As Above, So Below (A Shin Megami Tensei Adventure)

> "Where did you get this Gauntlet? It doesn't look like anything around here at all."

Hope: "These Gauntlets have been passed down since our kingdom's founding. They are gifts from God which the Samurai use to preserve the peace. Is that all?"

>See if we can push the button again.

Curiously, you turn your attention back towards the Gauntlet, examine the now-black box that glowed during the Rite, and try tapping it again, expecting some sort of reaction. Nothing happens.

Hope: "Ah, trying to interact with it again? I'm afraid that it needs a long rest before it's ready for proper use. Tomorrow, when your training begins, it should be ready. Now then, if that's all, then I'll give you some time to yourself."

Hope opens the door to your new living space and guides you inside. The room is organized in a tidy manner, and there is a rather simple bed, some windows, an ornamental shield hung from the wall, and a table within. Rather spacious, all things considered; more so than your old bedroom. You take a look around as Hope stands in the doorway, and you notice a set of clothing laid out on the bed.

Hope: "Oh yes, that's right, I've yet to introduce myself properly. I apologize. I am Hope Epcar, leader of the Samurai. Your name is Yuuna, yes? From today on, Yuuna, I am your superior. I know I may seem intimidating, but rest assured that I only wish to help you become accustomed to the life of a Samurai. Now then, I'll take my leave for the time being."

Hope closes the door to your new room, leaving you by your lonesome.

> Let's see what sort of weird, bizarre things this Gauntlet can do.

> Let's see what sort of weird, bizarre things this Gauntlet can do.

You look down at the Gauntlet and wonder how exactly it works. You never did quite believe in magic, but however the Gauntlet does what it does, it is far beyond you. You try once more to make it glow, touching the box, but nothing happens. You try running your finger along the red band, but it too brings nothing. You pray to God for the Gauntlet to show at least a shimmer, but He seems to be busy with the prayers of others, as the Gauntlet still shows no reaction. Seems Master Hope wasn't wrong when he said it'd need some time before it responds again. Frustrated and bemused, you remove the Gauntlet from your arm and place it on the bed next to the Samurai uniform laid out for you.

Oh yes, Master Hope did say you were to put on your new uniform before you were sent for, didn't he?

You also question why it took over 12 hours for such a short update, but that's neither here nor there.

edited 24th Feb '17 8:47:40 AM by CaliburnAbsoluteEX

> Let's put on our uniform, like Hope instructed.

>Check out what else is in the room.

> Let's put on our uniform, like Hope instructed.

You examine the uniform before putting it on. White shirt, white pants, white boots, brown belt, and a blue coat with a white trim. Each article of clothing looks very new, and it's at the same level of quality you'd expect any Luxuror garment to be. You remove your old rags and place them on the bed before getting changed into the uniform. Wearing it fills you with a sense of pride.

>Check out what else is in the room.

You look about your room, curious as to what it offers you. The windows provide a lovely view of Aquila Plaza and the rest of Kyoto, and each one has its own curtains. On the table are a few empty baskets, each of which is weaved intricately in a way only a master craftsman could accomplish. The table itself is sturdy and polished, though it's not different from the tables in your old house in any regard; it is just a table, after all. Leaning against a wall is an old sword, rusted slightly but still in halfway-decent condition. It's likely that the room's previous occupant, wherever or whoever they may be, left it there. Beside your bed is a nightstand with a single small drawer, as well as a fine wardrobe with two other Samurai uniforms identical to yours inside. The bed itself is firm, though still fairly plush, and though the sheets provided are a bit thin, you'd welcome it over sleeping on a mat on the floor any day. In fact, the room as a whole is far beyond anything you'd ever expect to have. If this is what Samurai life is like, perhaps it won't be so bad.

Only one question remains: what is there to do now before you're to be summoned?

>Backstory Time?

> We probably haven't lived THAT remarkable of a life...

> See how long it takes us to almost fall asleep on the bed.

>Backstory Time?
> We probably haven't lived THAT remarkable of a life...

Indeed; as a Casualry, there's not much to reflect upon when it comes to your life story thus far. You've no siblings, your parents are but simple ranchers, and up until now, you had accepted that your life ultimately wouldn't amount much to anyone but those who know you back home in Kiccigiorgi. But now, you are a Samurai, a respected defender of the land. This has all happened unbelievably quickly, and you're not entirely certain what to make of your situation.

> See how long it takes us to almost fall asleep on the bed.

You realize that this whirlwind of sudden events has only enhanced your fatigue from running to Kyoto and finding your way about its expansive districts. You clear your old Casualry clothes from the bed, hanging them up in your new wardrobe, and are prepared to lie down for a brief nap before you notice something on the floor. It is the earring Issachar gave you. Must have fallen out of your pocket at some point. You take care to stow it in your nightstand drawer and sprawl yourself out on the bed. You close your eyes and begin to drift off peacefully.

You are roused from your slumber by a knock at the door. Refreshed, though still groggy, you sit up and rub your eyes as a voice addresses you from the other side of the door.

???: "Hoy, are you decent in there? Master Hope wouldst like to see you now."

>Get up.

> Get up and greet whoever's at the door. They seem nice enough.

>Get up.
> Get up and greet whoever's at the door. They seem nice enough.

You stand and go over to the door, opening it to see a young man in the Samurai uniform waiting for you. His hair is short and unkempt, and he presents himself in a rather lax manner, with the slight slouch about him and his shirt being unbuttoned right down to the belt.

???: "So, you too are among this year's recruits, yes?"

You nod.

???: "Ah, seems we've something in common already! T'is a pleasure to meet you."

The Samurai boy extends a hand to you.

???: "I'm Walter. Who might you be?"

edited 25th Feb '17 11:45:06 AM by CaliburnAbsoluteEX

> Introduce ourselves to Walter.

> "How does your hair stick up like that?"

>"What's with the stuffy affectation?"

> Introduce ourselves to Walter.

With a firm handshake, you introduce yourself as Yuuna of Kiccigiorgi. The mention of Kiccigiorgi elicits some surprise from Walter.

Walter: "Kiccigiorgi? Say, that's a Casualry province, is it not? Then we too share that much in common! I hail from Ché Ioda myself. It's a lakeside village, quite lovely. Ah, but here I'm rambling. We could discuss such matters another time, I suppose."

> "How does your hair stick up like that?"

You question the spikiness of Walter's hair.

Walter: "What ho? My hair?"

Walter pats his head, perplexed.

Walter: "I'm uncertain what you mean. My hair's on the messy side, though it should not be anything out of the ordinary."

>"What's with the stuffy affectation?"

You realize he's acting rather formal for a Casualry like yourself and inquire regarding this.

Walter: "Ah, yes, well... To tell the truth... From now on, most of whom we'll be seeing in day-to-day life are Luxurors. Our new status as Samurai grant us all which being a born Luxuror would entail, yet I'm certain our birth status would have some manner of effect on how our fellow Samurai perceive us. While actions do speak louder than any word could, our first impressions will not be made in the line of duty."

Well, he has a point there.

Walter: "That aside, Master Hope did ask me to seek you out. We're to gather for a special inductee supper with all the other Samurai. I know little more of the layout than you, but I can show you the way if you'd like."

> Agree to Walter's offer. We got to meet our co-workers, after all.

>"So I've heard about what Samurai are like from the villagers, but what do they really do? No better person to explain it than a Samurai himself."

edited 25th Feb '17 6:55:00 PM by BlackMageAnolis

> Agree to Walter's offer. We've got to meet our co-workers, after all.
>"So I've heard about what Samurai are like from the villagers, but what do they really do? No better person to explain it than a Samurai himself."

You agree to take up Walter's offer, but before that, you decide to ask him a question in regards to what being a Samurai truly entails.

Walter: "Yes, well... I may not be the best person to ask. I was only chosen today, just as you were, so I'd not know how exactly we go about protecting the peace. Nonetheless, t'is exciting to so much as think of what we may do, no? Now then, let's be on our way."

Walter guides you through the halls and out into Aquila Plaza, which is much emptier now that the Rite has concluded. You'd not noticed when you awoke, but the sun has begun to set, painting the sky with marvelous shades of orange and yellow. Walter takes you to a door along the walls surrounding the the plaza. There's a sign above the door in mystic script. Despite being able to understand what the mystic script on the Gauntlet read before, the mystic script here looks to you like it always did: an unreadable arrangement of lines. You stare up at the sign, bemused, before Walter addresses you.

Walter: "Here we are. This here is a pub for Samurai. I've not heard much on its quality, but I'd assume the food's beyond anything I've ever known. Now then, let's head inside."

You follow Walter inside and look around the place. It's quite busy, with many Samurai chatting, drinking together, and having a merry old time. The walls have lanterns hung from them and are lined by tables, most of which are occupied. In the center, there is a bar run by a man with an eyepatch, and there's a large chalkboard that reaches the ceiling listing many things in both common and mystic script.

Walter: "You know, I've not set foot inside this pub before now, yet I already feel at home."

???: "What was that you said, prentice?"

You and Walter look over to see the one-eyed bartender addressing you. The two of you walk over to the bar to speak with the bartender.

Walter: "Oh, all words of praise, sir. I've not been here for so much as one minute and already I enjoy the atmosphere of your establishment."

With less of a distance between you, you take the opportunity to look the bartender over. He wears a red apron over a black shirt and brown pants, and his hair, blonde yet beginning to grey, goes down just below his neck. His left hand seems to have been lost somehow, as in its place is a metallic claw of sorts. He gives off an aura of experience and toughness all-in-all.

???: "While I thank you for those words, that isn't quite what I was referring to. I run not a pub, but a tavern. It's not too pressing of a matter, but I'd prefer it if you made the distinction."

Walter: "Ah, yes. My apologies, sir, I meant no offense to you."

???: "That's quite alright, prentice; and please, call me K."

Walter: "Very well. My name is Walter, and this here is Yuuna."

The bartender, K, points over to a table with three others dressed in the Samurai uniform sitting at it.

K: "Your fellow prentices are seated there. Why not join them?"

Walter: "I believe we were planning to anyhow. T'is a pleasure to meet you, K."

K: "As with you, Walter."

Walter walks over to the table with the other prentice Samurai.

edited 26th Feb '17 4:31:42 PM by CaliburnAbsoluteEX

>"Kay, nice to meet you, K"

> Ask Walter, why did he join the Samurai?

>Walk over to the table with Walter and greet the other prentices.

>"Kay, nice to meet you, K"

K chuckles at your little pun.

K: "A wisecracker, eh? Well, the Samurai could always use one like you to keep morale high. Nice to meet you as well, Yuuna."

>Walk over to the table with Walter and greet the other prentices.
> Ask Walter, why did he join the Samurai?

You join Walter as he goes over to the table where the others are, but you stop him to inquire on his purpose for joining.

Walter: "I'm just the same as you. I was chosen by the Gauntlet this afternoon, and here I am, now a Samurai. T'is the same with all Samurai."

Perhaps that was a fairly obvious answer. Nonetheless, you walk over to the table your new fellow prentices are seated at. They seem to be busy in conversation, though upon your arrival, their attention turns to you and Walter.

???: "...And speak of the devils! It took the both of you long enough. You do realize you've kept us all waiting, yes?"

The first to address you is a snide young man with a brown pompadour one could notice from a mile away. He has an air of arrogance about him, and he addresses you with a condescending scowl. Already, you can tell that you'll get along with him just fine.

???: "Navarre, please. It shouldn't be too hard for you to treat your fellows with a modicum of respect."

The second Samurai, who berated the one named Navarre, is rather neutral-faced, and his slick black hair is done up in a thin, wavy ponytail. He seems stern, but not callous.

???: "I'll have to agree with Flynn on this matter, Navarre. Please don't be so harsh."

The first thing you notice about this third prentice is his hair. Like, seriously, look at it. It's so goddamn bushy it could pass as an afro. Hell, I used to think it actually was an afro. His hair, large and wavy, reaches down to his shoulders and still looks like an afro I mean look at it and tell me it does not look like an afro. Aside from that major distraction, he bears a gentle and kind countenance. Of the three prentices seated at the table, he seems the most affable.

Navarre: "'Don't be so harsh'? You realize these two are Casualries, yes?"

Flynn: "And they are Samurai now, like us three as well. What of it?"

Navarre: "They're common filth, that's 'what of it'! Dirt, even if placed on a pedestal, is still no more than mere dirt!"

Walter: "Well, this is a warm welcome if I do say so myself. Perhaps we should find ourselves another table, Yuuna."

???: "Oh, that's quite alright. You needn't pay Navarre any heed, he's rather..."

Flynn: "Standoffish. And that's putting it lightly."

Navarre: "My respect goes towards those deserving of it. And so far I've yet to see a reason to care in the faintest for these two."

???: "Navarre, please!"

Navarre gives an apathetic shrug toward the wavy-haired prentice.

???: "Now then, Master Hope called us here for the purpose of introducing ourselves to one another, yes? I am Jonathan. It is my hope that we'll get along well."

Flynn: "Flynn. I look forward to working with the both of you."

Navarre: "And my name is Navarre, Luxuror and proud of it. You'd best engrave that name in your memories, Casualries."

Walter gives Navarre an irritated sneer before introducing himself to the others.

Walter: "My name's Walter. Glad to meet you all. Or, rather, most of you."

Well, shall you introduce yourself?

>Yea, why not?

>Yea, why not?

You bid your new fellows greetings and introduce yourself.

Jonathan: "Well Walter, Yuuna, I look forward to working together with you."

Flynn: "As do I."

Navarre: "Well, so long as you two don't hold me back, I think we should be fine."

You and Walter take your seats at the table, and Flynn passes everyone menus.

Flynn: "There, we can order now that the five of us are all gathered here. Are you quite satisfied, Navarre?"

Navarre: "I'll declare whether I'm satisfied or not once I actually see what's offered here."

Walter: "Beg pardon, Flynn, did you say 'five of us'? Are there not more Samurai from this year's batch?"

Jonathan: "We five are the only ones this year. A scant few Mikadoites are ever selected each year. By comparison, this year's had the most new prentices in decades."

Navarre: "The Gauntlet only chooses the creme de la creme in all of Mikado. Of course, seeing the presence of not one, but two Casualry-borns at this table makes me question this, but I suppose t'is not the first time such mistakes have been made."

Walter's hand clenches into a fist, crumbling up the paper menu he has in hand.

Walter: "Already, I grow weary of your attitude."

Flynn: "I agree. Navarre, bite your tongue. T'is not the time to squabble over matters made now irrelevant."

The table goes silent as everyone returns their attention to the menus before them. There's a wide array of dishes available. Sandwiches, salads, baked meats, grilled meats, soups, filets... What will you have?

> Hey, why not a sandwich!

>Maybe some soup, too...