Hetalia Feels

Where the Sun Rises (S)

Empty brown eyes studied their surroundings. A simple garden, from what they could tell. Far out in the country, too far to be easily spotted, and sheltered by many trees regardless.

Those blank eyes narrowed, scrutinizing all possible surroundings. It seemed that this would have to do. The owner of the eyes sat down upon a crumbling bench, releasing a heavy sigh.

It was not yet sunrise, Japan noted. Good. Hopefully no one had followed him here, though he wouldn't put it past his fellow nosy nations to do so. As of lately, what with the state of the world and all, they'd all become far too anxious. The bitter taste of mortality rested upon their tongues.

The man nearly scoffed, resorting to crinkling his nose in distaste. They had come so far, desperately stretching their arms as though they might become wings. Now came the stench of defeat that accompanied falling into the chasm they'd so eagerly launched themselves into. Only death awaited them now.

Japan took a moment to consider his situation. Above all else, he valued honor, and deep within his heart knew this was not honorable. He should be out there, fighting until his last breath. In a sick sense, he was. Just not the way everyone wished of him.

And oh, did everyone wish something of him. China wished for him to do something amazing with the freedom he had so desperately fought for. With the freedom he had nearly killed the man who had raised him for. An action he still largely regretted, though it was unavoidable by order of his people.

America wished for him to be more western, and to support him. Japan had already largely failed in that aspect. After all, what kind of friend attacked another so harshly? What kind of person, let alone nation, stared at someone they had once called a friend bleeding and screaming all because of them, and felt no pity? No remorse? Then again, America had done much more to wreak his revenge.

The list went on, but Japan found himself too tired to continue- probably a side effect of age, or just regular fatigue. He could no longer tell.

He often complained of being old- not as old as China, but older than most nonetheless. He was old, and it was finally getting to him. No more playful joking about his back or knees, seeing as it was quite difficult to joke around with a corpse. Japan's body may be young, would always be young, but his soul and mind were old. Too old.

Ah, there it was. The first stages of forgetfulness. He had gone on a mental tangent again, hadn't he? Japan frowned. So this was how it would end. No, this wasn't honorable in the slightest.

The first tentative rays of the sun would soon appear. If he was to die today- and Japan was, he was sure of that- it would have to begin now. Too late, and he'd be discovered by his fellow nations and prevented from dying.

They were just jealous, Japan reminded himself. Jealous of him possessing the ability to die in such a way. No other nation would want to run away like this, he didn't think, but so long as he could die... it was more than what was granted to most. Even if the only method he could use to attain death was something so regrettable.

Slender fingers tightened against the harsh handle of his blade, and Japan braced himself. Taking a deep breath, but not before noting the concerned voices echoing in the distance, he plunged the katana inside. Japan no longer cared about doing this the right way. He was going to die, and he was going to die now. Appearances and honor be damned.

... Scratch that honor part. Honor still mattered.

Japan let loose a sharp gasp, almost a whine, before restraining himself. No human or nation was here to see him now, but he could sense the presence of those he had long forgotten. He must remain honorable, if only for them. The spirits of his land welcomed him, although their joy at finally being recognized once again was so clearly bittersweet.

The dying country softly smiled, feeling what remained of his near immortality fading. Twisting the blade, he accidentally allowed a shout of pain to escape his lips. Japan softly cursed as the anxious voices from before increased tenfold.

Finally, the first rays of sunlight appeared.

Japan allowed the sun to light up his eyes in a way he hadn't permitted in quite some time. Not since before China found him. He felt almost alive. Alive in a way he hadn't ever been before.

He wasn't Japan. He was Honda Kiku, and that was alright with him.

Kiku's blood streamed from his body, pooling on the ground around him. He slowly slumped down, resting his back against the bench as he studied the rising sun. Pride welled up in his chest as he remembered that this was his land, his home. Country or not, he'd been here longer than anyone else. It was a shame, he considered, that he wouldn't live to see the very end.

But that was a matter for another time, Kiku decided as his eyes gently shut.

Another time, he would reflect upon his actions. Another time, he would regret worrying his friends and family so much.

And if not... well... he'd see what he could do about it.

Kiku was dead long before the other nations discovered him.

~~~

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY

IM NOT DEAD
YET
HOPEFULLY I WON'T BE FOR SOME TIME

I'll try and update tomorrow so I can tell you guys how my neurologist appointment went! I'm meeting with one tomorrow, for various reasons.

Bai~