Chapter XI - Momiji

Momiji (紅葉): Momiji is the famous Kijo (鬼女, Oni Woman) from the legend of Momiji. The story is made as a Noh theater in Muromachi period and also as a kabuki play in Meiji era. The legend takes place in Togakushi, Shinano (today; Kinasa in Nagano).

In an Autumn, Taira no Koremochi and his retainers were sent to eliminate a powerful Kijo who resided in Togakushi Mountain by a local shrine.  During the journey, he and his retainers saw a group of noblewomen having a leaf viewing party in the deep forest and one of them came to invite him and his men to join. At the party, they saw an unearthly beautiful princess, named Sarashina. She provided them lots of sake, delicious foods and music. Koremochi asked the Princess for a dance. They danced and enjoyed the leaf viewing without concerning about his original mission. The party went from mid-day to night. Soon all of them were drunk and fell asleep.

As Koremochi slept, he dreamed that the god let him see the true form of Princess Sarashina who was actually a powerful Kijo, named Momiji. Now he remembered his original mission. When he woke up, he found out that he was left alone there, no trace of the party from the day. He then realized what he'd seen before, all were just an illusion that Momiji created. The Princess was standing nearby and staring at him. Suddenly, her eyes grew red and soon transformed into a giant Kijo. They fought each other for few days and nights before Koremochi could slay her with his holy katana which was given by the shrine.

*Extra: Kijo (鬼女) is an oni woman ( female ogre-liked creature) in Japanese legend and folklore. They prefer to reside in rural area, in mountain or in cave and prey on human. In many tales, Kijo used to be human women who are extremely jealous or have corrupted soul. At some point, they transform into "demon" and begin seeking blood and flesh for life instead of human food. They are very powerful and some know witchcraft. They can disguise themselves as human and also create an illusion to trap their prey.

(From WMA-011-紅葉)
Characters: Momiji
Series: Water-well's Moonlight
Colors: Copic markers
Date: 24-08-17
By Hallowie29