The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac represents the twelve months. But they also represent twelve guardians, the twelve heirs of the zodiac bloodline, each with its own special powers, who have watched over the East in secret. The Kirin is the mythical beast which ruled the East. When the one with kirin's blood is born into the world, he will rule over the twelve zodiacs, and they will devote their lives to defend the East.