Japan’s Aokigahara strived to remain calm on such a disturbing night. Luna stared down at her fullest that night and the gleaming orbs of every howling wolf shined with her glow. Their vocal chords sang in harmony to call all the forest dwellers to the Palace, nestled deep in the heart of the forest. Its marbles and tiles shined under Luna’s reflection, shedding light into the nearby surroundings. Its great wooden doors have grown weak, for it has sustained many attempts of siege but finally open, welcoming all to the Shokatsu Palace. For tonight was a blessed night, the ruling Silver Fang has been gifted a litter of cubs. Kinfolk settled in and around the forests rushed through the woods to witness such a rare occasion. Campfires rekindled the torches of all who sought their way to the Silver Fang stronghold of Japan. It had been many years since the Shokatsu were blessed with children for it was how things had turned out for Blood-Red Crest House. Their declining birth rates drove the House to the edge, imbuing the dark depression onto all its members, a sense of fate eclipsing their voice of reason. They accepted the fate and prayed to Gaia, week after week to have a blessing bestowed onto them.
Their prayers were finally answers, a swarm of kinfolk rushed the Palace, forming a herd in the Palace’s great hall. Their words began echoing against the marble walls, speaking of joy and hope. But there were a few Theurges who foresaw a great darkness that shrouded even the Luna’s glow, something made her shy her sights away from the Shokatsu Palace. Dismissing such negativity, the herd rejoiced, praising King Shokatsu, a renowned pillar of the Blood-Red Crest and command over one half of Japan’s Garou. The guardians held spears, forming a tight and disciplined stance before the grand staircase that flowed into the great hall from the upper floor. In unison, the tip of every spear struck the marble tiles three times in an act of calling order amongst the herd. The commander announced the King’s arrival with his dear wives, two who were giving birth the same night. The result of sacred formulas, methods and prayers allowed the two women to conceive on the same night. Spirits of the Wyld danced their essences, flooding the palace with fragrance of lilac and gooseberries. The wolves howled once again as the prominent figure, King Shokatsu made his way with mighty footsteps to greet the gathered. Three children in the arms of his wives, two daughters cuddled against their mother’s bosom, dreaming of their ancestors. Their mother, Jiann Shokatsu wore a prideful smile against her lips as she walked alongside her husband. The King’s beard hid his smile but they could see the joy in his eyes. And beside him, walked the second wife with one boy against her own chest, a blonde haired infant cooing in his sleep with a handful of his mother’s hair. His mother, Yua Shokatsu’s smile wasn’t as bright as Jiann’s for she was being troubled by something deep within her soul. These three children were the pride and prestige of the Shokatsu Palace. The trio descended the flight of stairs, overwhelmed by the gathered crowd, all in awe of such a miracle. A wise Theurge’s eyes darted directly at Yua’s false smile, for she could not hide from the eyes of such a mystic.
Shortly after, King Shokatsu raised his voice, addressing the crowd as he named his newborn daughters and son. The pedigree of Silver Fangs running through the blood, a practice the tribe has maintained over centuries. Both daughters, born under Luna’s fullest were gifted the essence of the Garou, directly from their father. They were destined greatness with their lives, fighting with tooth and claw of Gaia, blessed with Luna’s stoking fury, for they were born Ahroun. Their half-brother shared their pedigree, yet he was simply a Kin. Fate had different plans for the young son, one that ties him closely together in the muddled waters of Japan’s political structure. The crowd shouted at the bottom of their lungs, exclaiming the happiness for such a beautiful night. But the night, as we all know, is dark and filled with terror. As the passing crowd gave their blessings to King Shokatsu and his beautiful wives, Yua’s heart grew cold. Her nerves wouldn’t sustain the pain she suffered, both mentally and physically. The many words of kindness soothed the King’s ear but rang a terrible melody in Yua’s for she hid a dark secret from her husband, the birth of her second son.
While all three children slept soundly, dreaming of the great hunt they are destined for. Basking the warmth of their mother’s chest, safe and sound. There was one, who yearned for the same smothering, crying. His tears drifted the length of his snout, his fur being the only warmth he received. A soul, awakened with the blood of the Shokatsu, closer to the Silver Fangs than all the three sibilings, yet forced to distance from them. A metis was born, and the disgrace was kept hidden away by Yua for she didn’t want to upset her King in these few moments of deserved happiness, nor shake his will for the litany their love has broken. Born in Gaia’s purest form, embodying the terror he is to manifest, to cower his enemies and smear their corrupted blood against the surface of Gaia’s green earth. The Metis was pushed away, concealed from the kinfolk yet the wise Theurge knew the secret as he looked into Yua’s eyes. While Jiann’s eyes wet with tears of joy, Yua’s were filled with tears of sorrow. She swore an oath that night upon the painful birth of her second born son, to protect him and love him like her own. Yet moments later, she was forced to have him concealed for the prying and judgmental eyes within the palace. However, the Metis was also born an Ahroun, like his half-sister and he was destined to a life much harsher and hateful, even when he had no control of over his birth.
The Shokatsu palace was marvelous, having three floors in its foundation and each given its own purpose. The middle, resting on the level of the earth was the grounds for all politics. The upper quarters for the family’s residence, where the Shokatsu lived and learned. The one beneath the ground was a space dedicated to the Theurges and their mystical kinfolk to carry out their studies in secrecy. The Metis grew among them, hidden away a dark secret from the surface of the earth, yet sunk into it. The Metis was already closer to hell than the family who lived in harmony above. Out of love and affection to Yua Shokatsu, the Theurges and their mystical allies kept their oaths to keep the matter a secret. The Metis was named among them, not even by his own parents. Devasura Shokatsu meaning the Demon King, by the eldest Theurge who had Indian roots. Dev picked up High Tongue before any other language, he grew stronger than his sibilings, and his two-tails, a mark of deformity was his pride. His uniqueness was nurtured by the Theurge and the more he learned, the more he practiced. While the other sibilings played outside and rode around the palace on their father’s shoulder, Dev wielded wooden swords and struck the walls of the mystery ridden crypts underneath. Being tucked into bed and told tales to sleep was luxury he was stripped away from. His anger, fueled from birth exploded one night. His maturity was noticed by Luna and she pushed him gently into the deep currents of Rage. His roar awoke the palace yet the wise Theurges managed to contain his fury, making use of their many blessings and powers. The siblings to this day remember that midnight roar, something infused with Rage unlike no other powerful enough to instill fear into the hearts of mighty warriors, a roar filled with sorrow and hatred in an unfamiliar mixture.
Devasura finally tapped into his ability to take forms, being human was something he has yearned for many years. Yet, patience was all it took. With the help of the palace’s finest warriors and the support from sworn Theurges, the Metis outclassed his siblings in terms of skill and knowledge from a very young age. He crossed the Gauntlet at a very young age and was given a different identity for his own survival. It enraged him, having to behave and live his days under the false pretense, a veil over his true nature. When the day came for all cubs to partake the Challenge. The time to leave childish things behind and become an adult Garou. But all pups must first pass a test: a rite of initiation into the harsh life of Gaia's defenders. Dev excelled and completed it with much more efficiency than all other cubs, including his very own siblings. That was the day his father, King Shokatsu embraced Dev out of joy, but he remained unaware to the rage boiling in his son’s heart and the irritation he felt from living this façade. The urge to break out into a frenzy in those precious moments were dispelled by a warm smile his mother wore against her lips, a single tear drop fell against her cheek. Dev adored the mystery in his eyes, the stormy orbs were passed onto him from his dear mother. The moment he fixed his gaze onto them, he knew who she was. Initiated as Cliaths, all Shokatsu Garou were given a special consideration on all aspects but none could deny the pure breed and ancestry in Dev, to extents where visitors often mistook him for a Shokatsu by his father’s resembling features. The Theurges mentored him closely, lead him into various endeavors across the Gauntlet for they knew the rage within the Metis had to be let loose every now and then for the safety of the forest and its inhabitants. His only goal was to prove himself to be the greatest name that lived in all of Aokigahara.
It wasn’t long before many rumors rang the ears of the people, tales of the shared resemblances and pedigree of the young Ahroun. Yet, there was a twist in the muddy waters of fate. The Metis, having completed his challenge for Fostern, ranked quicker than all others. He spent the night before the ceremony by himself in the heart of the forest, where his thoughts considered every possible manner in which he could present his true nature to the gathered members of the Shokatsu region. The council of Elders, ruled by King Shokatsu had come to a combined decision to give Dev the authority and command he has proven before the Nation. On the day of the ceremony, shortly after the Ahroun was marked with his new station, an incident broke out. Million to once chances, a lighting stuck before the great campfire, causing an oak to sever by its trunk and fall onto a group of helpless kinfolk. Yet before the mighty tree could end the lives by forcing its weight onto the prey beneath, Dev took his war-form and took the tree onto his shoulders. And it was at Gaia’s decision, Dev’s true nature was exposed to all the ones gathered for he had two tails. Recognized as a Metis, he was shunned away by the council of Elders, banished from taking figures at the Shokatsu palace. This enraged his anger furthermore, his Rage grew hotter than most Garou, and satisfying the Wyrm that deep lives within all Ahroun. From that very moment, Devasura Shokatsu feel victim to Harano. He craved for power and might, causing terrible chaos to any who dared enter the forest. He was the mightiest warrior amongst the Shokatsu and a few Theurges moved out of the palace to mentor the exiled Metis closely. They bargained with spirits of Luna and Cat, granting him the blessings of resilience and initiative. For the Theurges wished to fulfill the desire of their Metis prince. Afterall, they’re the closest he had to parents and a family of his own. He did not stop there, he hoarded more renown than any would imagine, for he was driven by the goal to harbor the respect he was destined, either by force or rank. The Council of Elders could not deny him the challenge for Adren as they knew the wrath of the Metis if he were to be disqualified. Fate pushed open all doors for the Metis, the Demon King began taking his authority. However, the Council weren’t aware of the luck and instinct that Devasura harnessed. They set the Adrens challenge in such a manner that he would fail. To battle two Spiral Dancers who were causing chaos on the outer regions of the Aokigahara forest.
Little did the Council know, the efforts made by the Theurges have bestowed many blessings onto Devasura, he was powerful enough to slay the two Dancers, returning with their heads. He enters the great hall, soaked in the blood of his enemies and a reek of malice. His mother couldn’t resist look into the eyes of his son as the Metis threw the blood-ridden deformed heads of the Dancers onto table which the Council seated upon. They could not deny him the rank for they realized Falcon himself was watching over his son. Yet, given no authority in his own home, Devasura was kept in-charge of the forests. The responsibilities of Adren now heavy onto his broad shoulders yet his mind focused on a hunger. A never-ending hunger for glory, a greed for renown and greatness. The Theurges were his only family, they petitioned many spirits, gaining their favours and bestowing their blessings onto Metis. He learned to harness the full terrible glory of Gaia’s chosen warrior, having an avatar of Gaia herself bless the Metis out of pure adoration to protect the lands. He became the most feared Ahroun, his renown and tales began flourishing across the waters of Japan herself to the ears of the other Houses. But they were taken back, for they couldn’t trace the Metis’ lineage back to the ancestry. The only opportunities the Metis had ever since his banishing were to attend ceremonies to take up his Station challenges. They were the only times he could lay gaze onto his mother, Yua Shokatsu, a lady who had nothing but love in her heart now wary with the feelings of sorrow and ache. Her poor mind still biting down onto the secrets of her birth bed. Only known to Devasura and the Theurges. However, all was destined to change.
The Metis grew powerful, embodying skills that were no match for any soul in the forest, except King Shokatsu himself. His constant duties of protecting and guarding the forest gave him many opportunities to provide chiminage to various spirits. It was one of those nights where Luna herself sent one of her children to imbue the blessings to the Metis, the knowledge and ability to manifest the bane to all Garou, claws of silver. This Gift was mixed into the essence of the Ahroun, making him a terrible foe to all Garou who stray their paths. He was warder to the forest, the mightiest of the Garou. He stood to face threats of evil and rescued countless kinfolk before. Yet, he was going to be tested like no other. Having gathered the necessary renown to advance in rank and take up a very important station amongst the Garou Nation, Devasura was summoned before the council. They told him of a terrible horror that took place in the nearby region, governed by another Sept. They required the Shokatu’s aid in rescuing their own. Garou and kinfolk alike were kidnapped by soldiers of Pentex. An onslaught and siege that carried out for two nights, led by the Adren Metis and his pack. Strategy and cunning tactics were employed, driving all the Pentex soliders out of the factory that the kidnapped were kept in, each one surrounded and their hearts driven out of their body. Thanks to Devasura’s blessing of resilience provided by a Lune, he was able to withstand the silver bullets volleyed against him. They managed to somehow rescue the kidnapped, saving them to complete his challenge.
The next dusk, his rage-filled heart was softened as he grew aware of a miraculous birth. His brother has been blessed with a daughter, Eri Shokatsu. She was no Garou but she was the closest Devasura had to a daughter, being infertile and unable to bear children of his own. The moment he laid eyes onto the cooing baby within the arms of Yua Shokatsu, the Metis felt a sense of belonging for Eri was given the adoration he never received. A Harano ridden Ahroun now rose to Athro, taking command over the entire region. It was after the ceremony he spoke out of his true identity before the council and all the people gathered. It transfixed onlookers for they now realized the Metis was born to King Shokatsu and Yua Shokatsu. Yet the birth was nearly thirty years ago. They were too old to be held against their break of Litany yet the word spread. Devasura Shokatsu looked his father in the eye, now baring striking resemblance of the King in his thirties. The people saw the King in the Metis, but the political hierarchy of the Silver Fangs couldn’t make him the ruler. So he left the Aokigahara forests, taking Eri with him. A handful of Theurges and the Metis, now uncle to the beautiful baby Eri Shokatsu left the glorious island of Japan and moved travelled east across Pacific Ocean, through Russia into the Americas. By the time he arrived into American soil, the young Eri Shokatsu has proven herself in many mystical ways for she awoke a Mage, bound by a cruel fate. Her Avatar was the manifestation of a fallen Nephandus whose essence now filler her soul. Devasura dismissed all such accusations that his Theurges shared, for the Harano ridden Metis had only one soul who he could call family, his niece.
Right before reaching the Americas, they travelled through the renowned lands of Russia, visiting many sacred caerns and stationing himself to a few regions so as to allow Eri to study from various masters. The Metis saw her as his own daughter, finding love in the Rage ridden depths of his heart. During his period in Russia, another Metis Silver Fang much like Devasura helped the Shokatsu provide chiminage to a spirit of Fury, allowing him to channel his Rage to devastating effects upon his foes. Harnessing all the hatred and anger he coiled deep within his heart for three decades. The new Metis ally, Aleksander travelled alongside Devasura across the Pacific Ocean to the land of opportunity. The word spread about the two Metis Fangs travelling the West Coast until they decided to take command over several regions of Canadian wilderness. It was during these years of hardship and renown harvests, the Shokatsu gathered enough renown to advance to the most glorious station, the title of Elder. Against all tides of political hierarchy, fate’s titanic waves blasted all doors open for the Metis. For his final challenge, given by the Sept he served with Aleksander was the greatest one yet. Around this time, Eri had turned sixteen, and Devasura almost thirty six. Devasura commanded a pack of his own, consisting of Aleksander and Eri against a major Wyrm threat, three Elder vampires who were terrorizing and culling hundreds of Garou and Kin in the forests. With Eri’s command over the spirits, she was able to sidestep into the Umbra and command spirits to aid Devasura and Aleksander. The onslaught was successful, with the last blow struck by Devasura ashed the final Elder vampire. Yet, the vampire tore its feral claws into the Metis’ heart, falling him. But his luck showered its greatness and Gaia shut her eyes, rising her beloved warrior to remain active. His heart now healing the injury it sustained, the Metis arose and howled its victory over the threat. Eri rejoiced the Rage-filled revival of her uncle and he completed the challenge, with the aid of his entire pack and his Mage niece. He swore in to his new station, Elder in the following ceremony. It was now that Devasura reigned on his rightful throne as a Shokatsu, advancing to the same station that his father held in the Garou Nation.
The Elder Metis now sought out more power as he has lost control over his greed, his driving goals were complete yet his Harano-filled mind wouldn’t accept it. He sought out a Falcon-spirit with the help of a grand petition by the Sept Theurges after the ashing the powerful vampires. Shokatsu wished for the power that was held by only a handful of the Silver Fangs, one that would allow him to suppress the supernatural powers of any that dared face the Elder Metis. For they would have to face the Garou’s wrath as nothing more than a prey. After considered all the glory the Metis has driven to achieve in his almost four decades of life, the Falcon-spirit gave him a chance to provide the chiminage and ultimately, it was achieved. The falcon-spirit flew through the heart of the Metis, imbuing its essence alongside the knowledge to wield such a powerful Gift. Yet, his heart grew weary and paranoid, for he knew limitless power was the only way to ensure the survival of his niece. He had a new driving goal, to nurture her growth and protect her by all means necessary.
The Elder Metis has amassed a fortune worth of renown and embodied one of the greatest responsibilities of the Garou Nation. This left him eager to further his power, requesting the Theurges to scour through all of their literature and scriptures for something that’ll allow him to transcend the bane of his kind. A Theurge offered to aid him in providing chiminage, in return he asked for the Shokatsu to travel to the Sept of the Tri-Spiral and offer his services to an Elder Theurge by the name of Grimfang, a renowned Ritemaster of the Silver Fang. He agreed, not knowing what waited for him in Angel Pine. A grand ritual was performed, partaken by five Theurges in a ceremony only reserved for the most renowned of the Silver Fangs. In which, they summoned a Lune for the Elder Metis to provide chiminage for. The spirit saw through the Metis, understanding all that the Shokatsu has endured in his life. The spirit swam against the currents of time, looking into his past by the chanting of all present Theurges. Ultimately, she allowed him an opportunity to provide chiminage for the spirit to learn a power so mystical, it’s considered a myth by younger Garou. The chiminage was rightfully performed and the Theurges, in a joined effort managed to convince the spirit to bestow its blessings into the essence of the Elder Metis, transitioning him into Luna’s mighty warrior by turning his body into the Garou’s greatest weakness, a body of silver. Eri’s hunger for power was gargantuan as compared to the Elder Metis. She kept her uncle in the dark as she began petitioning to various spirits, commanding them even with her control over the mystical patterns of the Tellurian. The young Mage grew heavily in power by the time she reached the age of eighteen. By now, Devasura Shokatsu turned thirty eight and he kept his promise, setting out to Angel Pine to provide his services to visit the Caern to pay homage and assist the Elder Theurge in his endeavours. His niece, Eri on the other hand had learned some dark secrets about Angel Pine and eagerly tagged along with her uncle, crossing into another chapter in their lives. The rest is for the tides of time to tell.
