It is a mistake to think you are the protagonist.
In fact, it is a mistake to even think there is a protagonist. That would be horrible, wouldn't it? To have an entire world revolve around one person – how self centered. This fact is important to keep this in mind, as you travel this land. Where is this land, you ask? Oh, it is neither here nor there, a changing land with many different individuals whom you will meet on your journey. There is a swords man, a renegade, a sickly young lord, an herb seller, a mediator, a metalcrafter, a covert agent, a merchant, an emperor, and many more. But where should we start? Well, amid this convoluted web of people, why not with some musicians? You will meet them in that bamboo forest beyond those hills, and if you hurry, you'll reach them before dark.
Who am I? Oh, don't mind me. I'm just passing through. You won't find me again after this, as I have too many obligations to have the time to guide you around step by step. There is sake to drink, a business to run, and a certain boy that I'm obliged to take care of. Such a burden – I must have been a saint in another world. Oops, there are no other versions of me in the other worlds, are there? Oh, you are looking confused right now. Don't mind me, don't mind me. It's just the prattling of an old woman.
I'm sure that you'll be able to take care of yourself though, because, despite the many unsavory characters present in this kingdom, there are also many good souls who will help you along your way. I'd just keep out of the doings of the ikimono and their human kagamis, if I were you. Or should I say the humans and their ikimono kagamis?
What are they? Well, ikimomo are creatures not quite animal, and not quite human, very intelligent, but, how should I put it – very unusual. Every once in a while there will be born a kagami – a ikimono and a human who are born with a unique bond, almost like – oh, how should I say it – almost like reflections in a mirror. Oh, whatever, you'll find out soon enough. Just leave them alone, and they'll leave you alone. Most of the time, anyway.
Ahem, that is that. I'll be returning to my own world now, as my business here is finished. As it is said in this kingdom, may your road be smooth, your boat be sturdy, and our hearts warm when we meet again.
Note – Ikimono is literally the word for animal, or living creature in Japanese. Kagami is the word for reflection. If you're familiar with CLAMP, you probably know where this is going, don't you? :D Hope you guys will like this little experiment just as much as I am enjoying writing it.