Fushigi Yuugi

Yuuki Miaka and Hongo Yui were two ordinary junior-high school students preparing to take the juken (high school entrance exam.) One day, while at the National Library in Tokyo, Miaka follows what she thinks is a big red bird into a room that is closed to the public. Yui finds her and there they discover an ancient Chinese novel entitled Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho (translated as either "The Four Gods Heaven and Earth" or "The Universe of the Four Gods.") Yui begins to read aloud from the book and the two discover that the book is actually a magical incantation.

"As the page is turned, the story will become real and begin," Yui reads.

As soon as the line was read, the two were transported into what looked and felt like ancient China... and the story began. The two are separated after being saved by Tamahome, a seemingly kind (but money loving) passer-by. Miaka chases after him, thinking perhaps the lost Yui had been kidnapped by him, but in fact, Yui had been returned to the real world.

While chasing after Tamahome, thinking he might know where Yui is, Miaka discovers she is in the southern country called Konan. While there, she is saved, again, by Tamahome, who then agrees to help her find Yui. However, the two are arrested.

The Konan Emperor, Saihitei, upon finding that Miaka is from another world, asks her to become the Suzaku no Miko (Priestess of Suzaku.) If she can gather seven Seishi, seven people who have been chosen by the god Suzaku to act as her protectors, she can call upon the god to grant her 3 wishes. The Emperor Saihitei asks that she use one of the wishes to save his country from the greedy Emperor of Kutou, who wants to invade Konan.

However, Kutou later finds the Miko for their god, Seiryuu. Yui-chan becomes Seiryuu no Miko, Miaka's enemy, through a cruel set of misunderstandings.

Best friend pitted against best friend, and the beginning of a love between a Miko and one of her Seishi that will be put to the test so many times....