Another cycle comes to an end.
The streets of the Capital are bustling with excitement. The sun is setting and the three Moons of Ryozen, nearly full, are beginning to rise through the mountaintops. Far away, but still in line of sight from everywhere within the walls, the Phoenix Palace glitters slightly, as if to greet the citizens who occasionally stop and interrupt their hectic activities to cast a glance full of anticipation.
The time has almost arrived and the same words are whispered at every turn, with different inflections and variations, but always with the same enthusiasm: “She’s about to wake up”.
Along the steep and almost forgotten paths of the Rim, at the edge of the Realm, the sound of the wheels of builders' carts does not stop even at this late hour. New villages are being opened, for the glory of the Clans and the prosperity of all. Of course, in your heart you know that you are the most worthy and will have no hesitation in pursuing your goals, but it is always joyful to see how everything seems to be reborn, as another cycle comes to an end.
Wherever her light spreads.
Tomorrow will be a busy day for all of you, Clan leaders and their Kin with no exceptions, but you still have some time left to step by the Clanhouse, and see all the aspiring Kin at training. Some of them will be chosen and make you proud, they need to see you before the final nights. Your rivals are there, too.
"Remember how important the Phoenix Palace is to you," explains Old Master Crane. "There will surely be, for some of you, the opportunity to witness the Rotation, and this will be decisive for your Clan. Wherever the light of the Phoenix spreads, you will reap great benefits. Always be ready and neglect no detail, her sleep must not be disturbed until the cycle is complete."
The students are all ears. Elusive Crows, Foxes with delightful manners, agile and strong Monkeys, majestic Tigers and cunning Frogs, everyone has their own specialty at which they excel and can't wait to have a go at it. No matter how many times they have heard these lessons, finally all of their efforts can be recognized and put to good use. Each of them, like you, aspires to the Favor of the Radiant Phoenix above all else. When she awakens, she will observe the state the Realm is in and reward only one of the Clans who have been working hard these days.
Will it be you? Will you earn the prestige you deserve?
With all the tension you've built up, you realize you're going to risk making mistakes. You know that controlling the Kin becomes difficult, especially the new ones, they can be very competitive and uncautious in these decisive moments. You need all your concentration.
Perhaps, you all are part of the dream.
It must be for this reason that, almost without realizing it, you started to move your steps towards the Springs. It is near dawn and dew covers the vegetation, making the glare of the cold light of the ending night even more impressive. In this ancient place, through centuries of history, Clan leaders have always been comfortable meditating, gathering energies and maturing insights that were crucial to their success. Here you feel at home, in harmony with everything on Ryozen. You immerse yourself in the warm, beneficial water of the nearest pond, close your eyes and begin to relax.
Each cycle, the Radiant Phoenix dreams of the greatness of Ryozen and some of her energy is released into the Palace itself. This is what makes it so majestic. It is not just made of stone and wood, but of pure spiritual essence, it is a dream of peace and fortune that has taken shape, to inspire everyone in the same way. Each Clan is equal within the Palace, where they find refuge in times of trouble. Your presence there will be crucial, as the spiritual forces of the Kin will also contribute to its embellishment until the last day. By then, no matter who won or who lost, everyone will join in the great feast of the Awakening and celebrate a new beginning.
Among all the Clans there will always be one that will rise above the others, it is because of this competition that the Realm continues to grow, but the Awakening is not just that for you. Perhaps, you all are part of the dream. There is no other way to explain the deep and joyful connection you feel with the Radiant Phoenix as she stands from the top of the Palace to admire the result of your hard work. You all are one.
Time is running out!
The reflection of the Moons spreads at the foot of the waterfall, you notice they are almost set, your time is running out. Tonight you have gone over the reflections that have always accompanied you in your actions, but you know well that this place will have different effects on the Kin, when they will have the chance to visit it.
You have rested your mind and contemplated the splendor of your world, you feel ready for all that is about to come. Your last stop is the Gates, the entry point to the Realm and also its most carefully guarded place. Ryozen rises among high mountains and fears little adversity, but it is still necessary to remain on guard. It will be from here that you will admire the sunrise and greet your rivals to begin your contention, which will be made up of both fair fights and subterfuge.
Who among you will prevail this time?