Introduction

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗x

xxxxxxxx

xxxxxxx

xxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"A soul that is ruined in the bud will frequently return to the springtime of its beginning and its promise-filled childhood, as though it could discover new hopes there and retie the broken threads of life. The shoots grow rapidly and eagerly, but it is only a sham life that will never be a genuine tree." - Hermann Hesse

╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝

There is an untold story of four great beings known as the four symbols. They were Suzaku, the phoenix; Byakko, the white tiger; Genbu, the black tortoise; and Seiryū, the Azure dragon. They were considered to be the first of the daiyōkai—yōkai of immense power. They were revered as Gods, almost, and were said to have each embodied a certain virtue. Suzaku was said to have embodied all that was knowledgeable, a being of great wisdom. Byakko was said to have embodied all that was good in people, a being of friendship and patience. Genbu was said to have embodied all that was tender and warm, a being of endless love. Seiryū was said to have embodied all that was courageous and powerful. Together, they brought a sense of harmony and balance to the world. With balance, however, came a darkness.

Ōryū, the yellow dragon, forgotten by his brethren, shared a deep hatred for them. Where they wanted to create balance in the world, he wanted to rule it. Were they not powerful beasts who deserved to be worshiped as Gods? Overwhelmed by his hatred, and desire to rule, Ōryū waged war with his counterparts, bringing about chaos and destruction. The four were forced to put aside their personal feelings, and fought against Ōryū. The yellow dragon, however, was stronger than his brothers, and overwhelmed them. They were fighting a war that they could not win, and they all knew that. Ōryū took advantage of their hesitation, and eventually, overpowered his brethren. With little hope left, Suzaku was able to devise a plan to seal Ōryū away, however; it would come with a great cost.

Life.

It would cost the four their life, however; they decided it would be best for the world. In order to give it the chance it would need to grow, they could not be a part of it. The four managed to trick Ōryū with a false armistice and the intentions of surrendering. The world grew quiet after, the four no longer a part of this world, and Ōryū sealed beneath a great cherry blossom tree. A temple was erected to keep Ōryū sealed, and to prevent any of his followers from undoing the seal—and for years, priests and priestesses looked after the shrine. They kept it safe, and hidden from the world. In time, the four became just a legend, whispers told to the wind, and eventually, they were forgotten.

Centuries have passed, and the world is plagued by war. Local warlords fight amongst each other, trying to occupy each other's lands, however; a small shrine located in Ezo—present day Hokkaidō—has kept to the old ways. They guard a terrible secret, one that has been discovered by a child of Ōryū. Wishing to bring their father back into the world, he has set to destroying the shrine and releasing Ōryū from his eternal slumber. However, though the four have passed on, their souls have reincarnated into other beings. One soul, Genbu, has reincarnated into the Ezo shrine's priestess. She has lived among the people of Ezo, and cared for the shrine for as long as she can remember, however; even she is not unaware of the dark cloud hanging over her small village.

What about the other three, though? Where do their souls reside, and how do they fit into this?

This is the true story of the origins of the Shikon no Tama.

Would you save my life?
That's all that I need.

As Depicted By Elysian

xxx