open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

The thought of his fellow swords pony guarding the new town saddened Kronos a little; however, he understood Samurai’s duty to his own village. 
 

He went up to Samurai, places a claw on his shoulder and said, “It’s been fun having you around. Even though we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, I’m still honored to call you my friend.” Kronos knelt down, placed his sword into the ground and rested his head upon the hilt, a respectful farewell gesture in his culture. After sheathing his sword back, he told Samurai, “Good luck on your mission and may Zyphus, Swordsman of the Sky, guide your fight to come. I hope to see you again soon, my friend.”

[ExplosionMare 18,064]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Kronos the Revenant @GeneralDirection

Pencil’s happiness and excitement faltered as Samurai relayed the bad news. He apparently had to leave Friendshire, possibly for good. All to fight some baddie named “Snow Leopard”, who had been on bad terms with Samurai for quite a while. Pencil couldn’t help but feel dejected at hearing this. The story kept getting worse and worse as Samurai started mentioning attack plots and having to fight in a huge battle. Those terms filled Pencil’s body with fear, starting with the brunt flattening of her ears and ending with the cold shivers in her hooves. The last emotions Pencil felt were sympathy and sadness as Samurai began to tear up, causing Pencil to shed a few tears of her own. Samurai’s tale was a lot to process, even if Pencil felt like the two didn’t get to know each other that well.

Pencil remained silent for a while, unable to say anything. Dynamo and Pastel spoke, offering their kind words, but they were ineffective it seemed. Pencil wasn’t sure if anything she said would matter, not when Samurai felt he had such an essential duty. The longer Pencil remained quiet, however, the more she thought on his final words. How he wanted everypony else to protect Friendshire and watch over it while he wasn’t gone. She was no town leader nor was she in any position to fight for a whole town, but she believed the best she could do for Samurai was to respect his wishes.

“I-I can’t promise I can lead the town or anything, but I’ll help watch over it for you...” Pencil said, trailing off at the last sentence. She seemed like she had something else to say, but was afraid to speak up. Deep down, she was fighting for her last sentence to repent against the silence. Pencil forced that will down for a moment, letting it sink to the bottom of her thoughts. It wasn’t until she was uncomfortable with her own silence that she finally blurted out,

“Y-you don’t really have to leave forever, do you? You can’t, I don’t know, make some false identity up for when you come back? I don’t know, it’s just really crazy to me that you have to leave like this, especially for that Snow Leopard guy,”

 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @GeneralDirection @ExplosionMare @Pastel Heart @Kronos the Revenant

Thundy *almost* unleashed a very loud squawk, but covered his beak nearly halfway through the sound, managing to spare everyone's ears around him. "What?! Enemies? Okay...we literally just got here and things just took quite the turn." Thundy exclaimed as he heard that Samurai was leaving and the fact that he had enemies. 

Chelsea on the other hand sulked down sitting on her rump on the verge of crying. Someone needed to hug Chelsea and pronto or else she'd go into quite the sobbing fit. 

 

Edited August 17, 2020 by C. Thunder Dash

[Samurai Equine 51,694]

Samurai couldn't help but smile at his friends. Though they all expressed different things... Sorrow, denial, respect, etc.; it all meant one thing that mattered most to the proud warrior.
They care about him. Just as much as he cares about them. The very reason why he's leaving. Not just to protect the town, but to protect them too.
Samurai says not a word, but instead reaches into his cart and grabs a few things. He approaches his friends one by one.

@GeneralDirection

First, he approaches Silver. "Silver-san, I've all ready given you your gift earlier today. But I still hope that somewhere along the road of life, we meet again. I've ALWAYS wanted to meet and befriend a kirin, and you made my dream come true. Now do me a favor." He puts a hoof on Silver's shoulder. "Make YOUR dream come true too."

@Kronos the Revenant

He moves on to Kronos next. Samurai pulls out a personal sword from his own arsenal: His buster sword. The biggest, thickest blade he has. It's a black blade too! "Kronos-sama, to you I entrust my Dark Stone Buster Sword. As the name says, it's made of dark stone, which means it can cancel out any kind of magic. I'm trusting you to use this anti-magic weapon to protect the town. I regret that I didn't have time to get to know you better. From what little I've seen, I think there is many sides to your personality, but that might not be such a bad thing. Sometimes I'm not sure what you're going to do next, but I want to believe that when the time comes... If it ever comes... You'll do the right thing." Samurai hands him the blade. "...By the way, you're just borrowing it. I might come back for it some day, and if I do, I'll get you a real gift." Samurai says with a wink.

@C. Thunder Dash

Going over to Thundy and Chelsea, he gives them their gifts. It's wrapped, but when they open it, they'll see two matching sets of the portable Gamecolt system, two copies of Ponymon Crystal, and two copies of Super Mare-io Deluxe. "Hello Thundy-san, Chelsea-chan. Though I've only just met you two, I can detect a hint of something special. Please, don't cry for my leaving. Be glad we met, and know that someday somehow, we will meet again. And I'll want to hear about every single adventure when we do."

@ExplosionMare

Next, he gives Pencil a wrapped gift as well, which contains magic markers and a kit of various professional art supplies. "Pencil-chan, I've seen your art, and I know it's beautiful. I hope you'll keep making art while I'm gone, because I know it will inspire anypony who sees it. From one artist to another, don't let anything take away your creative muse, because your artistic expression is unique and wonderful."

@Dynamo Pad

After that, he goes up to Dynamo, and gives him a wrapped gift as well. Inside, he'll find mini game console with hundreds of iconic games on it. He also gives him a set of keys. "Dynamo-san... Where do I begin? If you had told me a year ago that I'd be friends with a gamer pony, I probably would have laughed. And yet, now that we've spend time together, I can't imagine what life would be like without you. As of these last few days, I can easily say that you, Astral, and Pastel are all my bestest friends. I'm sorry if this gift isn't enough to match how grateful I am that we met. However, I'm also entrusting my house to you. Please try to visit it once in a while and make sure it's clean. All my personal effects have been removed, but on the rare chance that maybe the Shogun will let me stay in Friendshire, I'd like to still have a home I can return to."

@Pastel Heart

Speaking of, Samurai moves on to Pastel next. Kneeling down to her level, he has something in his hooves for her. Something covered in plastic. He opens it up to reveal a black sailor fuku with matching pleated skirt, complete with a red tie to pull it all together, and one red super glove for her front hoof. However, the fuku comes with an assortment of ties in different colors. So if she doesn't like the default red, she can switch to pink, white, orange, blue, green, purple, or whatever she desires! "Pastel-chan, I went from playing along, to seeing more in you than I ever thought possible. I've seen many young mares come and go, but the best ones are hard to find, and you're one of those rare few. You've inspired the town, brought back hopes and dreams to the youth, and I know you'll continue to inspire more. So what do you say? Can I count on you to protect the hopes and dreams of this town while I'm away? After all, who better to ask than an instant-strike, pop idol, gamer elite, magical girl, super heroine, sukeban deka?" It seems Samurai had been paying attention to her journey after all, and he even gave her a new title that hopefully she'll like.

@Astral Vision

Finally, last by not least, he moves on to Astral. But instead of a wrapped gift, Samurai gives him the most important thing of all... The Laronde Box, and a folder full of every note he has made since he began trying to solve it. "Astral-sensei, as the smartest and most magically adept pony I know, I can't begin to think of anyone else I'd rather entrust this puzzle box with. We both know this box is the key to saving the town. The closer you get to solving it, the more activities it will reveal. Each activity will bring this town and its mayors closer together. It was my mission to solve this box, but now... I leave that mission to you. Make me proud, dearest friend."

...

And so, that's it. Samurai takes a few steps forward. However, he stops before he can return to his cart, and says something to all 8 of his currently-present friends. "Before I leave, there is one last request I'd like to make, if I may. Where I come from, ponies don't usually hug. They save that for family and lovers, and they usually only share hugs in privacy. However, I learned something interesting from Pastel-chan. Here in the western half of the world, friends share hugs all the time. It's not just an expression of love, it's an expression of caring. And I was wondering... Would it be too much to ask if I could get a hug too?"

Edited August 17, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Samurai Equine

Pastel was sad that she couldn't go off to fight, not that she knew how to fight. She would pout at first, not wanting her friend to leave on the same day she learned she could stay... Her eyes popped as he presented the fuku to her. Her eyes glistened. It was like a real life fairy tale come to life! Well, an anime fairy tale. Smiling, she happily takes it, and just like equipping an item in a menu, she spins around like a tasmanian devil, putting the fuku on immediately, using the iconic default red. She liked it so much she didn't wanna waste time not wearing it. 

She looked up at Samurai, tears forming in her eyes as she smiled, before wiping them away like a shonen hero and standing up with determination.

"Leave it to me, Sami! Hopes and dreams will never die as long as Magical Sukedan Pastel Heart is here! I dunno what's going on that's making the town all weird, but by time you get back I'll make sure you have a safe home to come back to! Good luck, Sami! Ganbaru~!"

And at his invitation, Pastel raced up and joined in what would possibly be a hug big enough to roll downbill as a Katamari ball. Pastel was even more fired up than ever and that aura she radiated at the concert was ever present.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Pastel Heart @Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare

”Wow...that’s so special...I’ve never had a game console before...” Chelsea said. “Come on your guys, let’s bring it all in.” Thundy said going over and joining Pastel in the hug followed by Chelsea. 

 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

Kronos’ head tilted down a little bit, his hat covering his face as he observed the sacred blade given to him. He took a deep breath, knowing that this gesture of trust is one that he has rarely ever seen from other creatures before, so he knows that he should take Samurai’s instructions seriously. 
 

As he brandished the large blade, Kronos affirms Samurai, “This town. It has lots of character to it. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve grown to like it. The ponies. The culture. The festivities. It’s all grown on me. I’m proud to call this town ‘home’. And as such, I will protect this town with my very life.”

He then pulled out a holo-projector and out spawned four holograms, one blue, one purple, one green and one red. 
 

“We will ensure that no harm comes to the citizens of this domain.” The purple hologram declared. 
 

“We will ensure the best of care is provided to all citizens of this town.” The blue one continued. 
 

“Should anything intend to harm this place,” the green hologram said, “They shall taste our vengeance.”

 

”And they’ll be hunted to the ends of the land.” The red hologram replied with vicious vigor. 
 

“Everyone,” Kronos explained, “Let me officially introduce my ancestors who are possessing me. The green one is Kaiser, The Dominion of Ragnarok. A spirit of vengeance and power. The blue one is Gabriel, The Guardian Angel, Vanguard of Justice. The purple one is Arzeth, Protector of the Meek and the Indomitable Aegis of Ragnarok  The red one is Krux, The Devourer. All four of these ancient warriors manifest themselves outward through me, their chosen vessel, and they will assist in the protection of this town.”

Kronos and the four holograms kneeled towards Samurai, ensuring the contract of unity has been established. 

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine

Silver watched as the wave of emotions rippled through the group. Regardless of how anypony felt here, they all told the same story: this one pony had made a lasting impact on everypony that stood together here and now. Samurai grabs the gifts and proceeds to address everypony here individually. Surprisingly, he starts with Silver first. He waits until Samurai finishes before giving a small bow of his head and a quick response.

“Thank you, Samurai.” He replied warmly. “You’re the first pony who’s ever given me a gift, and I won’t ever forget that. I do hope that we meet again sometime, then we can visit each others’ homes just like we talked about earlier. I’m glad I was able to help makes one of your dreams a reality, and hopefully the new friends that I’ve made here will be able to help accomplish mine. Farewell, Samurai.”

He watched as Samurai went down to the others, handing out gifts and exchanging goodbyes with everypony. Once he finishes, he turns back towards them all and asks for a hug, of all things. Silver, although resistant at first, eventually joined the rest for a group hug.

[Dynamo Pad 11,339]

15 hours ago, GeneralDirection said:

“Meh, don’t worry about it. It all happened long before I was born anyway, so it didn’t affect me. If anything, it was good for village anyway, brought a major problem to light. Sorry if I confused you, but I wasn’t a part of this event, happened before I was born. But for the kirin who were, yes, we did receive help. One of our own found the cure, a flower called foal’s breath I believe, you can use it to brew up some tea that clears the effects of the stream. I think the rest of the village as too afraid to do it in fear of what might happen, but Applejack and Fluttershy were sent to our village…still don’t know how…but they were able to convince the rest of the kirin that they should learn to mange their emotions instead of being afraid of them. Must’ve been a sight to see, all those ponies being able to talk again.”

Dynamo nodded as Silver told him to not worry about what had happened isn’t the past. “It’s okay and no need to apologize, Silver. I’m still learning about you. Plus, it’s interesting how you were all able to go back to how things were before everyone had become silent.” He would say, before raising his eyebrows in surprise. “Applejack and Fluttershy? You mean, two of the elements of harmony helped save you guys? That’s actually pretty awesome, if you ask me. I’ve never met them, but I’ve heard about them. I can only imagine it was a sight to behold when everyone started speaking again.”

14 hours ago, Pastel Heart said:

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant @ExplosionMare @Astral Vision

Pastel was... surprised. This was definitely sudden. She was messing around with the whole shogun thing, but to think that's what actually was going on...

"Wait wait wait! If there's a guy causing trouble we just gotta go beat him up, right!? Take us with you, Sami! We can do it!"

Adventurous, troublemaking Pastel was also down to go with Sami as others were, she pumped her hoof in the air as if declaring some kinda revolution. Pastel seems like the type that would slap a god in the face if deemed necessary.

Feeling Dynamo quiver under her, Pastels rambunctiousness turned to sadness as she hopped down off of his back and hugged his leg, looking up at him with a wordless smile as if saying "Everything is gonna be okay".

Dynamo looked down to see Pastel, who had jumped off of his back and hugged his leg. He was glad that she didn’t want to sit back and instead wanted to help Sanurai. However, he knew that he didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. He still remembered Irons promise to try and keep her safe. He still appreciated the world-less smile. Giving her an appreciative nod, he leaned down and pulled her into a hug.

9 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Samurai couldn't help but smile at his friends. Though they all expressed different things... Sorrow, denial, respect, etc.; it all meant one thing that mattered most to the proud warrior.
They care about him. Just as much as he cares about them. The very reason why he's leaving. Not just to protect the town, but to protect them too.
Samurai says not a word, but instead reaches into his cart and grabs a few things. He approaches his friends one by one.

@Dynamo Pad

After that, he goes up to Dynamo, and gives him a wrapped gift as well. Inside, he'll find mini game console with hundreds of iconic games on it. He also gives him a set of keys. "Dynamo-san... Where do I begin? If you had told me a year ago that I'd be friends with a gamer pony, I probably would have laughed. And yet, now that we've spend time together, I can't imagine what life would be like without you. As of these last few days, I can easily say that you, Astral, and Pastel are all my bestest friends. I'm sorry if this gift isn't enough to match how grateful I am that we met. However, I'm also entrusting my house to you. Please try to visit it once in a while and make sure it's clean. All my personal effects have been removed, but on the rare chance that maybe the Shogun will let me stay in Friendshire, I'd like to still have a home I can return to."

@Pastel Heart

Speaking of, Samurai moves on to Pastel next. Kneeling down to her level, he has something in his hooves for her. Something covered in plastic. He opens it up to reveal a black sailor fuku with matching pleated skirt, complete with a red tie to pull it all together, and one red super glove for her front hoof. However, the fuku comes with an assortment of ties in different colors. So if she doesn't like the default red, she can switch to pink, white, orange, blue, green, purple, or whatever she desires! "Pastel-chan, I went from playing along, to seeing more in you than I ever thought possible. I've seen many young mares come and go, but the best ones are hard to find, and you're one of those rare few. You've inspired the town, brought back hopes and dreams to the youth, and I know you'll continue to inspire more. So what do you say? Can I count on you to protect the hopes and dreams of this town while I'm away? After all, who better to ask than an instant-strike, pop idol, gamer elite, magical girl, super heroine, sukeban deka?" It seems Samurai had been paying attention to her journey after all, and he even gave her a new title that hopefully she'll like.

@Astral Vision

Finally, last by not least, he moves on to Astral. But instead of a wrapped gift, Samurai gives him the most important thing of all... The Laronde Box, and a folder full of every note he has made since he began trying to solve it. "Astral-sensei, as the smartest and most magically adept pony I know, I can't begin to think of anyone else I'd rather entrust this puzzle box with. We both know this box is the key to saving the town. The closer you get to solving it, the more activities it will reveal. Each activity will bring this town and its mayors closer together. It was my mission to solve this box, but now... I leave that mission to you. Make me proud, dearest friend."

...

And so, that's it. Samurai takes a few steps forward. However, he stops before he can return to his cart, and says something to all 8 of his currently-present friends. "Before I leave, there is one last request I'd like to make, if I may. Where I come from, ponies don't usually hug. They save that for family and lovers, and they usually only share hugs in privacy. However, I learned something interesting from Pastel-chan. Here in the western half of the world, friends share hugs all the time. It's not just an expression of love, it's an expression of caring. And I was wondering... Would it be too much to ask if I could get a hug too?"

The gamer pony was sad that Samurai hadn’t responded to him in his plea, but it seemed that even the Asian pony was adamant in his decision. The only thing Dynamo could do was to accept his decision and hope that Samurai would be okay, as well make a safe return home to this town. As the unicorn was giving out gifts, Dynamo watched as his friend had soon approached him. The gaming pony tilted his head slightly, while blinking in confusion. He soon began unwrapping his gift as he soon saw a mini game console. He gasped as it seemed that the console was filled with hundreds of iconic games. 

Dynamo wanted to respond, but was soon presented with a set of keys. He was caught off guard as it seemed that Samurai even entrusted him with his house, while he was gone. Dynamo felt his tears were threatening to fall as he was trying to find his voice.”S-Sam...thank you. This gift is truly worth so much to me. I know that Pastel-chan, Astral and everyone else and I will all play these games together. It also means a lot that you consider me in such high regards. Ever since I arrived in this town, you, Pastel-chan, Astral and Pencil have become very close to me. The same can be said to Silver and Bluebell too. I’m sorry about trying to get you in not going. It’s just...I-I lost my father a while ago. If I lost you or someone else and I could’ve done something, then I just couldn’t forgive myself.” He felt his body beginning to tremble as he had never really told many about his father. “I-I promise that I’ll keep your house safe and in order. It’ll be in tip top shape for when you make your return, my friend.” He says, giving a kind, yet sad smile to the Asian pony.

Dybnao could only chuckle and smile at how happy Pastel was when receiving her gift. He would have blushed at how cute she looked in her sailor fuko outfit, but he still felt his emotions were getting the better of him. Seeing Astral receiving the Laronde box caused Dynamo to gasp. He knew the box was very important and he couldn’t think of anyone better to take care of it. “I promise to help Astral. I know I don’t know much about the box, but I’ve been told of some things by you and Astral. So, I promise to master my magic and do my best to help Astral in figuring out about this box.” He says with a look of determination in his eyes. He knew it was a sudden declaration to Samurai, Astral and even the others. However, he remembered Astral had told him that he had somehow met what could possibly be Final Premonition. If that were the true, then he knew it would be best to help his friends out in Samurai's absence.

Upon hearing Samurais final request, Dynamo couldn’t help in smiling and giving his friend a nod. “Of course. Just do your best, stay safe and return to us, Samurai. I want to play against you in games sometime. Especially on the console you gave me. Let’s have a giant party and play all those games together when you return.” He would say, galloping over, until he joined in the group hug. The tears he held back finally fell free as he hugged his friends with all of his might.

Edited August 17, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Astral Vision 286]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @C. Thunder Dash @ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant

The night was clear and the wind was brisk, and Astral stood firmly alongside the group as Samurai made his announcement, though what he heard only brought sadness. It seemed Samurai had a great challenge he needed to overcome, and for the safety of everyone, he had to do it alone. Astral should have felt angry at Samurai for such a reckless decision, but instead, he calmly understood the situation and made no comment.

As the pony circled the group and gave out gifts to the group, Astral did his best to hide his emotions, until Samurai eventually came to him. Astral was immediately shocked once he saw, of all things he could have been given, the Laronde Box. For a moment, the blue unicorn's mouth was agape, he was in awe that Samurai trusted him so deeply. Lifting out his hoof, Astral gently cradled the unique artifact as if it were a living creature; slowly, his eyes trailed back to face Samurai.

"I.. I mean, how could-.. Thank you, Samurai. While I admit your decision to face Snow Leapord alone may be rash, I trust you know exactly what you're doing. And yet, I still feel scared for you; it feels strange, but at the same time, it feels natural." Astral said, trying his best to smile, but only getting a crooked grin.

Astral slowly leaned in to hug Samurai with the others, and he whispered something into the warrior pony's ear.

"Good luck my friend, come home safely." Astral managed to say, with a crick in his throat. As he embraced his friend for the first time, something else occurred which no one had seen; a tear fell from Astral's eye, then another. Clearly, even though Astral rarely showed his emotions, the pony wasn't made of stone.

The unicorn felt that Samurai needed something to signify a proper sendoff; while Astral had no physical gifts to bear, he had something in mind which everyone would want to see: The future of Friendshire. Astral, in his quest to collect pages for the Friendshire book, had finally discovered the appearance of the two mayors in their youth. As the unicorn's horn glowed its brightest turquoise hue, the stars in the night sky began to dance, soon forming into the shapes of two ponies. On the left was Mayor Black, and on the right Mayor White; the two ponies were smiling, shaking hooves as friends. This was what the town needed, what the group wanted, and would make happen.

As he pulled away from the group hug, Astral's wiped his face, and gave Samurai his final words.

"I promise Samurai, I will bring Friendshire back together. This is our vision, and with the help of Dynamo, Pastel, Pencil, and every creature here, we WILL make that vision a reality. Now you go make us proud, and we'll be ready for your return."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare

Compelled to giver something back, Thundy gently broke the hug. “Samurai, I feel like I need to give you something.” He said. “Me too.” Chelsea said. 
 

Thundy gathered some electricity and formed a beautiful thunder orb. Chelsea gathered some water energy and formed a beautiful water orb made of pearl. The two griffons presented their gifts to Samurai. 

[ExplosionMare 18,064]

@Samurai Equine

Pencil couldn’t believe what she had gotten. She was in a state of such excitement that she really couldn’t say anything. Instead, she just let out a huge grin and grabbed the art supplies with her magic, fawning over them. She had yearned for materials like these for a lifetime and now here they were, right in front of her.

Collecting herself, Pencil managed to say,

“Thank you, Samurai! I really love these! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re really kind, giving these to me. Oh, here...”

Pencil reached for her saddlebag, then she realized she wasn’t wearing it. Mental rolling her eyes, she dashed back to her house to grab her sketch pad. She nearly dropped her new supplies in her haste, but was lucky enough to only wobble them a bit. Once Pencil came back outside, she began panting heavily, but in a proud sort of way, like she actually enjoyed the mad dash to her house.

Finally able to catch her breath after a few moments, Pencil flipped to the page in her sketchbook she wanted and tore it out. Wiping the small bead of sweat on her forehead, Pencil trotted closer to Samurai and revealed the drawing.

“My commissioner doesn’t probably want this, but I’d hate to waste it. It’s the room I was sleeping in when you invited us all over. This could be some sort of stand-in photograph so you can remember some happy things while you’re away,” she offered, angling the drawing a bit as she was holding it.

Before Samurai began to leave, he suggested that everyone join in for a group hug. Pencil gladly joined in as everypony(and creature’s) fur and hides began to rub against each other. It was like being surrounded by a pile of warm fluff. Pencil giggled at this and let the moment sink in as all her friends surrounded each other with compassion.

@Astral Vision

As the hug prolonged itself, Pencil opened her eyes slightly to see if anypony was trying to let go. What she saw instead of that was Astral crying. She couldn’t tell if those tears were happy or sad, but regardless, she asked,

“You okay, Astral?”

[Samurai Equine 51,694]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @Astral Vision, @ExplosionMare, @Kronos the Revenant, & @GeneralDirection

How humbled Samurai was to be departing this way. With an untold happiness, he gladly hugs his friends back as tight as he can, shedding a stray tear of happiness in kind. He also receives gifts he was not expecting! Well made artwork, an elemental orb, and a high-tech show that could easily rival a 21 canon salute. Just like the things he gave away, he will cherish all of this.

Eventually, the hug ends. Samurai takes up his cart and walks away. As he does, he waves goodbye to his friends. "Farewell, my friends! I'll never forget you!! Ganbarimas. HONTOU NI ARIGATO!!!" Samurai calls out. As he faces forward, his kurokos come out of the shadows and follow behind him in march. And soon, all his friends see is Samurai leaving the front gate, walking past the Welcome sign at the front of the town, and then fading away into the horizon darkened by the night.

SAMURAI EQUINE
WILL RETURN IN 3 DAYS

Seems that's it. Nothing left to do now, but to go home and maybe plan for whatever tomorrow has in store.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 6

@Astral Vision, @Buck Testa, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness, @Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @Emerald Heart, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant, @Windy Breeze 🥧, @C. Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

Yet another new day dawns over the town of Friendshire. Slowly but surly, everyone is waking up to face the town's activities. Citizens are going to their regular jobs. Some aren't even aware that a major citizen and guardian left last night.

...Well, others are aware, but more on that later...

On the radio and other news broadcasts, a report goes out throughout Friendshire. "And here, in an unmarked cave 27 miles North by North West outside of the city limits, Friendshire's mining team has stumbled upon a large deposit of magical quartz! These gems, rumored to have been buried somewhere outside of the town, was regarded as no more than myth or fiction when all previous excavation attempts came up negative. Now, today, these enchanted gem stones have been unearthed and are ready to be examined by our town's best magic and scientific heads. However, Friendshire is deeply under staffed on experts in this field, so there will be a an open-invite to anyone qualified and willing to help out." The report goes on and on about the paticulars.

Meanwhile, at Astral Vision's residence, the Lardone Box is going crazy just as he is waking up to greet the day! It is moving all by itself. Gears are winding, panels are opening up, and it's about to give a magical projection any second!

Furthermore, there seems to be a cloaked traveler somewhere deep in the wild. Whoever it is has hooves, so it's not a leopard or anything. But if this stranger keeps going down this path, it'll eventually lead them to Friendshire.

Edited August 17, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

Thundy woke up early to go for a morning jog around the town, after hearing the news of a mine shaft being found. He came back early to catch a 20 minute power nap. Not long after, Chelsea woke up and went to search for food. Thundy wondered if Dynamo was up, so he communicated with him telepathically. "Pssst, hey Dynamo, you up?" He asked softly through telepathy, the message ringing softly in Dynamo's mind. 

 

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

Kronos woke up and greeted the new dawn a little differently. He focused his mind and manifested his spirits out into intangible yet visible beings. 
 

“Ahh,” one of them sighed, “It’s been far too long since we’ve been summoned out like this.”

 

”Well,” Kronos replied, “Now that everyone knows of you guys, there’s little chance of anyone freaking out upon seeing you guys. Now, our tasks for today...” As he began to give his spirits instructions, he brandished Samurai’s Dark Stone sword, getting a feel of it. “Gabriel, patrol the east side of the village. Arzeth, look after the west side. Kaiser, watch the south. Krux, patrol the outside and shakedown any newcomers that try to trespass.”

”Affirmative.” The all replied as they darted their ways past obstacles and citizens to their designated patrol areas. 
 

Kronos proceeded to head over to the north side to begin his patrol. 
 

May you stay safe on your journey, my friend, Kronos thought as he looked to the sky. 

Edited August 18, 2020 by Kronos the Revenant

[Dynamo Pad 11,339]

3 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @Astral Vision, @ExplosionMare, @Kronos the Revenant, & @GeneralDirection

How humbled Samurai was to be departing this way. With an untold happiness, he gladly hugs his friends back as tight as he can, shedding a stray tear of happiness in kind. He also receives gifts he was not expecting! Well made artwork, an elemental orb, and a high-tech show that could easily rival a 21 canon salute. Just like the things he gave away, he will cherish all of this.

Eventually, the hug ends. Samurai takes up his cart and walks away. As he does, he waves goodbye to his friends. "Farewell, my friends! I'll never forget you!! Ganbarimas. HONTOU NI ARIGATO!!!" Samurai calls out. As he faces forward, his kurokos come out of the shadows and follow behind him in march. And soon, all his friends see is Samurai leaving the front gate, walking past the Welcome sign at the front of the town, and then fading away into the horizon darkened by the night.

SAMURAI EQUINE
WILL RETURN IN 3 DAYS

Seems that's it. Nothing left to do now, but to go home and maybe plan for whatever tomorrow has in store.

Dynamo was sad, but he still smiled as he felt Samurai had returned the hug to him and everyone else in the group hug. He felt bad that he wasn't able to give a going away gift, but he was still glad that he received gifts from the others. He just hoped that those gifts would keep him safe, even in the toughest of times. After some time, it looked as if Samurai had pulled away from the hug. All the while, heading towards his cart and taking his leave. Dynamo raised a fore hoof and waved to the retreating pony. "Farewell and good luck, Sam! Doitashimashite, tomoyo!" Hearing the asian pony speak in Japanese had Dynamo remember what those words had meant. It felt truly necessary to say to his retreating friend. He thought he had seen the kurokos begin to follow Samurai as he and the rest slowly faded into the night. Standing there in silence as he lowered his hoof, Dynamo knew that he and the others should take their leave for the evening.

3 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

DAY 6

@Astral Vision, @Buck Testa, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness, @Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @Emerald Heart, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant, @Windy Breeze 🥧, @C. Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

Yet another new day dawns over the town of Friendshire. Slowly but surly, everyone is waking up to face the town's activities. Citizens are going to their regular jobs. Some aren't even aware that a major citizen and guardian left last night.

...Well, others are aware, but more on that later...

On the radio and other news broadcasts, a report goes out throughout Friendshire. "And here, in an unmarked cave 27 miles North by North West outside of the city limits, Friendshire's mining team has stumbled upon a large deposit of magical quartz! These gems, rumored to have been buried somewhere outside of the town, was regarded as no more than myth or fiction when all previous excavation attempts came up negative. Now, today, these enchanted gem stones have been unearthed and are ready to be examined by our town's best magic and scientific heads. However, Friendshire is deeply under staffed on experts in this field, so there will be a an open-invite to anyone qualified and willing to help out." The report goes on and on about the paticulars.

Meanwhile, at Astral Vision's residence, the Lardone Box is going crazy just as he is waking up to greet the day! It is moving all by itself. Gears are winding, panels are opening up, and it's about to give a magical projection any second!

Furthermore, there seems to be a cloaked traveler somewhere deep in the wild. Whoever it is has hooves, so it's not a leopard or anything. But if this stranger keeps going down this path, it'll eventually lead them to Friendshire.

1 hour ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad

Thundy woke up early to go for a morning jog around the town, after hearing the news of a mine shaft being found. He came back early to catch a 20 minute power nap. Not long after, Chelsea woke up and went to search for food. Thundy wondered if Dynamo was up, so he communicated with him telepathically. "Pssst, hey Dynamo, you up?" He asked softly through telepathy, the message ringing softly in Dynamo's mind. 

 

 

@Pastel Heart @Astral Vision @ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection @C. Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine

As a new day had begun, Dynamo slowly awoke to the light of the morning sun. Giving a loud yawn, the blue unicorn slowly began to wipe the sleep from his eyes. That's when he realized that he wasn't in his usual home in Friendshire. Dynamo began to panic slightly, before realization hit him. He frowned as he remembered that Samurai had left the night before. All the while remembering that his friend had to take on the shogun, Snow Leopard. He had asked Pastel and the others if they wanted to stay at Samurai's home for the evening. Given the fact that he wanted to take Samurai's word to heart on taking care of the home. Along with having a feeling that nobody probably wanted to be alone after going through all of that. Dynamo's ears soon perked as he heard a voice, but he looked around in fear that he might have been hearing things. 'W-Who's there? I'm not going crazy or anything, am I?' He asks in his mind, while not really expecting to receive an answer.

Edited August 18, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad

Pastel would be the the first to come down. She had a new spring in her step after yesterday, once again wearing the fuku Samurai gave her. She smiles as she sees Dynamo, trotting up to him and standing in a pose.

"Mornin', Dyny! It's a whole new day, in more ways than one! And I actually LOOK the part of a magical girl today! Be honest... Whacha think~?"

She spun around like a true idol, ending with a flashy wink. Something was definitely different about Pastel today. She seemed bolder, if that was possible, and she radiated confidence and concert tier attitude. In her mind, she's graduated to protagonist status.

[Samurai Equine 51,694]

@Dynamo Pad

What Samurai said about his home was true. All of his personal effects had been removed. Meaning that while his house was still there, it didn't have any furniture or anything personal in it anymore. If he, Pastel, or anyone else was going to spend the night at Samurai's house in his honor, they'd have to bring their own beds/sleeping bags, and anything else they might need.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Pastel Heart

"It's me, Thundy. I'm in the house, but in a different room. I'm talking to you telepathically." Thundy said...before appearing in front of Dynamo with a poof. "So, I walked around and things just seem really plain. What do you say we...oh hey there Pastel...what do you say we take the morning and spice up this place a little. It just feels so dull..." Thundy said looking at Dynamo and Pastel. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,339]

44 minutes ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad

What Samurai said about his home was true. All of his personal effects had been removed. Meaning that while his house was still there, it didn't have any furniture or anything personal in it anymore. If he, Pastel, or anyone else was going to spend the night at Samurai's house in his honor, they'd have to bring their own beds/sleeping bags, and anything else they might need.

1 hour ago, Pastel Heart said:

@Dynamo Pad

Pastel would be the the first to come down. She had a new spring in her step after yesterday, once again wearing the fuku Samurai gave her. She smiles as she sees Dynamo, trotting up to him and standing in a pose.

"Mornin', Dyny! It's a whole new day, in more ways than one! And I actually LOOK the part of a magical girl today! Be honest... Whacha think~?"

She spun around like a true idol, ending with a flashy wink. Something was definitely different about Pastel today. She seemed bolder, if that was possible, and she radiated confidence and concert tier attitude. In her mind, she's graduated to protagonist status.

 

@Pastel Heart

Looking around at the sleeping bags he had brought before, Dynamo remembered about what Samurai had said was true. He had thought there would have been protection spells that would have kept the house safe. However, he soon realized that while the house was still there, the furniture was gone without a trace. Dynamo remembered having to hurry back to the house he and Pastel were staying at, while trying to bring sleeping bags and such back to Samurai's place. Speaking of Pastel, it seemed as if she was nowhere to be seen. Yawning once more, Dynamo got out of his sleeping bag and stretched his limbs. Heading down the steps, he was greeted by Pastel, who seemed to have a spring in her step. He wasn't sure how or why, but it seemed as if the young mare was different somehow. He wasn't sure if it was due to her fuku outfit or her cutie mark, but she seemed somewhat bolder. "Morning, Pastel-chan. You're right about that. It's definitely a brand new day. Hopefully, it'll be and continue to be a really good day. How did you sleep?" He asks, smiling as he was glad that she was feeling better after Samurai's departure. He knew the asian pony leaving had taken a lot out of the young mare. Hopefully, the others would be fairing just as well. At the mention of her fuku outfit, Dynamo couldn't help in blushing slightly. To be honest, he had thought Pastel had looked pretty. She definitely seemed like a magical girl in that kind of uniform. "O-Oh, um...you looked p-pretty cute, Pastel-chan. You definitely pull of the look of a magical girl. Why do you ask?" 

1 hour ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Pastel Heart

"It's me, Thundy. I'm in the house, but in a different room. I'm talking to you telepathically." Thundy said...before appearing in front of Dynamo with a poof. "So, I walked around and things just seem really plain. What do you say we...oh hey there Pastel...what do you say we take the morning and spice up this place a little. It just feels so dull..." Thundy said looking at Dynamo and Pastel. 

@C. Thunder Dash

Soon enough, the voice in his head had appeared once again. The blue unicorn was alarmed, at first. However, he soon relaxed as the voice had become familiar as it turned out to be Thundy. 'Oh, hey Thundy. Glad to know you and Chelsea had decided to stay over. I think it was a better idea for some of us to stay together after everything that had happened. I didn't know you could actually talk telepathically.' He responded in his mind, before jumping back in surprise, due to Thundy's teleporting in front of the gaming unicorn. "Woah!" He exclaimed as the teleportation had caught Dynamo off guard. He backed away a few feet, nearly clutching his beating chest with his left front hoof. "I guess that's one way to be woken up. Although, did you have to teleport out of nowhere? A little warning would have been nice." He would say with a deadpanned expression upon his face. 

Once he got his beating heart under control, Dynamo sighed as he looked around to their surroundings. "I mean, I can see what you mean. It just feels a bit empty in this place. It would be a good idea to liven Samurai's house up a bit. However, would that be something that Samurai would want? I mean, I still hope that he'll come back. Plus, he told me to look after the house for him and to help keep the place all neat and tidy. I just thought that everyone who wanted to stay wouldn't feel lonely after he left."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad

"I mean, we could look after it together...besides, we all are settled here for the time being so...I feel there's nothing wrong with a little TLC." Thundy said. "Anyway, I was gonna cook something for breakfast if no one else was going to. Chelsea's sleeping in as always." Thundy added. 

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@C. Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart

After Samurai made his exit, everypony slowly made their way back to their homes. Silver, having just arrived and not having one, elected to sleep under the stars as he usually did, back at the field he had visited with Samurai and Pastel earlier.  The adventurous kirin was used to living this way after the distances he’d covered, only on occasion was he offered a bed someplace. Once Silver awoke, he rolled up his sleeping bag, and trotted back into town with his cart.

Not really knowing where anypony else lived, he made his way to Samurai’s place, where he figured Dynamo, Pastel, and perhaps a few others decided to spend the night. He left his cart somewhere out of the way and went up to the front door, knocking a few times before opening it and heading inside. He walked in to find Dynamo, Pastel, and Thundy standing around, possibly discussing plans for the day.

“Hey, everypony! Did you all manage to sleep well last night?” He asked. “Anypony have plans for today?” 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@GeneralDirection

"Oh hey Silver. I slept well. Chelsea's still sleeping in like I said to Dynamo." Thundy said turning to face the kirin. "What are you planning to do today?" He asked still thinking about how he could spice up Samurai's place a little. 

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad

"I slept super! Best I have in, uhh... Last time I slept? Nyaha~"

Pastel smiled happily. She was extra giddy and blushy after getting the compliment she was fishing for, ans giggles as she put her hooves on her cheeks and swayed.

"Hehehehe, just wondering! I just wanted Dyny to admire me in my new outfit~ I wanna be extra extra moe and rack up all the points!"

Pastel made a mischievous, catlike smile as she stared up at him adorably. What's gotten into her? She was having fun, for sure.

@C. Thunder Dash

When Thundy suddenly appeared between them uninvited, her eyes widened in shock and a squeak, and she reacted with her first instinct... Violence.

"GEH! THIRD WHEEL! DEMON!"

And she hit him with her hoof, as hard as she could, before she could realize that this was, in fact, not quite a demon. It was like stepping on a toe at most if she didn't miss.

"...Oh. Not a demon, definitely a third wheel though! What the hay are you doing!? You're like, not even a unicorn. Nani kore? Maybe you're a demon after all!"

Seems Samurai was a good bad influence on her.

@GeneralDirection

...And Silver appeared just as this madness went down. She waved.

"Hi Silver! I'm a demonbusting idol today!"

[ExplosionMare 18,064]

Pencil spent the majority of the morning  drawing with her new magic markers. She wasn’t even drawing for work, she was just drawing for fun. She drew swirls that started together and ended in their own directions, creating a mystical fireworks-like effect. Due to the magical qualities of the markers, the swirls began to crackle and sparkle, making noises akin to real fireworks. Pencil clapped excitedly, already thinking of all the other drawings she could make with these markers.

Pencil stared off for a brief moment and looked at the clock. She, like the majority of the others, agreed to stay at Samurai’s house to keep watch (and to hang out with everypony). The clock indicated that it was fairly late in the morning. Pencil figured now was a good time to get up and say hello to everypony. Stretching, Pencil hopped downstairs and joined the group to greet everyone for the morning.

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @GeneralDirection @C. Thunder Dash

“Yawn, morning everypony,” Pencil greeted sleepily.

The quick burst of energy Pencil got from drawing earlier quickly faded, much to her disappointment. She slowly hobbled down the stairs, careful not to trip over her tail. Her stomach began to growl, thankfully not loud enough for anyone to hear. The morning hit Pencil hard now that she was away from her own personal art world. Speaking of which, Pencil wanted to show everyone the effects of her markers.

“Hey, uh, Samurai gave me some cool markers the other day if any-anyone wants to see them. They make drawings look really realistic, like, they give them realistic textures and sounds and—well, it would be better to show you than to try to explain it m-myself,” Pencil announced. She was barely able to hold her sentences together do to how groggy she was, but at least she got the message across.

Edited August 18, 2020 by ExplosionMare
Typo. lol I misspelled typo too