open Cultures Unite (1x1 with GeneralDirection)

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver gives his friend a look of both happiness and confusion. “I… I don’t know what to say… didn’t you just tell me that you’re not allowed to leave your district?” He asks. “I mean, of course I’d love to have you along, but I don’t want to make any trouble if you have your duties to attend to.”

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai smiles. "When we were winding down last night, I wrote a letter to the shogun requesting some travel time. I had my kurokos send it off for me. Speaking of..." Samurai claps. A kuroko hands him an envelope and Samurai opens it, reading the contents. "Hai. This confirms it. I was granted travel rights." Samurai shows the letter to Silver. It's an approved request form. "However, it seems as a condition of me leaving Japone, another samurai warrior is suppose to accompany us. Fukami-san will join us along the path."

Edited June 28, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Oh, ok, I see.” Silver replies with a nod. “Well, I really appreciate you doing that, Samurai. I remember Fukami, he didn’t spend a ton of time with us, but I do recall him having a very warm personality, so I look forward to spending some more time with him. Having the extra help may prove to be useful, since we have no idea what we may be up against.”

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai nods and makes sure his mane is presentable. "Well then, shall we go?" Samurai offers, extending a hoof. It may be an offer for a hoof shake, but it looks more like an invite for a hug.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver accepts his friends’ hoof and pulls him in for a hug. “Yes, let’s get going, to whatever may be out there for me to face. I suppose we’ll head to the train station now, yes?” He asks. Seemed a safe assumption, given how most of their journeys had started and ended this way.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai leads the way out of his house. "The train station? I'm not sure. I thought we'd just be walking there. Is there a train station in your village?" Samurai curiously asks. (character limit)

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver chuckles a bit. “No, there definitely is not. But I assumed that we would be meeting Fukami there. I also thought that we could take the train at least a portion of the way there. I only explore on hoof because I enjoy it, but in this case, it would be best that we do everything we can to get there as soon as possible.” He explains.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

"You forget, my friend. My region of Japone is really close to the boarder. The train won't take us any closer to it." Samurai explains. They walk on foot this time.

Traveling is like going backwards through Samurai's region when Samurai first showed it to Silver. The sights, sounds, and friendly civilians are very familiar. And as they cross the gate at the boarder of Japone, Samurai takes a moment to look back at his homeland. "Take care while I am gone, Japone. I promise, I won't be gone long." Samurai bows to Japone, hoping nothing bad happens while he is gone.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Oh, I had thought there would be a train connecting Japone to the rest of the world. Never mind then.” He replied.  

They make their way through Samurai’s region, bringing him back to when he had first arrived here. So much had happened since then, so many new friends and experiences. Once they reach the border, Samurai takes a moment to look back.

“I feel a bit bad for taking you away from your home, to be honest. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t sound to me like you leave Japone very often. I greatly appreciate you doing this for me. I really was not looking forward to having to face this alone. Well, you know, if there is anything to face. I sincerely hope that nothing is wrong, and it was just a bad dream.” He says with a sigh.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai smiles and puts a hoof on Silver's shoulder. "Don't misunderstand, my friend. I've traveled outside of Japone many times, either at the order of my Shogun or by Celestia herself. But I always ask Japone to stay safe before I leave. I'd hate for anything terrible to happen while I am gone. Protecting my home and the citizens I care about is also something I take pride in." Samurai says.

As they continue down the path, a familiar pegasus calls out to them. "Samurai-san!" Samurai stops and sees Fukami swooping in. "Ah! Fukami-san. You finally join us, I see." Samurai says as Fukami comes to a graceful landing. "I wouldn't miss a chance to finally travel with a fellow samurai. And if I remember correctly, you're Monsieur Silver, correct? I could never forget the kirin that openly hugs."

Edited July 1, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver nods in reply. “Ok then, right, I forgot you mentioned that to me before about Princess Celestia. That’s good, that makes me feel a little bit better.”

A few minutes later, Silver hears a familiar voice call out to Samurai before swooping down and landing beside them.

“Yep, that’s me. Good to see you again, Fukami.” Silver says with a smile. Even with the potentially ominous undertones of their destination, the kirin still found some solace in having another friend join him on his journey back home.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

"Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen the two of you exchange a hug." Samurai says. "...We didn't? Well, I'd be open to it!" Fukami explains. "Also, may I know what brought on this sudden trip? It's not like you to request travel time, Samurai-san." Fukami adds. "Silver-san can explain it better. We are on a mission to safeguard his home and his family." Samurai says.

Edited July 2, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Well, now I know, so now you get hugs, too.” Silver smiled, hugging Fukami. “To answer your question, well, this is going to sound weird, but it’s based on a dream I had last night. To summarize, I had a dream that my home village was attacked by some weird shadowy figured I had never seen before. There were kirin lying around all over that had been badly hurt. The monsters were all hanging around my family home, and when I went through the front door, my dream ended. I recently had another strange dream and parts of it ended up coming true, so in light of that, I cannot take the risk and I must know what’s going on, if anything.” He explained with a bit of worry in his voice.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Fukami accepts and hugs back. Seems he is just a natural at hugging as Samurai is! "I see... So you feel as thought your dream may be a premonition of sorts? Very honorable to run back to your family and home to safeguard them." Fukami explains. However, after walking a bit, a thought comes to Samurai's head. He comes to a sudden stop. "Shadowy creatures... Silver-san, on second thought, I am not sure if I should continue traveling with you or not. This may all be part of a bigger trap."

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Yes, I don’t remember if you were present for any of the times when I talked about kirin history and culture, but most kirin never stray far from their home village. So for us, it’s a very important place; even for myself, with all the traveling I do.” He explains to Fukami.

“I had also been wondering about this, Samurai.” Silver replied. “When I first told you about this dream, I had considered that someone might be trying to scare or otherwise get me to leave Japone. Or maybe they assumed that when I left, you would follow. I think you and I both have the same creature in mind. If you are also having this feeling, then I agree that the best course of action would be to head back.” He nods his head solemnly.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai tilts his head a little. "Our thoughts are similar but different. Snow Leopard has been targeting you since you came to Japone... I don't think he is trying to cast you out. He wants a kirin ally, or at least wants your kirin magic. If he can't get that from you, then... Maybe he is secretly following us right now, just so he can go after other kirin. We might be leading him to your home right now." Samurai says.

Fukami puts a hoof to his chin. "If he's following us, then what does it matter, Samurai-san? I doubt Silver wants to stop and turn back now. You heard his reasons for this journey." Fukami explains. "I know, but Snow Leopard is more obsessed with me than with kirins. And if I turn back, maybe he won't follow Silver-san... Maybe." Samurai explains his thoughts.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“I see. I understand what you are saying, my friend.” Silver replies after listening to Samurai’s explanation. “You are right in saying it’s important to me, Fukami. But I also don’t wish to lead some creature like Snow Leopard to my village. What do you think about this, Samurai? Do you think it’s wise for us to continue? None of us can be sure that you turning around will be enough to discourage Snow Leopard from following. If you do go back, we will lose valuable support and insight into Snow Leopard.” He looks to his friend with a concerned expression.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai looks around. It's a tough decision, but in his heart, he knows what he has to do. Samurai hugs Silver. "Go be with your family, Silver-san. I really wanted to meet them. Maybe some other time. Speak kindly of me. I'm going to stay behind and go on reconnaissance. If anyone can spot Snow Leopard or his goons before they follow you, it's me." Samurai then turns to his friend. "Fukami-san, you are going to travel with Silver-san back to his village." Samurai says. "Me? Are you sure, Samurai-san?" Fukami asks. Samurai nods. "Take to the sky. Follow him from above, but don't make it look obvious that you are following him. Maybe your eyes from above will help spot any potential dangers." Samurai says. Fukami looks at them both and nods. "Mission accepted. You can count on me, mon ami." Fukami flutters his wings before flying up high above the clouds.

Edited July 5, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Very well then, my friend. If you feel that this is what is best.” Silver says as he returns the hug. He is used to traveling alone, but this time it feels a bit different. At least he wouldn’t be completely alone, his friends would still be there, albeit from afar. He waves as Fukami takes off to the skies and continues his journey back to his home.

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

"Have a safe trip, my friend." Samurai bows and watches Silver walk away before turning his back and walking in the opposite direction.
Now it's up to Silver to head home on his own. Technically, he is not alone. But with Fukami somewhere in the skies and completely out of sight, it almost feels like he will be alone for this trip. The only thing left to do is retrace his steps back home. That won't take too long, right?

Edited July 6, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

The journey back took longer than his friends were likely thinking. Once they got closer, it became increasingly difficult to navigate and traverse the terrain. Silver’s village was in the middle of a jungle, making it hard for outsiders to make progress let alone find the place. At that point, Silver could only see Fukami occasionally when there was a break in the forest canopy. Luckily for them, the kirin could pass through the dense jungle flora with relative ease.

Once he arrived at a familiar clearing, Silver stopped and took a moment to mentally prepare himself. His village was only a few miles further, soon he would come face to face with either a complete disaster or the sight of the village he knew and loved. He looked up to Fukami, as if to say, ‘Get ready.’ He also looked behind him, assuming Samurai was back there someplace. A short time later, smoke could be seen rising above the treetops. Was that just smoke from the chimneys, or was it from the destruction caused by Snow Leopard’s monsters?

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Fukami did a good job of trailing Silver from the skies while staying out of sight, though there were moments where it became hard to follow him simply because the flora was becoming too dense. In fact, it got so bad that Fukami had no choice but to fly into the wilderness.

Expertly dodging trees, vines, bushes, and such; Silver manages to land by Silver just before entering his village. "I am ready for anything, nakama~ But do tell me if I should wait outside the village or if it's safe to enter with you." Fukami tells him.

When Silver does enter his village... He finds that it is perfectly fine! Absolutely nothing looks out of place. This could be a fun trip after all!

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver looks to Fukami. “It’s nice to see somepony again. I shall check out how things are and return to let you know.”

He moved a bit further ahead and much to his relief, the village appeared to be just fine.

“Everything is all clear, thankfully.” The kirin reported once he got back. “Let’s head into the village, I’ll show you around.” He smiled.

The village was a small and cozy settlement, around a couple dozen houses built predominately out of wood and grass, while a few were built right into the trees. A fountain was located at the center, and several other prominent structures surrounded it. There was a theatre, the woodworking shop where Silver worked, a blacksmith, a shop for clothing and other accessories like bags and canteens, and a grocery store.

“We don’t really get visitors here, so we don’t have restaurants or any sort of tourist-y things to check out.” Silver explains as they walk along a simple dirt path. “See anything that interests you?” He asks. “Otherwise, I’ll probably take you to visit my family’s place.”

[Samurai Equine 50,971]

@GeneralDirection

Fukami waits just outside of the village. His normally relaxed demeanor is interrupted when he remembers that he is wearing his traditional Japonies clothing. Looking at it, he adjusts it a little so everything looks straight and proper. "I guess I am a representative now. Might as well look the part." He says to himself just before Silver comes back.

With a nod, Fukami follow Silver's lead. He looks around at everything. "The wind isn't particularly talking to me right now. I'll follow you to your family before I go on any tour." Fukami responds.

Edited July 8, 2023 by Samurai Equine

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Very well then. To my house we go.” Silver replied with a nod.

After a short walk, they arrive in front of his family’s house. It looked much like the rest of the houses in the village, a simple two-story wooden house with a grass roof. The front yard was well-kept with many beautiful flowers and bushes. As it was his own place, Silver opened the front door and walked in, and motioned for Fukami to follow.

“Anypony home?” Silver called as he walked through the living room.

A few moments later, Silver’s sister comes racing out of the kitchen. She has a pale orange coat and a dark red-pink mane. Her horn pattern was in the shape of a diamond outline, she had the same emerald green eyes as Silver, and she also had a couple gold earrings in her left ear.

“Silver! You’re finally back! I’ve missed you!” She exclaims, giving her big brother a big hug. “Who’s this you brought back with you?” She asked curiously.

“Yes, I’m finally back home. I’ve missed you too, Charlotte.” Silver chuckles as he returns the hug. “This is a friend I met from Japone, Fukami. He’s a samurai warrior. I think he could do a better job of explaining the rest.” Silver looks to Fukami.