It has been four months ever since Prey had moved to Ponyville. He had still been staying with Twilight at her castle, exchanging lessons of Japoneighs with abilities in magic. Prey had continued serving his masters, all of them quite well these past months. The more he served them the more honor he could feed off of. He still worked for Applejack, but much conversation between the two have been absent these four months. Applejack tried her best to avoid conversation with anypony about the changeling.

Prey has changed and adapted well to Equestria these past four months. His personality has changed, being much more casual and relaxed with most of the ponies here. But he would still keep his serious stature whenever he would serve under his masters, unless when they have a social gather, then he would become less strict with himself. He was also given the liberty of owning and using a cell phone for the first time. It took him time to learn how to use it, but his masters were all there to help him learn how to use it and blend more into society.

Right now he was currently sitting in his room, reading one of the many fiction books his master Twilight had in her little library. His felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, he pulled it out and read a text sent by his master Rarity.

Prey darling, could you please come to Carousel Boutique? I have something for you.

Prey responded in conformation as he texted back and closed his book. He stood up from his table and walked over to his book shelf, exchanging his fiction book for a spell book. He opened the spell book and ran through the pages until he found a teleportation spell. He whispered the instructions to himself and closed the book.

He folded his fingers and made a hand sign in front of his face. His horn soon began to shimmer as he soon disappeared in a flash of green light. He teleported a good distance from his room as he appeared just outside of Carousel Boutique. He panted heavily, exhausted from his spell but soon shook it off. He opened the door which rang a bell, signalling Rarity to come from upstairs.

“Coming~” She walked downstairs to find Prey inside her boutique. “Ah Prey, I didn’t think you would get here so swiftly.”

Prey only chuckled at his own convenience. “Well, studying magic with Twilight is very useful.” He said through a few exhausted pants. “But the requirements are quite…..how do you say…..exhausting.” He said with a weak smile.

“Well I am glad to see that you are improving. But down to business, I’d like to show you my latest project. Come along.” She led him upstairs and led him to her inspiration room. The room itself was in a total mess with pieces of cloth, tools, materials, and oddly enough, plastics and hard sheets of metal everywhere. “I do apologize for the mess dear, this was quite the little project of mine.”

“It is fine, but what has happened here? I see metal and plastic plates everywhere. I thought you designed clothing Miss Rarity.”

“Well darling this project took quite some time to think and gather materials for, and it wasn't quite easy might I add.” She then directed him to a sheet of hanging cloth. “Behind this is my final and finished product of something I hope you’ll enjoy.” She revealed a whole jacket hoodie that was fashioned is a very similar fashion to samurai armor. Prey’s jaw was hung open, he was very impressed at the style of samurai armor into modern clothing.

“This is, incredible Miss Rarity. How did you do this?”

“Well after many weeks of painfull research, designs, and material deals, I have finally made a product that I’m sure would challange the fasion industry. At least I hope in Manehatten, not that I really care if this one hits in Canterlot.” She levitated the jacket over to Prey hands, he held it up admiring more of its artistic stature.

“This actually feels a little bit weighted than normal clothing. What is it made of?”

“That is the speciality daring.” She removed another curtain which contained more samurai armor themed jackets. “These are copies I made, but the one you’re holding right now is specifically for you.”

“For me? What do you mean?”

“This jacket is made of a special lining with layered cloth, and thin layers of plastics and metals. In a sense, it is almost like armor.”

Prey’s eyes were wide open with his face in shock. He put on the jacket and found it extremely comfortable and flexible to wear. He looked in them mirror and admired himself with the armored jacket. He loved the slight similarities such as the shoulders, and the scale like flaps. He even admired the mask that it came with, it was removable. “And this works as armor?”

“Yes believe it or not, it has been tested by our local police force.”

“And it sure is strong.” A familiar voice came from the door. Prey turned around to find a familiar silver gray stallion unicorn with white hair. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you.”

“Officer Silver Cuff am I correct?” Prey guessed as he nodded. “It is good to see you again. How are you and how have you been?”

“I’ve been good man. I haven’t seen you since we let that dragon go. I’d been wanting to meet you, but I’ve never had the time. Been too busy with work.” He walked up to the changeling and shook his hand. “But now I’ve finally found a break in my schedule and I’d thought I’d meet you here. Especially since you’re wearing the clothing I tested for you.” He said pointed at his samurai jacket.

“What did you use against it?”

“Plenty of things. A knife, a spear, a sword, and even my own two fists. Didn’t even make a scratch in it. You’re friend Rarity helped us with it’s whole design, from the materials to its tactical uses. She’s a great mare she is.” He complimented making the designer blush a little bit.

“Oh I’m no miracle maker darling. Just doing what I can to help my friend here, and try a experiment in a different fashion.”

“And your designs and creations are gonna help change the world. When I sent in the test results to my chief, he sent them to Canterlot. To the royal guard.” He stated making the mare’s jaw drop to the floor.

“The Royal Guard!? What would Equestria’s best want to do with this type of clothing?”

“This is the chief’s idea. But think about it, we have many nobles, celebrities, and VIPs all over the nation right? Their high status would make them valuable targets. The chief figured that they’d never walk around in full suits of armor all the time, and they obviously would wear clothing of high stature to prove their worth. So with your ideas, designs, and tests, we could turn this into a massive profit.”

“My word, nobles from all over the nation. With clothing like mine?”

“Not just this nation, the neighboring ones as well, which could help improve relations between ours’ and theirs’. Think about it, sure Celesltia and Luna are both magically divine beings right? But they are almost never armored unless they are actually ready for a battle.

“And assassins or smart thugs always find a way past magic. So if lets say Fancy Pants for example was being held at knife point and the mugger tried to stab him, it wouldn’t work because he could be wearing one of your designs, giving him the chance to flee. Of course there’s the matter of faces and head ware. But the chief has decided to keep this on the down low so the public won't have to know…...and I just explained it to you two…...crap” He concluded facehoofing himself as Rarity only giggled.

“It is quite alright dear, at least it’s only us and not the whole nation. I am sure I was bound to find out considering it was my design in the first place. And Prey here was the first one we literally told, so as for right now, your words are muted from the outside world.”

Silver huffed a sigh in relief, losing all thoughts of him getting fired, or worse. “Well that’s good, glad to know I won’t lose my job.” He look to Prey who was still admiring his new jacket. “Hey Prey are you busy today?”

“Hmmm, not that I know of. My masters have not messaged me for anything and today I have no work with Applejack. I suppose I am free right now. Why do you ask?”

“Well since I’m off for the day, wanna come with me down to the bar and have a few drinks?”

“A bar? I’ve have always seen that word displayed nearby. Yet I have never known what it actually was.” This made both ponies look at him in shock.

“Well then it’s time to take you to your first bar. And I know just one!” He turned to Rarity. “What about you miss Rarity? You look like you could use a drink, it’s on me.”

“Why thank you, that’s quite generous of you. But sadly I would have to decline on that offer. I have an appointment with another friend of mine really soon. But thank you for the offer.”

“Well suit yourself miss. C’mon Prey, I’ll show you what a bar is.” Prey simply shrugged and followed Silver out of the boutique and to the town of Ponyville. They walked until they reached a building named ‘The Ruff Fuzz’. “This place is my favorite bar in town, whiskey’s one hundred pure Skyrish (Irish). They walked inside as a blue stallion with a messy green mane and beard greeted them from behind the counter.

“Even’in lads. Silver, you gettin th’ usual ye?”

“Make that two man, got a stallion brand new to the game. And get this, he’s never been to a bar before.” Silver said introducing Prey making the bar stallion drop his mug he was cleaning.

“Are ya foking stabbing me heart lad?” He asked Prey as he simply shook his head.

“It is true and I apologize, I have never been to a bar before. What is a bar?” This made the stallion’s eye twitch as he ducked under his counter and pull out a large bottle of glossy brown liquid inside.

“Alright lad lemme break it down for ya. A bar is basically a place where ponies and all folk go and drink. None of that juice and soda shite, but more of th’ strong shite. Ponies, Griffons, and all drink, talk, drink more, talk more, drink even more, and mostly get drunk. Typically you pay for a drink and lots more. Ya got it lad?”

“I believe so. What kind of alcoholic drinks do you have?”

“Well mostly beer, cider, and a lot of the hard stuff. Ever tried beer?” Prey shook his head making the stallion scowl. “Are you raised from focking rocks or something?” Prey was only confused at the stallions question. “Ah fok’it, since you’ve never been to a bar. First drink’s on me.” He said grabbing a pint glass and bringing it to a tap.

“I’ll take one too!”

“Hold ya foking testicles in place. I can only do so much ya stook!” He spat at Silver as he started pouring Prey his very first glass of beer. He poured it three quarters full and let it sit flat for a few seconds. During those seconds he did a second glass for Silver. The two glasses were still until the brew turned from milky brown to pure black brown. He then filled the rest of the glasses up till they were full and served them both to Prey and Silver. “Here ya are lads, two pints of Guinness.”

“Popping the good stuff bud?” Silver asked with a smug grin.

“Just shut it before I decide to charge ya.” He spat with annoyance as Prey and Silver both took their pints in hand.

“So this is what is called beer? I suppose I can try.” Prey said as he took a sip of his beer. He was surprised to find it smooth and almost milky. “Eh? This is, quite smooth but it also good.” He started to drink more, and more, and more……..and more. He dunked down the whole glass without even realizing it. “N-Nani It is already gone? I could have sworn this was completely full.”

Silver could only laugh at Prey’s reactions. “Guess we got ourselves a natural. Want some more?”

Prey nodded with speed like a little foal getting candy. “Y-Yes. I would like some more.” The bar pony nodded and poured two more pints of Guinness and handed to Silver and Prey. “Oh um, I never got your name sir.”

“You can just call me Whiskey Spirits lad. But enough about names, I say you two owe me some bits. 5 Bits each and we’re square.” Both ponies nodded and payed Whiskey the bits. “Now if you’ll need me, I’ll be in the back countin me inventory. Don’t kill each other.” Whiskey said walked to the back room.

The two clinked pints (also being Prey’s first time clinking pints instead of cups of sake) and drank more beer. “So Prey tell me, being a changeling and all, why are you more like the reformed ones I heard about?”

“Ah, that is a long story.”

“Well go ahead and tell. We got time, and drinks.” Prey explained his whole backstory to Silver. From his separate race of changeling, samurai changelings, and his current masters. “Wow, sounds to me like a royal guard thing, except for changelings.”

“Yes, I suppose you can say that. However I have not met the royal guard of Equestria. I have heard about them through my master, they sound rather strong.”

“Speaking of the royal guard. Have you ever fought one? Y’know like, see which force is better. Royal Guard or Samurai?”

“I cannot answer that, I have not fought any royal guards before.” Prey felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He picked it up and answer it. “Moshi Moshi?”

“Konichiwa Prey. It’s Twilight. Are you busy right now?”

“Eeeetooo… I am at a bar right now for the first time. Drinking something called beer. Do you need me for something?”

“Yes, can you come to the castle as soon as possible? I have two ponies I would love for you to meet.”

“Hai, I will be there as soon as possible.” He put his phone away and faced Silver. “I apologize Silver, but I must leave.”

“Ah that’s fine. We can chat and drink some other time. That cool?”

“Yes that sounds good and fun. Sayonara.” He said leaving the bar and leaving a few bits behind for Whiskey. He started to shimmer his horn and teleported in front of Twilight’s Castle. He took a minute to regain his strength and entered the castle. He walked through the hallways until he reached the main dining room of the castle. He saw his master Twilight at the table along with a white unicorn and pink alicorn.

“Ah Prey you’re here. Please sit with us.” Prey nodded as he sat at the table with Twilight and the other two ponies. “I’d like you to meet my brother and sister-in-law.”

The white stallion stood up and shook Prey’s hand. “Nice to meet you Prey. I’m Shining Armor.”

The pink alicorn then also stood up and shook Prey’s hand. “It’s good to meet another changeling. My name is Cadence, Princess of the Crystal Empire.”

Prey stood from his seat and bowed formally at the two of them. “Hajimemashite. It is nice to meet you two.”

“So Twily here tells me that you’re pretty strong. Strong enough to go against a hydra.”

“H-Hai, I have defeated a hydra by myself. As well as dragons. I would not say I am strong. I am simply strong minded, focusing on pleasing my masters, such as your sister Twilight. As well as protecting them with my life.” He said with a modest tone.

“Well I’d like to say thanks for protecting my little sister. But I’d like to see that strength for myself.” Shining Armor said with a grin making both alicorns choke on their tea.

“S-Shining what are you thinking? Are you thinking of fighting Prey?” Twilight asked with wide opened eyes.

“Yea why not?”

“Honey he took on and scared off a whole hydra. And he’s faced off against dragons!” Cadence stated not even making her husband flinch.

“Eeetoo.. I would like to accept his challenge.” All the ponies in the room looked at him in shock. “If that is okay master.”

“Absolutely not. I am not going to have you fight my brother.” Prey bowed at his master, obeying her wisdom.

“Aw come on Twily. I just wanna see if he’s the changeling you told me about. I promise I won’t beat him too hard.”

“I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about you!” She said with small tears forming in her eyes.

“Look Twily, I’ll be fine. I promise.” He assured with a smile across his face.

Twilight sighed heavily and looked at Prey with an unamused expression. “Prey you have permission to duel with my brother, if you so choose.”

Prey nodded, accepting Shining Armor’s challenge. “Alright Prey. Before we duel, how about we fit into our appropriate gear? Twilight tells me you’ve got armor that is as good as metal armor. So how about this, we duel with armor, any weapons of our choice, and using only combat magic, no defensive magic.”

“Okay, I shall suit myself. And if we are to duel seriously, what about our weapons? We could potentially kill each other.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just get your gear and be back in here ready for a fight.”

Prey nodded and left the room going to his. He entered his room and looked at his collection of samurai armor. He decided to choose a black and blue set of Samurai Armor. He then took off his jacket and applied his robes and pants first for the armor. He then carefully started applying the armor to his body. Before he could apply his chest piece, a knocking came from his door. He opened it to find a frowning Twilight.

“Prey, can I talk to you.” He nodded. “First of all, thanks for your concerns for my brother’s safety, I know you don’t want to kill him. Second, is there any reason as to why you want to face my brother?”

“Well I would like to know how strong I really am. Yes I can defeat large enemies, but I would still like to see my limit. Also I have never fought ponies before, so I want to see their potential.”

Twilight sighed and gave in. “Alright, if you say so. Just, seriously don’t kill him. But I’m not gonna lie, I’d be amazed if you do manage to beat him. My brother’s pretty strong. He was the captain of the royal guard for Equestria.”

This only made Prey smile a bit. “Sou desuka?”

“Nn, Hontou.” Twilight replied making Prey only chuckle. “What’s so funny mister?”

“I am just simply amazing at how much japoneighs you’ve managed to pick up from me. I can only find it slightly humorous.” He commented applying more armor and eventually his mask and helmet. He then took his katana and strapped it to his side. He walked up to a separate chest and pulled out a much longer sword. It’s length was the same height of to his shoulders.

“That’s a pretty big sword. What kind of sword is that?”

“This is another sword from a samurai before me. He calls it the ‘oodachi’. Meaning Big Sword or Great sword.”

“You’re gonna use that thing? The handle’s like half of a spear. Are you really going to use that?”

“Hai. I am now ready.” The two walked back to the main dining room which was set up as a dueling room. It was barren of any furniture as he spotted a fully suited Shining Armor. His armor was plated with purple colored steel with golden accents.

“Alright Prey, you ready? I’m not gonna go easy on you.” Shining said with a grin putting on his helmet. He drew his sword, it was a large long sword, a traditional blade around Equestria.

Prey first formally bowed toward his opponent and then drew his sword slowly, eventually pulling out the whole blade in one smooth. Its length was so long that he pushed the sheath outwards to let it slide off the blade. He held it with both of his hands and stood in his battle stance, holding the blade above him. He took one of his hands and gestured his hand, daring Shining Armor to come for him.

“Well, you wanted this. But first,” Shining’s horn shimmered as both his and Prey’s weapons both began to glow in a blue aura. “This spell makes our weapons non-lethal. If our weapons make contact with out skin, it will simply faze through it like mist. However, the pain will still be inflicted, so it’s gonna hurt like hell.” Prey nodded as Shining then got in stance ready to duel. “First one to scream uncle loses.”

Shining charged towards Prey and brought his blade up, ready to strike down at him. Prey dodged his downward strike and swiped his blade at his side. Only for his blade to be blocked by his solid steel plating, making it bounce off like rubber. Shining, only patting down the area where Prey striked, simply grinned at the samurai. “Impressive right?”

“Mmh” Prey only grunted in agreement as he took a good like at Shining’s armor. He was covered from head to toe. Only tiny openings in where ligaments would be found anatomically. His head was also plated as well, with openings only at his eye sockets. Suddenly Shining charged again for another attack swinging his sword like a baseball bat, Prey only stopped his strike by colliding it with his blade. But Shining strength had some swiftness to it, he brought his blade up and struck down against Prey’s thigh. Only for it to stick into his armored skirt like an arrow against wood.

Taking this opportunity Prey got his stun spell ready and applied it to his sword’s handle. He jabbed his handle right into Shining Armor’s eye causing him to scream in pain and falter his vision. Shining backed away and started rubbing hi eyes through his helmet’s eye sockets, trying to regain his vision. Prey then thrust his sword into Shining’s breastplate, which penetrated through the steel but only a few centimeters. He tried to reel his blade back for another hit, but Shining Armor grabbed his blade with his metal grieve and kicked Prey away. Both of their blades were now in different possessions.

After a few more rubs, Shining regained his vision and pulled Prey’s blade out from his chest. Prey took the longsword stuck to his skirt and held it in his hands. They both held each other’s blades, getting the feel of a foreign blade. Prey attempted to swing the longsword at Shining Armor, only to find it a bit more heavier than his blade and found it difficult to swing.

Shining Armor on the other hand found it difficult to wield Prey’s sword. The handle was simply too long for him. He attempted to swing it sideways like a baseball bat only to accidentally jab himself with the blunt end of the handle. They both looked at each other dead in the eyes, and they chuckled. They chuckled more until they laughed heartily in the middle of their duel. “Trade ya.” Shining Armor said as the two threw their respective blades back towards each other.

“IKU!” Prey barked as the two charged at each other for more blows, strikes, and attacks. The two kept going at it for what almost felt like an hour. Both were now battered, tired, a little bit dirty, and their armor was all scratched up from each other’s blows. But it wasn’t over, not until somepony gave up.

The two collided blades, pushing against each other with all their strength like two deer trying to see who has the better antlers. I have to do it. Prey said to himself as his horn started to glow. His head started to glow as he soon bashed his skull against Shining Armor’s head. The contact made a loud *pang* noise causing disorientation with Shining Armor’s ears and eyes. Shining reeled back, he could feel his ears burn and ring with sounds that could deafen Celestia herself.

With the pain constantly ringing in his ears, Shining dropped his sword and threw off his helmet. He soon covered his ears trying to ease the pain. Taking this opportunity, Prey swiped his blade across Shining’s feet make his back slam to the ground. He stomped his foot down on his chest and brought his blade upward. He thrusted it downwards towards Shining’s face, but he paused himself mere centimeters before he made contact. “Do you give up?”

Panting from the fatigue and regaining his senses, Shining had a little strength to say “I yield.” Prey nodded as he stepped off Shining armor and formally bowed towards him. Shining Armor stood up and could only grin at the changeling. “I gotta say, you beat me fair and square. You’re pretty talented.”

“Arigatoo, Anata wa jouzu mo. Demo, can I make a comment?” Shining armor raised an eyebrow. “Forgive me for being rude, but I do not believe a warrior such as yourself should smell like hana.” He said with a chuckle only making Twilight laugh. Both Cadence and Armor looked at Twilight in confusion as she wiped away a comedic tear.

“Hana means flowers.” She clarified making everypony in the room laugh. After a few more minutes of laughter things calmed down. “C’mon everypony, let's give the armor and weapons a rest. I’d like to spend a day of relaxing instead of fighting.” Everypony laughed at that as Prey and Shining armor started taking off their sets of armor.

“You weren’t kidding Prey, that armor is almost as good as this.” Shining complimented.

“Yours is good as well Shining Armor.” Prey returned as he finished taking off the last parts of his armor. He kept all pieces including his weapon levitated and teleported them back to his room. He then used his magic to replace his robes with his regular clothing and samurai jacket. All the ponies looked at his jacket in astonishment. “N-nanda? What is everypony staring?”

“It’s your jacket Prey, where did you get that?” Cadence asked pointing at his jacket.

“Ah, Miss Rarity had recently finished her project and made this jacket inspired by the design of samurai armor.”

“It looks good on you Prey.” Twilight said making Prey smile.

“Arigatoo Twilight. Now is there anything else you wish for me to do?”

“In fact there is.” All the ponies look at each other with grins on their faces, minus Shining Armor who had a dreaded expression. He knew what was coming. “I want you to join us for the spa.”

“Eh...N...Nani? Spa wa nandesuka?” Prey asked in Japoneighs, luckily Twilight knew what he said.

“A spa is a place where ponies go and relax. Get a massage, or bathe in a hot bath. Since you two seem tired, I though a spa might do you two some good.”

“Spas aren’t manly.” Shining mumbled to himself as his wife secretly elbowed him in the ribs. “I mean yea, a spa sounds great!” He lied trying to hide the pain. “You should join us Prey.”

“If you want me to, I shall join.” The four then proceeded out of the castle and started walking through the town. “Princess Cadence,”

“Please just call me Cadence, I’m a little tired from being called ‘Princess’ constantly.”

“Sumimasen. Cadence, if I am correct, you are married to Shining Armor is that correct?” She nodded. “I hope I am not rude asking, because I am only curious, but how did you two meet?”

“Oh well that’s kind of a funny one.” She said with a smile. “You see I used to be Twilight’s foal sitter.”

“What is a fo-”

“A pony who watches a pony’s children whenever a parent is too busy.” Twilight answer quickly, putting Prey back in silence.

“So one day I’m going to Twilight’s house to babysit her. This was back when I never met Shining Armor before. So I arrived and there he was at the front door waiting for me. It’s funny because at the time he’d never met me before, when I first saw him I knew he had a crush on me.”

“How can you tell Cadence?” Prey asked with a eyebrow raised.

“It’s pretty much my special talent.” She said as she rolled up her sleeve and revealed a blue crystal heart wrapped in golden ribbons on her shoulder. “I’m known as the ‘Princess of Love’ and I just know whenever love is in the air.” She said giving her husband a smirk. “And at that time when I first met Shining Armor, I just felt it. Plus it didn’t help him that he blushed as soon as he saw me.” She spilled making Shining Armor blush a deep red. “See?”

“C-Cadence! Please not out in public!”

Twilight and Prey could only laugh at the manly stallion’s loss of pride. They reached the spa and to their surprise, they found Rarity and Applejack in the waiting room. “Hey girls, what are you doing here?” She noticed that Applejack was acting like Shining Armor, a cranky face and slumped down. But as soon as Applejack saw Prey, she immediately blushed.

“Ah owe Rarity a favor for helping me with something. Not gonna lie, Ah shoulda seen this comin.” Applejack explained.

Rarity then noticed Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. “Shining Armor and Cadence, my goodness I haven’t seen you two for quite some time." She got up from the couch and hugged the two. "How are you two?”

“We’ve been doing good Rarity. We’re here visiting because we wanted to get out of the castle for a bit. Mostly socialize with Ponyville and spend some time with Twilight.”

“But what about Flurry?” Applejack asked.

“Oh we asked Sunburst to watch her. He’s very good with kids.” Shining Answer.

The six then proceeded in starting their spa treatment. Being Prey’s first time in a spa, he found a few things comfortable. He felt more relaxed after his battle with Shining Armor. After a few basic treatments such as a massage and foot rub, the males of the group were being divided separately from the females, it was time for a sauna.

Prey and Shining Armor wore nothing but towels tied around their waists as they entered the male sauna room. The steam slowly seeped through their coats as all the stressed seem to flow away, at least mostly for Shining Armor. “At least this feels nice, right Prey?”

“Yes, this does feel a little good.” Prey said slowly inhaling and exhaling, making his muscles less tense. The environment of the sauna reminded him of the hot spring back in the samurai caves which gave him pleasure in his experience.

“So tell me Prey, Thorax has told Cadence and I about you. He says you're one of the strongest and most loyal changelings ever.”

“You know my former master Thorax?”

“Heh yea, it’s funny because Thorax used to live with Cadence and I.”

“Hontou? How did this happen?”

“Well you see-” Shining Armor explained the history he had with changelings in the past. From his wedding, to his kidnapping, and his encounter with Thorax. “And so then he lived with us until he and Starlight beat Chrysalis.”

“I see….may I make one comment Shining Armor?” Shining nodded. “I am thankful that my former master Chrysalis was defeated.”

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow at Prey’s statement. “What makes you say that?”

“If I may speak freely and personally, I did not enjoy her as my master. Though she gave me honor to feed off of and I was to serve under her, I did not enjoy it. I had to commit a multitude of sins that I did not enjoy.”

“What kind of sins are we talking about here?” Shining asked with a small frown and a serious tone.

Prey gave a heavy sigh and looked away from the stallion. “It would be easier to show you if I had my sword. But the stone to summon it is in my pair of pants back in the changing room. I will have to show you another time, I promise. But that is not the only reason I am glad she is defeated.” Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “I would not have experienced all these things outside of the Bad Lands. The technology, the kind ponies, and the scenery. It is all so beautiful to me.” This made the mood lighter as they both smiled.

“Heh, just wait until you get to the other foreign countries outside of Equestria. Cadence and I went to Zebrica and it had its own scene of beauty. You should visit there someday.”

“Ah, that would sound nice. Have you been to the Bad Lands before? In better terms, have you seen the new kingdom of changelings?”

“No, what’s it like now? Twilight’s only told me that the castle is almost like a replica of Canterlot’s.”

“The kingdom itself is much more how can I put this? Going back to its roots, in a sense. If I remember from what Chrysalis has told me in the past, she re invented the changeling kingdom into her image. But once Thorax took the throne, he rerouted its society to the old ways, becoming more social with itself. I am aware that it sounds puzzling, but it is the best way I can explain it.”

“I’ll just see it myself once I visit it. It sounds nice though.”

*Meanwhile*

The girls were all in their own sauna room (wrapped of course) making small conversations and gossip. Applejack included herself in this gossip and was having a small enjoyment, despite her tomcoltish nature. During their conversation Cadence kept eyeing at Applejack. “So girls, tell me more about Prey. What’s he like?”

“He is probably the most loyal changeling I’ve ever seen. Rainbow might have some competition when it comes to loyalty.” Twilight commented make the others giggle.

“He is very- oh how can I put this nicely- a little bit outdated. Although he has an excuse for obvious reasons. But other than his obscurity he such a gentlestallion as well. Right Applejack? If I'm not mistaken he's mostly a gentlestallion towards you.” Rarity asked giving Applejack a smirk making her blush.

“Ah-Ah I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She tried trying to hide her lie.

“Applejack please, even I can tell the moment you looked at him. I’m the ‘Princess of Love’ for a reason.” Cadence said with a smile and raised eyebrow, making Applejack lose all excuses she had.

Now sweating, she couldn’t contain it anymore. “Ah- Alright Ah admit it! Ah….kinda do like him.” Her face became redder, and not because of the steam. “AH just…..there’s just a few problems.”

“It’s alright Applejack, you can say it here. At least Rainbow and Pinkie aren’t here right?” Twilight asked as Applejack sighed in relief.

“Yea, Thank Celestia for that one. The problem is Ah still don’t know too much about him. Sure All Ah know is that he’s super strong, loyal, and honest. But all ah know about his past is what Thorax told us. Another thing is, he doesn’t know what love is.”

This caught the attention of Cadence who raised an eyebrow at Applejack. “What do you mean?”

“A few months ago when he first started working for me, he stayed at the farm for a night. And he told me about feelings he’s had whenever he’s around me, yet he doesn’t even know what it means. Ah’m pretty sure it’s well...y’know ‘those’ feelings because he was very detailed about it.

“He kept saying that his heart would beat faster like a rabbit’s thumper and he would feel heated. And Ah’d be lying if Ah said I didn’t see him blush whenever he’s around me. But the fact that he literally doesn’t know that he has feelings for me…..Ah don’t know. Ah don’t even know if he understands these feelings, or even what love is. Plus he’s a changeling, and Ah’m a pony. Can a relationship like that even exist?”

All the ponies brought her into a group hug. She felt the gently touches from all of her friends, which helped ease her aching heart. “It’s alright Applejack, you’re just confused. I’m assuming that this is the first time you’ve had feelings like this huh?” Princess Cadence asked as Applejack nodded. “It’s normal to be feeling like this, though I’d be lying if I say I’ve seen a case like this before. Someone who doesn’t even know what love is, sounds like a funny novel honestly.” That joke brought a small giggle from Applejack and the others, slightly sweetening the mood.

“But jokes aside, you shouldn’t think about the negatives Applejack. Since he doesn’t know what love exactly is, you could teach him. And if you’re concerned about the differences in races, I should tell you that these feelings shouldn’t hold you back. Love has no bounds Applejack, whether it be gender or race, love has no bounds.”

“But what about mah family? Ah’m just scared how they’ll react.”

“Well then that’s up to you to decide. Although you should probably ask yourself, would your family want you to be happy with your decisions? Do your friends and family trust you?”

Applejack’s mind began to clear, her heart started to feel lighter. She felt a tighter hug from her friends. “We’re with you Applejack, we’ll always be with you.” Rarity assured as Applejack shed some tears and returned the hug.

“Thanks ya’ll.”

Back with Prey and Shining Armor they had a hearty discussion. The two continued talking about Equestria, The Badlands, and questioned about samurai and royal guard tactics. They enjoyed each other’s company, Prey especially enjoyed socializing with a strong warrior such as Shining Armor. Suddenly a knocking came from their sauna door as Shining Armor walked over and opened it. There stood one of the two spa sister, Lotus.

“Mister Shining Armor I believe the time is up.”

“Ah okay thanks, c’mon Prey let’s get out of here.” The two left their sauna and got dressed. It was the end of their spa time as Prey and Shining soon regrouped with the other ponies back in the lobby.

“Hey boys, how was it?”

“It was alright, Spas aren’t kinda my thing though. What about you Prey, what do you think?”

“If I may speak freely, I don’t know how to think about it. I would rather be working or training instead of this.” He said make the group giggle a bit. He looked over to Applejack and gave her a smile, who blushed in return. “Applejack, are you okay? You look a little red today.” Prey stated make her blush deeper.

“A-A-Ah’m-”

“She’s doing just fine Prey. She’s still a little warm from the sauna, that’s all.” Cadence said covering for Applejack.

“Ah, that makes sense I suppose.” He turned to Twilight. “Twilight, do you have any other tasks for me?” She shook her head. “What about you Applejack? I know you said today was my day off work today, but I am still bound to serve or help you.”

“Nnope, Ah ain’t got nothin for ya.”

“I see, then I guess I shall ask the others if they nead any help.” Prey said bowing to the group and soon left the spa.

“You weren’t lying when you said he was extremely loyal.” Cadence said with a smile. “I think I can safely say, I think he likes you Applejack?”

“Ar-Are you sure? How can you tell?”

“The fact he gave you a smile and payed a little more attention to you rather than us speaks more.” And with the the rest of the ponies left the spa.

Prey started making his way towards Fluttershy’s cottage to see if she required any services or assistance. Yet something was constantly lurking in his mind. More specifically thoughts about Applejack. He felt the famiiar taste he though was love in his mouth again. Is...Is this love again? It is a very strong.

Perhaps, I can ask Master Fluttershy what love is. He said to himself making his way towards the outskirts of Ponyville.

Author's Note

Finally finished this chapter right before I went to work. Thanks for checking in. Got a lot of notes here explaining some things in the chapter.

When Prey explains the Changeling Kingdom, I like to imagine it as a hybrid of old medieval european and feudal japan culture and society.

As for Guinness, it is literally my favorite beer. Mainly because when I visited Ireland, Guinness was probably the best brew I've had in my life. It's shite outside of the country. Tried it in Netherlands, Scotland, and America and it's nothing compare to it's original brew only in the motherland. So if you say Guinness tastes like shit, I agree. But in Ireland, its much better than you think.

Moshi Moshi= The japanese equivalent of saying "Hello?" When you pick up the phone.

eeeeetooooo = literally is just the jap version of "uuhhhh" or "ummmmmm"

Sou desuka? = Is that so?

Nn = A more casual form of yes, kinda like saying "yup" or "yea" in jap.

oodachi = large/great sword

IKU = GO

Anata wa, jouzu mo. Demo = "You are skilled as wel, But" This is kind of a rough translation from my experience studying the language...it's hard, it's really hard studying japanese.

Spa wa nandesuka? = what is a spa?