Prologue

Four creatures sat in a large room lit by a few candles; one besides each animal at the four cardinal points of the compass. A large black tortoise stood sentinel; unmoving, a green snake twining around and around it at the Northern point. A dragon blue as the depths of the seas slithered and rolled at the Eastern set, like the snake nearby imbued with a greater sense of grace. A stunning fiery red bird; a phoenix, hovered to the South. When it adjusted its wings, flames seemed to rustle and crackle behind them. And finally, to the West, a tiger, its fur white as the purest snow and its stripes like the darkest night prowled restlessly in circles.

It does no good to be impatient. The tortoise spoke, shifting position slightly to focus its attention on the restless tiger.

And what does that mean? The feline demanded, halting to glare at the calm creature to the North with icy blue eyes. By mortal time, it has been a hundred and ten years since your Priestess came and went! Unbalance will be created!

But, the dragon added, Remember that in their world, it has only been eight years.

Time runs true in the world of our warriors. The fiery phoenix spoke up. And as there is not yet a designated cycle—

Silence! The tortoise cried out, small eyes focused in anger at the creature across from it.

And why should there be silence!? The tiger roared, at the end of its patience. You have no more need! Your country is safe, protected by Genbu no Miko, while mine stands at the brink of civil war and chaos!

Byakko… the tortoise began threatingly. But the tiger cut it off with a deafining roar. It then turned around and began to leave, stopping after a few steps and turning its head to adress the other three.

I call my chosen now. It said, before proceedig to stalk out of the room.

Fushigi Yuugi:

Hoshi no Byakko