In ancient times, the Jade Emperor called for a race of the animals to determine the order of the Shengxiao, or the Chinese Zodiac.

Only 12 animals were allowed to win.

All the animals lined up at the starting line and used their skills. Despite several distractions and obstacles, 12 animals finally made it across the finish line.

The order of the winners were Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

But you probably didn’t know that the animals still exist today. In special sects that divide them up and separate them, in modern day, they are human males with shape shifting powers.

Those in the Rat Sect turn into rats, those in the Ox Sect transform into oxen and so on and on...

But their abilities are changing. It’s becoming harder and harder to change back into a human. The 12 leaders called a meeting with the reincarnation of the Jade Emperor to ask him what was happening.

After explaining their stories, they waited for a response from him. He raised his hand to his chin and pondered, stretching out the time of waiting for them.

“It would seem that there is a problem.” Seonwoong said, “According to what you have told me, it sounds like the animals within you are trying to take over and consume your bodies to enter the real world once more.”

“What does that mean?” The Snake asked, desperate to learn more about his words.

“This means that unless you find your mates, if you keep using your powers. Eventually, you won’t be able to turn back into a human.” Seonwoong said sternly.

“How will be able to know they are our mates?” The Rooster asked, practicality was always his first priority.

“You will know. You will have to uncanny urge to always want to see them, to talk to them, and you’ll burn inside to want to take them. They will also feel the same pull to want to see you. They will make excuses just to see you, even if the excuse is nothing at all.” Seonwoong explained.

“Okay, so whoever finds their mate first, will be the top sect?” The Monkey asked, always a competitive one.

“Maybe. I’ll think about it. For now, I think all of you should concentrate on not staying in an animal’s body forever.” Seonwoong advised, “You’re dismissed.”

And the meeting came to an end. The 12 human shape shifters now had a deadline to find who they needed to.

Author's Note:
Same prologue. It will be the same throughout the series~
In case there's some newbies and stuff~ :3 lol.