The Twelve Kingdoms

A stranger from another world swears fealty to a timid, red-haired outcast.

On the run from an evil kaikyaku, Youko meets up with classmates Yuka and Asano.

Youko uses Keiki's mystical sword; a native woman offers the three work in another town.

Takki, the group's apparent savior, has less-than-innocent plans for Youko and Yuka.

Yuka takes up with the kirin Kourin after believing she is the true chosen one.

Youko is saved by the rat half-beast Rakushun; Yuka is betrayed.

The entertainers help Youko on the ship to En, but it's full of officials looking for her.

King Kou alters Yuka's appearance so she can fight Youko without being recognized.

Youko and Rakushun go see a kaikyaku teacher who can explain more about the world.

King En takes Youko and Rakushun to his palace; Yuka gets a lesson from the kaikyaku teacher.

En's minister explains how he came to choose the King of En to Youko and Rakushun.

Youko doubts her ability to rule after finding out about what happened to the previous queen.

Youko defeats King Kou and reluctantly agrees to take the throne; Keiki restores Yuka to Japan.

Youko receives a history lesson of the world from Rakushun, who explains the importance of her role.

Keiki and Youko travel to Mt Hou for the coronation of the new Kei queen.

Taiki discovers more of the history of the 12 kingdoms, and of his own destiny.

Lady Gyokuyou introduces Keiki to Taiki, and they soon become friends and learn from each other.

Taiki walks among those assembled at the solstice fails in an attempt to search for the true ruler.

Taiki tries to tame one of the most dangerous demons in the 12 kingdoms to be his first demon.

In Japan, Yuka is certain the mysterious young man belongs to the 12 kingdoms.

Enki reveals that King Tai and Taiki are presumed dead after only one year of ruling.

Rakushun and Youko correspond with each other about their progress at school and in the royal court.

The kaikyaku Suzu has lived as a slave to the harsh Lady Riyou for 100 years. After her father, the cruel King of Hou, is executed, Shoukei loses her immortality and is cast out. Youko prepares for her coronation.

The new queen quickly discovers that ruling a kingdom wisely is full of difficulties and pitfalls.

Suzu dreams of Youko welcoming her like a sister; Shoukei's status is learned and she is threatened.

Suzu escapes to Sai, and is made welcome. For her own protection, Shoukei is exiled to Kyou. Youko takes control - but her decisions may not be the best or wisest.

Shoukei is forced to work as a slave in Kyou; Suzu sets out for Kei.

As Youko travels through Kei, learning the realities of the kingdom, Shoukei escapes Kyou, intent on taking the Queen of Kei's place and regaining her own kingdom. Asano sneaks onto the ship carrying Suzu to Kei.

Wise old Enho teaches Youko about the basics of ruling the kingdom. Shoukei is caught and imprisoned for stealing from Queen Kyou. Asano proves himself less than perfectly sane.

Shoukei bribes her way free and she and Rakushun set off to find Youko. Suza, Asano and young orphan Seishuu arrive in Kei and Suzu unknowingly meets Youko under tragic circumstances.

Rakushun explains how the world of the 12 kingdoms works to Shoukei, which starts to change her whole attitude. Asano is tempted to join the mysterious and ruthless Shoukou.

Believing Youko to be responsible for the death of Seishuu, Suzu arms herself and determines to face her. Shoukei heads for Wa Province, not knowing the offer of work and a place to stay for refugees is from the evil Shoukou.

Suzu joins the resistance against Shoukou. Shoukei is unknowingly saved by Youko when she nearly gives herself away. Shoukou tasks Asano with finding Youko, since he knows what she looks like.

Asano brings Shouko to where Youko has been staying, with disastrous results.

Suzu and Shoukei finally connect and find they have the same objectives. Still in disguise and seeking Enho, who has been abducted by Shoukou, Youko meets the two young women and the resistance at an inn.

The fighting begins, with the resistance proving itself tactically brilliant. Shoukou finds himself under siege and in considerable danger.

Shoukou yields to the queen; Asano works to redeem himself; Youko, Suzu and Shoukei finally meet.

Youko reveals her identity to Suzu and Shoukei, and their developing friendship is confirmed.

Queen Kei, having learned much about her world, her kingdom, and most of all her people, takes her rightful place, on the throne and in control. Her first order is to rescind the rule of prostration except on official or formal occasions.

Queen Kei sends a wise messenger to Gekkei, who has been ruling Hou after killing its king but refusing to take the title. Kei and Rakushun follow King En to Mt Shou, where he goes on a mysterious pilgrimage every year.

En starts to tell Kei and Rakushun a story about his early years as king, when Enki was kidnapped to force him to act like a true ruler by Kouya, who he'd met as an orphan child who'd been taken in and raised by a youma.

Showing surprising astuteness and wisdom, En starts to do what is needed at the same time as advancing to Gen Province to rescue Enki. Lady Ribi, En's insider imprisoned with Enki, tries to help him escape.

Trying to escape, Enji finds Atsuyu's father imprisoned and starving - though unable to die as he's an immortal sen-nin - by his own usurping son, and realises that his trust in Atsuyu is misplaced.

Atsuyu reveals his true nature to the court and admits defeat.

Queen Kei has more to think about after hearing the story of King En and Atsuyu.