Volume 8 - Higanbana: Chapter 50 – Uesugi Rei in Danger
Despite it being July, the wind howled relentlessly, accompanied by a downpour from the darkened skies
1. The weather was so tempestuous that walking might have been a more preferable mode of travel than flying. Up in the air, one could truly experience the ferocious gales and torrential rain.
Lily, seated on her summoned bird, was completely soaked, her long hair billowing wildly in the relentless wind and rain. Behind her, Ayaka, Shimizu, Shiu, and Mizue clung on tightly, their strength tested against the gusts that threatened to sweep them away.
In the midst of the storm, Ayaka’s partially translucent Divine Raiments clung to her form even more closely, and the subtle cherry-red nipple on her chest could faintly be seen.
“Sister Ayaka, how are you holding up?” Lily inquired, glancing back at Ayaka.
“I’m alright, Lily,” Ayaka replied, unconsciously shielding her chest with her arm.
Noticing Ayaka’s subconscious action, Lily reached into her mirror space and produced a hip-length jacket, offering it to Ayaka.
“Lily…” Ayaka’s heart softened at the kind gesture.
“Lily, look!” Shimizu exclaimed, pointing towards the distance where a flock of peculiar birds darted through the electrified sky.
However, despite their curiosity, the birds were merely spirit jade beasts, not posing a significant threat. Lily and her companions swiftly flew past, opting not to approach them.
Knowing that there were no formidable powerhouses or entities that could endanger them along this flight path, except for the possibility of Shuten Doji himself, Lily decided to take a detour on their way to Suno. They would travel via the south of Settsu Road, then through Harima and Mimasaka. Although it wasn’t the shortest route and avoided Tanba, it provided additional security. Even if Yoritomo alerted Shuten Doji, it would be challenging to locate and intercept them.
……
Rain cascaded from the eaves of the Mita Temple, creating a watery curtain. The Tsunaga Sisters sought refuge in the temple, their gazes fixated on the falling rain.
“What do we do now?” Kasuga asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
“Lily mentioned that if we manage to escape safely, we can find her in Suno. Perhaps… from this point onward, Suno is the only place of safety,” Airi responded
“The Settsu Road is currently under the control of Shuten Doji, but we can consider taking the river route. We’ll travel through the waters, passing through Bizen and Mimasaka before reaching Suno. It might involve some detours, but it will be a safer journey,” Shizuru suggested. “My Taira clan can provide sturdy iron battleships that are impervious to any sea demons.”
During this era, the Taira navy reigned supreme, unrivaled by any other.
“That sounds wonderful. I also need to find Miss Shimizu,” Shimadzu added.
Ijuin, still gazing at the pouring rain and mist, stood up and said, “I plan to return to my territory in Ijuin. I will gather troops and await Miss Lily’s call. We will raise the banners of rebellion, freeing the Ijuin clan from the clutches of this oppressive court!”
“Eh?” Shizuru expressed surprise. “But do you think Lily will take such action?”
“Lily and the Lord Chief Advisor are the greatest adversaries of the Imperial Court. She has no choice but to confront them. In this dark and chaotic world, only Miss Lily possesses the influence and power to rival Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Cloistered Emperor,” Ijuin explained.
“But why not the Chief Advisor?” Airi inquired.
“Don’t you understand? The Chief Advisor is undoubtedly strong, but she has always fought alone. On the other hand, Lily can rally the support of Sugawara no Michizane, Taira no Masakado, and even legendary figures like Shizuka Gozen, Tomoe Gozen, and the Raccoon God. She possesses the remarkable ability to bring people together and the unwavering spirit to fight against all odds. She also possesses the righteous heart to enter battle for the sake of even the most ordinary sisters. In the previous battle, she could have easily escaped alongside the Chief Advisor, but she chose to stay behind and protect our retreat. Everyone witnessed this,” Ijuin expressed with emotional fervor.
The others could only nod in agreement, understanding the point being made.
“To raise the banner of rebellion against the Imperial Court…” They had already ventured into the execution grounds to rescue their comrades. However, that act marked a point of no return. Without a resolute will, how could they continue on this path?
At this moment, taking advantage of the chaos in the capital, the demonic hound had successfully rescued Makoto and departed north toward the Yamashiro Province to find refuge.
……
After a day of flying, the group finally arrived in Suno. The journey would have been quicker if not for the relentless rain and strong winds. At last, they found themselves in a safe haven.
Lily couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the exhaustion and challenges they had faced throughout the trip. From their daring venture into Mount Ooe, battles against the Ten Demon Enforcers and Four Fiendish Kings, being captured by Shuten Doji, the rescue by Lady Kimiko, confronting the five hundred thousand demon fox subjugation army, enduring the grueling death training in the Path of Yomi, and the intense Night Parade of One Hundred Demons battle at the execution grounds… It had been an incredibly arduous journey.
Even with her exceptional physicality, Lily felt both physically and mentally drained. As they landed on the back cliff of Suno, they made their way to Lady Kimiko’s hillside house. The group was drenched and fatigued, each finding a spot to lean or lay down, reluctant to move any further.
“Miss Lily! You… you’ve truly returned?” exclaimed Nariaki, the cat demon, as she rushed forward to greet them at the entrance.
“How is Lady Kimiko?” Lily inquired.
“Well… Miss Lily, perhaps it would be best for you to rest first, and then I can take you to her,” Nariaki suggested.
“No need, lead me to her now,” Lily insisted.
She entrusted Shimizu with taking care of Ayaka and followed Nariaki through the rain towards the back mountain, eager to see Lady Kimiko.
Amidst the pouring rain and mist, deep within the mountains, a colossal demon fox lay with its eyes closed, appearing as if it were in a deep slumber. Despite its stillness, an aura of both awe and dread emanated from the creature.
“Lady Kimiko sustained severe wounds. Upon awakening, she was unable to maintain her human form and sought solace in her true form here. The mountain depths, abundant with the potent life force of demon foxes, provide the ideal environment for her recovery. Lady Kimiko stated that if no alternative methods were available, she would need to slumber here for several hundred years to fully heal,” explained Nariaki.
Lily gazed at the majestic fox in the distance, peacefully resting, yet a sense of indescribable emotion stirred within her. “Lady Kimiko suffered such grave injuries because of me… I will find a way to heal her,” Lily resolved. Thoughts of the healing method mentioned by Shizuka Gozen crossed her mind—the Celestial Pure Water created through a celestial maiden’s dance. However, the specifics of the celestial maiden, the dance itself, and the nature of this pure water remained elusive. Even Shizuka Gozen was unaware. Lily lacked a clear direction to pursue.
Nevertheless, she took solace in the fact that Lady Kimiko’s aura had stabilized and was steadily recovering. Lily felt relieved, yet couldn’t help but find her current state of resting amidst the winds and rain somewhat pitiful. “Sakura, stay here and guard Lady Kimiko,” she commanded.
The crimson parasol soared towards the slumbering fox, expanding in size. However, even the renowned Sakura Parasol couldn’t shield Tamamo-no-Mae from the relentless wind and rain. In the misty surroundings, the sight of a grand red parasol standing beside the colossal sleeping fox against the backdrop of the mountains created a captivating spectacle.
Lily lingered for a while beside Kimiko, silently promising, “Lady Kimiko, I will visit you more often.” She held back her tears before making her way back to the house accompanied by Nariaki.
Nariaki prepared tea while speaking, “The ladies can rest first. I will go and prepare hot water for all of you to freshen up.”
Lily inquired, “Where is sister Uesugi?”
“Miss Uesugi is practicing in the backyard and wishes not to be disturbed,” Nariaki informed.
“Ah…” Lily nodded. Despite Rei’s closed-door practice, Lily yearned to speak with her sister after their harrowing life-and-death battle.
“I’ll go see her,” Lily asserted.
“Miss Lily…” Nariaki interjected, “Miss Uesugi’s temperament has been quite volatile lately. She might get angry if we approach her.”
“Bad temper?” Lily found it peculiar. While Rei was indeed proud and arrogant, it wasn’t in her nature to direct anger towards the servants. A sense of worry tinged her thoughts.
She made her way through the front rooms, traversing the corridors until she reached a secluded area towards the back of the house. Despite the foggy and rainy weather, faint sounds reached her ears. Amidst the rain’s rhythm, there were intermittent female moans. Strangely, the voice resembled that of Rei, but it sounded delicate and unfamiliar.
“What is going on?” Perplexed, Lily drew closer and peered through a narrow gap in the window. The room within was dimly lit, shrouded in darkness. Lily’s gaze fell upon Rei, dressed in a disheveled purple-blue yukata, her silver hair in disarray. One bare shoulder was exposed, while a snowy white thigh extended, partially obscured by a bent leg.
Rei’s face flushed with a rosy hue, her eyes clouded, and her moist pink lips exhaled misty breaths into the air. One hand moved erratically across her chest, as if pinching something, while the other remained concealed beneath her skirt.
“Ah, ah…” Rei’s voice continued to tremble.
Lily blushed deeply and swiftly averted her gaze, pressing herself against the wall. It was an incredibly awkward situation, but as a normal young woman, engaging in such activities occasionally was not unheard of. She decided it would be best to pretend she hadn’t witnessed anything and avoid disturbing her sister.
“Huh?” However, before Lily could leave, she sensed tumultuous fluctuations in Uesugi Rei’s soul. The fluctuations were highly erratic, at times vigorous and vibrant, and at other times feeble and unstable like a flickering candle in the wind.
“What’s happening? Is something wrong with sister Uesugi’s health? Is she in danger!?” Lily’s concerns outweighed any sense of embarrassment as she burst through the door.
“Sister Uesugi!” she called out urgently
Robinxen: Uh, maybe, also how did Lily miss all the signs of what is happening here?! Like she’s dealt with this before and she’s not blind!">2.Author’s Note:
Eighth Volume Finished
3! The following chapters will be more tense and exciting! Please support us! More foreshadowing of several following volumes, the great secret of the Heian world shall be revealed!References
Robinxen: Lily you flew too far! That’s Britain not Japan!
Silva: Chapter 886.5 when?
Robinxen: Uh, maybe, also how did Lily miss all the signs of what is happening here?! Like she’s dealt with this before and she’s not blind!
Robinxen: Was it me or did this volume feel like it flew by? Actually, it was only 50 chapters, which I think makes it the shortest volume, and considering we were spamming a chapter per day towards the end there.