Chapter 16

A month had passed since Prey had confessed his sins. He felt more open towards the ponies of Ponyville and more open about himself towards his masters, especially Applejack. Speaking of Applejack, his relationship with her was widely spread throughout the whole town, which somehow increased sales for the Apple family.

Today Prey was in the field of the Apple family’s orchard working hard. Bucking trees and bringing back baskets of apples. He didn’t want to use his magic, even though it would be easier, he decided not to in order to improve his physical strength.

Prey punched the last apple tree as the last few apples fell into the baskets onto his cart. Grabbing the cart by its handle, he started to tow it back towards the barn.

Arriving at the farm’s barn he began to place the baskets one by one inside. After placing down the last basket, he wiped off the sweat on his head and looked at the baskets feeling proud of his hard work. He turned around to suddenly find Applejack right in front of him to surprise him with a kiss on the lips.

She let go leaving him with a smile. “Wah hello there sugarcube.” She said with a pleasing smile.

Prey chuckled. “And hello to you too Applejack. Care to watch me finish?”

“Yup, just making sure my colt was doing his work.”

“You always worry for me.” He sighed out. “You are aware that is my job correct?”

“Ah know that! But that doesn’t mean I can’t not worry about you.”

Defeated, Prey sighed with a smile. “Well, you are my master.”

“Good boy. Now C’mon, Ah’m hungry, let’s get some lunch.”

“As you command master.” Prey said with a playful tone. He then received a light punch from Applejack on the arm, thankfully he knew this was a friendly gesture and not a hurtful one.

“You and yer titles. Now c’mon, Granny’s makin apple pie.” Prey nodded as the two of them started walking towards the house together. Applejack slowly positioned her hand on Prey’s, having them walk hand in hand.

They arrived at the house to see Granny Smith, Applebloom, and Big Mac setting down plates and silverware on the picnic table. Applebloom noticed the two and waved over to them. “There you two are! I was beginning to wonder where you two were.”

“My apologies Applebloom, I suppose I took on more trees than I thought.”

Applejack giggled. “Don’t work too hard now Prey. Celestia know’s I’ve learned my lesson from that.”

The family and Prey all sat down for lunch as they started eating. On the table was all sorts of apple baked goods, such as apple pie, apples, fritters, and an apple fruit salad. They all started to eat and dig in, with Prey eating very formal and slow, unlike the Apples eating very messy and informal. Luckily Prey did not mind their messy habits.

“So Prey, what else do you have planned for today?” Applebloom asked.

“So far, nothing at the moment. I might go to the bar and relax. It has been a while since I spoke to Whiskey.” Prey took another bite of his salad and turned to Applejack. “Applejack is there anything else you wish for me to do?”

“Nope, yer done for the day. You should the enjoy the rest of it.”

Prey nodded and finished his food. He stood up and bowed towards Granny Smith. “Thank you for the meal Granny Smith, it was delicious.”

“Thank you dearie. And don’t worry about the dishes. We can get it for you.”

“Domo.” Prey said leaving the table and off towards the town. He walked down the road and eventually reached Whiskey’s bar and walked inside. He saw Whiskey at his counter pouring a few pints of beer for some ponies. Prey walked to the end of the counter and waited until Whiskey was done with his other customers.

Whiskey noticed the changeling without a drink and walked over to him. “Well look who’s fokin here!? Prey, how you been lad?”

“Good Whiskey, and you?”

“Business going better than usual. Remember I told you I was lookin for a pony fer hire?”

“Yes.”

“Well some lad came in the next day and asked for a job. I hired him and he became the best damn waiter I’ve seen in me life!” Whiskey said as he eyed his stare towards the waiter.

Prey looked over at the waiter only to recognize him as Swift Swap, the thief he spared that night. “I see, what his name?”

“His name be Swift, and his name really lives up to his skill. The lad is fast at delivering and fetchings drinks.”

“I see, well good to see your business is doing better.”

“Thanks lad, now then. Need a drink?”

“Yes please. A pint of Guinness please.” Prey asked as Whiskey took a pint, and began to pour a cold one for him. He threw the pint as it skated across the wooden counter, stopping in Prey’s grasp. “Arigato Whiskey.” (Thank you)

“Cheers lad.” Whiskey said as he returned to serving other patrons.

Prey took his pint and started to sip it slowly, bit by bit, savoring the flavor of his Guinness. He took out his phone, checking any messages he might have missed from his masters, but none came up. Putting away his phone, he chugged down the rest of his drink and placed some bits on the counter for Whiskey.

He sat up from the bar and started to leave. In one of the booths was a reformed changeling who was watching Prey. As soon as Prey left the bar, the changeling left the booth and tailed him outside. He quickly rushed over to Prey as he tapped him on the shoulder.

Prey turned around to find a fellow changeling with a sky blue chitin and yellow eyes. Prey squinted his eyes at the changeling, but could not recognize him. “Hello, eeetooo… can I help you?” (ummm)

“Prey Striker am I right?”

“H-Hai. Sumimasen, do I know you?” (Yes. Excuse me)

“Prey sir, it is me. Sergeant Razor.”

Prey’s eyes widened as he inspected him further. He did not recognize Razor without his armor. “Razor, I see. Yes I remember you, I ordered you to strike me with your sword. It is good to see you again.” Prey said with a smile.

“Y-Yes, it is good to see you too sir.”

“Razor, I am surprised to see you here. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back at the kingdom on guard?”

“Um….sir that is the thing. I….I left the guard.” Prey’s eyes widened in shock.

“N-Nanda? W-Why did you leave the changeling guard?” (W-Why)

“Sir I left because I came to seek you out. I wanted your help.”

“I see. What is it you need of me for?”

“Prey, sir. I want you to train me, train me to be a samurai.” He pleaded as he stood straight and bowed towards him.

Prey was in shock. He had never trained anyone in the ways of the samurai. In fact, Razor was not of samurai blood. He didn’t know what to say. “Ah...Ah…” He sighed and looked away for a moment. “Well….well…..why?”

“Sir, I just want to be like you. I want to be able to protect my kind in any way, but the new way is slow and weak. I want to be stronger, I want to be better for my kingdom.”

“Okay. Do you have any place to stay?”

“Yes sir. I am staying at a local inn for the next few days.”

“I see, good. Meet me at Princess Twilight’s castle tomorrow. I need to think about this, so when you see me, then I’ve already made my decision.”

“Yes sir.” Razor said saluting the samurai.

“One more thing Razor, do not call me “sir”, that is not what samurai were called.”

“Y-Yes si- Er uh…….Yes Prey.”

“Yoshi, come back to the castle tomorrow at 7 am. My day off of work is tomorrow.” (good)

“Okay.”

With that the two changelings left one another with Razor heading in one direction and Prey heading towards the castle. He opened the door and walked inside.

Prey wanted to find help from Twilight, he wanted to talk with her. He walked to the usual spot where he would find her, the library. He entered the library to find Twilight reading a book on the table with eight more stacked up next to her, and spike in the corner on his bean bag chair reading a few comic books. He walked to his master and sat down next to her. “Twilight sama” .(master)

Twilight lost focus on her book and turned her attention to Prey in surprise. “Oh Prey, Sumimasen, I didn’t see you there. Whats up?” (excuse me)

“Can I talk with you privately please?” Prey said with a concerning tone.

“Is something wrong?”

“I-Iie...ettoooo I just need help making decision. And I would like your opinion.” (N-No...ummmm)

“Sounee? Yoshi. Spike, can you please leave us alone? Prey and I need to talk.” (Really? Alright.)

“Okay.” Spike said closing his comic, picking up the rest of his comics and leaving the room.

Prey sat down on his knees in front of Twilight and sighed. “Alright Prey, what’s the matter?”

“I ran into another changeling today. Do you remember Sargeant Razor back the changeling kingdom?”

“Hmm… Yes I do. He’s the one that was with us when we first met you.”

“Yes. He is in Ponyville now as we speak. He has requested a very odd and difficult question for me to answer, and I would like your wisdom before I can answer him.”

“What did he ask?”

“He asked me to train him, to make him a samurai.” Prey said looking downward with a glum look.

“Oh….wow. So...how is this difficult for you?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow

“It is difficult because only true samurai blooded changelings could only become samurai. Yet he was not born as a samurai, he was born normally, as a normal changeling. I have never seen or heard of any regular changeling becoming a samurai. It is nearly impossible.”

“How so?”

“Samurai born changelings are different. They are born with enhanced strength, speed, agility, and endurance. With the cost of lacking any normal changeling powers, such as love consumption and transformation. We are the strong ones, and our training proves it. You saw how I single handedly took down the hydra? A normal changeling cannot do that.”

“Really now, so because of your enhanced born strengths you are more superior. So why can’t you still train him?”

“To be honest with you master, the one thing I am afraid of, is his own safety. If I agree to train him to become a samurai, he will have a much more difficult time than mine. Mine was easier with natural samurai strength and mental state. I fear he may not survive or be fit enough.”

Twilight placed a hand on his shoulder. “You know, anypony can become whatever they want. But sometimes destiny calls. You do know how we all have cutie marks right?”

“Hai. Those are a sign of your special skill and destiny right?”

“Well skill yes, but destiny is different. We can all choose our own destiny, and sometimes destiny chooses us.” Twilight stood up and closed her book. “C’mon, lemme show you something.”

Prey stood up and started to follow the alicorn. They walked down the castle hall until they reached the map room. Twilight opened the doors and presented Prey the table map, and more importantly, the tree root chandelier above the table.

“Kireii….” (Pretty) Prey said, gazing at the amazing chandelier of lights of several colored gems and crystals.

“Sou desunee? My friends made this for me, and it shows all the memories my friends and I made. Go ahead, fly up to one and see for yourself.” (It is isn’t it?)

Prey opened his wings and fluttered up to a yellow crystal hanging from the roots. He looked deeply into the crystal to see a scene of Twilight Sparkle at some sort of party inside a library.

“That one is a memory of my first party in Ponyville with Pinkie. This was when I moved in and before I even became an alicorn.”

“You were an ordinary unicorn? Sugoi. I had no idea.” (amazing)

“Yea, it was pretty neat huh?” Prey flew over to another crystal and looked through it to see a scene of Twilight spreading her alicorn wings. “Oh, that’s when I first got my wings.”

“So what is it that you intend to show me through these crystals.”

“What I’m trying to say and show, is that destiny can happen in both ways. Y’know, Princess Celestia sent me to Ponyville, in fact I actually wanted to leave Ponyville after Pinkie threw me that party.” Prey’s eyes widened at that statement. “But in the end, I chose to stay here because I wanted to. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity were my friends, and I really didn’t want to leave them.”

“So...what does this have to do with myself and Razor.”

“Well, what I’m trying to say is. Maybe Razor is fit enough to be samurai. Maybe he’s not. Maybe it is his destiny to become a normal changeling samurai, or maybe it isn’t.” Prey gave her a confused look, he still did not fully understand. “Look what I’m trying to say is, let him try. If he can’t live up to it, then it’s okay. If he can, well then, that’s good.”

“Are you sure master? I don’t mean to question your wisdom.”

“I’m pretty sure. I mean, I had no idea that I would become a hero of Equestria, much less an Alicorn. Even when I did become an alicorn, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even sure I was ready. But then I something that helped me throughout my journey. I had my teachers, my family, and more importantly my friends to walk that path with me, which eventually became my destiny.” Twilight said as a small tear fell down her cheek. She quickly wiped away the tear and smiled sheepishly at Prey.

“Ehehe, sorry. I still get sappy over that.” She said making both of them laugh a bit.

“So, you think I should train him. And simply see where this all leads?”

“To simply put it….yes.”

“I see.” Prey smiled and stood up, bowing towards Twilight. “Arigato gozaimasu Twilight sama.” (Thank you very much master Twilight.”

“Doo Itashimashite. Oh and Prey, good luck.” (You’re welcome) Twilight said with an approving smile.

Prey smiled and chuckled on the inside. “Domo.” (thanks)

The next morning had come quick as Prey was currently outside of the castle, waiting in the early times of dawn. He had been continuously checking his phone for the time, right now it was 6:58 am. Razor had two minutes left. Next to prey was a small paper bag filled with simple items. A few white strips of cloth, an apple, and a bottle of water.

Two minutes later and 5 AM had struck with the sun barely peaking over the horizon. Prey’s ears twitched to the sound running to his left. He turned to see Razor jogging towards his direction. Prey noticed that Razor had his sword on his side, and he was also wearing simple clothes: a gray shirt and blue jeans.

Razor approached Prey and saluted him. “Good morning sir.”

“Urusai....Do not call me sir.” (Shut up) Spat Prey as he gave him a small frown.

“Oh...uh...um…”

“From now on, you call me sensei. This word means teacher.”

“T-Teacher? Wait so...you’ll train me?”

“Hai. Yes, I will. Now I want make sure that you are willing to train. It is not an easy task Razor.”

“I am sure Sir- er Sensei. I am sure.”

“Okay, follow me.” Prey grabbed the paper bag next to him and started to walked down the road of Ponyville with Razor behind him. Prey eventually led Razor to the border of the Everfree forest. They stopped and Prey put down the bag and pulled out the long strips of cloth. “Yoshi, we are here.” (Alright)

Razor looked at the dark sludge green forest in front of him. He could hear the grinding of teeth echo from within the forest. This brought a chill to his spine. “U-Uh, sensei, is this the Everfree Forest?”

“Hai This is the Everfree. Here is where we will train all of your aspects. Now, let us start with the first step. “Now, take these.” Prey tossed the three strips of cloth at Razor. “Tie one around each hand and one around your head like a bandana.”

Razor nodded and tied the strips of cloth as instructed. “Okay, what next sensei?”

“Follow me. We are going inside.”

Razor’s eyes widened as sweat quickly formed around his head. “U-Uh sensei, I don’t know if I can.”

“You can and you have to. The first thing you must know about samurai. ‘Samurai’ translates to “those who serve”, and we must serve our master or teacher in all manners. So if somepony tells you to do something, you do it. That is the role of the samurai, to serve without question.”

“I-I see. Um..”

“You are afraid, I can tell. Do not worry, you are my gakusei; my student. I will not let anything happen to you.”

“Thank you sensei.” This eased his nerves a bit.

“Yoshi, now let us go.”

“Okay sensei!”

Prey then took his paper bag and started to walk into the Everfree Forest with Razor behind him. As they were walking, Prey spoke up with more facts and lessons about samurai.

“Okay Razor, now never forget what a samurai is. A samurai is not merely a warrior, but a servant of a master. To follow all and every command without question.” He looked behind him to see Razor nodding, he was listening. “You are lucky, because real samurai could not afford to disobey orders, even when they wanted to. For it is ‘honor’ that they have to gain from masters in order to survive. ‘Honor’ is like ‘Love’, what you all used to feed. But, simply by the name and feeling, it’s different and harder to come by for us samurai.”

“Well what happens when a samurai disobeys or dishonors himself?”

“Well...a samurai dies. Either they slowly die and wither from starvation, or a master disowns them and commands them to commit suicide to preserve their honor or memory. A true samurai dies for a master, no matter the cost.”

“I see… wow. That is...pretty hardcore.”

“Indeed. A samurai can also be one of the community. He can serve the public only for protection. Much like my acts when I had to defend our old kingdom from bigger threats like dragons or hydras.”

“Yea, that I understand.”

“Good. And another thing you must know about samurai. We live by a strict code.”

“What code is that sensei?”

“This code is known as ‘Bushido’. This can roughly translate as, “way of the warrior” and there are 8 aspects to this code. There is Righteousness, also known as Gi. You must be honest with yourself. Believe in justice, not from others, but from yourself. And should you make a decision, you must follow down that path until it is done.”

The two continued to walk down the path deeper into the forest. A few more minutes of walking led the two changelings to a large, clear, and empty patch of dirt. It was clear of any trees or plants and had no trees in that area. It was in a large circle fashion and there were no trees or branches blinding the sky, so it was a bright sunlit area.

“Wow sensei, this is a pretty clear area for the forest.”

“Hai, it is. Now, the next aspect of bushido is Yu, or your own courage. Warriors like us must have courage in hand and take the risks. Hiding like a turtle in its own shell blinds one’s truth, and that will restrict your full potential. So face anything with courage.”

“Okay sensei.”

“Now we must start facing your fears. And to do so you must follow my instructions.” Razor nodded and awaited his teacher’s commands. “Now, first take of your clothes minus your undergarments.” Prey instructed making Razor’s eyes widen with pure shock and confusion. Dumbstruck, he was not expecting something like this.

“Se-Sen...”

“Do it my gakusei. I will also take off mine.” Prey said as he unzipped his samurai jacket and began taking off his clothes. Razor nodded quickly at his teacher and began taking off his clothes as well. The two were almost naked with only underwear covering their private areas.

“S-Sensei. Is this really necessary?”

“Yes, it is. A samurai must be discipline to a full extend. Whether to the natural elements such as the breeze around us, or our mental capacity of facing an enemy bare of armor or clothing. We must focus on our primary objective or goal and push away any embarrassing or negative feelings around us.”

“I see sensei. So, is that why we’re kind of uh...naked?”

“Iie, no. I am here to test your strength and to teach you our way of combat. What type of combat are you familiar with?”

“When I was in the guard, they taught his regular boxing to defend ourselves. That’s what Pharynx taught us.”

“Tsk..Baka. Well then, I suppose I must teach you Judo.” (Idiot)

“J-Judo?”

“Hai. Our own martial art which means gentle way.” Prey then took a stance by planting one fist to his hip and his other in front of him. We bent down his knees and made his legs almost represent a crab’s walking stance. “We shall train and I shall teach. Now, follow my every movement.”

*Four Hours Later*

Razor was now on the ground covered in mud mixed with sweat and panting for air, absolutely fatigued from the four hours of training. “*Pant* *Pant* I… *Pant* *Pant* need…. A break.”

Prey, who was clean of any mud or dirt, was standing over the exhausted changeling. “I suppose you are right. It is a good idea to take a break.” He said lifting up Razor with his magic, having him stand on his two feet. “Not put on your clothes, we are going. But keep your shoes off, it is more training and discipline towards your body.” Prey said, levitating Razor’s clothes in front of him.

“Okay sensei.”

The two started to put on their clothes and Razor put his sword to his side. Prey noticed that his sword looked like a short version of Shining Armor’s longsword, but a little wider.. “Razor san. May I see your sword?” (san = mr. or mrs.)

Razor, who was confused by his request, took his sword from his scabbard and presented it towards his teacher. Prey levitated the sword towards himself and held it in his hand. He pulled it outwards and examined it.

A sword just a little bit shorter than his katana, and it was a double edged blade. The blade itself was wider than a katana, but it was still surprisingly light. “Hmmm….I see. This sword. What is the name of this sword?”

“It is a uh...gladius sensei.”

“I see, an impressive sword.” Prey commended tossing the gladius back to Razor. “Now, we are still training, but this type of training is very relaxing.”

“Really sensei?”

“Hai. We need to go deeper into the forest. We are going to meet a friend of mine, who shares the same practice I do.”

“Alright, lead the way sensei.”

Prey nodded as the two of them started to leave the forest. Walking through the dark woods, Prey tapped into his other senses. He kept his eyes closed and breathed in a deep and calm manner. Listening to the woods and sounds around him, he could hear the crickets whistle in one direction and ravens creaking deeply in another.

His bare feets kept touching the lightly cool dirt of the forest with the occasional bumpy pebbles and twigs. His sense of smell was detecting the a small sense of rot with the side of freshness from both the fungi and greens of the forest. But a snap came from behind a nearby shrug and Prey stopped with Razor right behind him.

“Yameru!” (stop) Prey whispered aggressively, stopping his and Razor’s tracks. “Shh…. be quiet. And do not move.”

Razor gulped as he didn’t know what to do. He reached down to his sword’s handle, and was prepared for anything.

“Close your eyes and listen very carefully. Listen to the sounds around you, picture where the source is coming from.”

Razor followed his teacher’s steps and gently wrapped his hand around his gladius. He closed his eyes and listened closely to the environment around him. He could not hear much, but a very faint sound of scratching began to surface in his ear.

Suddenly a cockatrice leaped outward from a bush in front of the two and began to rush towards Prey and Razor. Its eyes were immediately glowing red, ready to turn its prey into stone.

“Ahh!” Razor screamed, panicking as he quickly took out his gladius and swiped his blade down at the cockatrice.

“Yameru!” Prey exclaimed, but it was too late. The cockatrice had caught the blow of the gladius with its claws, making the gladius slowly turn into stone. “DROP IT RAZOR-SAN!”

Razor quickly complied with his teacher as he dropped his sword, letting it fully turn to stone. The cockatrice was not satisfied, it wanted to turn the changeling into stone. So it began to rush towards Razor once more.

Prey frowned deeply, summoning his katana and pulling out his blade in one swift move. With his speed and strength, his katana blade cut across the neck of the nearby cockatrice. His strike was so fast, it broke physics itself, that after he struck the cockatice he then gently and calmly put his katana back into its sheathe. The cockatrice still had its head, until a diagonal red line formed across its long neck. The blood slowly started to bleed out, as the head of the cockatrice began to slide off until the head dropped to the ground.

Its red eyes were now white with its breathing now silent. Its body dropped to the ground like a ragdoll, ending the situation. “It is done.”

“Se-Sensei… Thank you.”

“Next time Razor-san, you need to defend yourself. However, you cannot. Not until you are ready.” Prey walked over to his gladius and picked it up, it was still covered in stone. “Gomenesai Razoe-san. Your sword is….unusable.” (I am sorry) He said as he walked over and handed it to razor.

Razor held his now stone blade in his grip. It was heavier than before and the blade itself looked dull and cracked. Razor sighed in disappointment and sheathed it back in its scabbard. “Man….thats a bummer.”

Prey then began to chuckle. “Heheh. It is okay gakusei. I may have an plan for you for another weapon.” Prey said as the two continued their path down the woods.

After a few more minutes of walking, Prey and Razor reached Zecora’s hut. Razor was surprised to find strange decorations, let alone somepony taking residence deep within the forest. “Prey, who lives here?”

“My tomodachi. My friend. Her name is Zecora, and she is a zebra with the skill of potions and self enlightenment. Come, I will introduce you to her.” Prey stepped up to Zecora’s door and knocked a few times. The door open with the zebra appearing and smiling before the changeling. “Konichiwa Zecora-san.” (Hello)

“Ah Prey Striker, here you are again looking wiser. Are you here to meditate, or am I going to just stand here and wait?” Zecora rhymed making Prey shake his head in response.

“Yes, and I brought along a new friend and student of mine, if you do not mind.”

Zecora looked over Prey’s shoulder to see the other changeling behind him. “Hello new changeling, my name is Zecora. What is your name my new friend who looks like fauna?”

“Oh um-” Razor stepped forward and put his hand out. “Hello miss. My name is Razor Edge. It is nice to meet you.” Razor said as Zecora shook his hand.

“It is good to meet new friends. Now, shall we attend?”

Prey nodded with a smile. “Hai, lets.” Zecora walked outside and started to walk around her hut to the back. “Come Razor, follow us.” Razor nodded as the two followed the zebra.

Following Zecora, the two changelings were then lead to a glistening crystal clear pond. “We are here Razor-san. Now, take off your clothes again.” Prey commanded as Razor began took off his clothes. Prey also took his clothes off as well.

“Sensei...Is this really training?”

“Training for your mind Gakusei.” Prey said as he sat down near the edge of the pond. He sat in criss cross style as Zecora, who was on the opposite end of the pond, started to stand on one leg, balancing on it. “Take any pose, sitting or standing, that you feel relaxes you or challenges you.”

“Umm...okay sensei.” Razor walked next to his teacher and sat down in the same fashion Prey was. He noticed that his hands were resting on his knees, so he did the same. And now, the three of them stayed silent.

Prey was sitting still slowly and deeply breathing. His eyes remained closed and he looked like a statue, still and silent.

Zecora was in the same fashion, but her position was a more taller, sleeker position. She was standing on one leg with her other leg crossing over her standing one like a cross. Her hands were planted together with them against her chest. Her eyes were also closed with a soft deep breathing.

The three continued their period of silence. However, Razor was unaware of what to do. Was he suppose to sleep? He payed close attention to Prey and noticed that he was still conscious, just silent. He leaned in towards Prey and quietly whispered. “Umm...sensei? What am I supposed to do?”

Prey sighed outwards with his mouth like a silent whistle. He opened his eyes and faced his pupil. “You must meditate.”

“Um...meditate?”

“Meditation is our practice of building energy from relaxing, but to also strengthen our mind.”

“Oh I see...Um...how do I meditate.”

“I see you are taking the position I am taking. Is it relaxing?”

Razor moved around a little bit and stopped for a bit. “Yea, this is pretty relaxing.”

“Good, now close your eyes and breath slowly and softly through your nose, not your mouth. And do not say a single word.” Razor nodded as he closed his eyes and slowly breathed as instructed. “Now imagine you are somewhere, standing somewhere familiar or unfamiliar. But imagine somewhere where you feel at peace, like the top of a mountain.”

Razor started to think really hard, and he started to see a bright white light in his imagination. He wanted to reach for that light, it looked safe, free, and lovely. He struggled to reach the light, but it was drifting away from him, but he really wanted the light. He started to run in his mind, running at a soaring speed in desperation for that light. He reached out his hand, just mere inches to the light. And then he finally reached the light, with the moment his fingertips tapped the light, the bright flash happened in his mind.

The flash of light was too blinding and bright for sight, that it was difficult for him to open his inner eyes. But the light slowly became dimmer and he started to creak open his eyes. Eventually the blinding subsided as he slowly opened his eyes to his fullest, and what he say absolutely shocked and amazed him.

Behind the light he found himself standing at the top of a tree and around him was a massive landscape of trees, grass, and rivers. He could feel the cool breeze of wind sliding against his chitin and wings. Eye level with him were puffy clouds that were white as marshmallows.

And now he simply stood there. On top of that tree gazing upon the breathtaking landscape around him. After a few moments of gazing, in the distance he heard a hawk cry out behind him. He looked behind him to see the very hawk soaring towards him like a bullet. The hawk was getting closer and closer. The hawk itself had its eyes squinted at him, its wings spread apart, and its claws open towards him, ready to attack him.

Razor looked at the hawk, he wanted to move, but his body would not let him move. He really wanted to escape the pain and evade the attack from the hawk, yet he couldn’t move. He had to take on the hawk head on while completely defenseless.

The hawk got closer.

And closer.

Mere yards away from him the hawk cried it’s sharp call that rung in Razor’s ears.

And then it got closer.

And then….blackness. The hawk struck his face blinding him and consuming his eyesight with darkness. But then his hearing started to hear other things. He heard a faint voice. A voice that was calling something. Something familiar. He concentrated all of his thought into that voice.

“Razor-san!” Prey exclaimed making Razor snap his eyes open and gasp deeply for air. He fell back and thudded to the ground on his back. He sat upwards and looked around him to find a familiar location. He was still in the forest with his teacher Prey and the zebra Zecora.

“W-What….what happened?”

“Daijoubu desuka? Are you okay my gakusei?”

“Y-Yes sensei...what...what did I see?”

“I do not know my gakusei. What did you see?”

“I saw…..skies...forests...rivers. All below below me as I was on top of a tall tree. And a hawk just screamed...and came at me. I couldn’t move I….it...it wanted to get me.” He paused breathing in some more, trying to remember his dream. “I just...accepted it. And then here I am… I’m alive right?”

Prey and Zecora chuckled as Prey presented his hand pulling Razor up to his feet. He placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled towards him. “That...is your calling. I must admit… I did not think you would have the potential to become a samurai. But I think you do.” He brushed off a little bit of dirt on Razor’s shoulder. “Now, how do you feel?”

“What do you mean?”

“About yourself?”

“What do yo-” Suddenly Prey launched a fish towards Razor. Razor flinched instinctively by dodging to his left and pushing the punch aside with an open palm and grabbing Prey’s bicep with his other hand. Razor held his breath to heighten his senses as he simply stared Prey in the eyes. But Prey was smirking at him and nodded at Razor. “Sensei...why did you attack me?”

“To see if you would counter, and you did with great speed.” Razor then let go. “Now this is the training you will receive from me. And the fact that it was just in one day.”

“Your training could have been longer, but you’re learning fast like water.” Zecora commented.

“Today concludes our training. I want you to train like this every five days. The weekends are yours for your pleasure, but it crucial that you must train at this pace. On every Friday, I will join you to review your training and see if you are ready to move on.” Said Prey as Razor nodded.

Razor however had an uneasy look on his face and looked at Prey. “Sensei I um...have another question. Kind of an embarrassing one. Do you know any place where I can get a job? Or stay at?”

Prey eyed him with a raised eyebrow. “I had thought you were staying at a tavern.”

“Well I am, but only for a few days. And I don’t exactly have a lot of money too.”

“I would house you young one. But my hut has room for none.”

“And I do not think my master Twilight Sparkle will have any room….unless…” Prey started to scratch his chin, but then an idea popped in his head. “I have an idea.” Prey turned to his zebra friend. “Thank you for another meditation session Zecora-san.”

“It is my pleasure Prey. Perhaps next time, you can bring tea. What do you say?”

“I will next time Zecora-san. Now come Razor. I have more friends I wish for you to speak to. Sayonara Zecora-san.” He said bowing to the zebra and walking back into the forest with Razor right behind him.

They kept walking for several minutes until they reached safety outside of the forest. But it was already sunset. Razor was confused, he remembered it was still bright outside, and that he and Prey was only in the forest for minutes. “Sensei….How is it sunset already?”

Prey smiled. “Well, that is because you were meditating for several hours.”

“Several Hours!!!”

“Hai. Some meditations can take time. Sometimes longer, sometimes less. Yours was long.”

“Wow….what will meditation do for me?”

“Meditation helps strengthen and discipline the mind. For you to fight your inner self. Now come.” Prey and Razor started to walk down the dirt path until Prey took a turn walking away from the road to Ponyville. Eventually they walked to the rocky area where he had encountered the diamond dogs. “My friends are underground and they should take care of you.”

Prey walked over to a nearby boulder and pushed it aside revealing a hole leading underground with a rope. “Wow sensei….do we go down here?” Asked Razor.

“Hai. We jump.” He said with a flat tone, shocking Razor.

“What!?” And with that yelp of shock, Prey stood straight and walked over the hole, dropping down like a rain drop. “Oh no…..mama help me.” Razor pleaded as he closed his eyes and dropped down the hole following Prey.

*Splash*

After a long fall Prey splashed down into a large underground lake. He surfaced from the lake’s depths and waited until, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”

*Splash*

Razor was now here, who now splashed into the water. He resurfaced later to find him soaking wet sensei next to him. “Follow me Razor. We must reach the shore of the lake.” Prey said swimming to the shore with Razor following behind him.

They soon reached the shore of the underground lake. Razor was starting to question his sensei’s actions. “Master, who are we looking for?”

Prey walked over to the entrance of a nearby tunnel. Down the tunnel wa nothing but pitch black darkness. The only remnants of light allowing them to see around the lake room were crystals faintly glowing like dim candles. “We are looking for friends who are about to meet us. Hold on for one second gakusei.” Prey cleared his throat and positioned himself straight as an arrow. He folded his hands behind his back and gave an intimidating stare down the cave.

“Watashi Wa Koko ni Imasu!” (I am here). Prey shouted down the cave as it immediately lit up with orange welcoming flames revealing the path down the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel revealed a wooden door. “Come, through that door.” Prey said walking towards the door.

Prey opened the door and walked inside. What was inside was the very same banquet room where Prey fought against the dragons and saved the diamond dogs. Standing in front of Prey with full attention were the three diamond dogs leaders Prey was familiar with, Rover, Fido, and Spot.

“Welcome back brother Prey!” Fido said with a wagging tail.

“Yes brother, what brings you back here?” Rover ask as he noticed the new changeling behind Prey. “Wait a minute. Who is that brother?”

Prey stepped aside leaving Razor in the open. “Introduce yourself with a bow and be very respectful.” He commanded with a flat and serious tone.

Razor looked at the diamond dogs and fully bowed towards them. “H-Hello diamond dog sirs. My name is Razor Edge. It is nice to meet you three.” He introduced quickly, feeling the pressure from his teacher’s friends.

“Yess, nice to meet you too changeling number two.” Spot greeted nodding his head at Razor with a grin.

“So brother Prey, why did you bring this other changeling here?”

Prey stared at the diamond dogs and bowed towards them. “I humbly request my brothers that you grant this changeling residency in the underground.”

Razor looked at Prey in surprise, he did not imagine Prey asking these diamond dogs that question. He looked over to the diamond dogs who only smiled at him.

“Oh course brother! Anything for you.”

“Thank you brothers. I must also request that you and the other dogs to treat him as you would treat your own. Which includes work and pay.”

“Why of course. May I ask why brother? If you don’t mind me asking.” Fido asked.

“He is a samurai in training, and he needed a home to stay in. He cannot stay with me because there is no room in the castle.” Prey looked at Razor. “Be good here, and follow any order or request they give you. That is the nature of a samurai.”

“Okay sensei...but. Are you sure about this?”

“Hai. I am. You are free to deny their hospitality, but doing so might affect your bushido. And if it does, then it could affect your title as Samurai.”

“W-What do you mean sensei?”

“In Bushido, another element is your makoto, or your Integrity. When warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do.”

“I...I see sensei.”

“Good.” Prey faced his diamond dog brothers and bowed toward them. “Please take care of him. And should there be any problems, do not be afraid to contact me for help.” Prey then started to leave, retracing his steps as he started to wave goodbye to his student and the diamond dogs. He reached the lake, spread his wings, and flew up the hole he fell through until he reached the surface.

Upon planting his feet on the ground, he pushed the rock back into place, covering the secret entrance to the underground. After concealing the entrance, his phone started to vibrate. He took out his phone to see that it was his master Twilight Sparkle.

“Moshi Moshi?”

“Pray-san. Doko ni imasuka?” (Prey, where are you?)

“Ah, sumimasen Twilight-sama. I was meeting with the diamond dogs.”

“Okay, cool. I need you to come over to the castle now.”

“As you wish. May I ask why?”

“I want you to meet two very important ponies in my life.”

“As you request. I shall be there momentarily. May I also ask, who are these two ponies?”

“Oh it’s the other two alicorns princesses I’ve told you about. Princesses Luna and Celestia.”

Prey’s eyes widened at the thought. He was going to meet the masters of one of his masters. “Yoshi. I will be there soon.” Prey hung up and placed the phone in his pocket.

He sat down, crossing his legs, and got ready to teleport. Before teleporting, he thought to himself. The first time he felt like this outside of battle. “Why do I feel afraid? Rah! No matter.”

Author's Note

Probably the biggest chapter I had written in a while. Anyways, I hope you enjoy. Had to do a lot of thinking for this chapter.

Anyways, lots of love lads. Time to work on the next chapter.