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

> Let's grab the spear! Stab wounds can seriously hurt, after all.

>We'll need the distance, too. Spear it is.

> Let's grab the spear! Stab wounds can seriously hurt, after all.
>We'll need the distance, too. Spear it is.

You take the spear, holding it firmly in your hands as you look it over. It is rather plain, but it is sturdy, and you're certain it'll get the job done. The monks gather the remaining weapons and leave the plaza without saying a word.

Hope: "Now that you're all suitably equipped, we shall embark. The entrance is at the back of the base of Aquila's statue. If you'd like to purchase extra provisions,you may do so at the apothecary."

Hope points over to a door on the wall to your left, which has a sign above it reading "apothecary" in mystic script. Huh, seems as though you can read the mystic script just fine now, like you could after the Rite, yet you couldn't last night.

Hope: "You shouldn't need much, but if you do plan to stock up, I strongly advise you keep a good portion of what I've supplied you with. You'll need it more than you'd think. Now then, I'll be waiting at the gates to Naraku."

Hope walks away, circling around the statue and leaving you five to think over whether you should stock up or head straight out.

Walter: "I know not of what any of you plan, but I'll not be taking any more supplies. I've faith that I can pull through using what I'm presented with now."

Navarre: "Yes, but... Demons! What's to say Master Hope hasn't intentionally undersupplied us? I'm going to see what the apothecary has to offer, I don't wish to take chances."

Flynn: "I was not certain whether I'd be going straight into Naraku or not, but now that I know what Navarre's doing I think I'll be going with him. I'd rather he not attempt to abandon his post so soon."

Navarre: "F-Flynn! You know I would never-"

Flynn: "Navarre, even now I see you trembling. The prospect of facing actual demons worries me too, but at this point we cannot back out."

Navarre: "Fine, if you insist. I'll make my transactions quick."

Navarre and Flynn split from the group, heading over to the apothecary.

Walter: "So, will either of you be joining me at the entrance?"

Jonathan: "I see no reason why I shouldn't. If we needed more than what we have for our first mission, I'm certain Master Hope would've given us more."

Walter: "My exact sentiments! Now then, I'll leave you to make your own decision, Yuuna. Just keep in mind, I doubt Master Hope would want us to waste too much time. Now then, let's be off."

Walter and Jonathan leave you as well, going around to the back of the statue where Master Hope went. Will you join them at the gate to Naraku, or shall you take your time to stock up with Navarre and Flynn first?

>Let's be smart and go with Navarre and Flynn. It would be a shame to face demons underprepared.

> I must agree with Anolis. Let's be sure to stock up. Besides, being reckless isn't very smart.

>Let's be smart and go with Navarre and Flynn. It would be a shame to face demons underprepared.
> I must agree with Anolis. Let's be sure to stock up. Besides, being reckless isn't very smart.

You elect to visit the apothecary and browse its wares before heading out. As you step into the shop, you're greeted by a wonderfully sweet aroma that makes you feel right at home. Navarre and Flynn are looking at the various bottles, bead chains, and jars lining the shelves along the walls. At the center, there is a kindly woman at a counter with a notebook and quill pen by her. She waves at you with a warm smile.

Shopkeeper: "Hail, prentice Samurai! You too must be here to view our wares before your first venture into Naraku, yes?"

The shopkeeper extends her hand to you cordially.

Shopkeeper: "I am known as B. Unfortunately, as you are but a prentice, I cannot offer you much, but I hope what stock is available to you is of use."

You shake B's hand and she points toward the shelf Flynn and Navarre are scanning. You head in that direction and greet your fellows.

Flynn: "Stocking up as well, Yuuna? Well, good to see you're taking the necessary precautions.

Navarre: "Shame what's present here seems to be of little use. The balms and water I understand to an extent, but necklaces? Candles? I fail to see how these little trinkets will benefit us."

Flynn: "They're advertised as holding some mystical qualities. Replenishing stamina and spirit, curing ailments, even putting the fighting energy back into a downed ally... Seeing too that this store is Samurai-sanctioned, I would doubt the materials here to be deliberately worthless."

Navarre: "You raise a good point, though I still think they could do better than to sell us candles if we are truly to go against demons."

Flynn and Navarre continue to discuss this as you turn your attention to the items for sale. The prices, especially when compared to what you can afford, raise an eyebrow, but you do consider making a purchase all the same.

^{Apothecary Inventory} 

• Holy Water - 50 Macca (A vial of blessed water. Restores 50 HP when used.)
• Spirit Candle - 200 Macca (A ceremonial candle that gives off holy energy. Restores 20 MP when used.)
• Detox Balm - 100 Macca (A cream used in medical practices. Cures one ally of Nerve Ailments.)
• Revival Bead - 300 Macca (A bead that stores great amounts of energy. Revives one fallen ally with 50% HP.)

The strange terminology used here concerns you even more. HP, MP, Nerve Ailments... You're uncertain what they could mean, but it certainly seems important.

You currently have 500 Macca and 5 Holy Waters. Would you like to make a purchase, or conserve your funds?

>Quite a few expensive items... Let's buy three Holy Waters.

>Probably gonna need a Detox Balm, maybe two. What do you say?

>Quite a few expensive items... Let's buy three Holy Waters.
>Probably gonna need a Detox Balm, maybe two. What do you say?

Two Detox Balms and three Holy Waters comes out to 350m. The total price instills minor reluctance in you, but all the same, it's good to be prepared. You take your purchases and bring them up to the counter. B looks at the items and nods.

B: "Will this be everything?"

You nod, and she takes out a bag from below the counter and stows everything inside. She holds the bag out to you with a pleasant grin.

B: "As this is your first visit here, I will give you a minor discount. That shall be 300 Macca in all. Best of luck, prentice."

You thank her, and you head out of the apothecary as you overhear Flynn and Navarre still discussing what to buy. You go around to the back of the statue of Aquila, and you see Hope, Walter, and Jonathan standing before a large gate in the statue's base. You rejoin them, and Master Hope greets you

Hope: "Ah, Yuuna! There you are. I take it Flynn and Navarre are yet undecided?"

Navarre: "Hold, there! We've finished making our selections!"

You look behind you and see Navarre and Flynn rushing over to join you.

Flynn: "Our apologies, Navarre was rather on-the-fence as to what he planned to purchase. I ended up having to make the decision for him. Ordinarily, I'd scarcely call myself a worthy decision-maker, and here I am being the one to select wares to take with us on this journey."

Navarre: "I can assure you that events did not unfold in that manner."

Flynn: "Yes they did."

Jonathan: "Though I've not known either of you for longer than anyone else here, I can reasonably see this occurring."

Walter: "Same here."

Hope: "Everyone, I require your full attention. This can wait for later."

The conversation ceases, and all eyes fall upon Master Hope.

Hope: "This gate which we stand before is the entrance to Naraku. I cannot stress enough that the demons below are ruthless and without mercy. As I've said before, you must keep your wits about you at all times. Not a moment can pass in which you lower your guard. There is no turning back from this point."

Master Hope turns around and faces the gate. With great force, he pushes the sturdy doors open, and you can see within the statue's base a stairway leading down into the underworld. Master Hope turns back toward you and the other prentices.

Hope: "You may proceed."

Walter gives an enthusiastic nod.

Walter: "With pleasure, Master Hope!"

Before you can so much as blink, Walter darts through the gate and runs down the stairs, spear clutched firmly in his hands. Jonathan and Flynn are the next two to stand before the gate, weapons in hand.

Jonathan: "May I propose that we watch each other's backs? T'would be better to have some support should the need arise."

Flynn: "Agreed. Now, let us proceed."

Jonathan and Flynn head down into the depths of Naraku after Walter, and they too soon disappear from view. Navarre is the last, other than you, to step forward. His hands both firmly clutch his dagger, and you can see his face beginning to pale.

Hope: "Is there anything wrong, Navarre?"

Navarre: "No! No, not in the slightest!"

Hope: "Then I trust you can go down there of your own volition?"

Navarre: "B-but of course!"

Navarre does not budge. You get the feeling that he might be just the slightest bit terrified at the moment. Of course, you are to enter Naraku as well. How would you like to go about doing so?

> Just be sure to always be at the ready and on guard. Dying isn't fun in the slightest, I bet.

>Get to the others as soon as possible, too. We don't want anyone lagging behind, and we can do better, both against the demons and against our own emotions and fears, as a group.

> Just be sure to always be at the ready and on guard. Dying isn't fun in the slightest, I bet.
>Get to the others as soon as possible, too. We don't want anyone lagging behind, and we can do better, both against the demons and against our own emotions and fears, as a group.

You decide you would rather not be the last to enter and run forth through the gates into Naraku after your fellows. You descend the great spiral stairs until you reach a spacious room, lined with torches. On the other side is a metal gate, wide open for entry. The others are nowhere to be seen. Seems they went further in. You start for the gate, but all of a sudden, a strange high-pitched sound fills the room. Your Gauntlet, which seems to be the source of this noise, begins to vibrate, causing you to drop your spear. You examine your Gauntlet, bewildered, trying to figure out what would cause it to do this. The strange box is glowing as it did yesterday, emitting a soft blue light. A grey square appears in the center of the box, with the word "Initialize" written in mystic script inside it. The Gauntlet has stopped shaking, but it keeps periodically producing the noise for a few seconds on end. This seems strangely reminiscent of yesterday's Rite.

> What the heck?!

> Well, better examine the Gauntlet, then. We gotta see what's up with it.

>Pick up our weapon and press the button.