Neutrality

I don't know how it happened but I'm the last one left, Human anyway. I hate conflict, but ever since the others vanished I've found the wildlife savage. The open field my family's cottage had looked over on had grown overnight into a dense forest, The peaceful wolves had grown into monsters, becoming one with the trees, The dragons left me alone as long as I didn't bother them but they were always like that. Hydras however were another story entirely, if they so much as saw something enter their territory, I don't want to think about it.

A loud screaming jolted me out of my slumber. "Help me!" A woman could it be another, I can't take any chances. I grab for my greatsword and run outside. I scan the treetops for signs of movement, there in the clearing I couldn't quite make the figures out but I could hear the cries for help. My cottage laid on a plateau on the outskirts of the forest. I stepped onto my sword and pushed off the mountain. An old past-time of mine was snowboarding, easiest way to get down the mountain. The wind flowed through my waist long hair whipping it around. In seconds I slid into the forest and ducked under branches.The screams grew louder as I began to hear growls. Whoever she was she was being attacked by those Wolf creatures. As they came into view I reached for the handle of my greatsword and whip it out from under me and skid into a horizontal slash. The sword went through the Wolf like a knife through butter, drenching it and the damsel in red slush.

"Are you alright Ma'am?"

"Yes, but did you have to make such a mess?"

"No I guess not, don't move." I take my sword in hands and spread my feet. The Wolves circled around sizing me up. Their eyes drifted to my blade, longer than each one of them and ran away tails tucked between their legs. "I apologize, to both of you." I kneel down at the two halves of the Wolf creature and draw a crucifix in the dirt. "Rest in peace my friend, may you find what you were searching for in life." Tears fell from my eyes.

"What is wrong my child, that animal was rabid and wild."

"I don't like to take life regardless of what is wrong with them." I turn my head to the damsel and find my hopes dashed to pieces. "Are you a Zebra?"

"Yes my Shining Knight, and more than most I respect your plight."

"Why do you speak like that, and how do you speak?"

"I was born able, and taught this way since the stable."

"Where do you live?"

"About a mile down this path, I did not mean to cause Canine wrath."

"Let me carry you, it's the least I can do to apologize for staining your coat." I raise the
miniature Zebra onto my shoulders, and head in the direction she pointed.

"It is quite alright, you saved my life my Shining Knight."

"That is not my name."

"Then what is, what is the answer to this quiz?"

"Malicious, I hate my name."

"Then why not change a name you spite, It better suits you Shining Knight."

"You make a valid point, Ma'am."

"Zecora, is the name with which I am tasked, If you wanted to know you could have just asked."

"You may call me Shining Knight. Are there others like you?"

"Yes if you mean others that can talk, after we rest I'll take you on a walk. I was under the impression, that Human numbers were in recession."

"They are, I may be the last." I cringe at the thought of being the last human on this plane, and the weight of my passenger didn't help. "I don't know what to do, my friends and family disappeared years ago,"

"Oh my Knight so very Shining, now is not the time for whining. There is no need for self treason, when everything happens for a reason." Her words were truly sincere, she reminded me of my mother. "It is not much further the end of our quest, in a few moments we will be able to rest." The path ended abrubtly at a hut carved into the trunk of a large tree. She slid down my back and trotted around to the door. "I am sorry for being a heavy load, you are welcome to stay in my humble abode."

"Thank you for your hospitality, but I wouldn't want to impose."

(Somewhere in the settlement of Ponyville,)

A Lavender Unicorn slowly opens her eyes. "Another crazy night of studying, huh." She rolled out of bed and levitated a brush to comb her mane which was a darker shade than her coat.

"Here Twilight," A purple dragonling said as he held out a steaming mug. "Black two sugars like you like it."

"Thank you Spike." The mug took on a purple aura as it floated from his claws to her lips. "What time is it?"

"Almost lunch-time, and you have a scheduled lunch-date with Rainbow Dash in twenty minutes."

"Oh I completely forgot, thank you for reminding me." The Unicorn bolted down the stairs but tripped over an encyclopedia at the bottom. "Ow,"

"Twilight are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine, could you clean this up for me, Please?"

"Sure Twilight, bring me back something okay?"

"Of course Spike, if anything comes up that can't wait send me a letter." She yelled as she galloped through the door.

"Of course Twilight." The Dragonling started to pick up the books and re-shelve them. He felt a pang in his stomach, in a large belch of green fire a letter appeared on the floor in front of him, bearing the Royal Seal. He slowly broke the seal and unfurled the scroll.

My Dearest Twilight

There have been reports of a strange bipedal creature on the outskirts of the Everfree. I humbly ask that you and your friends speak with Zecora, to learn if she knows anything about said creature, or it's whereabouts. I know this is short notice but if you can find the creature bring it to me so I may extend the Olive Branch of Peace.

Princess, Celestia.