I woke early that morning, just as I always do, and nearly sighed in relief at the thought that the night before was all a dream. Yet, as I took notice of my impaired vision, my sigh turned into a groan. So it was real. With another groan, I stood up and started doing my regular exercises. Push ups, situps, planks, and a few more. After I was done with that, I picked up my new sword, taking in the fact that it seemed lighter than I thought it would. Not by a large margin, but still fairly light. I chalked that up to being drastically taller than before and started doing my kendo exercises. Midway through, Zecora opened her door and saw me.

"An early riser and an exerciser? You are quite unique, to try to keep yourself sleek," she complimented. I blushed lightly and rubbed the back of my helmet.

"Eh, it's not that big of a deal. I just like to stay fit. You know what they say, 'A sound soul, resides within a sound mind, and a sound body'," I quoted.

"You sound just like a wise pony, yet you seem far from an old crony," Zecora pointed out. I blushed harder. Thankfully I had a helmet on.

"W-Well...th-thanks..." I stuttered. Zecora laughed.

"My my, you are just like Fluttershy," Zecora chuckled as she shook her head with mirth. "I have made a brew, though it is only a stew. Would you like some too?" I nodded hesitantly. I don't know what it is with this zebra, first I feel comfortable, then she makes me blush like crazy. As Zecora went back inside to fetch the stew, I thought back to my vow. Specifically, my vow of abstinence. I had heard it was something most hermits did, vowing to renounce all things modern as well as all distratcions, thinking only pure, clean thoughts. Most I heard about either died alone, yet content...or succumbed to temptation. I couldn't let that happen to me, or else I couldn't call myself a hermit. So, with that in mind, I decided that I would set out as soon as possible to make my own home. Else I could fall prey to this cute, mysterious...No! Bad brain! Bad thoughts! No!

"Here you are, hopefully my cooking skills are up to par," Zecora said, breaking me out of my thoughts. I looked down to see the offered bowl of stew, taking note of how small it was. So small, in fact, it could be considered a sake cup. At least, compared to me. For her, it seemed to be a regular size. Still, it smelled delicious. I carefully took the "bowl" in one hand, and took off my helm with the other. Then, I took a delicate sip, nearly draining it in one go. It tasted...pretty good!

"This is really good! Thank you, Miss Zecora," I thanked. Zecora seemed too focused on my face. "Umm...Miss Zecora?" She shook her head.

"Apologies, I was surprised by your visage. It looks as if it should be on a stage," Zecora commented. I blushed, and she giggled. I cleared my throat awkwardly.

"S-So, um...why do you always rhyme?" I asked.

"I like to be mysterious. Though those at home used to think it superfluous. Would you prefer it if I did not? I understand if you do not like the constant onslaught," she offered.

"I don't mind it terribly, but it would be nice to not have to piece your words together," I answered.

"Very well. Might I ask what you are? I've never met a creature such as you before, and I must admit I am quite intrigued," Zecora asked.

"I...well, I think I'm a human, but most I knew of weren't this tall, or this big in general..." I said uncertainly.

"Human? I cannot say I've heard of such beings. And you say you are different from most?" she queried. I nodded. "Hmmm. Well, mayhaps I can look into that for you. I have a good friend outside of the forest, I am certain she can find something to help you."

"Thanks, Zecora, but I'm not gonna be here for much longer," I said apologetically. Zecora frowned.

"Must you leave so soon? It is not often I get such delightful company as you," Zecora pleaded. I nodded slowly.

"I'm a hermit. Living alone is what I do. But...it was nice, being with you," I finished my "bowl", before handing it back to Zecora and putting my helmet back on, then strapping my sword to my back.

"Will you at least visit?" she asked after a long silence.

"Yeah. Yeah, I will," I promised, before striding into the brush and deeper into the forest.

"Alright girls, ready to head in?" Twilight asked her friends.

"Eeyup," Applejack drawled.

"You betcha!" Pinkie chirped.

"As ready as I will be," Rarity said with a sigh at the thought of her hooves being covered in dirt and mud.

"Yeah! Let's find this thing and kick it's butt!" Rainbow enthused.

"B-But didn't the Princesses say it was about as powerful as them?" Fluttershy said with a quiver of fear.

"Fluttershy is right, Rainbow, we don't need to go starting a fight with something that powerful when we can avoid it," Twilight chided. Rainbow grumbled and crossed her hooves as she hovered in midair. "Now, let's go. First stop is Zecora's house." And so they did. As they walked the dirt path, things remained mostly silent between them, mainly on account of them watching for any predators.

"So...what do you all think this thing is gonna be?" Rainbow asked, breaking the silence. "I'm hoping it's gonna be a massive wolf, myself."

"I think it's gonna be a Neighponese samurai!" Pinkie chirped.

"I hope it'll be a great mage like Starswirl the Bearded," Twilight put in, stars in her eyes.

"Oh, if it were a dapper prince from a distant land my heart would soar!" Rarity gushed. Applejack snorted.

"Pfft, Ah bet it's a long lost friend o' tha' Princesses," Applejack supplied.

"I think I would have to agree with Rainbow, s-sorry..." Fluttershy said timidly. The girls continued discussing what they thought the being was as they walked, until eventually they made it to Zecora's house. Twilight walked up and knocked on her door.

"Hello? Zecora? We need to ask you some questions," Twilight called. A moment later the door opened and Zecora greeted them.

"Ah, my good friends! I hope the forest did not trouble you too much with it's bends," Zecora said genially.

"No, we made it just fine, Zecora. Can we come in?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"Of course! No need to coerce!" Zecora said with an equally bright smile as they all took a seat around a table. "What do you have on your minds? You can ask me questions of all kinds."

"Well, did you recently see any strange creatures? Something unusual?" Twilight asked.

"Well, there was one fellow. He was quite mellow. He went by the title of Sir Alonne, and he never raised his tone," Zecora recounted.

"Sir Alonne? So he's a knight?" Applejack asked. Zecora nodded.

"Is he handsome?" Rarity butted in. Zecora chuckled.

"In an exotic way, yes. Although he said he was a hermit, and he didn't seem like one to stray," Zecora explained. Rarity pouted.

"Do you know where he went?" Twilight queried. Zecora thought for a moment.

"Westward, and onward," Zecora supplied.

"Thank you, Zecora! It was nice talking to you. Let's get going girls!" Twilight instructed. And with that, the Elements all walked out in search of the mysterious man.

Author's Note

I'm a bit more proud of this chapter, but just a bit. And holy shit, is Zecora hard to write! I had to keep looking up words that rhymed, and it took foreeeever! But enough of my whining. Thank you all for reading, and please comment down below if I missed something!

–BlueMoon865