here for that mysterious pony.”

“Yes infact, I am” Cadence replied in the same hushed tone.

“Ok, follow me. I'll take you to Doctor Sapphire.”

The nurse then lead Cadence through the hallways until they reach a door that said “employees only”.

“Ok, here you are, Princess. The doctor should be inside, just be careful whenever she comes out of that room. I hear her mumbling about ‘how is this possible?’ and all that stuff.”

Cadence just raised her eyebrow in confusion when the nurse started to walk away. The Princess used her magic to open the door. When she entered the first thing she registered was the glowing lights on the pony’s exotic armor. She then stepped inside and looked to her left, then saw a Crystal pony that looked like a Sapphire, sitting in a chair facing the pony.

“You must be Doctor Sapphire,” Cadence greeted.

“Yes, I am, Your Highness. I suppose you're here about this stallion’s condition?”

“Yes, how is he?”

The Doctor simply shrugged and started getting out of her seat. “I wish I knew, Princess,” she said, frustration creeping into her voice.

“What do you mean, you wish you knew?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like,” Doctor Sapphire stated flatly.

“Can’t you just take off his armor?” Cadence said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Thats the problem, I CAN’T!” The Doctor said, getting angry.

“Why can’t you take it off, Doctor?” Cadence’s confusion was growing.

“I-i-i-it’s like it was BUILT AROUND HIM! I don’t see ANYWHERE to start taking it off!”

“Ok, slow down, Doctor. If you can’t take off his armor, then why not try using the X-RAY?” Cadence said in her most soothing voice.

“Yeah, I already tried that.”

“And?”

“Ok, well how do I put this...THE X-RAY CAN”T GET THROUGH HIS ARMOR LIKE WHAT THE BU-”

“Doctor Sapphire! Please. Calm. Down. “

The Doctor took a deep breath and was ready to start explaining things

“Ok.. sorry for my outburst, Your Highness. It’s just, his armor is not physically possible, and parts of his armor are literally just...FLOATING THERE! But we have to get to the problem at hoof, while all my attempts have ‘failed’ I’ve decided to do things the old fashion way. You see, I looked at the armored suit maybe about five minutes before you came in, Princess. I’m not so sure, but his armor may be damaged somehow.”

“Like how, and where?” Cadence said with curiosity.

“Well, I’m not sure how, but you can see the lights on his chest are darker then the rest of the armor, and the whole area in general is a darker hue than the rest of his suit. I mean, I’m not some fancy magic-casting Unicorn, no offence Your Highness...”

“None taken.”

“But, I can tell that’s a burn mark on his chest. However, what I find incredible is that this armor needs something REALLY HOT to put a burn mark that bad on our friend’s armor,” Sapphire said, pointing her hoof to the pony.

“How hot?” Cadence questioned.

“Around maybe….Disintegrating temperatures. Of course, this is all just theories.” Sapphire gave her a funny look. “Princess…..Princess?

Cadence’s jaw was agape with shock. “D-D-D Disintegrating temperatures? How can one material withstand such a temperature!?”

“Princess, like I said, it’s just theories.”

Princess Cadence was still shocked with such a theory.. “Very well...but why was he coughing so much?”

“Well, whatever did this had obviously produced deadly temperatures, but since it was on his chest and he was coughing with such ferocity, I’m guessing this ‘thing’ also inflicted tremendous force, and probably broke his ribs and sent shards of them into his lungs.”

Cadence nodded with agreement, concluding that it was logical enough, given what little they’ve been able to see.

“That does seem to explain all his coughi-” Cadence didn’t get to finish as the sound of something powering up came in front of her. The Doctor looked behind her and saw the lights on the burned area of the armor becoming brighter and matching the rest of the armor’s lights.

“I think his armor is powering up,” the Doctor said with a little fear creeping into her voice.

Cadence lit up her horn and began to scan the burned area. What she saw was unbelievable.

“Uh Doctor...it seems like the armor repaired itself.”

“WHAT? HOW!” Sapphire yelled, dumbfounded by such an outlandish thing happening.

“And now, it seems to be working on something… Oh my.”

“What is it, Princess?”

“It seems to be healing…him.”

“Mother of CELESTIA HIS ARMOR IS IMPOSSIBLE!!”

“Doctor, you need to remain calm. I know this is all happening fast, but you have to calm do-” Cadence stopped talking as she heard a cough come from the mysterious pony.

He was waking up.

Chapter 2: Forerunner

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The Didact awoke to his H.U.D giving him updates on his Combat Skin’s condition, as well his own. His Combat Skin was in perfect condition; the only way you could tell that it was even damaged was the huge burn mark from the Pulse Grenade on the armor’s chestpiece. Unfortunately, however, he was not in such good condition as his armor. According to the diagnostic updates, he suffered four broken ribs and two punctured lungs.

His Combat Skin was still working on healing him; if it weren’t for the Combat skin’s self-healing mechanisms he likely wouldn’t be breathing. Nevertheless, a question came up in his mind.

Where was he?

Right as he asked himself that, a voice came from his left. “You awake?”

The Didact jolted straight up when he heard the voice, ignoring the pain in his chest and looking to his left. What greeted him was not at all what he expected.

“Whoa, slow do-”

“Where am I? Answer me!” The Didact demanded sharply.

“Calm down, you're in a Hospital” the one that looked like a crystal said.

“What species are you?”

“Slow down, we can at least introduce ourselves before we-”

“You will get nothing out of me until I know you are not a menace,” the Didact practically growled. “Now, what species are you!”

“Ok, sheesh, I’m an Alicorn and she is a Crystal Pony” the ‘Alicorn’ said, pointing her hoof at the Crystal Pony.

The Forerunner looked around the room he was in and saw archaic, outdated medical equipment, before he then looked back at the ponies. “Now, who are you” the Didact asked them.

“Well, I’m Doctor Sapphire.”

“And I’m Princess Cadence. We mean you no harm.”

The Didact looked down at himself and just started to notice his new form. “What have you done to me!” the Didact, now angry, reached out his hoof and gripped the Doctor in his Constraint Field, lifting her effortlessly into the air.

Cadence was now totally shocked on how this pony was lifting Sapphire with his hoof and there was not even a Magic aura surrounding Sapphire.

“What have you done to me? If you do not answer me, I will kill your friend.”

And now he was threatening Sapphire’s life. Cadence of course, wanted to take things peacefully, so she chose her next words carefully. “Ok! Please, calm down. Whatever you were on the other side, you must have got turned into a pony after you came through the portal.”

“The Portal, what portal?”

“The Mirror Portal inside the Crystal Tower.”

The Didact was thinking back to what happened on the Composer. After he had fallen into the pit, he’d appeared here and the security began threatening him. He started wrapping all this together and came up with one conclusion.

“A slipspace portal.”

“What?”

“That is how I must have gotten here.”

The Didact then dropped Doctor Sapphire from his grasp. The Doctor landed on the floor with a thud. She gradually regained her bearings and asked a question, her voice wild with bewilderment. “HOW DID YOU DO THAT!”

The Forerunner-turned Earth Pony surveyed the room and its primitive medical equipment once again for reference. “Such abilities as mine are beyond your civilization’s understanding.” he said calmly. The Didact then turned back to the one named ‘Princess Cadence.’ “But a single entry through a Portal can not explain my new appearance,” he pointed out

“Well, to be honest, I’m not so sure myself how that portal functions,” Cadence answered.

“Then, why would you have such a device you have know working knowledge of stored in this inhabited ‘Crystal Tower’? You may never know when something is going to come out of the portal.” The Didact pointed out. “If indeed it is linked to slipspace, I could be the least of your potential troubles.”

“It wasn’t really my choice to put it there. But anyways, who are you?” Cadence inquired in as friendly a tone as she could muster. Something told her that provoking this pony was beyond just a bad idea.

The Didact thought for a moment. He had just threatened one of the Princess’ own subjects, and she had seemingly forgiven him rather quickly. “This species may be too trustworthy,” the Didact thought.

“I’m the Ur-Didact, Protector of The Ecumene, and Supreme Commander of the Forerunner Military, but you may refer to me as Didact.”

“The what now?” Doctor Sapphire said with confusion.

“I do not have time to tell you the meaning of all the titles. Explaining the ecumene to you would take days.”

Cadence was surprised at all his titles he had. She wished she could ask him what they mean, but it was quite clear this pony was not content to remain in place for long.

“Ok, but what species are you?” Cadence asked with curiosity.”You have the body of an Earth Pony it seems...but your demeanor suggests you're clearly something else.”

Didact nodded at Cadance’s observation. “I am Forerunner.”

“Hey, Didact?”

The Didact turned around to the Doctor. “Speak.”

“How do you take off your armor? It’s like it was built around you. Can you explain that?”

“Yes I can, actually. It was indeed built around me.”

“WHAT, but don’t you ever want to take it off?”

“I can, take off my armor.”

“Oh really, how?”

“Like this. Observe.”

The Didact morphed off his helmet with a single thought, and his face was visible. The Doctor’s mouth was agape with shock.

“H...wh...how do you?”

“Forerunner Technology is beyond your understanding.” The Didact said flatly, echoing his earlier statement.

Didact turned his intense gaze back to Cadence. Cadence got a good look at his facial features.

His fur was pale, his mane was dark brown, he had two fangs coming from his mouth, and on the sides of his head were what looked like the small breathing sacs commonly found on some frogs. His eye color was red-orange, the color glowing very slightly and his cornea entirely black.

“Whoa, I guess that’s what Forerunners look like. Well, like a pony” Cadence said, surprised.

“Yes, I did not look entirely like one of you, although not much has changed, beyond the confounding loss of my digits...” Didact studied his armored hooves dubiously.

“We should continue this at the Crystal Tower,” Cadence continued.

“As long as I can get out of here, I’ll follow you.”

“Whats the rush?” Cadence asked.

“I have unfinished duties,” The Didact said, trying not to give away that he had been trying to enslave Humanity - an entire sapient race.

“Alright, I suppose I shouldn't ask.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” The Didact responded flatly.

“Ok, lets leave Doctor Sapphire to her work.”

“Wait. How do you suppose we leave this hospital without being spotted by the local citizens? I cannot imagine my presence would be subtle in any way to them; I’d rather not spark any complications. ”

“Don’t worry, I’ll just teleport us out of here.”

The Didact gave her a confused look. “You have access to Teleportation Technology?”

“No, we don’t beyond rare things like the Mirror Portal. Is that how you teleport? Through technology, I mean?.” Cadence asked, confused.

“Yes it is, in fact, my armor was created with our technology.”

“Wow, and all this time I thought you used some sort of exotic magic.”

“Magic, is that what you use to teleport?”

“Yes it is. Now, shall we go?”

“Go ahead, proceed.”

With that, Cadence activated her horn and they disappeared with a pop, leaving Sapphire all alone.

“That guy gives me the creeps” Sapphire said to herself.

Chapter 3: Dinner With an Ancient

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The Throne Room was silent; with no princess present, no one was allowed to go in, not even the Guards. Two Royal Guards were standing outside the Throne Room door, allowing no one to pass.

“Hey Ruby,” said the guard on the left.

“Yeah?” the female guard answered back.

“You ever wonder why we're here?” questioned the guard.

“One of life’s greatest mysteries, isn’t it, why are we here. I mean, are we the product of...some cosmic coincidence or is there really a god watching everything, you know, with a plan in force and stuff. I don’t know man, but it keeps me up at night.” Ruby responded.

“......What?” the guard finally answered, confused.

“I mean, why are we here in the Crystal Empire.” The guard corrected her mistake.

“Oh uhhhh….yeah.”

“What was all that stuff about god?” The guard asked, curious.

“Uhhh...huh, nothing,” Ruby answered, embarrassed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” the guard asked.

“No,” Ruby answered immediately.

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” Ruby said, starting to blush.

“Seriously though, why are we here? As far as I can tell, it’s just a circular city, made of crystals, in the middle of nowhere.” The guard explained.

“Yeah.”

“The only reason we have the Crystal Heart here is because we need it, and the only reason why Sombra was here because he wanted the Heart.” The guard pointed out the obvious.

“Yeah, he only wants it because...I really don’t know.”

“He wants it so he can enslave us. And with that, he would have the Crystal Heart and the Crystal Empire. What would he do then, I don’t know,” The guard explained to Ruby.

“What’s up with that, anyway? I mean, I signed in to fight some Changelings. Next thing I know, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence pushes away the whole Changeling armada, and I’m stuck in the Crystal Empire guarding the Princess.” Ruby admitted.

A magical pop then came from inside the Throne Room.

“That must be the Princess, lets go check on her.” Ruby declared.

“Agreed.”

When the two guards opened the doors to the Throne Room, what was in there was not what they expected. The Princess was with the tall pony in glowing armor. The two guards just stood there speechless, until Ruby had the guts to speak up.

“Uhhh...P-Princess why is he with you?” Ruby asked the Princess, hoping that the pony was on their side.

“Oh, hello Ruby. Don’t be scared of him, it was all just a misunderstanding.” Cadence replied, looking between her and the Didact.

“Oh, uhhhh that’s good news.”

“Why don’t you introduce yourself?”

The Didact glared at her for a few seconds, making Cadence uneasy under his piercing gaze. The unpleasantness lasted until the Didact turned his head towards the guards.

“I am the Didact, Supreme Commander of the Forerunner Military, also, the Protector of the Ecumene.” The two guards just looked at each other with confused looks on their faces. Before they could ask what the more foreign titles meant, the Didact interrupted them. “Do not asked the meaning the my titles, I don’t have all day to explain everything.” The Didact said with frustration.

“Oh, ok. Got it.” the other guard said sheepishly.

“Good.” The Didact turned back to Cadence. “Now, where is our destination?” The Forerunner asked.

“Right this way.” Cadence starting walking forward towards the door. The Didact started walking at her pace.
They left the room and the two guards in it behind.

“Dude, did you hear that pony’s voice, it sounded like half robot, half pony.” Ruby asked her comrade.

“Y-Y-Y-Yeah, I heard it.”

“So, can I ask a question?” Cadence asked the Didact, hoping he wouldn't get mad.

“Speak.” The Didact answered back.

“Well, you see, your height is pretty massive for pony standards, and well, only Princess Celestia is that tall as far as I can recall. But I think you may be a little taller, so how are you so tall?” The Princess asked with curiosity.

“If you wish to know my original height, then it was eleven feet and four inches.”

Cadence stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes bulged, and her mouth fell agape. Cadence had been trying to keep calm throughout her entire meeting with this being, but that was it. She couldn't take it anymore.

The Didact stopped after hearing the Princess’ hoofsteps stop. He turned around to see Cadence under massive amounts of shock.

“Many beings have been ‘shocked’ to see my height.”

“Y-Y-You were massive b-b-but how? Not even a Princess can reach that height.” Cadence asked, still shocked but skeptical.

“Have you considered that there are things out in the galaxy that break your laws of physics?” The Didact answered, clearly annoyed at how younger beings thought some things that the Forerunners have are impossible.

“N-No but...I guess you have a point.”

“I do have a point.” The Didact corrected her.

“Ok, ok, lets just get moving.” Cadence said, trying not to lose it.

“Gladly.” the Didact responded.

After a few minutes of walking through hallways, they reached a room that looked like a dining room.

“I suppose this is where we can answer each other’s questions?” The Didact asked the Alicorn.

“Yes, it will be. Take a seat, my husband will join us eventually.”

“Your husband?”

“Yes, I have a husband, he should be finishing up his duties.”

Just as she said that, a door that lead into the dining room opened and out came Shining Armor.

“Hello honey, glad to see you ba-.” Shining Armor then took notice of the Didact. “You!” Shining shouted

“Yes, is there something you require?” The Didact said, as calm as ever.

“Don’t worry, Shining, he wouldn't hurt us.” Cadence answered, worried that Shining Armor might do something.

“Wouldn't hurt us, five of Flash Sentry's men are injured!” Shining Armor pointed out.

“It was his choice to order his men to certain death, and it was you people who attacked me first, and I acted as such.” The Didact said, with truth in his words.

“Ok, I don’t want any fighting this, was all just a misunderstanding!” Cadence shouted.

“As you wish.” the Didact answered with no objection.

“Alright, Cadence, sorry. I guess I was just too angry and didn’t think before I spoke.” Shining said to Cadence.

“Thank you, now, why don’t we take a seat.”

Shining and Cadence took their seats right next to each other.

“So, why don’t you to introduce yourselves.” Cadence asked them, hoping to start over. “Alright,” Shining responded.

“I am Shining Armor, the Captain of the Guard, and Cadance’s husband.” Shining Armor pointed to Cadence.

“And you?”

“I am The Ur-Didact, Supreme Commander of the Forerunner Military, and the Protector of the Ecumene.” The Didact responded to Shining Armor’s question. “My species is Forerunner, and before you ask what my titles are, do not. It would take days to explain. But to make it simple, they are ranks just as yours.”

Shining Armor just stared at the Didact, blinking his eyes about every three seconds. “Ooooook, right.”

“Ok, now thats out of the way, Didact what food do you eat?” Cadence asked.

“Fruit or vegetables will be fine, although I do have the ability to digest meat, I do not eat meat.” the Didact pointed out.

“S-So you can eat meat?” Cadence asked, a little scared.

“If you think I am going to ‘eat’ you, then you are mistaken, and that would be a direct violation of the Mantle.” The Didact declared firmly.

“Ok, now that’s out of the way, what would you like?” Shining ask the the Didact.

The Didact thought for a moment and made his decision. “A salad will be fine, but do you have any forms of alcohol?” the Didact requested.

“Yes we do. We have wine, whiskey, champagne, and some of the best hard cider in Equestria.” Cadence answered.

“I suppose I will take the wine.”

“Alright, now we just have to wait for the waiter.” Cadence stated.

“Then we shall wait for this ‘waiter’.” the Didact answered.

“But Didact, you mentioned something called the ‘Mantle’ earlier?” Cadence asked the Didact.

“Yes I did. The species that holds The Mantle Of Responsibility must watch over all life in this galaxy, the Forerunners are the bearers of the Mantle and we have watched over this galaxy for millions of years.” The Didact said with pride.

“You've got to be kidding me, thats ridiculous.” Shining Armor said with massive amounts of skepticism.

“I am speaking nothing but the truth, Forerunners have technology that not even your ‘Magic’ could achieve.” The Didact said with anger creeping into his voice.

“Oh really, what can your species’ technology do against our magic?”

“Forerunner technology can create life, create worlds! We have weaponry that outdate yours by millions of years. We can create solid bridges that are nothing but light. We could destroy all life in this galaxy if we wished. We can manipulate gravity and do what we wish with it, we can create Shield Worlds which are a planets that are hollow, housing stars of their own! There are countless more magnificent things that I do not wish to explain, and that is why Forerunners hold the right to bear the Mantle of Responsibility.”

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence had their jaws hanging with complete shock on how Forerunner Technology could easily defeat their own, as well as their magic.

“...I-I uhhh” Shining Armor tried to answer.

“Exactly. But the Forerunners are on the verge of extinction, all thanks to the Council’s stupidity. I could have saved this galaxy and the Forerunners if they would have given me more time, But they fired the Halo Rings and destroyed all life in the Galaxy!”

Cadence was now confused with the Didact. If the Forerunners killed all life, then how are they still here, and what made the Forerunners active these ‘Halo Rings’ to begin with?

“Princess Cadence and Shining Armor and….uhhh.” The Waiter looked at the Didact, confused.

“I am the Didact,” Didact said, seeing the confusion on this Crystal Pony’s face.

“Didact, very good, sir. What may I get you all?” the Waiter asked.

“I’ll take a Apple Pie and some cider, thank you.” Cadence said.

“Same thing she’s having.” Shining Armor said, gesturing to his wife.

The Waiter looked over at the Didact expectantly. “I will have a salad with wine.”

“Alright, anything else, your highnesses?” the waiter asked, just to be sure.

“Thats all.” Cadence replied.

The waiter then walked away from the table, preparing to tell the chef the orders. Cadence now wanted to ask the Didact something.

“Your species is on the verge of extinction...oh my. But why did you active these Halo Rings, and what were you saving the Galaxy from, and how are we still here?” The Princess shot questions at him rapidly.

“The reason why the Council fired the Halo Array was because of an outbreak of a parasite called...the Flood.” The Didact said. disgusted whenever bringing up that name.

“But why would you need to kill all life in the galaxy just to stop it?” Shining asked

“This isn’t a normal parasite, but a parasite that starts in a circular shape with legs below it, and is about two feet tall. It can move around infecting those foolish enough to get too close. These are named infection forms, they find a lifeform to make the infection spread farther, and the infection process happens in about only five seconds. Upon completion, they become one of them, and cannot be saved. These are called combat forms; they can be of any sentient species, whether Forerunner, San’Shyuum, Sangheili, Humans, or quite likely even your own kind.” The Didact answered.

Cadence was terrified of the this ‘Flood’ and what it can do.

“But that is not all, the last stage for the Flood Parasite is known as the carrier form. They are simply a grotesque vessel of contagion that hold more infection forms inside that stands feebly on two legs. I could tell you more about infection forms, but I do not wish to, considering that your species’ apparent martial prowess seems...quaint.”

Didact inspected his hoof before continuing. “The Forerunners let the Flood spread too far before taking action, The Forerunner-Flood War only lasted three hundred years before the Council apparently decided to fire the Array to destroy the Parasite. That was over a thousand centuries ago, by my reckoning. ”

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s jaws hit the floor with shock on how they have been unaware of such an important event for 100,000 years.

“1-1-1-100,000 years ago!” Shining Armor shouted.

“Correct. If you're wondering how life still exists today, that is undoubtedly because the Librarian and her Lifeworkers Indexed the DNA and live specimens from all the species in the galaxy for preservation.”

“But wait...how do you know all this? Shouldn't the Forerunners after 100,000 years not be on the verge of extinction?” Cadence asked, greatly confused. “Why have we not seen more of your kind?”

“This may be hard for you to believe, but I was born in 110,225 BCE. So I am 110,225 years old, But biologically speaking, I am about two thousand years old.”

Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s jaw hit the floor again. “W-W-W-What how, how are you so old!” Cadence shouted. He was easily older then Princess Celestia.

“I was exiled into a device named a Cryptum in the year 100,000 BCE for delaying the construction of the Halo Rings by making Shield Worlds, but they found out what I was doing and they ordered me to turn over all my records and submit to the authority of the Master Builder. I refused, which resulted in me being exiled. And being in that device froze my aging process.” the Didact said. “In addition, regular Forerunner armor does the same.”

“How could something stop your-” Shining Armor stopped as the Didact glared at him with a look saying yet again, “It would take days to explain.”

“But how were you released from this ‘Cryptum’.” Cadence asked, still as confused as ever.

“You can thank that Reclaimer for releasing me, Human filth, easily manipulated by my tricks into getting him to release me. I was on a shield world named Requiem when the Human crash landed there after destroying the Ark. I tracked his vessel, then when it came within range of Requiem, I pulled the vessel towards the planet.

“Wait, aren’t Humans just a myth?” Shining Armor asked.

The Didact chuckled at such a ridiculous fact as Humans being a myth to them. Were it not beneath him and made difficult by his stiff facial muscles, his lips would be pulled into a grin.

“No, they are not a myth, I have seen them kill my Warrior-Servants right in front of me, I have even killed some myself, But it doesn’t matter if they die, they were the reason why the Forerunners had to fire the Rings. They weakened us after a millennia of war, if there had not been a Human-Forerunner War then billions of my kind would still be alive!” The Didact shouted with mounting anger in his voice.

Cadence was horrified that the Humans and Forerunner had to fight a war for one thousand years.

“You fought a war that lasted a millennium?” Shining Armor asked, horrified over how much damage must have been done to both civilizations.

“Yes we did, from the way I see things, you must not have waged war for a awhile.” The Didact questioned.

“We haven’t had a war for hundreds of years.” Cadence declared.

“Then I must say that you are doomed if you are to fight a war, if that is the case.” The Didact said with sincerity in his voice.

“Here you are, your highness, an Apple Pie with Cider.” The Waiter came back with several pieces of food on his tray.

“Thank you,” Cadence said.

“And here you are, Shining.” the waiter gave Shining Armor the same as Cadence’s.

“Thanks.”

“And here you go, Didact.” The waiter give the Didact his order.

“Your work is appreciated.” The Didact thanked the waiter.

“Enjoy.” with that the waiter made his way out the door.

“I am done answering your questions for today, Cadence.” The Didact said. “Now, you will answer my questions.”

“It seems only fair.” Cadence replied, agreeing.

“Good, Now tell me about the other sapient races on this planet.”

As time went on with questions and dining, the moon was high in the sky and Shining Armor was falling asleep at the the table.

“Alright, I think it’s about time I show you to your room, Didact.” Cadence said after yawning.

“Show me the way.” The Didact declared.

Cadence left the dining room and went down the hallways with the Didact. After about five minutes of walking down hallways, they stopped at a door.

“Is this where I will rest for tonight?” The Didact asked Cadence.

“Yes, this is your room. You can stay here for as long as you want until you find a way back.” Cadence said kindly

“I appreciate your hospitality, Princess, Now excuse me, I need to rest.” The Didact said. He had not gotten sleep since he left his Cryptum. It was time to get some real sleep.

The Didact entered his room and closed the door behind him.

Cadence entered her room and closed the door behind her. When she entered, she saw Shining Armor sleeping like a baby. Cadence giggled on how he looked, but before she got in bed with him, she had to do something. Cadence went over to a writing table and sat down. She grabbed a pen and paper with her magic and began to write.

“Dear Celestia.
Today I have met a pony, well not actually a pony but he calls himself the Didact.

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Journey

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It was a normal day in Canterlot. The nobles were walking among the streets doing the many things a noble does with more than a little air of superiority, while many other ponies were eating lunch at the local restaurants available in the majestic city. Princess Celestia was in her throne room doing what nearly every princess had to go through.

Filling out papers.

Celestia was in her Throne Room filling out papers for all the things Canterlot needed. Shipping for food so that the citizens didn’t starve, taxes, always collecting the taxes, and all the other things that needed to be done to keep Canterlot and the rest of the Kingdom running smoothly. The Princess had been at this for about twenty minutes doing nothing but looking over royal documents, and sometimes grabbing bananas to snack on.

Luckily, nothing seemed to be happening down in Ponyville with Twilight Sparkle and her friends, so that gave her the time she needed to get her work done without interruptions. It wasn't until she was twenty six minutes into it that the door that lead to the Throne Room opened, revealing one of Celestia’s guards holding a letter.

“Your Highness, I have a letter from Princess Cadence.”

Celestia look up from her papers with an eyebrow raised. It was not common to get a letter from Cadence. The last time Celestia had seen or heard from her was when Tirek had returned to Equestria with a lust for power, so it must be urgent.

“Bring it here,” Celestia responded.

The guard pick the letter back up and brought it to the Princess. “Here you are, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, you may go,” Celestia responded with a smile.

The guard gave her a salute and turned around, going back to his post.

“Now, lets see here,” she said to herself while opening the letter with her magic. Celestia opened the letter completely and began to read.

Eventually

Celestia looked at the letter with mixed emotions: curiosity, shock, skepticism, and frustration.

Just as they had defeated Tirek only two weeks ago, a new problem pops up. According to the letter, a problem happened with the Mirror Portal and a being came out with advanced armor and was taken to the hospital because it was hurt. But, Cadence learned that the being did not come from the world behind the Mirror. That confused Celestia at first, but she then read that the being came from a ‘Slipspace Portal’, whatever that was.

Apparently, his species is Forerunner and he would not give his real name, only his title. She also learned that the Forerunners hold something called the Mantle of Responsibility, and what shocked her the most was that the letter said he was 110,225 years old! He was far older then herself.

Celestia was very skeptical, but she knew Cadence would never lie about something like this, and Cadence wanted this ‘Didact’ transported to Canterlot because she couldn't handle something this big. That made Celestia a little frustrated, but she understood completely.

She had to take immediate action.

Celestia pick up a quill and letter and began to write to Twilight.

Twilight and Spike were organizing books in her new castle she was granted after she defeated Tirek with the Rainbow Power two weeks ago. She lost her library in a magical blast Tirek used, attempting to destroy her along with it.

“Alright Spike, I think that about does it,” Twilight said, relieved that they were finally done organizing her new books.

“Phew, about time we got that done. Say, can I head over to Rarity’s?” Spike said, hoping that Twilight would allow him to do so.

“Now hold on, Spike, we still have to make sure that the books are in ABC order.” Twilight respond to Spike’s question.

“Oh come on, does it matter?”

“Of course it matters! We can’t have the Library’s books not in order, it would make it harder to find the book you want.” Twilight pointed out.

“Alright, alright,” Spike said while heading over to the books again, disappointed.

Right as Spike was about to begin, he got the feeling in his chest whenever he is about to spit out a letter. Spike burped, and out came the letter. Twilight walk over to the parchment and picked it up.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight said to Spike.

Twilight open the letter with her magic and started to read,.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I need you and your friends here in Canterlot, I got a message from Cadence and it sounds urgent.
Princess Celestia.

“What does it say” Spike asked

“Spike, gather the girls and tell them to meet me at the train station.” Twilight asked Spike.

“Is something wrong?” Spike asked, worried.

“No time, Spike. I’ll be at the train station.” Twilight said as she ran out the door.

“Oook”

Twilight waited about twenty four minutes until she saw Spike and the rest of her friends.

“What’s up with all the fuss, Twi?” Applejack asked, curious.

“Yeah, whats up?” Rainbow Dash added.

“I have just received a letter from Princess Celestia, and she wants us to meet her at Canterlot right away.” Twilight respond to the two ponies’ questions.

“For what reason, darling?” The purple-maned fashionista asked.

“She didn’t give me any details, Rarity. She just told us to meet her at Canterlot.” Twilight answered.

“Oh, a surprise! I love surprises.” The party pony Pinkie Pie said, jumping up and down.

“I already bought us tickets to Canterlot. We should get aboard the train before we get left behind.” Twilight said to the girls.

“Then what are we waiting for, sugarcube? Let’s go.” The cowpony answered for everypony.

The six elements boarded the train and made their way to Canterlot.

After a few hours they arrived at the majestic city on the mountain. The girls got out of the train and the beautiful city greeted them.

“Ah, Canterlot never gets old,” Rarity said to herself.

“Alright girls, we better start making our way to the Castle, and let’s hope that there’s nothing bad awaiting us.” Twilight said to the group.

The group started making there way to the castle.

“So Twi, the Princess just told us to meet her here and gave no details at all?” Applejack asked Twilight.

“I’m pretty sure the Princess will explain everything once we get there.” Twilight responded.

After some chatting and questions, the elements got to the castle.

“The Princess is expecting you, I’ll lead the way.” a guard said to the girls.

The guard opened the door to the palace and they made their way to the Throne Room. After they went through hallways and many turns, they finally reached the Throne Room. The guard opened the door and stopped, holding it for them with his magic. When all the elements where inside, the guard closed the door with a resounding thud.

“Celestia, we came as fast as we could.”

“Thank you for coming. Now, I suppose you want some answers?” Celestia asked the girls.

“Yes, actually, we would like some answers.” Twilight responded.

“I have received a letter from Cadence, and it seems that yesterday a being of some type called the Didact came from the Mirror Portal.”

The group gasped with shock, then Applejack posed a question. “But how? The portal is still closed.” she asked with confusion.

“It is, but in Cadence’s letter, he came from a different passage, and is not really from the world that Twilight went to to get her crown back from Sunset Shimmer.”

“What? Then how did he come through it?” Twilight asked, growing very confused.

“Cadence said that he used some sort of portal or force called ‘Slipspace.’”

“Slipspace, what's that?” Twilight asked.

“Cadence tried to ask, but he just said that it’s beyond our civilization’s understanding.”

“Is he calling us dumb! When I get my hoofs on him...” Rainbow Dash said with anger.

“Rainbow, I believe this ‘Didact’ tells the truth when he says we can’t understand it.” Celestia said to a angered Rainbow Dash.

“What! You're agreeing with him?” Dash said, shocked.

“Yes I am, his species’ name is Forerunner and Cadence said that his people can do many things that our magic can never achieve in millenia.”

“Oh really, what can his species do that magic can never do?”

“According to Cadance’s letter, Forerunners can can create worlds, destroy all life in the galaxy, construct a shield world – which I understand are planets that are covered in a metal dome and have an artificial sun or stars – can create a platform that is nothing but light, and they can do this all, as unbelievable as it sounds, through technology.”

The whole group had their mouths agape with shock and disbelief.

“Wha-wh-how is that possible Princess!” Twilight stammered.

“You can ask him yourself once you meet him.” Celestia respond.

“Wait you-you-yo-you're sending us to him.” Fluttershy said

“Yes, you girls are going to pick up the Didact and bring him to Canterlot.”

“Is there anything else we need to know about him” Twilight questioned.

“Yes in fact, a lot. Cadence says that he is as tall as me, maybe even taller,” Celestia responded, amazed herself.

“What!” Twilight gasped.

“Twilight, calm down, this Didact also became a Earth Pony because of his entry through the portal. So, Cadence thinks he’s an extraterrestrial.”

“You mean an alien? There’s no such thing as aliens,” Applejack said.

“I have two things to prove you wrong, Applejack. One: he says his species owns something called the Mantle of Responsibility, which gives them the right to became the guardians of the galaxy and he says his species has been watching over the galaxy for thousands of years. Two: Cadence claims that in his original form, he was eleven feet and four inches.”

The elements again had their mouths agape.

“Eleven feet and four inches!!!” Rainbow shouted.

“How’s that possible?” Rarity said.

“The Didact told Cadence to think about the possibilities the galaxy has to hold.” Celestia answered.

“His species are the guardians of the galaxy, wow.” Twilight said, amazed.

“The Didact should answer your questions. Right now, you need to get to the Crystal Empire, I have already got you tickets to get on the train.” Celestia told them.

“Alright, Princess, we’ll get going. Come on girls, let’s go get this Didact.”

“But one more thing, Twilight, the Didact seems like one that does not fool around and he is very serious, so choose your words wisely.”

“Don’t worry, Princess, we’ll be fine.”

The girls then walked out of the Throne Room. While the girls were walking, Twilight spoke up. “You hear that, Pinkie? No parties for the alien Didact.”

“Awwww, come on.”

The six ponies eventually got on the train and made their way to the Crystal Empire.

Cadence was on her way to the Didact’s room to tell him about the whole meeting with the Elements of Harmony. While on her way, a guard came up to her and gave her a message.

“Princess, our guest wishes to see you,” the Crystal guard said.

“I was just heading there now,” Cadence replied

The Didact was in his room with his helmet on, checking his Prometheans’ states. His Promethean constructs were awaiting orders, the Didact had given the majority of the others orders to assist the Sangheili Jul ‘Mdama in his campaign against Humanity. The Prometheans followed his orders with no objection, and according to his data on the location of his Prometheans, they where on Requiem and the planet was about 33,675 light-years away. The closest Forerunner installation was Installation 02, a Halo ring which was 9,463 light-years away. The Didact’s mind drifted to the Covenant

“What fools to think that the Forerunners are their gods. What made them believe such a foolish thing?” the Didact thought to himself.

A knock then came from the door.

“Enter,” the Didact said to the person behind the door.

Cadence opened the door and then entered and closed the door behind her.

“I suppose you heard my request?” the Didact asked Cadance.

“Well, I was already on my way to tell you something.” Cadence said to the Didact.

“And what is that?”

“I’ve come to inform you that last night, I wrote a letter to Princess Celestia about you, and she is probably sending the Elements of Harmony to see you.” Cadence informed him.

“Good, that is what I wanted to talk about. When do you plan to reveal me to the public? I can not stay in this tower like a caged animal forever, my patience is not infinite,” the Didact said with growing frustration.

“Don’t worry, when the elements get here, we're going to have to reveal you to the public.” Cadence said, slightly worried.

“When do these elements arrive.” Didact asked.

“They should arrive in a few hours.” Cadence responded

“Good, I look forward to it.”

After hours of riding on the train, the girls finally got to the Crystal Empire. The train came to a stop and started letting passengers out.

“Finally, some space,” Rainbow Dash said while flapping her wings

“Where’s Cadance?” Twilight asked herself.

“Over here, Twilight.”

“Cadence!”

Twilight ran over to Cadence and did their little greeting.

“Sunshine sunshine ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake.” Twilight and Cadence sung.

“Ahem, sorry to interrupt you, but where’s this Didact.” Applejack asked.

“Ah yes, him. Sorry, follow me, he’s in the Crystal Tower.” Cadence said warmly.

“I’m pretty sure Celestia informed you of the Didact, correct?” Cadence asked

“Yes she did, I still can’t believe something like him could possibly exist.” Twilight said with curiosity.

“Wait until you see his armor.” Cadence said. After some walking for a bit, they got to the Crystal Tower and entered. “The Didact is still in his room, let me take you there.”

“You gave him his own room?” Twilight asked

“Of course I did, what else would I do?” Cadence said.

They went through a comple more halls, before Cadence stopped in front of one of the ornate doors. “Well, this is his room, just let me go in there to get him,” Cadence said. She creaked open the door.

“Didact? They’re here.”

“Excellent.” The Didact said.

“Alright girls, he’s coming out.” Cadence said to the elements. Only a few seconds after that, they could hear heavy hoofsteps that sounded like metal getting louder as they neared them.

The door opened and revealed a tall Earth Pony in armor that had red-orange lights on it and some parts of armor plating floating in midair with no assistance from magic. The Didact towered over the six ponies as he spoke

“I suppose you're the Elements of Harmony?”

Chapter 5: Trademark Lethality

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The Elements stared in awe and disbelief at the Didact’s form and armor. The Didact awaited an answer for about four seconds before one of them spoke up.

“Y-Yes we are,” Twilight nervously responded.

“Then allow me to introduce myself,” The Didact said while morphing off his helmet piece by piece. “I am the Ur-Didact, Protector of the Ecumene and Supreme Commander of the Forerunner Military. I am also a Warrior-Servant.” The Didact said in a normal tone.

“Now who are y-”

“HIAMPINIKEPIEANDYOURREALLYTALLIMEANYOURTALLERTHENPRINCESSCELESTIAANDYOURVOICEISFUNNYIT’SALLROBOTLIKEAREYOUAROBOTBECAUSEYOUDON’TLOOKLIKEONEORAREYOUAROBOTINAPONYFORMANDYOURPLANINGTOTAKEOVERTHEWORLDAND”

“Get out of m-” The Didact was attempting to shut this little pink pony up, but he couldn't even speak without her interrupting him in mid speech. “This is your final warning, get away fro-”

“OHOHOHAREYOUAFUTUREPONYFROMTHEFUTURETOWATCHOVERUSFROMAILENSSOTHEYDON’T-” Pinkie Pie was interruped when she was pushed away from the Didact with a invisable force. Pinkie hit a wall a few meters away.

“PINKIE PIE” Twilight yelled after her friend.

“Your friend would not listen, so I did what I ha-” The Didact was interrupted by a pink blur coming back to his face.

“WOWHOWDOYOUDOTHATDOITAGAINTHATWASFUNANDEXCIT-”

“ENOUGH!!” The Didact’s robotic-like voice echoed throughout the halls, almost matching the Canterlot Royal Voice. This was enough to make Pinkie become silent.

“Enough with your babbling, young one!” a now angry Didact shouted at the pink pony. “Now introduce yourself the right way.”

Pinkie was shocked, nopony had ever yelled at her like that for just introducing herself. But Pinkie Pie decided to take it easy.

“I-I-I’m Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie said, slightly shaking.

The Didact looked at everyone in the area, they looked mostly scared and shocked. The Didact sighed and spoke.

“I apologize for my outburst, just don’t do it a again and learn that not everyone you greet is going to be as kind hearted,” the Didact said, frustrated with the experience. “Now let’s try again; who are you?”

It took a few seconds for everyone to calm down, but Twilight was the first to speak up, again. She took a deep breath and spoke.

“I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, and the Element of Magic,” Twilight said as kindly as she could.

“I’m Applejack, Element of Honesty.”

“Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria, and the Element of Loyalty.”

The Didact listened to the names and titles of these six ponies, so far nothing that interested him.

“I am Rarity, Element of Generosity. And I must say, your armor is amazing.”

“Many species has complimented on the Forerunners’ Combat Skin and design,” The Didact said without much emotion.

“I’m Pinkie Pie, but you already knew that,” Pinkie said while offering her biggest smile.

The Didact then took notice of a yellow pony with pink hair who was hiding behind her mane.

“And you?” The Didact asked with a raised eyebrow.

“EEP” The pony just hid behind her mane more.

“Is she alright?” The Didact asked, turning back over to the five ponies.

“Oh, she’s just...shy” responded Rainbow Dash in midair.

“Will I be able to get her name, because she seems..frightened,” The Didact pointed out while turning back to Rainbow.

“Yeah, but it may take awhile.”

The Didact turned back to the shy pony.

“May I get your name?” The Didact asked calmly

Fluttershy slightly poked out her head from her long mane.

“.....I-I-I-I’m Fluttershy” Fluttershy whispered at the end.

“I didn’t hear that, young one. Could you repeat that?”

“...I’m...I’m Fluttershy,” Fluttershy whispered again.

The Didact sighed. “I do not wish to afflict dread upon her.” The Didact said, turning to Twilight. “Twilight, what is her name?” Didact asked, catching Twilight’s attention.

Twilight sighed. “She’s Fluttershy, Element of Kindness.”

This name caught the Didact’s attention, her name was Fluttershy and she was really shy. Strange. The Didact dismissed the thought for a later time.

“Good, now that everyone is known, I recommend we plan to introduce myself to the public.” The Didact said, turning to Cadence. “Princess Cadance?”

“Huh, what?” Cadence had been daydreaming the whole time after the Didact shouted.

“I recommend we introduce myself before I make my journey to Canterlot.”

“Oh right, yeah. I plan to gather everypony outside the Crystal Tower and then make a speech about you. Of course, I can’t reveal everything about you, or the city will go crazy.” Cadence went over her plan.

“Agreed, we should start that plan now. The longer I stay on this planet, the more time I lose.” The Didact declared

“Whats the rush, Mr. Didact?” Twilight asked curiously.

The Didact turned back over to Twilight slowly. “That is none of your concern, and do not add meaningless titles to my name, especially Mr.” The Didact said with hidden hatred for Humanity.

“Now lets begin this plan” The Didact announced to everyone.

Twilight had asked the Didact about what was the rush, but he said it was none of her concern. But Twilight saw something in him that made her uncomfortable when he said those words. She saw hatred a lot of hatred, but for what? She would have to push this further some another time.

The Didact waited for the Elements return with the city ready for the announcement. While this was happening, the Didact was looking at the nearest planets close to Equis, so far the closest Interstellar planet was a desert world reaching temperatures up to two hundred degrees Fahrenheit and was twelve light years away. The closest planet in this Solar system was a world much like the fourth planet in the Sol system, Humanity called it Mars.

The planet’s name in this Solar system was Aurora; it can support life and the Didact has found a sentient race on the planet, but the planet is a snowball. The Didact researched the planet’s evolution and found that it used to be a water planet until it froze over, not the best place to find a way back to familiar space.

"You ok, Didact?" Said a familiar voice.

The Didact looked up from the ground while sitting in a seat. He saw Cadence standing in the doorway with a slightly worried look on her face.

"I'm fine." The Didact responded to the Alicorn’s question.

"Really? You seem rather quiet."

The Didact raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "Must I speak?" the Promethean questioned.

"No, no, it’s just...is there something wrong?" Cadence questioned.

The Didact sat up from his seat with some effort with his new form. "The only problem I have is being here. I need to get back to Requiem and regroup with my Prometheans and the Covenant." The Didact answered her question, offering some small amount of background knowledge about himself.

"Your Prometheans, the Covenant. Who are these groups?" A curious Cadence questioned the Didact once again.

"They have nothing to do with you or your species." The Didact answered her with a hint of anger.

Right as he finished his sentence, the Elements walked in with good news.

"Everypony is ready, Cadance, for the announcement." Twilight announced to Cadence.
The Didact found it a least a little bit ridiculous how this species uses the term 'Everypony' in the place of everybody. But who was he to question a species’ terminology?

"Alright, when this is done, you girls and the Didact can be on their way." Cadence pointed out to them.

"Fantastic. Begin, and I'll get out there when told to." the Didact said to Cadence.

Cadence made her way to the balcony of the Crystal Tower. The Didact watched her make her way to the balcony, until he was interrupted.

"Hey, Didact?" Twilight asked nervously.

"What is it you need?" questioned the Didact, looking down at Twilight.

"Um, do you mind if you could answer some of my questions?" Twilight answered the Didact's question, hoping that he would give her knowledge about the Forerunners.

"Not now, your questions will be answered on our way to Canterlot." The Didact answered, looking back over to the balcony and awaiting his cue.

Twilight was slightly disappointed, but at least she would get her questions answered on the way to Canterlot.

Cadence stood on the balcony looking over her subjects, who were awaiting her words. Cadence cleared her throat and began.

"You’re probably wondering why I brought you here." Cadence asked, receiving nods from the crowd. "Two days ago, we got a visitor from a part of Equestria." Cadence said, lieing a little due to her not wanting her subjects to panic. "And he is not just any ordinary visitor, but a very special visitor that has come very long way to get here, and he's here right now. Here he is.”

The Didact morphed his helmet off piece by piece and walked towards the balcony. Twilight still couldn't believe how he could just separate his helmet like that. The Didact walked up to the balcony and then was faced with a shocked crowd. The Didact took a while observing them until he spoke.

"Greetings citizens, I am the Ur-Didact. I come from a race known as the Forerunners, and as long as I'm here, your species shall be safe from any massive threats posed to Equestria, along with the other natives of Equis. I am on my way to Canterlot to meet with your Princess Celestia to discuss matters involving me. I have many more things to discuss with you, but I must be on my way to Canterlot. I will take my leave.” The Didact announced to the citizens of the Crystal Empire. He then made his way back inside.

"That is all, my subjects, you may go and enjoy the wonderful day.” Cadence announced to her subjects. The Crystal citizens of the Crystal Empire scattered throughout the city, chatting profusely.

"Now, shall we make our way to your train?” The Didact spoke to the girls.

"Well, since you’re in a rush to get back to, wherever your trying to get to, then yeah we should get going, we don't want to miss the train after all.” Twilight announced to her friends and the Didact, but mostly the Didact.

"Splendid." The Didact responded.

"Bye, Cadence." Twilight said to Cadance.

"Bye, Twilight, see you next time." Cadence responded back to Twilight.

All of them started walking for the front entrance. It wasn't until they exited the building that the Didact was approached.

"Sooooo, Didact." said a nervous Rainbow Dash.

"What is it?" The Didact said, slightly irritated about being approach on their way to the train.

"Oh well...what do you do for a living?" Rainbow asked, embarrassed.

The Didact turned to her while still moving forward, having a greatly confused look on his face. "Is such information needed? But if you are curious, then I'm a Warrior-Servant, I work for the Forerunner military, and my current rank is Supreme Commander. But I am positive I told you this when I met you and your friends." The Didact answered her question,

"Oh...right. So that means you’re a soldier." Dash said, curious

"Yes I am, but I am not an ordinary 'soldier.' I am a Promethean. I have mutations that will help me in battle, they increase my strength, speed, and many other functions of the body."

"Oh really, how tough are you?" Rainbow said brashly.

The Didact glared at her for a few seconds before answering. "I have enough strength to crush your skull with very little effort." The Didact said violently.

" Whoa calm down, no need to hurt each other." Rainbow said, holding her hooves up while in midflight.

"You wanted a example of my strength, I granted that, and don't ask me to prove it. You'll be dead within three seconds." The Didact pointed out as fact.

Rainbow just looked ahead with small pinprick eyes, shocked on how he had so much strength, and he just more or less threatened her. To her, that just made him even more dangerous.

After about four more minutes of walking, they arrive at the train station at the edge of the city. While they where boarding the train, the Didact was approached by Rarity.

"So where did you get such beautiful armor?” Rarity asked, flattered by the armor.

"I received this armor from the Ecumene, and I can tell you’re a fashion designer Rarity. You cannot build this armor." The Didact told Rarity flatly.

"Please darling, don't have doubt in me. I have created many dresses and-"

"Do you have Hard Light energy stored in your home, does your species have access to Antigravity technology, and do you have the materials to make the armor? There are materials that require special machines to make." The Didact said everything calmly.

Rarity’s mouth was agape with everything he said, what was Hard Light, what was Antigravity technology, and what was these 'special' machines? The questions only multiplied.

"We should get aboard and make our journey to Canterlot." The Didact told her, as if nothing happened between them.

All of them boarded the train and made the way to Canterlot. When the Didact got aboard, he was stared at with mixed emotions from many different types of pony, but most where the Crystal Ponies. The Didact found a table in a passenger part of the train, what was unusual, the Didact took a seat at the table, scooting to the back where there was a window showing the outside getting faster every second. Before the Didact could even get comfortable, the conductor made an announcement.

"Hello everypony, may I have your attention." The conductor said in a deep Canterlot accent. "If you have probably noticed, we have a squad of Royal Guards on the train today." the conductor said pointing his hoof towards a few Royal Guards.

The Didact loomed over to where he was pointing. The Didact saw these 'Royal guards', but he thought it was just a couple of civilians dressed in armor.

"Those are soldiers? The Didact thought, surprised. "They don't seem worthy enough to even match a Human soldier, is that gold? What an indefensive way to protect your body." The Didact thought, disgusted at their view of a soldier.

"The reason why there with us today is because the railroad we’re taking has recent reports of Gryphon raids on trains like these. But no fear, as I highly doubt we're going to encounter some, rumors has it that they left the area a week ago. That is all I wish to tell you, now enjoy the ride." The conductor finished his speech.

"Gryphons?" The Didact thought. "Princess Cadence told me about them, even if they were to invade, they would all be dead within seconds." the Didact thought to himself, offering a slight chuckle.

"Hey, Didact." The Didact was pushed out of his thoughts and looked to his side, seeing Twilight.

"Speak, Unicorn."

"Oooook, but, remember that promise you made me back in the Crystal Tower." Twilight pointed out the promise he made.

The Didact immediately remembered what she was talking about. "Ahh yes, you wish to seek answers to your questions you have for me. You may take a seat, if you wish." The Didact offered Twilight.

Twilight went over to the seat in front of him, sharing the same table.

"Ok, before we begin, I have one question." Twilight told the Didact.

"You may ask."

"Why are you sitting so strangely" Twilight asked curious.

The Didact looked at how she was sitting, apparently she was like in a laying down position, while the Didact was sitting like he usually sits.

"It is because of my past form, I was a biped and sat like how I am now. I have grown adaptive to a bipedal nature considering that I have been one for about 110,225 years." The Didact said the last part with his voice down.

"Right" Twilight then laughed nervously. "About that, that is one of my questions for you, how do you live so long?" Twilight asked very curiously.

"Yes, the Forerunners lifespan has been questioned by many species of the galaxy. The answer is simple, it's our Combat skin that allows us to live however we want. But there is another way, a Cryptum, this is what I was in for 100,000 years, I was put into exile for delaying the construction of the Halo Rings by building Shield Worlds, but the other reason why I built the Shield Worlds, it was a alternative from the Halo Array." The Didact responded to Twilight's question in great detail.

"But what are these 'Halo Arrays'?" Twilight questioned the Didact

"A abomination, to everything the Forerunners have stood for! The Rings were designed to destroy all life in the galaxy, but a single Halo can destroy all life within a 25,000 light year radius. There are seven rings, until a Human destroyed one, Installation 04 monitored by 343 Guilty Spark. But what do I care if one of those rings are destroyed, they destroy the meaning for the Forerunners to hold the Mantle of Responsibly!" The Didact said with great anger.

"I can tell you very much hate the Halos. But did you ever use the rings?" Twilight said uncertain with her question.

The Didact sighed and spoke. "Yes, yes they were fired. I failed my species, and now, because of the Council’s stupidity, there are only a few Forerunners left." The Didact told Twilight, disappointed with his failure.

"B-b-but, then how are we still here?" Twilight asked very skeptical

"The Librarian and her Lifeworkers indexed the species of the galaxy to continue life in the galaxy as we know it, but all the species had to start over, all sapient species starting at Tier 7.”

Twilight was shocked, but not trying to show it in front of the Didact. However, she had another question. "What do you mean by Tier 7?" Twilight asked.

"Tier 7, Pre-Industrial age, the lowest technological achievement available on the Forerunners’ way of identifying species’ technological achievement. Stone, crude metals, and fire." The Didact explained to Twilight.

"Can you tell me more about this." Twilight said, wondering what Tier they where.

"Of course. The Technological Advancement Tiers, there are seven tiers, you already know Tier 7; Tier 6 is the Industrial Age. This technological achievement Is more advanced than Pre-Industrial, Tier 6 civilizations have the ability to have transportation vehicles, slightly better medical technology, many have rudimentary aircraft, weaponry grows more advanced - it is simply a more advanced version of a peak Tier 7 society. Tier 5 is the Atomic Age, many have developed nuclear weapons in their effort to harness the atom, have crude nuclear power plants, and many things powered by nuclear fission. This age is simply a time where a species starts to look over to nuclear fusion to power their industries. Not all survive this stage.”

“At Tier 4 lies the Space Age, a time where the civilization studies space and has built satellites in orbit above their home planet, and after a few years they may even travel to the other planets in their star system. Tier 3 is Space-Faring, when a civilization has Slipspace navigation and can travel to interstellar space along with traveling to other star systems, they also possess many things that would take hours to mention fully. However, a good example of a Tier 3 Civilization is today's Humanity, they have at least-"

"Humanity? They’re a myth." Twilight interrupted the Didact, somewhat confused.

"That is the second time I have heard one of your kind say that. They are not a myth, I have come face to face with many in battle, here, this is a Human on the Sol date 2557.” The Didact pulled out a hologram of a Human UNSC Marine.

".....How...this is a Human, he looks likes he's in armor." Twilight pointed out.

"Yes he is, this is a Human that is in service with what the Humans call the UNSC for short. United Nations Space Command is what UNSC stands for, the warrior arm of the Humans’ government on the world Erde-Tyrene. Now, should we continue?" The Didact asked Twilight.

"...yeah go ahead." Twilight was rather shocked that she found out that Humans are apparently real, but she was still rather skeptical.

"Tier 2 is Interstellar. This advancement is a much more advanced version of Space-Faring. Tier 1, World Builders. This is where my species stands, we are able to create worlds, alter gravity, make Shield Worlds, destroy all life in the galaxy, and many more feats, but this is the last Tier achievable by all known organics. The last tier, Tier 0 Transsentients...you will have to breach or transcend the Organic and Digital realm to achieve something this great, the only race to achieve this tier in all of the Universe is...the Precursors. But Transsentient is to believe that you can do whatever you want, your imagination can become reality; you have essentially completed your species’ long quest of advancement, you may do whatever you wish, and stand upon the brink of divinity itself." The Didact explained the last three tiers.

"Wooow, what a way to end a journey...what else can you tell me about your species, Didact?"

The two continued to chat for awhile. The Didact felt like he was back to his past career again, teaching another soul knowledge. Perhaps she may be the Didact's way off the planet.

The Didact sat in silence at the same table he was at before. The Elements had gone off to eat the dinner available, but the Didact was not that hungry. He sat there looking out the window, thinking.

"Why do you choose that Human filth....over me, your husband?” The Didact thought to himself, remembering the Librarian. "Humanity killed millions of our people, and after all they have done to the Forerunners, you forgive them....and betrayed me. Halo lead the Forerunners to the verge of extinction, the guardians of this galaxy, completely forgotten and almost gone. What will I do after Humanity is finished, how will I bring back the Forerunners?"

The Didact sighed with stress, he needed to get off this planet before Humanity attains the Mantle. The Didact was interrupted by a loud sound coming from the roof, like someone was walking on it. The Didact activated his Promethean Vision and looked up on the roof.

"Gryphons." The Didact hissed. “Feathered beasts.”

The train then started stopping, the engine room was to the Didact's left, he looked over there with his Promethean Vision still active, and saw a figure of a Gryphon in the engine room going towards the exit. The Didact saw his chance and moved over the side of the engine room door silently. The door then open and revealed a Gryphon, the Didact grabbed his throat with lightning fast speeds and slammed him against the wall.

"Explain your presence here essence!" The Didact shouted at the Gryphon.

"R-r-r-release me if y* cough* you know what's g-"

The Didact released a Hard Light energy sword from his wrist and placed it near his eyes.

"I will repeat myself again, why are you here! If you do not answer my question, I will kill you." The Didact growled his sentence.

"Like you pony peace lovers have th-" The Gryphon was interrupted by a burning sensation, cutting right through his flesh and into his chest. He felt his insides melting.

"Foolish Gryphons, you are too blinded by pride to recognize a threat when given.. And that has cost you your life, fool." The Didact then took the Hard Light Sword out of the Gryphon’s chest and watched him fall to the ground, dead.

The Didact walked to the doorway leading to the other sections of the train. Halfway to the door, he put away the Hard Light Sword and opened the door leading to the passenger area.

The Didact heard some shouting and fighting behind the door he was heading to, and that door lead to the dinner room. The Didact's combat instincts kicked in and he looked at every corner and seat, making sure nothing was in the vicinity. Halfway there, a Gryphon jumped out from behind a seat and did a battle cry, and not even making the Didact flinch. Before the Gryphon could finish his battle cry, he was grabbed by his head and lifted into the air. The Didact knew he couldn't get anything out of any Gryphons until he proved himself.

"Foolish" The Didact then curled his hoof around the Gryphon’s head, breaking it into pieces, the Didact shook his hoof, then proceeded to the door.

The Didact opened the door to a scene where there were injured ponies on the floor, including Rainbow and Applejack. The Didact looked ahead to at least nine Gryphon raiders holding most of the passengers hostage.

"Hold it right there you...you, stranger. I got hostages, and if you try anything, they die!” The Gryphon Captain exclaimed.

"Release them, and you and your men will live to see tomorrow, unless you’re as foolish as those last two Gryphons back there. They died, under the influence of stupidity and pride, now release them or face the might of a Warrior-Servant.” The Didact said, hoping for a battle.

"Ha, quite the speech there pony, but I’m not standing down that easy, and what could you do, one against nine? You’re outnumbered." the Captain said with a smug look.

The Didact started to chuckle evilly, and formed a slight evil smile. "If only you knew what I have done, to those who stand in my way. You species is so filled with pride that it makes you stupid and blinded, I have killed countless more before and they where much more deadlier then you and your 'excuses' for soldiers. But since you did not listen to my warning, I have every right... to end your life." The Didact then morphed his helmet on piece by piece and then slowly flashed with Hard Light Energy. This action surprised the Gryphons, and got ready for battle. " This train...will become your tomb." The Didact said evilly.

The Didact grabbed the Gryphon Captain in his Constraint Field and lifted him into the air, then the Didact rapped his hoof into a ball like shape. The Captain felt his insides crushed at a rapid paste, his lungs, his heart, and everything was beginning to collapse. Soon, he felt his heart explode along with his lungs and everything else under the invisible force. The Didact killed him in under three seconds, and then dropped his body (if it could even still be described as a body) on the floor, and the Didact vanished in a swarm of blue particles.

"Where did he go!" Demanded the Commander of the group. "What kind of magi-" He never got to finish as he heard a sound come from directly behind him, he tried turn around, but he couldn't before he felt something burning cut right through his body and then slicing his head off. The Didact had teleported right behind that Gryphon and killed him with a Hard Light Sword. The Didact spun around and faced the remaining seven Gryphons. He used his Constraint Field to push them away and they landed on many parts of their bodies. The Didact approached them slowly.

"See what your actions lead you into. I have seen Human warriors fight better then you." The Didact insulted them for such stupidity.

A Gryphon in the ground reached for a handgun in his holster, he pulled it out and fired the bullet at the Didact. The bullet just reflected off the Didact's armor inconsequentially.

"NO EFFECT!!" The Gryphon screamed

The Didact picked him up from a meter away and tossed him against the wall, hurting him badly. The last remaining rookie Gryphons made the stupidest act ever.

They charged at the Didact.

The Didact just sat there waiting for the idiots to be within range. About four seconds later, they were within range, the Didact disappeared into thin air.

"WHERE DID HE GO, FUCK, HELP HEEEE-" he was then killed by the Didact punching him in the face, destroying his skull. The Didact then turned to the five Gryphons and charged, killing them all.

The Didact sat there looking down at his hard light blade for awhile before he made his way to the injured Gryphon. He approach him menacingly

"P-p-please....have *cough* mercy." said the injured Gryphon.

The Didact pick him by his throat and spoke.

"You will take me to your raider leader, then you will take my message to your king. My message to your species is... never again cause anything like this again, or else your species will be punished, for crimes against the Mantle of Responsibly. Is that understood?." The Didact growled.

"Y-y-y-yes I understand." The shaking Gryphon said.

"But first, I must get these ponies medical attention. You’re not going anywhere." The Didact then lifted him in the air with his Constraint Field, which then froze him in midair without the assistance from the Didact.

The Didact then walked over to Applejack and Rainbow Dash's injured forms, that were being surrounded by the four friends. The Didact walked up to them in a quickened pace.

"....You killed them." Twilight said to the Didact, horrified on what he did.

"I had no other choice, I gave them a chance, but they didn't listen. I think you should understand why I did it." The Didact responded to Twilight.

"Two of your friends are injured, I can heal them quickly." The Didact announced to them.

"How?" questioned Rarity.

"If you would allow me to get through, I can show you.” The Didact told them.

They let the Didact through and the Didact saw the condition they where in. The Didact reached out his hoof and a green beam of energy came from his hoof. The wounds on Applejack and Rainbow Dash literally started building back together. After a few seconds, they looked as if nothing ever happened.

"H-h-h-how did you do that!" Twilight said, amazed that the Didact simply reached out his hoof and healed them without breaking a sweat. Healing magic was one of the most hardest arts to master.

"Technology. That is what you will get for now." The Didact told Twilight.

"Now I must heal everyone else, and restart the engine. Now excuse me.”

After a whole long hour of healing innocents and restarting the engine, the Didact had to discuss something with Twilight.

The Didact came from inside the engine and found Twilight sitting down with her friends. The Didact approached them.

"Your primitive engine is ready." The Didact slightly insulted. "But Twilight Sparkle, about the Gryphon out there." the Didact gestured to the Gryphon.

"Yes, I was going to ask about him...why is he there?" Twilight said, irritated about the Gryphon.

"I apologize, but he will be taking me to his leader and I will have to leave the train." The Didact explained to the Elements.

“B-but you can't just leave!" Twilight pointed out " Princess Celestia said that she needs you in Canterlot." Twilight explained the mission to the Didact.

"Trust me when I say that, I have a much faster way of transportation, I could get to Canterlot right now in only a few seconds." The Didact pointed out

"You can’t get to Canterlot in only a few seconds!" Twilight shouted in disbelief. "........but, alright I'll let you go, But don't-"

"I won't" The Didact responded before she could finish.

"...Alright then, you better get moving." Twilight said to the Didact.

The Didact made his way to the door to the dining room. He open the door, and in there was the last Gryphon survivor.

The Didact used his Constraint field to grab him, then dropped him. "Get up, we’re moving." he told the Gryphon.

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say!" the Private Gryphon said, clearly terrified of the Didact.

The Didact and the Gryphon made there way to the end of the train, and soon they reached it and got out. Snowy lands greeted them, and the Didact took a few steps forward before he heard the train start. The Didact watched the train move and get farther away from them every second, and finally it was gone.

"Now, where is your leader?" The Didact questioned the Gryphon.

"Our base is up there, on that mountain." The Gryphon pointed his talon to a mountain.

"Good, now I'm preparing to teleport and your going to have to hold still, understand?"

"Understood."

With that, the Didact and the Gryphon disappeared into thin air in a swarm of blue particles.

Chapter 6: Take Me To Your Leader

View Online

The snowy mountains under the night sky sat in silence. The snow slowly gathering on top of the mountains and the ground beneath it, the only sign of life was a lone base with a few lights to keep the inhabitants warm and the area around them bright. Two hundred meters below the base was a disturbance in the snowy winds; a swarm of blue particles appeared, forming two figures, and one was taller then the other. The figures appeared, one in exotic glowing armor with floating parts, and the other in a suit of iron armor. The Didact finished transporting to the location the Gryphon told him to go, he then looked over to the Gryphon and saw him looking at himself, making sure everything was there.

"How did you do that, you’re just an Earth Pony, and last I heard Earth Ponies couldn't perform teleportation spells?" The Gryphon asked out of curiosity and with confusion.

"Technology that's beyond your understanding, Gryphon." The Didact answered his question blankly.

"And before we continue, you will explain your reason for the assault on that train!" The Didact demanded out of the Gryphon.

"But first," The Didact said reaching for his holster and took out his handgun. "Explain to me what this is, I have seen such firearms as these" The Didact said examining the pistol then turning to him for a answer.

"Oh that? That's a prototype the Empire put out for testing, its only been out for at least a week." The Gryphon answered his question as fast as he could.

"Yes, a obvious technological advancement for a species." The Didact told the Gryphon.

"But what do you mean that you have seen weapons like these before" The Gryphon questioned skeptically. "As far as I know, our species is the only one to have this kind of weaponry."

"You probably would not even believe, your civilization may even consider them a myth, and I shouldn't be giving such information that could terrorize the planet." The Didact pointed out to the Gryphon while pulling out the clip from the pistol then tossing it with little force over the cliff.

The Gryphon wanted to pushed it, but he saw what he did to his teammates and he didn't want to end up like them.

"Now before you give me answers on the reason why the train was assaulted, I need your name so I don't have to keep calling you Gryphon." The Didact demanded out of him again.

"Well.. I'm Private Pierce..yeah" Pierce responded awkwardly.

"Alright, Pierce, why did your squad attack the train" The Didact questioned.

High up in the mountains, was two Gryphons watching the two talk. One Gryphon was looking through binoculars looking at them until he was interrupted.

"What are they doing" asked the rookie.

"What?" Answered the private.

"I said what are they doing now?" Repeated the rookie.

"Goddamn I getting so sick of answering that question!" The irritated private told the rookie.

"You have the fucking binoculars I can't see shit don't blame me cause I'm not going to just set up here and play with my dick"

"Ok look, there just standing there and talking ok, that's all there doing, that's all they ever do is just stand there and talk, that's what they were doing a few seconds ago, that's what they where doing when you asked me"

"Five minutes ago." The rookie added.

"So five minutes from now, when you ask me, 'what are they doing', my answers gona be, there still just talking and there still just standing there!" The private explained to the rookie stupid question.

The two just sat there for awhile in silence while the private awaited a answer.

"What are they talking about?" The rookie asked another ridiculous question.

The private just sat there staring blankly at him until he spoke up.

"You know what.. I fucking hate you."

"Yeah so are commander ordered us to take materials from the train." Pierce finished telling the Didact his reason why he attacked the train.

"Your reason seems, trustworthy. Now, I must deliver my message to your race." The Didact said with a tint of evil in his voice.

The Didact scanned the mountain they were on and found the Gryphon base about 200 meters up.

"We must find a pathway to your base, where is it?" The Didact demanded.

"I-it should be about thirty meters south." Pierce said with dread coming to his voice.

"Then let’s move."

The two started making their way towards the pathway

"What if he doesn't come back, what if he was lying just to get away from us, oh what have I done!" Twilight walked back and forth in a straight line while regretting her actions.

"Twilight, don't worry." Pinkie Pie said in her normal cheerful voice. "The Didact doesn't seem like that kind of pony that lies and why would he try to get away from us, he seemed pretty excited to meet the Princess, and besides why would he want to hang out with those big meanies." Pinkie pointed out, trying not to bring up the bloody scene that happened.

"...I guess you have a point, but what's his 'faster way of transportation' he has, what if it doesn't work and he gets lost out there!" Twilight responded, worried about her actions.

"Well he must have gone really fast if he was just disappearing like that!" Pinkie explained "But it looked like he was teleporting like you, Twilight, but he didn't have a horn, which is weird. But whatever he did, he could probably use that long distance teleport spell, Twilight."

Twilight thought about everything the Didact and the Forerunners could do, and there was still a lot more she didn't know about.

"*sigh*...Thanks, Pinkie."

"No problem, Twilight, that's what friends are for." Pinkie Pie said with a giggle.

"Well I got to make sure Fluttershy's ok, why don't you come with me. You've been like this ever since the Didact left, and everypony else is there." Pinkie Pie told Twilight.

"Sure Pinkie, and I have to say, I have been overreacting."

"Alright, lets go!" Pinkie said in her cheerful tone.

The two started to walk to where all their friends were, comforting Fluttershy from all the death.

"I just hope you make it in time." Twilight thought, while seeing the sun rising.

"Hey just asking." Pierce said exhausted from the uphill climb. "Why couldn't we just have teleported."

The Didact looked beside him to see Pierce awaiting a answer.

"The device needs to recharge, long distinct teleportation takes up more power in order to get you there safely, if not, the atoms that make up your body will spread out uncontrollably and kill you instantly." The Didact pointed out the disturbing truth.

"Wait what, these 'atoms' will spread out and kill you if you don't have enough power to teleport? How?" Pierce said confused.

"It would take too much time to explain Teleportation Technology. And I don't have that time." The Didact said not wanting to go in to the subject.

"Alright alright, just don't kil-"

"Be quiet!, we’re here." The Didact said in a hushed tone.

The Didact pecked over a hill of snow that was in front of them and saw Gryphons raiders everywhere around the encampment. The Forerunner took notice of a large tent that had two heavily armored Gryphons guarding it.

"What's your plan?" Pierce asked, worried for his comrades.

The Didact thought for a moment, thinking of what to do. Then he had a plan.

"Listen, you will go up there and distract them, then I will take them out, one by one." The Didact told Pierce. "And don't even think about attempting to save them, or else I'll kill you as well." The Didact threatened Pierce.

"Y-y-y-yeah, I still have many things to do in life." Pierce said, clearly frightened.

"A wise decision, now get up there and-"

"Look Tucker, it’s that pony, along with Pierce!" The Private from the cliffs returned to base and shouted so everyone could hear.

The Didact took immediate action and grabbed the Gryphon in his Constraint Field and tossed him off the mountain.

"FUCK YOU GUUuuuuuuuuuuuuys." The Private said his final words while falling to his death.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS TH-" A Gryphon was interrupted by a towering figure emerging up from a small snowy hill.

"Gryphons, foolish creatures." The Didact insulted their entire race.

The Didact deployed his Hard Light Sword with a flick of his hoof and started walking slowly towards them with ease.

"WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, KILL HIM!" A Gryphon general screamed.

The raiders started charging towards the Didact along with some going airborne. The airborne Gryphons reached high enough and started flying back down towards the surface. The charging Gryphon reached the Didact and raised their weapons to attack, only for some of them to be cut in half like butter and the wooden surface then set on fire from the intense heat. The Didact then pushed them away with the force of gravity under his control. The airborne ones were approaching the Didact from the sky, and when they did, he disappeared.

"WHAT?" A airborne Gryphon yelled.

Just then the squad of airborne Gryphons touched down on the snowy ground, causing a very light shockwave to be made and the layer of snow to be removed completely in the impact zone. They only got two seconds before the Forerunner reappeared in threatening stance above them, but then lowered his Hard Light Sword, burning the snow underneath and around the sword to melt instantly.

"I will allow you a moment more to use your weapon, Gryphon." The Didact said calmly and with venom in his voice.

One of the Gryphons stood up with a smug look on his face. He then swung his sword at the Didact, but broke instantly when it connected with the Promethean’s armor.

"We are done here." The Didact said while raising his Hard Light Sword to finish the Gryphon.

The Gryphon tried to run, but was stopped by the Hard Light Sword entering his flesh and lifting him in the air. The Didact then placed the corpse on the ground and pulled the sword out of him. The Didact then look at the other Gryphons that crashed into the ground, some where dead and the others where either unconscious or dying. The others he pushed away where pushed into the mountain and were all dead from head injuries. The Didact turned back around to where he last saw Pierce, and he was just sitting there in complete shock and dread.

"Your leader, now." The Didact demanded

"H-h-h-he's in that..tent over there." Pierce said horrified and pointing his talon towards the tent the Didact thought he would be in.

The Didact walked quickly and intently towards the large tent while preparing his message. The Didact entered the tent with no effort, surprisingly, and he saw a Gryphon wearing headphones. When the Gryphon saw him, he took off his headphones.

"Well looky here." He said, in a southern accent. "A visitor, I'm Sarge, the leader of the fine encampme-"

"I do not care for the name of this encampment, all I care about is you leaving this remote area at once and return to your king with a warning I have!" The Didact shouted at Sarge.

"Hold it now, no need to yell and get violent." Sarge said while reaching for an empty table. "Wait, where's my shotgun."

The Didact grabbed Sarge by his throat and held him to his height.

"If you don't fulfill my wishes, I will end your species!" The Didact hissed his threat and not sure if he could summon his Prometheans here.

"Alright *cough* big fella *cough* just let me down." Sarge said worried for his safety.

The Didact released his grip on Sarge, sending him falling back into his chair. The Forerunner was preparing for him to run for it.

"Alright, I'll do what you say, but don't kill me."

"Listen here, Gryphon," The Didact said with a voice saying 'I'll kill you if I have to. You and Pierce are going to head to where your king is, then your going to tell him my message, my warning to your species. Gryphon, your species has committed serious crimes against the Mantle of Responsibility, by allowing a group of your species to assault a train with pony passengers aboard. Your species has been causing trouble and are a blight among this world for some time, do not allow this to happen again, and along with the other species of Equis. If you do not listen to my warning, your species will be punished. The Didact said with hatred and venom in his voice.

Sarge was writing on a piece of paper and writing down the words the Didact said.

"Aaaaaaaand done. So now I just got to get there." Sarge said in his normal southern accent.

"Excellent, now get moving!" The Didact shouted at Sarge.

"Right, right, just don't kill me."

When Sarge step out of the tent, he was greeted by a dead bodies littering the ground. Sarge turned to the Didact

"You did this." Sarge said, fearing if he said yes.

"Correct, I killed them without much of a fight." The Didact answered Sarge's question.

"Now you have me convinced of your power. I'll make sure to move twice as fast."

The Didact formed a small smirk under his helmet, thinking of the words he said.

"Pierce is waiting for you, don't keep him waiting, along with me." The Didact said in an irritated voice.

"Right right, I'll make sure this gets to the king." Sarge answered the Didact nervously.

"But, what I saw from your kind in the train, you can already consider your species doomed." The Didact told them while glaring at them through his helmet.

Sarge swallowed in fear of what he prefered, 'doomed'.

"Come on boy, we have a long trip ahead of us." Sarge said, facing Pierce.

"Right Sarge, lets move." Pierce responded to Sarge's request.

The two Gryphons made there way towards Gryphoania and prepared themselves for their long journey.

The Didact found himself alone in a base littered with dead bodies. The Didact checked his teleportation device's recharge rate, it was only at sixty percent. The Didact thought how long it would take for the device to recharge and allow him to make the jump from here to Canterlot.

"At least two hours, in this planet’s time." The Didact thought to himself, frustrated that it would take that long to recharge.

The Didact looked at the clock in Sarge's tent, it read 6:43 AM.

"8:43, the teleportation will be ready." The Didact thought to himself.

The Didact went over to a log that had been near a campfire, and he sat down.

Waiting.

Three days earlier

"Infinity, this is Sierra 117 of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn, do you copy?" John said while putting his hands on a console that was supposed to contact Infinity and prevent them from entering the Gravity Well around Requiem, a Forerunner Shield World.

"Infinity, this is Sierra 117 of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn do you copy?" A voice that sounded like the Chief's but squeakier came from the Forerunner device that was in front of him, as if mocking him.

The Spartan was confused by this phenomenon, but he couldn't stop now.

"Infinity, do you read!" The Master Chief said urgently while the Forerunner device was starting to lift from its original place.

The Spartan along with Covenant Elites and Prometheans, watched the Forerunner device rise farther into the Forerunner structure's ceiling. Then it stopped.

"Chief, Chief let go of the contacts!" Cortana told John from inside his helmet.

The Chief back up from the contacts, worried about something happening with the Forerunner device.

"Find us an exit." The Chief said urgently.

"Don't wait around on my account!" Cortana said with worry in her voice.

The device sounded as it was charging up for something. The Chief took off, running for a lege and vaulted over it just in time and took cover behind a Forerunner wall as the device let out a giant orange shock wave that knocked the Covenant Elites and the Prometheans off there feet.

The Chief waited a few seconds before looking over the wall and saw a figure on a platform emerging from the bottom of the device. After at least three seconds the platform stopped, revealing an unknown alien in a crouched position. The Chief then hid himself from sight.

The Didact had finally been awoken from his imprisonment by the Librarian that had been done 100,000 years ago. The Didact then pushed himself up from his crouched position and stood at the height of 11'4. The Didact currently didn't have his Combat Skin equipped. He began the process to equip the Combat Skin. Didact pulled his arms backwards and the pieces of armor morphed itself into place piece by piece, when the Didact began to feel the familiar feel of his armor, he pulled his arms back into their normal posture, while doing this he heard the satisfying click of his armor attaching to his back.

Didact then rolled his arms forward and heard the the pieces of Forerunner metal attaching to the back piece of his chest plate. Then, the full chest piece attached itself to the Didact’s front body, creating a set of body armor. The Didact then extended his right arm along with his fingers, and a whole piece armor for his arm and shoulder came flying from nowhere and attached itself to his arm, The Didact did the same with the other arm. The final result, a perfectly crafted Forerunner Combat Skin with some pieces of the armor defying gravity and sitting there in mid air.

The Didact looked down towards that platform he was standing on, and then lifted his head and spoke his first words in roughly 100,000 years.

"So fades the great harvest of my betrayal." The Didact said calmly, then turn around and wave his six fingered hand towards his Prometheans and a orange wave of energy went towards them.

The Prometheans turned from a peaceful blue, to a battle ready orange. The Elites stared in awake at the Didact, realizing that he is one of their gods. The Elites bowed before the Didact.

The Didact started making his way towards the Chief, already knowing where he is. The Didact stopped and spoke.

"Even this species can recognize what you are oblivious to, Human." The Didact said the last word with hatred.

The Chief stayed in cover, hoping for the best.

"Your nobility has blinded you..as ever." The Didact said while the wall the Chief was behind was disintegrating and at the last words the Didact said, it fully disintegrated, leaving the Chief vulnerable.

The Chief pulled up his Assault Rifle and pointed at the Didact preparing to shoot him, but was caught by surprise as the Didact grabbed him in his Constraining Field rendering the Chief completely helpless. The Didact pulled the Chief over to him while speaking.

"The Librarian left you to the chance, didn't she?" The Didact spoke as he raise John to his eye level. "Turning my own guardians." The Didact said while turn his head towards his Prometheans and the Elites. "My own world, against me." The Didact said while turning his attention back towards the Chief.

"But what hubris, to believe she could protect her pets from me forever."

The Didact moved his hand sideways, observing the Master Chief.

"If you haven't mastered even these primitives." The Didact said while looking at the Elites. The Didact looked back at the Chief only with his eyes and raising both his eyebrows, finally he came up with a answer. "Then man has not attained the Mantle."

"There ascendence, may yet be prevented." The Didact said, already thinking of a plan.

The Didact pulled the Chief a little closer to him and spoke.

"Time was your ally, Human." The Didact pointed out.

"But now it has abandoned you...The Forerunners, have returned." The Didact told the Chief while morphing on his helmet with a thought. The helmet formed around his head then blinked with Hard Light energy.

"This tomb...is now yours." The Didact then responded by throwing the Chief into the air and sending him flying towards to wall.

The Chief hit the wall with great force and then fell at least one meter before hitting a part of the wall then landed on the floor with a thud. After two seconds, John moved his arms and pushed himself up with a grunt of effort. The Chief pick up his Assault Rifle and looked up to see the Didact's device going farther up towards the ceiling.

"Slipspace rupture, Chief MOVE!" Cortana yelled.

John turned around as fast as he could and stared running towards a small drop off and hearing a Slipspace portal powering up. The Chief dove into the drop off right as the Slipspace portal opened, creating a blinding light. After that the Chief world went black.

The Didact remembered how he meant that Human, and the one who got him here in the first place. The Didact clutched his hoof in anger and spoke his thoughts out loud.

"When I get my hands on you Human, I'll make sure that this time, you'll be dead."

Halo: Harmony's Mantle

by That Forerunner

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Stranger

Chapter 2: Forerunner

Chapter 3: Dinner With an Ancient

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Journey

Chapter 5: Trademark Lethality

Chapter 6: Take Me To Your Leader

Chapter ?: KFG?

100,000 Years