Himuka Clan

The Himuka Clan (日向の一族, Himuka no Ichizoku) are a mystical race in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4. They are easily recognized by the large bird-like wings protruding from their backs. Members of the clan worship Suzaku as their guardian deity.

Himuka Clan members represent the sun in Nakatsu Kuni's ancient lore. They are one of three ancient clans who once dominated the land, the others being the Tsukiyomi Clan and the Star Clan. Since they aren't mentioned in later records or legends within the parallel world, it can be assumed that they faded out of existence or were eventually forgotten.

Their namesake originates from Chikushi-no-Himuka-no-Tachibana-no-Odo-no-Ahakihara (筑紫日向橘小門阿波岐原) or Tachibana-no-Odo-no-Ahakihara (橘の小戸の檍原), a mysterious and rarely mentioned place within Japanese mythology. It's the location where Izanagi cleansed his body after his escape from Yomi-no-Kuni and the birthplace for several gods, including the Mihashira-no-Uzunomiko. The modern day location for the cleansing ritual is argued to be Awakigaharacho Miyazaki in Kyushu.

Role in Game
The Himuka Clan are from the western islands of Nakatsu Kuni, specifically Aso and Takachiho. They have wings because they were blessed by Suzaku. Humans became jealous of them and this jealousy turned into ignorance, anger, and hatred over time. People often blame the Himuka Clan for any problems that happen in their homes. Those who support the Himuka Clan are often treated badly or even killed by angry locals. Despite this prejudice, the winged natives try to live peacefully with their neighbors.

Seven years before the main story takes place, the Raja of Tokoyo no Kuni came to the Queen of Nakatsu Kuni to eradicate the "Bloodied Serpent" within him. Once he learned that the Queen lacked contact with the dragon god, the Queen postulated that the Himuka Clan's divine blood in Takachiho could possibly be enough to suffice for an exorcism. It would kill two birds with one stone: she could rid of the Himuka Clan in the west and please her people while offering possible compensation to dispel the "Bloodied Serpent" within him. Desperate and pressed for time, Surya accepted her offer and led his army to massacre the Himuka Clan within Takachiho. Iwanagahime was ordered to assist.

Unfortunately the Queen was grossly misinformed about the Himuka Clan's divinity, and the army only succeeded in slaughtering innocent people. It's also implied that the Queen actually knew the truth but allowed the massacre as a pretense to drive both the Raja and the Himuka Clan away from her lands.

After the massacre, the survivors scattered across the country to live in peace. However, those who stayed in Takachiho had no choice but to turn to banditry in order to survive. They sought refuge in the mountains and started robbing travelers. They primarily remain to protect Suzaku's resting place.

Powers and Other Traits
Members of the Himuka Clan are born with wings. Each person's wings are different from one another, just like snowflakes. The wings have their own special colors, markings, shape, and length. Himuka Clan members get especially upset when others compare their feathers to those of regular birds because they don't molt easily. They can distinguish their feathers by their texture, length, and weight. However, their wings are delicate like birds' wings and any injuries to them may not fully heal.

Aside from their large wings, they share the same physical constitution as humans. While it would be an unimaginably painful experience for them, members of the Himuka Clan can have their wings completely cut off if they wish to gain acceptance. However, they are too attached to their heritage to do so. Because they tend to be mischievous and carefree, the winged people prefer to live their lives freely, enjoying whatever they want, instead of worrying about what others think of them.

Their ties to Suzaku allows them to have close relations with birds, and they can fluently speak with them through songs and whistles. Every member in the Himuka Clan can command three-legged crows at whim and consider them valuable pets. If needed, they can accurately translate their pets' caws with ease. By relying on the crows and their observations from the air, the Himuka Clan have unmatched reconnaissance and can easily use the high viewpoints to their advantage.

The Himuka Clan usually fly alone in the sky. But when they fly together, they rely on their own abilities. If two members fly close to each other, it means they are a couple and beloved mates. If a male wants to prove his love for his mate, he carries him/her during flight as a representation of the trust he has in them. Though they don't particularly stage competitions with one another for mates, the highest flier of a group is often regarded as the strongest figure of a community.