//------------------------------//
// Morning 
// Story: A Caring Kirin 
// by Phantom-Dragon 
//------------------------------//

The birds were chirping outside. The sound of hoof steps are heard, on the wooden floorboards of the house. A door opens up as Rain Shine steps into the room.

Rain Shine says, "お早うございます!(Ohayōgozaimasu!) Did you have a pleasant sleep?"

Rain Shine says, "とても良いです。(Totemo yoidesu.) Well, go and get yourself cleaned up. It's a brand new day today, and I've made breakfast."

Rain Shine takes her leave, with the sounds of her hoof steps walking down the stairs. You got up and cleaned yourself up in a restroom. You walk downstairs and hear her humming a song, until she sees you.

Rain Shine says, "これらはお菓子です。(Korera wa okashidesu.) These are the sweets. Please, have some. Enjoy. And I hope you like steamed rice. They are a delicacy here in our land. And we fashion them into what we call an onigiri. It's...'Kirinese' for 'rice ball.' Oh, and the soup with the tofu is called a miso soup. I hope you enjoy them."

Rain Shine giggles, "Are they really that delicious?"

Rain Shine says, "Thank you. I...I was worried about my cooking. A lot of my little kirins around here would say that my cooking are fantastic. But I don't know if they meant it, or are just saying it so as to not hurt my feelings. But hearing it from another creature like you...it's a huge relief for me."

Rain Shine says, "...Gordon who?"

Rain Shine says, "Oh. He's a famous chef from wherever you come from."

Rain Shine says, "I see. He travels around the world, to hotels or restaurants that are...suffering. And he tries out their services and foods to find the problem, before he helps them...even if he comes off as harsh."

Rain Shine says, "He's tough, but fair...like J. Jonah Who?"

Rain Shine says, "すみません。(Sumimasen.) But you seem to know a lot of creatures. Do you travel a lot?"

Rain Shine says, "Well, it must've been an adventure then. To travel to all these different places and see so many different creatures and learn their cultures and customs, with an open mind. You are quite the creature."

Rain Shine lets out a sigh and says, "Some creatures are lucky. What I would give to leave this place and see the world. I would gladly share the knowledge of Kirin cultures to every other creatures and...maybe expand the existence of our heritage to the world..."

Rain Shine says, "If only I could leave. But...then who would look after our home in my stead? I...I have no other living relatives, let alone an heir to the crown. Nor a second-in-command, or an assistant of sort."

Rain Shine says, "We've been hidden from the outside world for so long, I...I'm afraid our hierarchy isn't as developed as the ones observed in Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, or even the Dragon Kingdom. For as long as I can remember, the Kirins are always governed by members of the royal family. And I'm...I'm the last living relative of the royal family."

Rain Shine says, "Hmmm?"

Rain Shine says, "I wouldn't exactly call myself a queen. I know I wear this crown, but I'm not exactly a princess either. I'm just...wait, what are you doing? Why are you bowing your head?"

Rain Shine says, "...Uh, we don't do that here. But..." (Giggles) "I appreciate the gesture."

Rain Shine says, "Anyway. After breakfast, I'm going to check up on every one of my little kirins, to see how they're doing, and to make sure they don't make anymore troubles...like last time. Would you like to come with me?"

Rain Shine says, "You will?"

Rain Shine smiles, "やったー。(Yatta ̄.)"



Later, both you and Rain Shine are walking through town. The local kirins were all enjoying the day together, talking, laughing, and having a good time together, like normal people.

Rain Shine says, "What a lovely day it is today. Once again, Princess Celestia is working her magic."

Rain Shine says, "Hmmm? You think I'm even prettier in her sun?" (Chuckles) "Stop it. Stop it! I'm not used to such compliments. I...I...Oh!" (Grunts upon collision with another)

Autumn Blaze says, "Oh! Sorry about that, Rain Shine! Didn't see ya there."

Rain Shine says, "That's quite alright, Autumn Blaze. But please, be more careful next time. We have a visitor."

Autumn Blaze gasps and rants, "No way! We have a visitor besides Applejack and Fluttershy?! OH! Why didn't you tell me?! I've got so many things I want to say to them! Hey! Who are ya? Name's Autumn Blaze. Do you know my buddies, Applejack and Fluttershy? Because I certainly know them. Did they tell you about me? Because if they didn't, lemme tell ya. I was the first kirin they've ever made friends with, probably because I was the only kirin who can talk. And I was also the only one who can talk, because I found a special flower that cures our silence, because believe you and me, silence is not golden."

During Autumn Blaze's entire rant, Rain Shine tries to cut in, but is always interrupted, "Autumn? Autumn, let's not..." (Raises her voice a little) "Autumn! Please, listen..." (Sighs) "This isn't going to work." (Rain Shine takes a deep breath before she roars in a demonic tone) "静かにして！(Shizukani shite!)"

A burst of fire erupted as Rain Shine turns into her Nirik form.

Autumn Blaze screams, "AUGH!" (Thud fall on the floor) "Rain Shine! Your nirik is showing!"

Rain Shine says, in a demonic tone, "Forgive me, but you–Ahem." (Clears her throat as she reverts back to her normal self) "I'm sorry, Autumn. But you weren't listening to me. I needed to get your attention. As I was saying, I believe it is wise that we don't overwhelm our visitor. They have traveled a long way away and they're just starting to get to know us kirins. Might I advise that you...entertain them, one step at a time?"

Autumn Blaze says, "Oh. Okay." (Clears her throat) "Hey. Sorry if I was scaring you back there. I just get so excited about making new friends. It's not every day we get new visitors at our village."

Autumn Blaze says, "So. How've you been? Are you enjoying your stay here?"

Autumn Blaze says, "Cool! And has our beloved leader, Rain Shine been treating you well?" (Whispers close to the listener's ears) "Has she been giving you the 'royal treatment?'"

Rain Shine says, though shocked and slightly embarrassed, "Autumn Blaze! That is none of your business! I was simply treating them as how we would treat all of our guests!"

Autumn Blaze said teasingly, "I don't know, Rain Shine. Word on the street is, you're quite attached to them." (To the listener) "I know she's quite the catch. But can ya blame her? Don't feel too bad if she breaks your heart. A lot of poor kirin dudes in our village are all 'head over hooves' for her. Maybe it's because of her–"

Rain Shine says in an annoyed tone, "Okay. I believe that's quite enough from you, Autumn. I think it's best we should be going, while the day is still young. Now, if you'll excuse us."

Autumn Blaze in a teasing tone, "I just want to give them the heads up, Rain Shine." (Whispers to the listener) "But seriously tiger. You just hit the jackpot." (Giggles and gallops away)

Rain Shine said sternly, "Autumn Blaze!" (Sighs and chuckles) "Uh, what are we going to do with her. We love her and all, but sometimes, she can be quite the hoof full."

Rain Shine says, "Hmmm? What is she right about?"

Rain Shine lets out a bashful chuckle, "That I'm quite the catch? I suppose."

Rain Shine says, "Aw, I appreciate those kind words of yours. But you're right. Kindness does show the beauty of our hearts, from the inside-out."

Rain Shine asks, "What? What about these other..."

Rain Shine exclaims in an aghast and shocked tone, "I never–It wasn't all on purpose! I didn't know those kirins felt that strongly about me. I just...I just...We hardly knew each other. And frankly, I'm not surprise that so many other kirins would look at me and find me attractive. I've gotten used to it."

Rain Shine says, "With you, it's a different story. By that, I mean...we've gotten to know each other...personally. With you...I feel as if I can just be myself around you. As if I feel some sort of...kinship with you. Could this be...the magic of friendship that Applejack and Fluttershy once spoke of?" (Sighs) "There are so many things I don't even know of. And...I'm scared...but at the same time, I'm excited to learn more."

Rain Shine says, "You feel the same way, huh? About this supposed 'kinship'?"

Rain Shine chuckles, "Friendship can be a complicated subject. I would very much like to meet this Princess Twilight, in pony. Maybe she can help with this confusion I'm having."

Rain Shine says, "Sometimes it's more exciting to solve the friendship problems together, without Princess Twilight's help you say?"

Rain Shine asks, "It tells us how strong this bond we've made together is? That would make sense in a way."

Rain Shine asks, "Oh? There's a song for that?"

Rain Shine says, "And you want to sing it out loud? Well, by all means. Go ahead."

You sing the song of Jhené Aiko - Lead the Way, enchanting Rain Shine and a whole crowd of kirins who have gathered around you. By the end, Rain Shine and her kirins all applauded and cheered for your performance.

Rain Shine cheered, "とても美しい！(Totemo utsukushī!) That was beautiful! And you're right. We should all trust and believe. And...I trust you. And I believe in you...my friend." (Whispers to herself) "Or...can we possibly be something more?"

Rain Shine nervously stuttered, "Uh, nothing! Nothing really! I didn't say anything. Let's just...enjoy the day together. Alright, 友達 (Tomodachi)?"

Rain Shine grins, "はい。(Hai.)"