Ishana Mikoto

**Ishana Mikoto**, known throughout the duration of the Zohar War as **Ashura**, was a former member of the Twelve Guardian Devas or the Jūniten.

## History

### Early Years

While Iyō Mikoto was under the influence of Drauga's negative energy, she rose to power among the twelve as their leader and ruled over everything with an oppressive thumb. She was the only one who rebelled against her and ended up being banished to the underworld because of her acts of treason. She was considered a traitor of the heavens, despite being born as a member of the Mikoto Clan. She had originally been stronger than Taishakuten, but the former used underhanded tactics to defeat her. Among a group called the Four Perilous Lords, she commanded an army of demons who did not agree with the ways of Indra. It was said that she changed her name to **Suzuka Gozen** in order to avoid being pursued in the capital, Heian-Kyo. A war between both sides would last for a very long time until she suffered from an illness created by supernatural means during the Yowa Famine and died during the battle with Iyo in 1181 AD.

## Personality

Ashura was a considerate individual despite her tendency for violence. She always stood up for others who could not defend themselves. During her journey throughout early Japan, she liberated most of the nation and helped fight back against the remnants of demons that plagued the land, because she couldn't stand the idea of powerlessness. When her daughter tried to make things right by becoming Indra's right hand, she was heartbroken, knowing that her own daughter had been essentially taken from her. It was not until her final moments that she got the chance to say farewell to her and apologize for being a terrible mother who couldn't be there when she needed it.

## Appearance

Ashura wore a cuirass that consisted of a combination of exposed iron and black lacquered platelets, held together by leather straps and other materials that could ward off attacks from other demons. The purple sun depicted at the center of her cape tassel is a mark carried only by military commanders holding the highest position in all of Japan. It was appropriate for a member of such high social standing like Ashura to have the mantle and decorative cords lavishly colored with precious purple dye. Her gauntlets were fashioned out of thick deerskin then painted with black lacquer. The cloud crest embroidered on these gauntlets give them an added air of solemnity. Her waistguard consisted of six tassets made of black and white painted platelets that were stitched together. The large thigh armor laid on top with it's distinctive dark platelets assures that her lower body is completely protected from harm. On her feet, she wore a pair of greaves made from a combination of metal and black lacquered deerskin that protected the front of her legs. Since her entire attire set has received blessings from humans, her armor is remarkably strong and even without it, she was practically invincible.

## Abilities

**Demon Lord Physiology**: As the second highest evolution among the Demon species, there is practically nothing these individuals cannot achieve. They have enough power to complete annihilate the likes of demons that belong to the Second or Third Circle with ease. They have multiple Anathematic Arts that could be used to a greater extent than what an Angel can perform. Their speed, power, coordination, eir control, durability, healing and other physical factors are practically near the zenith of obtainable power. They can heal from injuries instantly, reform even while reduced to a single drop of blood and easily destroy attacks from lesser beings with their bare hands. They have the highest magic resistance and seithr resistance out of all demons with the exception of Primal Emanations. Predominantly, people who fall into this category were formerly angels or have ties with greater deities and as such, they can not only use Ars Magna to a higher degree than others, but also have incredibly potent Anathematic Arts, such as being able to phase through another person or having the ability to create voids in the physical universe. They are described as a nigh-invincible force that cannot be easily toppled and are among the most cunning members of the First Circle.

## Trivia

Naming
* **Suzuka Gozen** is the name of a famous individual from Japanese mythology. In the folklore, she is a female thief, a celestial maiden (天女), or even a female oni, and her true form, depictions, etc. are varied, but from the Muromachi era onward, the legend was mostly connected to the story of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's oni extermination.