Fushigi Yugi, The Mysterious Play - By Yuu Watase
Some more japanese manga. For an explanation on manga, read the beginning of the Fruits Basket review.
Miaka is a junior-high student who lives in Tokyo with her best friend Yui. It is not long til their school entrance exams and one day, Miaka and Yui go to the library for a quiet place to study.
They accidently wander into the restricted library room and find a book called the Universe of the Four Gods. Little did they know it was magic when they started reading.
They are both suddenly transported into a fictional world of ancient China. They are nearly kidnapped but are saved by a dashing miser called Tamahome, but they are transported back home.
Miaka is eager to meet Tamahome again and goes back into the book on her own. She finds Tamahome but is kidnapped. Miaka then meets at the palace, Emperor Hotohori and she is suddenly turned upside down.
Hotohori asks her to be the Priestess of Suzaku. He explains all about it. In Chinese beliefs, there are 4 gods and Suzaku is god of the south. Each holds 7 constellations which are celestial warriors. Tamahome and Hotohori are 2 of them and all of these warriors have to protect the priestess in order to summon the god Suzaku. This gives the priestess 3 wishes.
Miaka takes this position and embarks on an amazing journey to find the other Suzaku celestial warriors, in a fictional world.
Yuu Watase's amazing drawing skills brings the story to life. Filled with comedy and romance, this is a heart touching tale, recommended for teenage girls. It is an 18 volume series in which all books have been published.
Fushigi Yugi has been very successful manga. An anime series was made and even character songs and merchandise have been made.
