Prologue - Chivalrous

Arjuna followed the man called Bojing through the main entrance of the six story appartment building. The building, probably build in the sixties of the previous century, looked old and seemed to have had little maintenance for some time. The once shiny yellow paint on the exterior walls looked stained and pale. The hallway and concrete stairs were dirty and dusty. Most of the small windows along the stairway were broken, or stuffed with old papers or cloth. The building was only one among hundreds of it's kind in this city district. While riding in a taxi on his way here he had been astonished by the forest of skyscrapers that had risen since his last visit to the city, seven years ago. Shanghai now looked wealthy and modern, from the elevated highways overlooking the city centre. A huge contrast with the neighbourhood he had just entered. People living here looked poor and showed the scars of hard labour. There were no private cars here, only taxi's entering the area to drop of a customer or two. Laundry hung from long bamboo poles between the buildings just above the people passing through the small street. Sounds of children playing in the alleys, residents cooking in the small kitchens along the staircase, and colourful birds singing in tiny cages hanging just outside the outer windows of every other floor made an exotic mix of sound.

Arjuna felt at home in the big cities of Asia. He was a Garou of the Silent Strider tribe, his auspice Ragabash. Twelve years ago he had left his sept and his country of birth, Indonesia, to travel and seek knowledge. He had passed through most of the major cities of this continent at least once, and recognized their similarities and differences. He understood at least the basics of Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese language, and knew one or more Garou to contact in every place of importance. Bojing, for example, he had first met seven ago. The BoneGnawler was a member of the Suzhou Creek Alley sept, which was in control of this neighbourhood. The man was tall, thin, and had a dark skin, which was caused by years of hard labour on the countryside. Arjuna's pack had send him to Shanghai to investigate the death of Ya the Kind, a Stargazer native to the chinese city. Bojing was taking him to the appartment where her body had been found recently.

When they arrived at the top floor of the building, Arjuna noticed another man waiting for them at the door. "Arjuna, meet my cousin Boqin!", the thin BoneGnawler said, while nodding at the man. The second man, a bit shorter then Bojing, shook his hand, after which he unlocked the gate of metal bars, which served as a reinforced front door. Every appartment in this neighbourhood seemed to have one of those. After opening the door, Bojing invited Arjuna to follow his cousin in. The appartment was very small, like most houses in this part of the city. No central heating, and only cold water was available. Boqin shook his head, when Arjuna tried to turn on the lights. "Electricity has been cut off already. You can use this if you want to see anything particular. That's where we found her body.", Bojing said, while pointing at a broken closet next to one of the walls. Arjuna took the flashlight the man offered him, and kneeled in front of the pile of broken wood. He noticed dried blood covering most of it, and shook his head. "The closet is made of the strongest, most durable chinese wood. Her body had been smashed into it with enormous force, completely pulverizing the structure. No human could have done anything like it.", Boqin added. Arjuna sighed. "What happened to the body? Did you find any tracks on it?" Boqin nodded. "The injuries on her body must have been caused by the Fangs and claws of a Garou. On the body of the dead kid too." Arjuna turned to him and frowned. "Dead kid?" Bojing lighted a sigaret, and nodded. "Once we got word of the murder, our sept made haste to cover up any tracks. You see...Ya the Kind, Aunt Ya we called her, did not live alone. She took in lots of young Garou orphans. She did not care about them being Metis or any other breed. She truly was kind to our poor comunity. That's why our sept had such close ties with her for all these years. Anyway...one orphan was found dead. The others have disappeared. We send our best Ragabash to track them down, but haven't found them yet." Arjuna slowly stood up, opened his backpack, and took out his small digital camera. Would you mind if I take some pictures of the scene, Bojing? They might help finding the killer later. The BoneGnawler nodded, and turned towards the entrance where Boqin was keeping an eye on the stairway. While examining the murderscene, Arjuna suddenly noticed a small, shiny piece of paper sticking to the inside of a broken piece of wood. The paper, partly stained with blood, seemed folded in a peculiar shape, and Arjuna studied it for a moment. He decided to put it away in his backpack.

From that moment things went really fast. When Arjuna took his final picture, and turned to his backpack to put away his camera, the barking of what seemed like a large dog startled him. The next moment Boqin fell backward into the room, a huge, grey-white wolfdog at his throat. After he hit the floor, the beast kept him down, growling fiercely. Bojing stumbled in behind them, followed by a tall caucasian man, with long brown braided hair. When the BoneGnawer tried to argue, the newcomer pushed him hard against the chest, causing him to loose his balance and cough heavily. Out of nowhere two small axes appeared in the man's hands, and his uncompromising glance met Arjuna's. The Silent Strider's hand felt the Keris in his backpack, and for a moment he thought about drawing it. But when two more men, both caucasian, entered the room, he dropped his backpack. It made no sense confronting three giants and a dog with a dagger, even if his weapon was not an ordinary one. The two BoneGnawers were in no state to aid him anyway. What would this group of foreigners be looking for in this part of town? Maybe there was a connection between them and the murder of Ya the Kind? "Helge, stand down! Njal, you calm down too! We need information, not more attention on us." The broad-shouldered, grey haired man who had just spoken, must be the leader of the group. He had greenish eyes, a short greyish beard, and wore his hair in one thick braid, partly hidden in the back of his coat. He was clearly the oldest of the men, and the words he spoke were obediently followed by the others. The dog backed away from a horrified Boqin, and sat calmly next to the leader. The tall man with the brown braided hair, spit on the carpet, then put away his weapons and walked over to lean against the wall. A man with long, blond hair and a halflong blondish beard walked over to Arjuna, staring at the broken wood of the closet where Ya had died. Then his eyes met Arjuna's. He noticed a small tattoo to the left side of the man's throat, and recognized it as the tribal sign of the Get of Fenris. "My name is Enok Hellestrom and we are looking for ... and old friend of us. His name is Jongeirr Slays the Weak." The man called Enok seemed less aggressive then the others, and the tone of his voice was calm. Not in any way submissive or friendly, but calm. "What are 3 Fenrir doing at the murderscene of a Stargazer, in a poor suburb of a Chinese city?" The Get of Fenris frowned at him, but it didn't take long for the surprised look to turn into anger. "So you are Garou yourself, are you not? We are hunting one of the Swords of Heimdall, and the trace of death and corruption he left led us here."

Fang Yin Li made a deep bow as Ciran Far-Traveller received her in the guestroom of the Shinto Shrine. The elderly Stargazer quickly waved away her courtesy, and invited her to sit down opposite him at the little bamboo table in the middle of the room. Ciran, the Grand Elder and Gatekeeper of the Peaceful voice of Zypher sept, was a Master of Kailindo, just like Yumiko Sato the Wise had been. Fang Yin had never been a student of Ciran. Yumiko had taught her every technique she knew. After arriving in Japan, she had brought the Silver Lotus Pack to this sept to rest. They needed to recuperate after the atrocities they had witnessed in Paris. Moreover, she had come here today to reminisce with an old friend of her Master over the latter's death. The old man's kind and peaceful eyes met hers. "Welcome back in Japan, Fang Yin. First of all I want to express my condolences to you and your pack for the death of your teacher and packleader. I have known Yumiko all her life, and it pains me to see her pass away so early. She used to be the Warder of the Caern in Cherry Blossom Shrine village. When she left to start up her own pack, your Silver Lotus Pack, I was sad to see her go. When she was send to Paris a couple of weeks ago, I was sad again, because I knew the dangers of her mission, your mission. She was brave, incorruptable, and sacrificed her life to save her packmates and the fate of a continent. Such chivalry is hard to find in Garou these days." Fang Yin nodded silently, and then offered her condolences to Ciran. "Yumiko always told me that if something should ever happen to her, I could come to you for help or advice. I thank you kindly for receiving us, Master Ciran."

The elderly Stargazer gestured to a young man in brown monk robes, who joined them at the table, pouring both Ciran and herself a cup of Matcha tea. "You and your pack are welcome to stay at Cherry Blossom Shrine as long as you like. Please drink." Fang Yin raised her cup, and slowly drank her tea. "Secondly, I want to congratulate you with the success of your mission. Although the odds were against you, you managed to destroy the dangerous artifact, and bring down the Pentex Corporation in Paris. This was a tremendous victory of Gaia against the Wyrm." Fang Yin put her cup on the bamboo table, and the young man refilled it. "We don't deserve your praise, Master Ciran. We only did what we thought was the right thing to do under the circumstances. Actually we were very fortunate to receive some unexpected help from the Sabbat vampires in the city. If not for them, things might have turned out differently."

"Modesty is a virtue, Fang Yin. But you must learn to recognize and accept sincere gratitude. As a token of my gratitude, I will predict your future. Fang Yin raised her teacup with both hands in front of her, as a sign of respect for the Grand Elder. "Master Ciran, you are too kind." Yumiko had told her before about the Grand Elder's extraordinary ability. Ciran did not know every detail of a Garou's future. He was able to identify and explain certain crucial moments that would happen in ones near future. It was than up to the Garou in question to make the right decisions to influence the outcome of events. "Fang Yin Li. You are a student of Kailindo, are you not?", the elderly Stargazer asked, while his kind eyes met hers. "Yes, I have been taught the art by Master Yumiko, although my skill is not worth mentioning.", Fang Yin answered. Moreover she had never joined the Zypher camp, like most practitioners did. That was certainly a little unorthodox, especially for a Philodox. Yumiko had never pressured her into joining, but other Masters might have a different point of view on the matter. Ciran smiled at her, and continued: "You already have great skill, and experience in battle will improve your abilities even more. I predict that you will even become a teacher yourself, training your own students. All depends on certain choices you make. There are five beings whos path you will cross sometime in the near future. Three of these beings are Gaia's servants, while the other two serve the Wyrm. However, your destiny is intertwined with theirs. The choices you will make when you meet them, will decide their fate, your fate, and …the fate of this Shrine." Fang Yin thanked the Grand Elder for his prediction. The two of them drank some more tea, after which the Philodox took her leave, promising Ciran she would visit him again soon.

When Fang Yin walked outside, she heard someone singing. Looking in the direction of the sound, she noticed the little crowd that had already formed around the singer. She walked over to join Shinobu, Miyoko, and Daniella, who welcomed her, but motioned her to be quiet. The young woman who was the centre of all this attention had a beautiful voice. She was standing on a large flat stone, which was often used by Gaillards to sing for their septmembers. She had long brownish hair and shiny blue eyes, which was extremely rare for a Japanese girl. Fang Yin estimated the girl could not be much older than Shinobu. She was wearing calf-high black leather boots with curved stitching down the side creating a crinkled effect to the leather to the back of the boots, a denim skirt, and a white tank top. It gave Fang Yin the impression the girl had a feeling for fashion. In the circle of Garou listening to the song Fang Yin noticed a young girl she had met before her pack's journey to Paris. She recognized the girl as the young servant of Ciran, who had brought her tea, while she had been waiting for Yumiko. The girl wore her long black hair in a fashion that was only used by students of Kailindo, as far as she knew. She seemed very young for a Garou allowed to wear her hair like that, though. The girl met her glance, and gave her a kind smile. Fang Yin smiled back, and nodded. She would have to talk to both women in a moment. It felt good to be back in Japan. It was so nice to meet new friends, instead of fighting dangerous foes.

Chiaki Hasekura took a deep breath after finishing her song. The cool morning air, and Aiko Rin's smile, filled her with joy. She loved singing, especially when her packmates or other listeners appreciated her talent. Aiko Rin had actually hung at her lips, clapping her hands rythmically, while she sang. That had felt very rewarding. Chiaki was Talesinger of the Peaceful voice of Zypher sept. Her auspice was Gaillard, and she knew all about the history and lore of her pack and sept. Aiko Rin Fuse had joined her pack only yesterday. Their packleader, Ryota Higoshi, had asked Chiaki to teach the girl all she needed to know about the Cherry Blossom Shrine Pack. Aiko Rin was still a young girl, but she was already reknown for her skills in the Garou martial art of Kailindo. The young Ahroun would be a welcome addition to her pack. "Thank you for your song, miss Chiaki. It explained to me the history of the Cherry Blossom Shrine and the reason why our pack is named after it. It was wonderful hearing you sing about the struggles and adventures of Stargazer heroes, like Aki Floating Leaf, that used to be part of the Cherry Blossom Shrine Pack.", Aiko Rin said. "Well, if you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask me.", she answered the girl.

"That was some great singing, Gaillard. May I ask your name?" Chiaki turned to the woman with the white streak in her hair, and smiled respectfully. "You are too kind. My singing is poor. My name is Chiaki Hasekura, member of the Cherry Blossom Shrine pack.", Chiaki answered, while making a short bow. The woman bowed her head in return, and introduced herself. "My name is Fang Yin Li, leader of the Silver Lotus Pack. These are my packmates, Shinobu Tanaka, Miyoko Watanabe, and Daniella Black." Chiaki shook the hands of the three women that had joined her and the first woman. Shinobu was about her age, had long black hair, and a little scar under her left eye. She wore a brownish Cardigan, and what seemed like a red scaled necklace. Miyoko was probably just in her twenties. The chain of Vampire-teeth around her neck revealed her allegiance to the Demon Eater camp. She seemed shy for a woman who hunted down vampires, but maybe that was just her first impression. The third woman was Caucasian, and didn't speak Japanese. She clearly was no Stargazer. "And who is the girl behind you?", Fang Yin asked her. Chiaki's surprised look changed into a happy smile, and she put an arm around Aiko Rin. "This is Aiko Rin Fuse, my packmate. She only recently joined our pack, but she is a quick learner." Fang Yin shook the hand of Aiko Rin, and the girl gave her a polite bow in return. "I have met you before, miss Fang Yin. How was your stay in Paris?" Fang Yin exchanged glances with Shinobu and Miyoko. Chiaki noticed bitterness in their glances, as if Aiko Rin's question had reminded them of a collective pain and suffering they shared. The woman with the white streak turned her attention back to Aiko Rin and her, and seemed to force a smile. "Well, we accomplished the goal of our journey there. But we lost our beloved packleader and friend. Let's just say we are happy to be back here in Japan." Aiko Rin was staring at the caucasian woman called Daniella as if she was a famous popstar. "May I ask what tribe you are from, miss Daniella? You surely are not Stargazer, I presume?", the young girl asked. "Daniella is a Black Furie. She helped us tremendously in Paris, and we invited her to join our pack. She chose to accept and come with us to Japan.", Fang Yin answered for her. Daniella only smiled at Aiko Rin, clearly having trouble forming a simple Japanese sentence.

Chiaki turned her attention to Ryota Higoshi. The grey haired Theurge, Keeper of the Land of the Peaceful voice of Zypher sept, was crossing the main square, coming straight towards them. He seemed to be in a hurry. Maybe he had some news about their packmate Arjuna. The Silent Strider had been send to China with an assignment, and they had not heard from him the past few days. When Ryota joined the group, she introduced him to her new friends. "Boss, meet Fang Yin, leader of the Silver Lotus Pack...Fang Yin, meet Ryota, leader of the Cherry Blossom Shrine Pack!" The grey haired Theurge first shook the hand of the woman with the white streak, and nodded politely to the other members of Silver Lotus. When the courtesies had been exchanged, Ryota turned to her and Aiko Rin. "You two need to get your things ready. Arjuna just called me from China, and he needs our help there. We will leave for Shanghai early tomorrow morning!" Chiaki's eyes widened and she felt her heart beating faster. Unconciously her hands grabbed Ryota's sweater. "What happened to Arjuna? Has he been hurt in any way?" Her packleader shook his head, and lay his hands gently on her's. "He is fine. But he seems to have stumbled upon something big. Don't worry, Chiaki." She noticed the eyes of the other Garou, and quickly released her grib of the older man's sweater.

Then she suddenly felt Fang Yin's hand on her shoulder. "If you don't mind, I would like to travel with you to China. I am from China originally, and have lived in Shanghai before. It visit to my country would do me good, and I could use the time there to serve as your guide, and get to know you all better." Everyone was silent for a moment. Chiaki smiled, and nodded toward Ryota who was glancing at her and Aiko Rin. "Well, if Chiaki and Aiko Rin are both ok with your company, I am too. Chiaki, will you please take care of booking the planetickets? I have to speak with Master Ciran before we leave." Chiaki nodded, and released a happy roar of joy, only a Gaillard could utter. "Yes boss, let me take care of the tickets and other arrangements!", she said and turned to Fang Yin. The woman with the white streak was adressing her packmembers. "Miyoko, I guess I won't be joining the three of you on your trip to Tokyo. I hope you don't mind?" The Vampirehunter shook her head, exchanging glances with Shinobu and Daniella. "It's ok. As you know I am from Tokyo, and I just plan to look up my old friends and relax. And Shinobu, Daniella and I are gonna see the sights and shop, so we will be alright!" Shinobu nodded towards Fang Yin. "Don't mind us. Just go with them to Shanghai. You deserve a vacation too, after what we witnessed in Paris." "Well, then it's all settled and agreed upon. Let me help you with the arrangements, Chiaki.", Fang Yin said, while turning to her. After saying goodbye the group split up, and Chiaki led Fang Yin and Aiko Rin to their quarters in the Cherry Blossom village.

Takashi Osamu frowned as he reread the coded email he had just received. When he had finished, he glanced across the screen of his laptop at the woman sitting opposite him. Kimiko Hinaru grinned as she closed her own laptop. Takashi had been working with her for years, but he could never get used to the snow white colour of her portable computer. Not just her laptop, but also her skirt-suit was white. Not many businesspeople wore white in Japan, since it represented death. It made a big contrast with her silver-black hair, and the little orange-and-black Pentex brouche she wore on her chest. She was in many ways different from other Executives.

Kimiko was Akuma, a Kuei-jin that had sworn fealty to the Yama Kings. She had saved him once, when he had been on the brink of commiting suicide. Mismanagement and corruption had brought his company near bankruptcy, and he had felt responsible. Kimiko had offered to help him regain his power and the admiration and respect of his competitors. In exchange he had to supply her with blood to provide her with enough chi to sustain herself. Within a year his company had risen from the ashes, leaving the competition far behind. Takashi became chairman of the Board of Directors, and he was named Japanese businessman of the year. Not long after Kimiko suggested to sell his company to the Pentex Corporation, who was looking to gain more ground in the Japanese capital. Pentex offered him the post of Executive Director, and he nominated Kimiko as Boardmember in charge of the intelligence network and special operations. He valued their mutual cooperation and trust, altough he realized she was serving masters that knew no mercy or compassion. The Yama Kings were nothing more than an Asian manifestation of the evil Wyrm. But he only cared about his power and the admiration he got from the competition. He too would gladly serve the Yama Kings, or the Wyrm, if that's what it took to keep the status quo.

"This email is from the Executive Director of the Pentex Board of Directors in London. He has temporarily been put in charge of rebuilding Pentex's headquarters in Paris, and cleaning up the mess. Should we accept this request of his, Kimiko?" The woman in white stroke with a hand through her long hair, and met his glance. "The Yama Kings contacted me two days ago, predicting I would receive a request for help from our Pentex allies in Europe. Chivalrous bunch, these Stargazer Garou... I would advise you, that we accept the request, and hunt down the Silver Lotus Pack. Refusing is not an option here.", she answered him. He knew all to well what she meant with her last sentence. If the two of them would not hunt down the Stargazers, the Yama Kings would replace them with someone who would. He shivered at the thought. "Good. We will hunt down the pack. Will you send out a First Team?" Kimiko shook her head, and reached for her mobile phone. "I would not send a First Team just yet. The Paris Board had three Teams at their disposal, and the Stargazers somehow managed to ambush and trap them all. I would choose a careful approach in this matter. Let me contact the Fangs of Ananasa. They will hunt them down for us, and we would not be involving our own resources. That way we answer the request, and won't take any risk." Takashi nodded thoughtfully. Kimiko was a brilliant tactician. She sometimes reminded him of a feodal Lord in ancient Japan. She rather use a ninja clan to solve a problem, then send her own samurai army, and put them at risk. Moreover the Fangs of Ananasa had a record of being extremely effective in removing obstacles for the Corporation, whether those were Gaia or Wyrm. "I concur, and will leave it to you to arrange it.", he said finally. Kimiko nodded, giving him a satisfied smile, and started making her phonecall. "You will have to excuse me now, since I have an appointment in Shinjuku with Goro Shobo.", Takashi said. He rose and put his laptop in his suitcase. Then he left the boardroom and Kimiko behind him.