open Cultures Unite (1x1 with GeneralDirection)

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"Oh, I see. Believe me, Silver-san, that is not the reason I wish to see her." Samurai nods, figuring it out.

With help, Samurai follows Silver's lead. There is a moment when Rain Shine is tending to her citizens and Silver goes to talk to her first. In this moment, Samurai takes a deep breath and collects himself. He doesn't have time for a deep meditation or anything; so he just has to do enough to steady himself.

When the time comes, Samurai faces her and takes a step forward. He is momentarily in awe at how her height matches that of Celestia. Fukami does the same, but stays a step behind. First, Samurai sits down with his back straight; Fukami follows in unison. "I'm afraid you misunderstand, Rain Shine, your greatness. You don't owe me anything. In reality, it is I who owes you." Samurai says before bowing down before her, his head lowered. Fukami is a little surprised and confused, but bows the same way. "Keeping that chimera away from your village was my responsibility. I didn't want Snow Leopard's forces to find this place, and yet it happened anyways, despite my efforts. I have failed in my duties, and I have failed you and your kirins. The danger has been cleared, you will no longer be targeted, and yet... If you wish for me to leave, then I will obey that wish. I only ask you to be lenient towards Fukami, who only came here under my orders. I trust he would have defeated the chimera just as quickly without my help." Samurai says, humbling himself before her. "...No! Do not make any special arrangements for just me, Miss Rain Shine. I am from Japone too, and I came here to maintain good relations between our lands. Even though the battle is over, I fear I haven't made a good first impression. Me being here is probably another reason the chimera arrived. Neither of us wish to a burden to your village! I should also leave, if that is your order." Fukami says after a slight moment of hesitation.

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

Rain Shine looked at the two samurai ponies before her and smiled. “Neither of you are being sent away, not after what you just did for us here. Silver explained to me what happened, about how he had a dream about us being attacked here. He is very dedicated to his home village, and he would have come back regardless of whether you two escorted him. This chimera would have followed him here and things would have ended much poorly for both him and the rest of us.” She sighs and shakes her head at the thought. “We are a formidable force banded together, but we cannot go up against the likes of dark magic. This monster is gone now, thanks to your efforts. Perhaps things did not go the way you wanted them to, but you did not fail us. The last thing you are is a burden to us, and you are free to come and go as you wish. There is not much I can offer you, aside from our eternal gratitude. But, if you are needing food or other basic supplies, you are free to take as much as you wish.” She said solemnly.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

There is an audible sound of surprise and relief among Samurai and Fukami. They look up for a moment, happy to hear such words. The bow their heads one more time. "Thank you, Rain Shine-daimyosama. We shall remember your kindness and forgiveness." Samurai says, and Fukami nods. ... They may need to be told to rise and/or to go. If not, they might keep bowing forever.

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

Rain Shine is a bit confused when they don’t rise on their own, but then she remembers from the letters that Silver had written that honour was very important to them.

“Rise, Samurai and Fukami, heroes of the kirin village!” She declares with a smile. “You may choose to leave now if you must, though I think we would all prefer for you to stay. Just know that you will always be welcome here!”

A few kirin who gathered around from nearby clopped their hooves together and cheered. Silver and Charlotte came up and gave them both hugs.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

By her order, the two of them stand. "Thank you, Miss Rain Shine." Samurai says with a nod. They turn around, ready to wave off the cheers, only to be surprised with hugs. But they do hug back.

"Silver-san, I recognize you, but who is this charming little one?" Samurai says, petting Charlotte's head. "Is this the little sister you told me about?"

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

“Very good, then.” Rain Shine smiles. “I shall leave you in capable hooves.” She says before returning her attention to her citizens.

Silver nods in reply. “Yes, this is Charlotte, my little sis…”

“Yep! That’s me!” Charlotte interrupts. “Awww! You’re just as sweet as Fukami is! We’ve been giving him a tour of the village. So far, he’s seen the farms, the theatre, and my art gallery!” She explained, nearly bouncing with energy. “Was there any place in particular that you wanted to go see, Samurai? Or maybe you don’t wanna go anywhere at all, that’s fine! After all you’ve just been through, I wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to take it easy for a while.” She smiled.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"It's good to finally meet you. I am Samurai Equine, but simply Samurai will do just fine." Samurai introduces himself. "They actually have a lot of things to check out here, despite it being such a simple place." Fukami explains. "As much as I would love that, my duties are not 100% over just yet. That battle earlier caused some damage. I think I saw a food vendor that got destroyed. I'd like to help repair any damage done." Samurai says. "Repair? I thought you were tired from all that action." Fukami asks. "Magically, yes. However, as long as I can pick up a tool, I am more than happy to put in some manual labor."

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

Silver looks over at the food stand and then back to Samurai. “You literally just got done with a humongous battle.” He blinked. “Fixing a food stand is the least of your concerns right now. Not sure if you remember but I am a carpenter, I can fix this easily. It’s very kind of you to want to help, but I’d feel better if you refrained from doing any sort of work for now.”

Charlotte nodded her head in agreement, a concerned look on her face.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"You're a carpenter! Of course! We can work together. Come along, my friends!" Samurai says with glee and heads over to said food stand and gets started. "The sooner we finish repairs, the sooner we can go on that tour. Because that's what real friends are for. They help each other up when they are down." Samurai says. Fukami just turns to Silver and Charlotte and shrugs. "Let's just help him. Once he get inspired to help others, there is no stopping Samurai. If we all pitch in, he won't have to work too hard." Fukami says before following after Samurai.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“But, but, that’s not what…” Silver shook his head as Samurai headed over the food stand. “…I meant.” He looked to Fukami and shrugged. “Well, if we can’t stop him, we may as well help him out. Let’s go, Charlotte.”

Charlotte nods and follows close behind.

After a quick trip to his shop to grab some wood and tools, Silver and his sister arrive at the food stand.

“Well, it doesn’t look that bad. I’m sure we can get this fixed up pretty quickly together.” Silver grabbed a board and started hammering it into place. As he went along, Charlotte would levitate more nails over to him so he could continue making repairs. He also brought plenty of extra nails, tools, and boards for the samurai to use as well.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Fukami's wind power is the most helpful here. It can hold the major pieces of the food cart together and even assemble parts of it. Silver does most of the work, but Samurai is able to pass him some tools and maybe pound in a few nails here and there. If there is any damage to the fields or the village grounds, Fukami is able to push the soil and everything back into place, meaning Samurai only needs to pat it down smooth. There was also a big boulder that got shattered. Samurai is not able to fix that, but he does use some mud and clay to shape into a cute statue for the village to enjoy. It looks like two kirins hugging.

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

The four of them worked together and made short work of the food stand repairs. Fukami uses his wind magic to help keep pieces in place while he works. Silver looks over from his project and notices that Samurai has started sculpting a statue. After they are finished, he walks over to the statue and finds that it is of two kirin hugging each other.

“Wow, Samurai, this looks amazing! Hey, Charlotte, come look at this!” He called to his sister.

Charlotte immediately bounced over to the statue. “Awww! This is so cute! Samurai, you’re so talented! How are you so good at everything?” She asks with a playful smile.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

"I have to be~! My Japonies government insists that their samurai class is well trained and well educated, excelling in as many skills as possible." Samurai explains.

Samurai takes a moment to look around. "This village is so serene... I could really come to enjoy it here. I wasn't even formal dress when I approached Rain Shine, yet she did not seem to mind." Samurai explains. "You just fixed the food cart, and you don't even know that you don't have to pay for food here. I don't think you pay for anything here!" Fukami says.

"Oh? Is this true? Do you not at least trade for resources and services?"

[Silver Slate]

Silver shook his head. “Nope! You both agreed to help protect the village, and you just gave us a prime example of doing so. Rain Shine said that you may take whatever you may need, so you have double confirmation that you are more than welcome to our food and supplies. I am happy that you like our village so far, Samurai.” The kirin smiled. “Things are very relaxed and casual here. A bit too relaxed if you ask me. However, after being in Japone and experiencing the sort of lifestyle you both have, I can see why this environment would be appealing to you. This place has always been my home, so perhaps I am just a bit biased against it.” He considers.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai smiles and helps himself to some local cuisine. ...Which he piles super high and begins eating like an anime character! "...Did I hear something about a tour earlier?" Samurai asks, finishing the bowl and going for one more.

"Well, yes. We saw a theater and an art gallery earlier. However, there is more. There is the fields, a wood crafting station, a blacksmith..." Fukami begins listing things. "You have a blacksmith here?!" Samurai lights up with glee.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Yep, we sure do!” Silver nods his head in agreement. “We visited the farm, the theatre, and Charlotte’s art galley earlier. When you’re finished eating, we could go to the blacksmith next. Or we could also tour the museum of kirin history. Aside from that, I believe that’s about it. Our village is… rather small. It’s nice, but we don’t get many visitors here, so we don’t go big on the tourist attractions.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai listens while eating his second bowl. A few seconds after Silver finishes talking, Samurai finishes his food with a satisfied exhale. "...This was a great way to relax and recover some energy." Samurai puts the bowl away and bows to the food cart. "Arigatou gozaimasu desu." He then turns to his friends. "All of that sounds good! Can we see the blacksmith first?" Samurai asks. "Of course, he would want to see that." Fukami mumbles with a smile and a shake of his head. Seems he knows Samurai's behaviors quite well.

[Silver Slate]

@Samurai Equine

“Sure thing!” Silver replies. Once Samurai is finished eating, he leads his friends over to the blacksmith, making a bit of small talk on their way over.

“So why do you like the blacksmith so much, my friend?” He asks Samurai curiously. “Is there something I’m missing here from our time in Japone?” He thinks for a while but comes up with nothing. “Unless I’m not getting something obvious here, which honestly, wouldn’t be the first time.”

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai follows Silver's lead. Then they get there, Samurai admires everything the blacksmith has on display.

"I just really like the craft of blacksmithing. In fact, I didn't expect such a peaceful village to have one. Speaking of..." Samurai approaches the blacksmith, making sure to keep a safe distance as not to spook the working kirin or interfere in their work. "Humble blacksmith, may I ask... What is your specialty? Do you make items upon request?" Samurai asks.

Fukami followed them to the blacksmith's place, but he didn't go inside with the rest of them. He wondered off somewhere else.

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

The blacksmith looks up from his work, currently an axe, and looks at him with a kind expression. “Samurai, I am humbled to not only meet you, but to also see you in my shop today. We do not have much of a need for weapons in this town, so I primarily make implements to assist folks with our gathering and farming tasks. Right now, I am working on an axe for one of our loggers. As for your question, yes, you may request whatever you like, and I will do my best to create what you have in mind. Anything for the town hero!” He explains with a smile, returning to his work while Samurai considers what he might like.

Charlotte elects to follow Fukami to wherever he’s headed. She walks quietly behind him for a while until she suddenly asks, “Where are you headed, Fukami, hmmmmmmmm?” in a playfully accusing tone.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai just gets more excited hearing about this. "I'd be honored to have anything you'd be willing to me, good sir; be it an axe, fork, or whatever you make most often. However, I have wondered what a suit of armor made from kirin culture would look like. My normal samurai armor is a reflection of my culture, and I've seen different armored suits from other places in Equestria. I'd be honored to own or maybe wear kirin armor. Anything to show the unity and solidarity between our two cultures." Samurai says.

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"...Or we could talk over a nice cup of plum tea." Charlotte chose a fine time to follow Fukami. He is flirting with a random female kirin! Or a least trying to. It might not be working?

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

The blacksmith looks up from his work. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as far as I am aware, there has never been such a thing as kirin armour.” He explains. “We are a peaceful race, nopony here really has ever ‘gone to battle’, as it were.” He thinks quietly for a few moments. “Now what else could we possibly use to show unity between our cultures? I do not know much about yours, myself. Perhaps you could explain some important elements to me?” He asks.

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Charlotte blinks as she sees who Fukami is talking to. Then she gets a bit of a smug look as she figures out what’s going on. “Fukami~? Do you know who that is?”

She leans over to Fukami and whispers. “I know everypony here. I can help you out if you want.” She says with a wink.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai looks a little crestfallen. "No designs at all? But you have such amazing manes and tails, horns with a unique shape, a unique kind of magic, and hides that are half scaley. Not to mention, your housings are not like anything I see in other parts of Equestria. Truly there must be some way to make a suit of armor that reflects your beautiful yet simple culture. You have no creative ideas or inspirations at all? Hmm... How disappointing. Well, maybe instead, I could show you the designs for a Japonies axe, and you could make something that combines the best of our design with the best of yours."

Samurai claps to summon a kuroko, who appears only long enough to give Samurai a book full of designs. "Let's see here... The design scheme for a Japonies axe..." A page falls out of Samurai's book, and Samurai panics, quickly picking it up and putting it back in the book. "Uhh... Nevermind that! It was nothing." Samurai says, a little embarrassed. But Silver, and maybe the black smith, caught a glimpse of the image. It kind of looked like... A metal suit with wings?

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

Fukami is suddenly distracted by Charlotte. He is trying to stay focused on the female he is flirting with, but ignoring Charlotte would be equally rude. "Excuse me for a second. I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Fukami says before turning to Charlotte. "Gomennasai, Charlotte-hime, but I'm trying to work my natural charm. Most of the citizens have been very quiet towards me since I came here." Fukami explains.

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

@Samurai Equine

The blacksmith kirin gives a bit of a sad sigh. “I am sorry, but I would not even know where to begin with making armour. If you have a design for an axe…” He stops as he watches Samurai’s kuroko appear from seemingly out of nowhere as he hands a book to Samurai and just as quickly disappears. He noticed the page that falls out of the book and looks to Silver.

“Umm, Samurai? What was on that page? It looked very… interesting.” Silver asked.

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Charlotte looks to the kirin and then back to Fukami before shrugging. “Alright then. Go ahead then, buddy. I’ll just sit right here and observe.”

She moves a few steps back and watches with an amused look.

[Samurai Equine 51,417]

@GeneralDirection

Samurai seems to hesitate for a second. "...To be honest, that wasn't a design for anything. It was just an illustrated fantasy of mine. An idea for something I want to make some day, but I don't have the skill to do it. I guess I can show you, if you promise not to laugh."

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

With a thankful nod, Fukami turns back to the female kirin he was talking to, if she hasn't walked away by now. "Sorry for the interruption. I'm still learning the social norms around here. Now as I was saying, I make a wonderful plum tea, perfect for a relaxing day by a babbling brook. Or if you are interested, we could go for a fly and I could show you such amazing sights. Whatever excites you, I am capable of providing, Miss....?" Fukami trails off, inviting her to finish the sentence and share her name.