open Cultures Unite (1x1 with GeneralDirection)

[Samurai Equine]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai nods at everything Silver is saying. The dragon just looks deeply confused, and he sees that he has caused some damage here. "Uhh... Can I go now?" He asks. "Tell you what, you leave us with a fresh scale of yours, and we'll call it even!" Samurai says. The dragon nods, pulls off one his own scales, hands it to Samurai, and then flies away. "All right, let's go!" Samurai says to Silver.

Seconds later, they return, and Snow Leopard has noticed the dragon has left. "Curses. I knew that dark magic hex wasn't strong enough to tame a dragon for long... You all got lucky this time, but next time will be different." Snow Leopard backs away, vanishing in his own frozen mist. Soon, the area is clear once more. Even the clouds drift away. Though a little tired, Gentaro runs over to his friends. "Samurai-san! Silver-san! Are you both okay?"

Edited April 21, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver nods in agreement with Samurai’s decision to let the dragon go. He bids the dragon farewell before racing off to check on Gotaro with his friend. Thankfully, they arrive to find Gotaro is well as Snow Leopard makes his exit.

“That’s what all the villains say.” Silver remarks as Snow Leopard disappears into a frozen mist. “We’re ok, Gotaro. I was more worried about you, honestly. I hated leaving you alone with Snow Leopard. I dunno about you guys, but I felt like that battle was won by a lot more than just ‘luck’. I think we sent a pretty strong message to Snow Leopard.”

[Samurai Equine]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai nods. "That's right. We won through teamwork! And I just hope I don't get knocked around any more today." Samurai says.

"Wait a second..." Gotaro takes off his helmet. "Are my eyes deceiving me? Is that really a scale from the dragon we just fought?" Gotaro asks.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver chuckles a bit at Samurai’s comment. “Yes, I hope so too, my friend. And Gotaro, yes, it most certainly is. Samurai figured out how to break the dragon out of his hypnosis and we worked together to execute the plan. He wasn’t hostile towards us in any way once he came out of his trance. Then, Samurai simply asked the dragon to part with one of his scales before he took off.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"That works out perfectly! Maybe with this, we can finally make the dinosaur feel complete!" Gotaro says. Samurai nods and gives him the dragon's scale before taking his own helmet off. "I'm going to do it right now. This really saves us all the hard work and litigation to make this happen! Silver-san, Samurai-san, you don't need to wait for me. If you want to depart and have your fun, you may. I can easily join you after this." Gotaro says.

Samurai looks at his friend. "Well, what do you say, Silver-san? Do you want to leave or do you want to see how this story concludes?"

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

“Well, as much as I’d like to go have a meal, I would like to see this dinosaur find its peace.” He decided. “In a way, I feel partially responsible for him since I allowed his voice to be heard. This scale, if it indeed lets him be happy again, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something here. So yes, let us go see what comes of this!” He said excitedly.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai and Gotaro look at each other and nod before going back.

It takes a moment to make sure the building isn't too damaged; it's not. It takes a moment to make sure the scientists are all okay; and they are. It also takes a moment to set up another DNA infusion, but they get it set up. Just like last time, they wait and watch as the DNA infusion process takes place. They watch from the ground floor. When it's over, the t-rex steps back with a bewildered look on it's face.

Gotaro watches VERY closely. At first, there is just silence. Then his eyes go wide. "Open the cage! DO IT!" Gotaro gives the command. "Open the cage?! But sir, we still don't know if--" One of the scientist begins, however... "I'll take care of it! Just trust me. Open the cage." Gotaro interrupts, insisting. Doing as they are told, they cautiously open the cage.

The t-rex slowly walks out, looking at everything curiously. Samurai steadies himself, ready to leap in, should the worst happen. The t-rex stops nears Gotaro, lowers is head, and sniffs him. He opens his mighty jaw, and...! The t-rex licks Gotaro happily. "Hahaha! I knew it! The DNA infusion was a success!" Gotaro says happily before petting the t-rex, who gladly nuzzles into it.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

They make their way back to the lab, surveying for damage as they go along. Thankfully, the repairs will be minimal, and nopony was hurt. Silver waits as they perform the DNA infusion, anxious but also excited to see the results. Not much happens at first, which is… unusual. Gotaro also seems to pick up on this and orders the cage to be opened. They follow the t-rex out as he surveys his new surroundings, and Silver is pleasantly surprised when the dinosaur happily lowers its head and licks Gotaro in a show of his approval.

“Well that sure changed things for you, didn’t it, big guy?” Silver says to the t-rex. “It makes me happy to see you at peace with yourself.

He turns to Gotaro. “I’m curious as to what your plans will be for this creature now.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"This big guy says he's happy to finally be complete." Gotaro says. The t-rex then nuzzles up against Silver. "And he thanks you for helping him as well." Gotaro adds.

"My plans? Well, allow me to show you." Gotaro answers. Seconds later, Gotaro has lead the large t-rex outside. "This is it, buddy. This land is all yours. You are free to roam this desert, as long as you don't hurt any creature. It doesn't have much now, but until I finish the paper work to have you transferred to a better place, this will have to do." Gotaro tells the t-rex. He nods before going on a happily little joy run. He even chews and eats a tree, thankfully with no living creatures in it. "I guess you are back to being the animal expert after all, Gotaro." Samurai says. Gotaro nods. "Indeed. I think the scientists can take it from here. I owe Silver-san a tour." Gotaro says.

Edited April 26, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“You’re welcome!” Silver says to the dinosaur with a smile, watching as the t-rex happily runs off and explores his new domain.

“Yes,” he replies to Gotaro, “a tour sounds like a great idea. So does food, since our lunch was so rudely interrupted.” He says with a laugh.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"If you want food, then I know just the place!" Gotaro says.

After Gotaro and Samurai change out of their armor since they don't need it anymore, they leave the desert and hop a train one more time to another prefecture. This time, it's the City prefecture. Most of the houses and buildings are rather uniform, with only select few standing out as different. But unlike the suburbs in Ryugane's region, everything is nicely spaced out, so there is room to breathe. It's a lot more sunny and the atmosphere is overall inviting, even if it's rather simple. But the place that Gotaro leads them to is a rotating restaurant building on top of a tall tower.

Inside, the décor is fancy. The kind of place you feel like you should be wearing a suit to. Near the center of the restaurant, there is a band that has decided to randomly play. One pony is playing a shamisen while a unicorn sings and puts on a rainbow-colored light show with her magic. The outer walls of the restaurant are windows, letting customers see the sights, such as a few hoof-made canals with fancy bridges overlooking them. And in Gotaro's booth, the service brings out TONS of food! It's a mix of Japonies and western dishes. Silver would have to be blind to not find something in this assortment that doesn't appeal to him. Gotaro has all ready started eating some kind of noodle dish, with fork and spoon no less! "So let me get this straight... You visited the Jungle and Village prefectures to find me?" Gotaro asks. "Yes, but we didn't stay very long in either one. So we probably didn't see much." Samurai says, eating his own food with chopsticks.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver follows his friends as they lead him to where they were headed next. Another train ride brings them to a city this time. However, unlike the city they spent time in with Ryugane, this one is quite quaint and bright. The restaurant is at the top of a tower, which offers great views of the surrounding area. Inside, Silver feels a tiny bit out of place considering how ornate the place is. But these thoughts are soon forgotten once the food arrives, both the variety and number of dishes taking the kirin by surprise. It takes him a moment, but he eventually decides on some pasta with alfredo sauce.

“Yes, we did.” Silver responds to Gotaro in between bites. “Partially because of the strange dream I told you about, and also so I could simply see more of Japone. I think Samurai also mentioned something about wanting to practice or train with you, if I remember correctly.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"Well, the idea was tossed around." Samurai says. Gotaro moves on to the next dish; something containing fried veggies. "Glorious! If training is what you seek, then may I offer a training session in the Snow prefecture. Testing your magic against the elements is easily the toughest training around, and I know an amazing onsen there as well. Revitalizes the soul like no other." Gotaro explains. Samurai nods and considers the offer. "You know, Gotaro-san, I can't help but notice it hasn't taken you any time at all to use honorifics around Silver-san." Samurai says. "But of course! He leaped in to help me with my animal problem without a second thought to himself. He proved his worth right away, and besides... I'm just a naturally welcoming pony!' Gotaro explains before going into a big belly laugh.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver listens quietly as he continues to enjoy his food. It sounds like they’ll be headed to a snowy region next, which he wasn’t a total stranger to, but most snowy regions in Equestria were rather inhospitable. Therefore, he hasn’t exactly spent a lot of time in said places. Either way, he was definitely down for more adventure, wherever it may be.

“You’re very welcome, Gotaro.” He says with a smile. “I always try to do my best to help my friends, and those who my friends hold in high regard. Though I must ask, what’s a ‘onsen’? I’ve never heard of that before.”  

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"An onsen is what we call a bathhouse, but it's not just for getting clean. It's for relaxing and, in some cases, bonding. Most citizens can't meditate under a waterfall, nor would they have the strength to do so. But many think an onsen is the next best thing. It's a very relaxing, zen experience." Samurai says before finishing his dish and moving on to a fine slice of strawberry pie. Gotaro has hardly even begun to eat. "My apologies, Silver-san. There isn't much to do here in my region of Japone. Tourists usually only come here to get away from the culture overload, to find someplace simple where they can decompress or find a place similar to the western half of Equestria like they are use to. Life in Chubu is simple, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes my job as a samurai easier, and gives me more time to connect with nature, as is my natural ability." Gotaro says.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Oh, there’s no need to apologize, Gotaro.” Silver smiles. “To be honest, I’ve been a part of a number of intense encounters since arriving in Japone. We did also deal with running into Snow Leopard earlier, so I think having a nice time to relax is warranted. We can check out this onsen if you wish, I also think it’d be interesting to watch you two train. Perhaps there could be something that you could teach me, as well.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"Perhaps so." Samurai says. "After what I've seen, I easily trust you on the battlefield, Silver-san. But if you're not a warrior, then what do you do for a living? Are you passionate about anything?" Gotaro asks.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver thinks for a moment before responding. “Technically I am a carpenter by trade. It’s an ok living, but I mostly enjoy adventuring. Exploring. Seeing the world and all it has to offer. That’s how I ended up in Japone in the first place. I also enjoy helping my friends and family, those who I value highest in my life. I prefer to keep busy, so the rather laidback lifestyle in my village gets to me after a while. I need to get out, have a change of scenery, and just do different stuff. I like variety."

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai smiles. "Don't forget artist. You have made some very good artwork, I must say." Samurai says. "Hmm.. Artist, carpenter, and adventurer. Well, before your day is over in my region, hopefully I can help you find something to help you pursue one of those passions. If you'd like a momento, that is." Gentaro says. Good thing he is here, or else they wouldn't have been able to finish half of the foods  that were served earlier.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver smiles back at Samurai. “Ah, yes, well I never considered myself that great of an artist, that was always my sister’s thing. But I appreciate your kind words, my friend. I do a bit of art every now and then, this is true. And Gotaro, you don’t have to get me anything, but a memento of this place would be a great thing for me to take back and show my friends and family back at home. One of the reasons I adventure so much is I’m trying to educate my village about the outside world. None of them are really interested in exploring like I am, so I try to bring some of world to them, instead.” He explains.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"Then let's stop by a local department store. After that, we shall take a wagon to the Snow prefecture. It's not too far from here, actually." Gotaro says. As he finishes eating, he gets up. "The food will be on me. Shall we go?" Gotaro asks.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver finishes the last few bites of food on his plate and nods in agreement. “Sounds good to me! Thank you for the meal, Gotaro!” He says as they leave the restaurant. He hoped that once they made it to the snowy region, they wouldn’t be disturbed and could relax for a while.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Together, the three of them leave the restaurant and begin walking down the streets of this place. The citizens seem friendly enough. Some bow to Gotaro and Samurai. At one point, a group of foals run past while flying a kite. Very tranquil.

Before they leave the city, they go by the department store. But this place feels more like a mall, with many stories worth of stores to explore! Don't worry, escalators help citizens get to whichever floor they need. At the ground floor, there is all ready some sights to see. Besides the typical stores, there is a fortune telling booth, a lucky draw vendor, and some ponies passing out pamphlets for a concert of some kind. "So, I believe the first thing to do is to decide what would be the most useful to you, Silver-san. Would you prefer scavenger supplies, art supplies, or carpentry supplies?" Gotaro asks. "If you would actually prefer something simpler, I might have a suggestion or two in mind." Samurai says.

Edited May 4, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

While uneventful, the walk to the store was quite enjoyable. Everypony here seemed friendly, and the overall atmosphere of the town was very calm. They soon reach their destination, which looked more like a mall than a single store. Silver surveys the scene while listening to Gotaro’s question.

“Well, I really don’t need supplies for carpentry, and Samurai took care of art supplies for me earlier in my visit. So, I suppose something to assist me in my adventuring is the only option left.”

Silver turned his head towards Samurai with a curious expression. “Oh? What did you have in mind, my friend?” He asks.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai leads the way and escorts them all to a clothing store that sells traditional Japonies clothing.
With the help of his two friends, Silver gets to try on many things. A kimono, hakama pants, an obi sash, a happi jacket, a yukata, and so on. They wave off things like the kataginu and the jinbaori, since those are usually reserved for the samurai class. However after trying on many different things, Gotaro and Samurai both agree that he looks good in a haori jacket. Samurai suggests zori sandals and Gotaro suggests a straw cone-shaped hat called a kasa, but those are just optional accessories. It's up to Silver to decide if he wants any of these clothing options.

Edited May 4, 2023 by Samurai Equine