The Universe of Four Gods

Suzaku, Red Bird of the South (Summer)

Suzaku is the Southern part of the quadrant, and one which is represented by a Bird (though in the story, Suzaku does hint at having properties of the legendary Phoenix which is known to die in its own flames and be reborn anew). Because of its association with the heat and fiery temperatures of summer, Suzaku is usually red in color, and may contribute to some people's conclusion that Suzaku is more like the phoenix than an ordinary bird. Red also has connotations of being a color associated with romance and love, and in the series it is from love that Suzaku draws his strength. Suzaku has a multicolored plume like a peacock's, and is meant to emphasize its rarity and beauty, as well as its virtue as a guardian deity. The seven "seishuku" that make up Suzaku are: Tamahome (ogre), Hotohori (star), Chichiri (well), Nuriko (willow), Chiriko (net), Tasuki (wings), and Mitsukake (sadness).

Suzaku

Suzaku protects the southern country of Konan, in what appears to be ancient China. In times of war and despair, the people turn to their god for help.

The only way the devotees of Suzaku can summon himáfor divine intervention is through his priestess, Suzaku no Miko. When summoned, Suzaku grants his miko three wishes. The people of Konan rely on their miko to protect their country with those wishes.

However, Suzaku no Miko is not a resident of Konan or any other region in this ancient Chinese world. She is from another world, and they must wait for her to appear. So a special book was written, one with magical powers, that would envelope her in Suzaku's light upon the opening of the book. Thus, she becomes transported to Konan and becomes a character in the book, the story written as she interacts within it.

However, Suzaku will not appear to his Miko at her bidding and requires her to do something for him first.

Suzaku rules over the southern quadrant of the sky. This region has seven star constellations, each with its own protector, or Seishi. Those seven seishi must be gathered together in order for Suzaku to be summoned. á

The problem is that the miko doesn't know where they are and must search for them. áShe is given a general direction and one clue: A Suzaku no Seishi will have a red character on his or her body corresponding to the constellation with which they are associated. Each one found becomes her guide and protector.