Disclaimer: I do not own Shin Megami Tensei (...well, I own the games though, does that count?)
Review Responses:
ADeadDieHard: Thank you, and yes, it is mostly following the Neutral Route. I will do my best.
8Swords: Hahaha, I'll try to live up to your expectation then.
Guest: Indeed. ...well, not 'Futsuo' yet though. Still only 'flashes of memories'.
KO: He does. Which will mainly come in play when he entered 'Tokyo arc' and 'Blasted' and 'Infernal' arcs.
I will add the 'For the Past... For the Future' (And all other story DLCs), but I don't know when to do it. I know that 'Ancient of Days' and 'Eternal Youth' will be after Blasted and Infernal Tokyo though... and 'For the Past... For the Future' is after both of them.
Hmm... that could be interesting. I am mostly following the game in this story. Note that most dialogues are the same as the game. It will start to change later on though...
Done.
Tokyo Guardian
Chapter 1: The Gauntlet Rite
"-oy... Hoy, wake up."
A voice again? Is this a continuation of his strange dream?
"If we're not on our way soon, we'll be late."
Late? Wait, he recognized this voice...
Flynn opened his eyes, before him was a beautiful circular lake standing on a cliff. In a distance away, he could see the Castle City, the center of Eastern Kingdom of Mikado.
This is... Lake Mikado, it seemed that he fell asleep while waiting for the Gauntlet Rite to begin.
"Are you awake? I admit, I fell asleep too..." The voice who woke him up, Issachar admitted to him.
A man with brown hair that is tied in ponytail appeared in his line of sight.
"We've spent so many days out here at Lake Mikado, after all... When I thought about this being our last nap here, I couldn't bear to rouse myself," Issachar said to him with a sad smile.
"So I don't want to hear, 'You promised to wake me up, Issachar!' eh?" His best friend said with a chuckle.
Flynn laughed, "You promised to wake me up, Issachar!" He told the other man with a smile.
Issachar is his best friend since he was a kid, they were together almost everyday back at Kiccigiorgi. To be honest, Issachar was a bit like an older brother to him. The other man had never stopped talking about how he wanted to become a Samurai and protect his family and friends.
Hearing his words, Issachar grinned and was about to shot back a retort, but then, "Drat, but now's not the time to argue. We must hurry to the Gauntlet Rite."
...that's right, the Gauntlet Rite. Flynn began to think about why he was here as Issachar dragged him towards the Castle City.
When they both arrived inside the castle town, Issachar spoke.
"...here at last, It's such a long trip from the village," Issachar stated with a sigh of relief.
That is true, it took them a few days of travelling to reach the Mikado Castle from Kiccigiorgi.
"The city is so big," Issachar marveled, "I don't think I could even hazard a guess as to where they might hold the Rite."
"...are you saying you took us here without knowing where we're supposed to go?" Flynn questioned his best friend. "Didn't the village chief told us where our destination is?"
Issachar laughed nervously, "I can't help it! I was so excited at the thought of becoming a samurai that I forgot!" Then he blinked, "Wait, what about you, Flynn? Do you remember where it is?"
Flynn shook his head, "No, sorry. I wasn't listening at that time."
Issachar nodded, "It's alright, I know your condition."
Issachar is one of the few people he told of his condition, about how he sometimes received flashes of 'vision' that showed places or people he had never seen. Thanks to those 'visions', Flynn sometimes spaced out and became cut off from reality so to speak.
Then Issachar saw a man with a rather... elegant attire, "Ah, sir! Excuse me!" He called the man.
The man turned towards them, Flynn noted a small amount of disdain in his eyes, "...what is it?"
Issachar seemed to saw the disdain too, as he became nervous, "Well... Us two... We have come for the Rite and..."
"Hmph... A Casualry brat," The man scoffed. Flynn narrowed his eyes hearing that. This person is one of the Luxurors that discriminates it seemed.
"The Gauntlet Rite, you say...?" The man began to pretend to ponder for a moment, "Seek it yourself."
Then the man continued, "Though you may as well begin preparing now for your journey home," The man left them with a laugh.
Issachar blinked, not knowing how to react. The Luxuror just now was completely different from the people in Kiccigiorgi.
"Um... Thank you...?" He said to the man's back. "Seems the tales I'd heard of Luxurors' snoot undershot the mark."
Flynn sighed, "If everyone in the city is like that, I doubt I can handle staying here, even if we become Samurai."
Issachar grinned, "Think positive! There's no way everyone is like that. No matter, we'll find someone else to ask."
As the two walked around the Castle City, Flynn began to recall what his father told him of the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado.
It was a country built 1500 years ago by King Aquila, the First Samurai. The center of it was the Mikado Castle, located where they were now, Castle City.
Outside of the Castle City were villages such as Kiccigiorgi. The difference between them was like comparing an ant to a human. Castle City was massive, while Kiccigiorgi was a rather small town.
However, he didn't really care about that. What he found troubling is the 'system' used by the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado.
The people are divided into two, Luxuror and Casualry. The Casualries are the lower class, usually Casualries work as laborers and live at the outer rim of the Castle City and the villages. The Luxurors on the other hand, live inside the Castle City's inner rim, and are wealthy.
One main difference between them is, the Casualries are not taught to read the 'Mystic Script', and therefore, could not read. While the Luxurors could.
As far as he knew, the only Casualry from Kiccigiorgi who could read the 'Mystic Script' was him. However, his mind called them by another names, 'Kanji', 'Hiragana' and 'Katakana'. He assumed that this is thanks to his visions.
Anyway, the 'designation' and 'caste' of Luxuror and Casualry are hereditary. Once a Luxuror, you stay a Luxuror. The same could be said for Casualry.
However, there is a way for a Casualry to 'ascend' into a Luxuror. And that is by passing the Gauntlet Rite and becoming a Samurai.
Many Casualries have tried to become a Samurai, most were met with failure, however there are those who succeed, bringing hope to other Casualries that they too, could become a Samurai.
Again, this does not really concern him. While he was outraged by how the Luxurors behave, the main reason of him trying to become a Samurai is simple.
To read literature, the books. He hoped to find answers or at least, clues of the visions that constantly attacked him.
Not even the village chief of Kiccigiorgi knew of the answer, and the chief advised him to come with Issachar to the Castle City. To try searching for the answer as a Samurai.
And here he was, in the...
Casualry's district of Castle City.
It was completely different from the previous area they were in. Flynn felt more at home here since this place is rather similar to Kiccigiorgi.
They asked a few people about the Gauntlet Rite. But the answers were not what they hoped.
A woman answered, "If you become a Blessed Samurai, you'll be counted as a Luxuror too! What a boon that must be! Though I'm satisfied being a Casualry, myself. It's the station in life God has given me."
And a craftsman answered this, "Today's that ceremony, right? That means there'll be a whole mob of people coming to Mikado Castle. I'd best pick up the pace of my work, shouldn't I? Ah well, I'm not paid to use my brain. The Luxurors can do the thinking for me."
Hearing that, Issachar frowned, "...even the Casualries here are different from the people from our village," He commented.
Flynn shrugged, "You can't blame them, living with Luxurors everyday must have done wonders to their brains."
As they walked through the Casualry's districts, Flynn noted that most of them are rather... submissive towards the Luxurors. They seemed to consider the Luxurors position above them as 'normal'.
"...Issachar, I'm starting to think that this Rite is not worth it."
Issachar shook his head, "Don't think like that! Come on! Let's ask those two guys!"
Issachar pointed towards two green armored men.
"Those are Samurais, correct? They are probably busy, we shouldn't bother them," Flynn told him.
Issachar sighed but nodded, "Alright, let's try going into the Castle a bit more then."
"...Issachar, this is the residential area for Luxurors right?" He questioned his friend.
Issachar grinned, "I'm hoping that there are Luxurors who are different from that guy."
...this guy is always so positive, Flynn thought. But he supposed that is one of Issachar's good point.
"Ah, are you lost? This is a residential area for we Luxurors. Of all the lands of the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado, we Luxurors only live inside this castle," A rather plump man greeted them.
Then the man continued in a rather small voice, "I won't forbid you to come here exactly. But... I would certainly prefer you to keep the town's unwritten rules."
It didn't take a genius to figure that out.
'No Casualry may come to Luxuror's area.' The rule is probably something like that, or so he assumed.
Then they head a loud woman talking to herself.
"There haven't been any new Samurai for years now. I wonder if the Gauntlets will accept anyone this year," She mused to herself.
...that is not a good sign for them.
"Let's ask one more person before we leave," Issachar told him.
Then they asked a slant-eyed man, "Is this your first time in the castle town? You're here for the Rite, aren't you?" Seeing Issachar's nod, He continued, "It's Aquila Statue Plaza where you want to be. You can feel the kingdom's rich history all around you there."
"Thank you," Issachar bowed to the man, then he turned towards Flynn with a grin, "See? There are good guys among the Luxurors."
Flynn nodded, "Quite obviously. What I am worried of is that majority of them act arrogant. Most Samurai are Luxurors, can you imagine being surrounded by people like that?"
Issachar's grin disappeared, "Well... not really..."
The two of them walked out of the Luxuror's district. Into the Mikado Castle.
As they walked, Flynn saw an obelisk standing near the castle.
"Issachar, can you wait for a moment?" Issachar looked like he was about to argue but nodded.
"Okay, remember that our time is limited though."
Flynn nodded and walked towards the obelisk. An epigraph is craved on it.
He started to read it.
'In ancient times, this land was shared by angels and those blessed by God.'
'One day, the Unclean Ones emerged from the underworld, and decided of their own mind to live here.'
'The Unclean Ones summoned demons and the angels knew they could not be allowed to go unchecked.'
'Fearing the power of angels sent by God, the Unclean Ones retreated to the underworld from whence they came.'
'Thus were the land blessed by God and the people who dwelled there protected by angels.'
"This is a mere fairy tale," Issachar commented from behind him after listening the words on the obelisk, "Angels and demons are stuff of legend, not history."
Flynn wondered if that was true. Among the visions he had, he was surrounded by people and strange beings that could only be described as 'demons' or 'angels'. They were certainly not humans, that is for sure.
Then he read another part of the epigraph.
'In the long ago war of angels and demons, one soldier stood with the angels.'
'Like the Unclean Ones, this soldier summoned demons, but he did so to combat the demonic hordes.'
'With this power, the soldier forced the demons into the underworld and sealed the path to their country.'
'This soldier was the first Samurai, as well as the first monarch of the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado... Aquila.'
'King Aquila's great achievement is the reason why Samurai are even today the cornerstone of our defences.'
"Yes, the Samurai..." Issachar grinned, "When I am made a Samurai, then I, too, shall be..."
Ignoring his friend who began imagining about his life as a Samurai, Flynn continued to read the last part of the epigraph.
'In the first year of the Gregorian Calendar, King Aquila established the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado in this land.'
'The king built a castle in the sealed land and prayed to God. his subjects following his example, prayed as well.'
'Under God's watchful eye, the people were guaranteed equality and peace everlasting.'
"Luxurors and Casualries... We may be of different classes but we're all equals inside," Issachar commented seriously.
Flynn nodded.
Then they heard a sound of clapping and Flynn saw a man with short golden hair and strange green eyes. Instantly, Flynn watched the man closely. All of his senses screamed that this man was no ordinary man, and he is dangerous.
"Beautiful words, Sons of Man," The man praised Issachar, "Indeed, all are equal in the Lord's ever-watching eyes. While Luxurors and Casualries possess different roles, by the end of their mortality, they are the same. All people of this land are Chosen by Him."
"...um, who are you?" Issachar asked the man, weirded out by the man's blank green eyes and his words.
The man nodded, "I am merely, a Scribe. I am tasked to watch over this land, and its people."
...a scribe, Flynn wondered if this man could help him.
Then the man raised his hand, as if stopping the two of them from speaking anything, "While I would enjoy our conversation, your time grow short, Sons of Man. I do not wish you to miss your destinies."
Issachar seemed to remember why they were here, "Hoy, Flynn! Look at the time! We'd better hurry!" Issachar grabbed Flynn's arm and dragged him away.
Leaving the Scribe who watched them with emotionless eyes.
"...how unexpected. To think that I would meet him again. Will he stand with us this time, or will he stand with the Unclean Ones?"
Issachar and Flynn arrived and stand with other youths in a queue. Facing the massive stone statue of King Aquila.
The people gathered around the plaza, forming a square, and in the middle of the plaza was a Samurai.
"Those who have come for the Gauntlet Rite, form up here!" As they followed his instructions, the Samurai continued, "You must abide until your turn!"
"This is it... We're finally here," Issachar whispered excitedly.
Flynn nodded, he had to admit, even he was feeling a bit excited.
"...Do you know? I head a curious thing from the elders at our village," Issachar began to say, "Those who pass the Rite and become Samurai must live in Mikado Castle."
"As I heard it, they can't even go back to their hometown, unless it's for a mission," Then his best friend looked down, depressed, "This could be farewell for us, Flynn."
"...and you waited until now to tell me this?" Flynn questioned his friend.
Issachar smiled, "Don't worry. I'm confident that the two of us can become Samurai together."
Flynn said nothing. Then they saw a young man walked out of the plaza, having completed the Rite.
"Those who fail, must leave at once!" The Samurai declared.
"...the Gauntlet didn't shine for me..." The young man declared, "I know this Rite is a dog and pony show, but the Kingdom says to do it, so I go along."
The young man left the plaza.
"I will become a Samurai... I'm definitely going to be a Samurai..." Issachar muttered as if speaking a mantra.
"A Samurai and a Luxuror at that..." Issachar said firmly.
Flynn frowned hearing that. Does being Luxuror really matter that much to Issachar?
"Next candidate, step forth," The Samurai commanded.
"That's my cue. Here I go to become a Samurai!" Issachar said, though to Flynn, it sounded as if he is trying to convince himself.
"Just know, Flynn... you'll always be my friend."
Flynn nodded, "Of course."
Issachar proceeded to the center of the plaza.
Flynn sighed as he continued his wait. Without Issachar around, he had no one to talk to. Issachar did not return at all, so he had no idea if his friend succeed or failed.
Flynn tried to recall the people who were called before Issachar. He realized that he recognized two of them.
Walter and Jonathan. The two young men he met in his dream. And now that he saw the two of them in the flesh, he was struck by a sudden feeling of nostalgia.
"...Kenji... Kiyoharu..." He could only recall their names and bits of their personalities. He wondered if he would see them someday. Maybe they will recognize him too? Did he even look the same as him from the vision?
...in the first place, who was he in the vision?
"Next candidate, come forth! I'm talking to you there! Hurry up and head to the square!" Flynn realized that he was being called. He walked to the center of the plaza.
There were rows of man with blue uniform and hoods covering their faces.
As he walked towards them, he saw Issachar standing near the man. Issachar looked at him and sighed, walking away wistfully.
...he failed. Flynn realized. Issachar failed to become a Samurai.
"What's the matter?" A stern-looking man with sharp eyes with white uniform asked him, "It's your turn next, isn't it?"
Flynn nodded.
"Go on," The man motioned Flynn to step forward.
Then a monk greeted him, "Welcome, young man."
Flynn bowed in a greeting, it was a strange habit of his. The 'him from the vision' always bowed when 'he' met someone who are older than 'him', and Flynn picked it up.
"Will the Gauntlet choose you to be a Samurai...?" The monk questioned to no one in particular, "Let us begin the Rite. Present to me your left arm."
Flynn began to think, Issachar failed. If he passed the Rite and become a Samurai, would Issachar envy him? Would it break their friendship?
Then Issachar's words came to him.
"Just know, Flynn... you'll always be my friend."
Flynn extended his left arm. He believed, that his bond with Issachar is stronger than simple words such as 'Luxuror', 'Samurai' or 'Casualry'.
The monk placed a gauntlet on his arm.
Then a part of the Gauntlet opened, and bright white light shone from it.
"O God Almighty..." The monk began. "If this young man in my sight is to receive the gift of becoming a Samurai..."
"Please bestow Your light upon this mystic gauntlet!" The monk prayed, "Now young man, touch the Gauntlet."
Flynn placed his hand on the shining light. And a Mystic Script appeared on it.
ENGAGED
The monk gasped in amazement, "The gauntlet has accepted this man as its owner!" He declared, "This is the birth of a new Samurai!"
Flynn stared at the gauntlet blankly, his mind still processing the fact that he had passed the Rite, while Issachar had not.
"Congratulations, young man. You are now a Samurai," the monk congratulated him, "Sir Hope, please show Flynn to the residence hall."
The sharp-eyed man he saw before frowned.
"...I am sorry? Do you not understand that I am here on Abbot Hugo's behalf?" The monk seemed outraged that the sharp-eyed man disobeyed him.
"There is no need to cross," The sharp-eyed man, Hope told the monk, "I have heard you."
Then he turned towards Flynn, "Follow me."
As Flynn followed Hope out of the plaza, he saw Issachar among the people watching.
"...why..?!" He heard Issachar mutter.
Flynn considered to cease his steps and comforted his friends but...
"You'll always be my friend."
He mouthed towards Issachar, 'You are my friend.'
He did not know if Issachar saw him or not, but even though he became a Samurai, Flynn felt as if his life took a turn for the worse.
The Scribe watched as Hope escorted Flynn out of the plaza.
"...as to be expected, of the Reincarnation of he who has defeated Sandalphon and Mahakala," The Scribe mused, "However, him being chosen by the gauntlet would imply that Stephen is one step closer to finding him."
At least he could take solace in the fact that the Morning Star had yet to meet the Son of Man. However, he knew it would only be a matter of time before the Fallen began to influence this holy land.
"I shall leave it to you then, 'Gabby'," The Scribe told a hooded woman. "Remember, while he was the one who assisted in the sealing of your 'brothers', his potential is undeniable."
The woman nodded, "It shall be done as the Lord wills it."
Right, the changes have began, well, it is just foreshadowing for now though.
Changes:
The Scribe's presence. ...his identity should be obvious I guess.
Also, I will say this now: I will put all 'story-related' DLC into the story. However, I am still thinking about 'when' the DLC is done. As in, when will Flynn do it. This means, it will have:
Clipped Wings 1 and 2. Ancient of Days, Eternal Youth, and For the Past... For the Future.
The reason why I mention 'Pluto' and 'Mahakala' is because I assume that 'Futsuo' fought 'Sandalphon' and 'Mahakala' in the past, just like how the usual 'Neutral Route' means fight bosses of 'Law' and 'Chaos'.
Reasons why I chose them:
1. Sandalphon because Metatron is relevant to the story, and Archangels are fought in the DLCs. So they shouldn't be the bosses or it will be 'boring'. It is not 'Pluto' because Pluto is simply a 'system' used to eliminate the remaining humanity in Blasted Tokyo, and not the boss.
2. Mahakala because in the Infernal Tokyo, Flynn fought Mahamayuri. I was entertaining the thought of using a Hindu Deity as the Chaos boss Futsuo fought. But Shiva is too strong and Ravana is in SMT 1. I thought, why not someone who is called one of Shiva's Avatar, thus Mahakala.
Please tell me what you think of the decisions I made. If you want to give suggestion about the bosses or the time of the DLC, I will welcome a discussion for it. Maybe I will change it.
