Event Year: 1995

As Miaka and the three seishi approach Taiitsukun's home on Mount Taikyoku, the controller of the Universe of the Four Gods decides to set them a test by trapping Miaka in a mirror and replacing her with an evil reflection of herself. As her evil duplicate begins causing havoc among the seishi, Miaka realises that she and her reflection must share a connection, and resolves to put a stop to the evil Miaka by taking her own life.

The stress and exhaustion of Miaka's adventures in the book have finally taken the toll, leaving the Priestess of Suzaku feverish and weak. Concerned over her health, Hotohori decides that the three seishi must take her to see Taiitsukun- the controller of the Universe of the Four Gods and the one person who might have the power to send Miaka back to her own world.

The Imperial concubine Nuriko has been revealed to be the third seishi, but as Miaka soon discovers, helping the Priestess of Suzaku is the last thing on Nuriko's mind! As Nuriko continues her campaign to monopolise Tamahome and make Miaka's life hell, Miaka nonetheless decides that she must make friends with the concubine, no matter what it takes. But will even Miaka's open and honest nature be able to win over the selfish and scheming Nuriko?

Having agreed to become the Priestess of Suzaku, Miaka discovers that she must now gather the Stars of Suzaku, seven seishi (celestial warriors) who must be present in order to summon the Beast God Suzaku. Tamahome and Emperor Hotohori are the first two seishi, but five more still need to found, and to that end, Hotohori summons the land's greatest warriors and scholars to the palace. Are the remaining celestial warriors among their number, or will they end up finding the next seishi in an far unlikelier place?