Chapter 12

Walking towards the ursa, Prey was well armed, and well trained enough for this particular situation. As he got closer with the whole town of Appleloosa was watching from a distance. After a few more minutes of walking, he reached the lake and the Ursa, who seemed to be sleeping soundly in the lake like a bath. It was curled up in a ball, sleeping like a dog.

Unfolding his wings, he fluttered himself stealthly towards the ursa’s face. He positioned himself until he was dead center in front of the ursa. He took one of the knives from his chest he threw it directly at the ursa’s eye. With his strength, the knife had just enough force to penetrate through its eye lid and hit the eyeball directly, causing the ursa to wake up and scream in pain. As it was screaming in pain, Prey took the gourd from his back and threw it in the ursa’s open mouth.

He then took his sickle and chain and threw the sickle end at the ursa’s lower jaw. It hooked to his lower lip like a claw as Prey swiftly held on tight to end of his of chain and flew upwards, pulling the chain and jaw upwards to shut it. This caused the ursa’s head to position upwards, swallowing the gourd.

This little accomplishment made Prey smirk as he landed on the ground, letting the ursa scream more in pain. The ursa with it’s one good eye had caught sight of Prey and opened his mouth, wanting to bite down on the little prey in front of him. But its eyes widened as it started to then puke out its guts and bile on the ground next to the lake.

The ursa was then groaning in pain from the puke and eye injury, but it still had some fight in it. Wanting to really bite down on Prey and make him pay with his life, he opened his mouth again, attempting to chow down. But Prey was smarter than the beast.

He flew upwards once more until he was eye level with the beast. He took two of the black balls from his chest and threw them hard like darts at the ursa’s injured eye. Both exploded upon making contact with the wounded eye as a puff of red and silver dust covered the ursa’s eye. He did it again with the ursa’s good eye making his scream louder than Luna’s royal voice.

After a few more screams of pain, Prey began to speak with the ursa. “Leave, NOW! Or suffer more!” Prey said with a stern and serious tone. Upon saying that, as a final warning he summoned his sword, wanting to intimidate the ursa.

All of this managed to bring out the fear in the ursa. It slowly rose from the lake and started to make it’s way out of Appleloosa’s territory.

Prey released a breath of relieved air as he slowly landed on the ground. He wrapped the chain around his sickle and reattached it to his belt.

Soon the whole town of Appleloosa started to cheer his name and run towards him screaming “yeehaw”. They all soon crowded around Prey and lifted him up and carried him back to town like a hero.

Throughout this whole time, Prey was nothing but surprised and confused. He was never treated like this back in the changeling kingdom. As he was being carried and praised, Applejack, who followed the crowd from a distance, could see him being treated like a saint. She could read the confusion from Prey’s face from the townsfolk, she couldn’t help but giggle from the changeling's adorable innocence from cowpony treatment.

“Hey sis.” Applebloom called to her big sister.

“Yes Applebloom?”

“Do you like Prey?” She asked making his sister blush a deep rich red.

“Ah…..yea…..Ah do.” She admitted as Applebloom smiled.

“Me too. C’mon, the town’s oughta celebrate.” Applebloom said chasing off towards the crowd as Applejack followed with a smile and blush on her face.

After the whole town carried Prey off back to town, they celebrated his victory with a feast and banquet. Music was proudly roaring throughout the whole town and people danced with the energy of a young dog. Prey, being the center figure for this whole celebration was being praised in multiple ways.

One way would be rounds after rounds of apple family cider and moonshine. Needless to say that he took drinks. Although he did not take too many, especially the moonshine for it was too strong for his taste. And he did not feel like getting drunk or having another headache.

Another way of being praised was eating. He was given a multitude of food, mostly in the theme of apples and sweets. Prey appreciated their hospitality greatly, but only ate a modest amount of food. He did not want to feel full or sluggish from the food, he wanted to only feel satisfied so he could serve and fight for his other masters another day in with plenty of energy.

One of the final ways of the town showing its affection and grace towards Prey were mostly the young women and girls showing their appreciation in…..very suggestive ways. A few of them now thought the changeling of being sexy, considering he was the hero of the town. Some tried to seduce Prey, while others applied clothing and makeup to try and attract Prey’s attention. Although they all failed as Prey simply acted modest towards them, he did not feel the same affection towards them, unlike Applejack.

“C’mon Prey, hows ‘bout a strong warrior like you spend the night with me?” One mare asked, trying to seduce Prey.

Prey could give her a weak smile and a honest answer. “Ee...ettoo….No thank you. I appreciate it, but I must stay by my master’s side tonight.” The mare only shrugged and walked away, joining others in the celebration.

Hours had passed as the town’s party slowly died down. Prey was sitting under one of the patio’s of a building taking in all of today’s events. He could feel a massive surge of energy coursing through him, this was the honor he had been receiving from the whole town. This was the most he has ever received, especially from a public perspective.

He heard steps beside him, he turned to find Applejack with two mugs of cider. “Howdy Prey, mind if I sit here with ya and drink with ya?” Prey was slightly buzzed and relaxed from the alcohol he had drank before, but one more mug wouldn’t hurt.

“Eeetooo yea, yea go ahead.” Prey said as the orange mare sat down next to the changeling and handed him a mug of cider. Applejack raised her glass towards Prey as they clinked glasses.

“To beatin the ursa.” Applejack cheered as they took a good sip of the cider. The fizzy, sweet, and apple flavored alcohol tingled Prey’s mouth filling him with a relax feeling.

He gave a sigh of relaxation after his drink and set his drink down for later. “Thank you Applejack, but I think this is my last one for tonight.”

Applejack chugged the whole drink down like a champ and set her mug down next to Prey’s. “Yea good thinkin. We gotta wake up early to catch the earliest train.”

“At what time should we wake up?”

“Five in the mornin sounds good to me. You alright with that?”

“Yes it is fine. I can simply set an alarm on my phone.” He said as he pulled out his phone and set a few alarms around five a.m. for the train.

Both of them sat in silence for a while. Prey took in the time to gaze upon the stars, Luna’s beautiful creation. Prey could only chuckle at the stars however, which made Applejack raise an eyebrow at him suspiciously. “What’s so funny?”

“My apologies, I was just remembering a legend from samurai records.”

“What kind of records?”

“Well the legend goes as ‘The Princess of the moon’, but it is not about Princess Luna. At least I do not believe so. Legend has it that a beautiful changeling princess was born one day and was never happy. Many of the male changelings wanted to marry her but she had one request. Any changeling who brought her the item that would make her happy, she would marry them without question.

“Many have tried, but all have failed. Some brought gold, some brought food, some showed skill, and some showed weapons, yet all of these brought no happiness to the princess. Until one day a single changeling came towards the princess, claiming he had what she wanted. “I will give you the moon.” He claimed as he showed her a carriage with tamed windigos.

“Needless to say she was thrilled and happily boarded his carriage. The two went off to the moon as a married couple, and stayed on the moon, forever.” Prey ended making Applejack smile.

“That’s a sweet story, man all these stories you’re telling us oughta be published for the youngins someday.”

“I shall think about that.” Prey said taking another sip of his drink. After his sip, he thought back at the the beginning of all of this. How he had met his new masters, moving to Ponyville, and learning and living with the new culture he blended with. He thought about his other masters, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack, all of whom treated him fairly and with respect. “Applejack…”

“Hmm?”

“When we get back to Ponyville, may I speak to you and the others in private?”

“Hmm? Why’s that?” Prey answered by summoning his sword and pulled out the blade. He pointed at his execution marks.

“I wish to go into further detail about these. I want to be honest with all of you.”

“Prey…” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t have to.”

“I know.” He then made a small smile on his face. “But I want to. You have all been so good to me, yet I have not shared my personal past life with any of you. I feel it is my duty to do so.” He put his sword back in its sheath and sent it back to Twilight’s castle. He picked up his cider and started to finish it until it was empty. “Ahh, but I must say, this is the most alcohol I have drank in my life.”

Applejack gave him a smirk. “Really now? Want to have some more?”

“Eeetooo I suppose one more would be okay.”

“Good, follow me.” Applejack commanded as she took Prey by the hand and dragged him to the local saloon. Inside the two sat down by the bar as the bartender, who had a magnificent handlebar mustache greeted them with a tip of his stetson.

“Howdy lads, what can I ya?” His accent was very strange. He had a similar accent to another bartender Prey knew, but his dialect was that of Applejack’s. Prey could only stare, a little rude, but he was extremely confused. “What’ya lookin at partner?”

“Uh….forgive me, it is just. You remind me of somepony I know.”

“Oh really pardner? Wot’s his name?”

“His name is Whiskey, Whiskey Spirits.” Hearing this, the bartender dropped his mug and his mustache drooped down like a sad tree.

“Yer shitin right? That’s mah cousin!”

This took Prey by surprise. “Heh is that true? I did not realize he had a cousin.”

“Heh, that's my cousin, little fool can’t even say he’s got cousin. Anyways, names Boozy, Boozy Brew.” He said introducing himself and shaking Prey’s hand.

“My name is Prey Striker, and this is Applejack.” Prey said as Boozy and Applejack shook hands.

“Good to meet ya pardner.” Applejack said.

“Same. Anyways, wot brings you two to mah little saloon.”

“Well Ah wanted to show Prey somethin to knock his shoes off. You got real moonshine around here?”

“Do I? The name’s Boozy for a reason.” He said reaching under a table and pulling out a large brown bottle with three Xs on it. “Here ya go, just two glasses then?” They both nodded as Boozy poured a glass for each of them, and one for himself. “So Prey, Ah know you ain’t pony and stuff so tell me, whot’re you doin here ‘round these parts?”

“Well Applejack and I got here earlier this morning and I took care of the ursa that was sleeping in the local lake.”

Boozy looked at him in completely shock with his mustache standing straight like a electrified hair. “You gotta be shittin me partner. You, a lone changeling took down a whole ursa?”

Prey could only chuckle at his reaction, but he had a make a clarification. “Well I did not “take it out”, I simply hit its weak points to scare it away. I shut down on of his eyes, made him eat a poison that induces vomiting, and threw hollowed out black eggs filled with grounded up pepper and glass at his eyes. These made him sick and hurt his eyes alot. All the pain was to make him fear me, and it worked.”

“Well then, you practically saved mah business bud. This round’s on me.” He said the three raised their glasses of moonshine and clinked glasses. “To Prey’s victory.” Boozy cheered as the three took a drink. Boozy and Applejack drank theirs like professionals, shooting it down to their systems.

Prey on the other hand had to retract, he had not thought that moonshine was powerful with the alcohol spike. “GWUAHH! That is….that is strong!” He exclaimed as the the cowponies laughed at his inability to drink the moonshine. “I….I don’t think-”

“Ya choking on me bud? C’mon, drink it up. I dare ya!” Boozy said as he gave Prey an aggressive but friendly expression towards him.

“You can do it Prey, drink it all up.” Applejack as Prey took that literally as a command.

He looked down at his moonshine and prepared to kiss the snake. He brought the concoction to his lips and started to quickly drink the booze down to avoid any long lasting pain. He finished his drink and slammed the glass down, breathing for fresh air after having to kiss that drink. “Guh...I...I….I did it Applejack” Prey said, gasping for air. “That is…..too strong.”

Applejack couldn't help but giggle at Prey’s reaction. She then stared at her empty glass and pushed it towards Boozy. “Boozy, can we just two ten ounces of cider, we gotta catch an early train tomorrow and Ah don’t want have to try and drag his sluggish flank back home.” Boozy nodded and poured two glasses of cider for the two.

“Here ya go pardners, now if ya need me Ah’ll be in mah basement cleanin up. Oh, and don’y worry about the bill, I’ll put it on a tab.” Boozy said as he opened a trapdoor behind the bar and started climbing down a ladder, leaving Applejack and Prey alone.

The two clinked their ciders and took a sip. Their solitude began to feel awkward, they were alone and neither said a word. Until Applejack spoke up. “Umm...Prey? Can Ah tell you somethin?” Applejack asked as she started to blush and feel the heat build up in her face.

“E...eeetoo, sure.”

Applejack gave a gulp and took one more sip of her cider. “Ah have somethin to admit to you, and it’s hard for me to say this.” She took a long deep sigh and went for it. “Ah…..Ah…..” She just couldn’t get it out, the struggle was only too difficult for her.

“You like me…..that is what you’re going to say. As in, love me…..am I correct?” Prey answered for her with a flat expression on his face. Applejack immediately tensed up and blushed, placing her hat in front of her face, hiding her embarrassment. This all but confirmed Prey’s assumption, however he could only give a weak smile at his confirmation, taking in one more sip of his cider. “I learned about love like this the other night, the night I was talking Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. They explained everything to me, and they told me the signs…...your signs…..”

“P-Prey Ah…..Ah really do like you. And in full honesty, Ah’ve never felt this way for anypony in mah life. Let alone fall for a changeling like you. You’re gullible but funny, loyal, strong, and all in all just….just extremely honest.”

Hearing all of this, Prey’s smile became bigger. Yet something was biting his back. “Well I have to admit Applejack, I also do like you back.” This made Applejack’s heart melt like warm chocolate, her whole body was like jelly with the feeling of joy. “But I do not know if I can do it.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“I am bound by blood to serve you till the day I die. There are no records of samurai being in a relationship. Even if I was in a relationship with you…..I don’t know. I want it but-” Prey was cut off as Applejack grabbed his face and made him face towards her. He pulled him in as the two connected lips, kissing passionately as their tongues met like long lost lovers.

They tongues swirled feeling each other’s embrace. Prey could feel the faint taste of apples and cinnamon from Applejack, while she can feel the taste of sweet nectar and sugar around her tongue. Both moaned with pleasure and kept up their little ‘dance’ for what felt like hours until finally, they broke. Letting go they gasped for air, feeling the heat of their passion explode like a fire in their hearts and cheeks.

“I don’t care.” Applejack said first. “I don’t care about your samurai code and status and whatever. I just care about you. I want you Prey, Ah really do. And if there is any obstacle that comes in our way, Ah want us to beat it so that we can stay together.”

Hearing all of this, Prey’s heart skip a few beats as Applejack rested her mentally tired head on Prey’s chest. Prey, like before, started to stroke Applejack’s hair with his hand, combing it with a gentle feeling. “I want you Applejack, I really do. If you’re serious, then I’m not afraid of creating or breaking a new record for samurai.”

“And that is?”

“Finding a lover.” He said with a smile as he brought up Applejack’s face from the chin and kissed her in another passionate move. She moaned deeper as the second kiss would last longer than the first. They let go as they just stared deeply into each other’s eyes. “Applejack, I believe we must go to sleep soon. We must wake up early tomorrow for the train.” He said making Applejack giggle, wanting to play a little more.

“Alright Alright, let’s go” Applejack said as she and Prey got off their stools. Before they left Prey stopped for a moment. “Somethin wrong sugarcube?”

Prey only responded by kicked the wall of the bar, causing a certain bartender to slam the top of his scalp under the bow. “Ow! Celestia that-” Boozy said emerging from behind the bar holding his scalp, only realizing he had been spotted. “Uh…..”

“Not a word…..” Applejack said with a disapproving look.

“Please do not tell Whiskey.”Prey pleaded making Boozy wave his hand away.

“Don’t worry partner, I’m not that cruel. Now go get some y’all.” The two left the establishment and made their way back towards Braeburn’s house. Upon arriving the two silently and cautiously made their way through the interior of the wooden old house, making sure not to bend any planks or make any noise to disturb anyone asleep.

They both reached their separate rooms as they split, much to their dismay, and left each other alone. Prey made sure everything was packed up and read to go, such as his multiple small weapons. Although he was missing some inventory due to them being taken from a now injured and sick ursa major, he couldn’t complain.

After going his inventory he was ready for the next morning. With his bags packed up, his alarm ready, he climbed into bed and the sheets over himself. Ten minutes passed and he suddenly started feeling something crawling in the sheets with him. He opened the sheets to find Applejack wrapped around him and snuggling her face on his chest. He felt he face blush, but he didn’t mind.

“I got lonely.” She excused with a sheepish smile as Prey threw the sheets over them.

“I can see.” He said with a chuckle as the new snuggled closer to each other, cuddling in a sleeping embrace. Before either of them could go to sleep, Prey gave a quick peck to Applejack on the lips, making her peck back. “Oyasumi Applejack.”

“Goodnight Prey.” She said as the two finally gave in to slumber, which would most likely be one of the best sleeps either could have.

Little did they knew however, the door to their room was still open. It was creaked open a bit, just enough for a small little filly, and a stallion to peak in, giggling at the performance.

Author's Note

Now there are a few things I would like to clarify in this chapter. If some of you are weapon enthusiasts, especially of the Japanese kind, you might notice that some of the weapons that Prey used against the ursa are not actually Samurai weapons, but are actually ninja/shinobi weapons. I decided to blend together ninja and Samurai together.

Be aware, the two are completely contrasting warriors, but this is something I wanted to do, much like the real life figure of 'Hattori Hanzo' who was both a ninja and samurai at the same time.

Weapons used by Prey here were of weapons of real life ninja. The sickle and chain were a Kusarigami, just minus the weight on the other end of the chain.

The eggs of powder were forms of Metsubushi, a early pepper spray.
This being an example how it's used without the egg

The gourd well...I don't exactly have a article source, but my best source was from 'Gaijin Goomba' and his identification of the Shinobi in 'For Honor'. Using them for poisons or medicines, depending on the mission.
Here is the Video about it. But I highly recommend checking out Metatron's video about real life shinobi.

And the knives, were kunai. Do I really need to explain what kunai were? Anyone who's seen 'Naruto' should know it by now, but basically, farming tools that were used as knives...nuff said.

To sum it all up, Prey has some skills of a ninja, but not all. I'm going to try and avoid ninja like tendencies to avoid making him overpowered.

Also, as for Boozy himself and his accent. Imagine An Irish accent on Applejack or Braeburn.....'nuff said.

So I hope you enjoyed the chapter and thanks for reading. Hope you're ready for more.

Much love
~Onyx