AN: This is a series of drabbles, because Kiku wanted attention but couldn't make up his mind. I couldn't say no. He's just too adorable.
Kagome breathed deeply, one of her hands on Goshinboku as she took a moment to enjoy the night. The wild scents of an untamed land flooded her nose, making her smile even as she kept her eyes closed. All around her were the distinctive sounds of life stirring and continuing; of hope and struggle…of triumphant and death. Her fingers twitched on the familiar bark as she finally let her lids slide back to take in the view.
She'd been granted immortality with her reabsorption of the Jewel of Four Souls and had lived in the Warring States Era for nearly ten years now. Still, she never got tired of how vibrant her homeland was. Perhaps it was because her birth era was so stifled and industrialized that she had such an unrelenting appreciation for this one. During moments of peace, when she could snatch time for herself and just take everything in, Kagome's heart felt full-to-bursting with pride and love for her homeland.
"Nihon is so beautiful at night," she breathed, bringing her free hand up to gently rub Kirara's head when the cat agreed.
"Thank you," a kind voice replied behind her.
Stiffening, Kagome whirled around, nocking her bow as she did. Behind her stood a teenage looking male dressed in simple but well made clothes. The moonlight hit him just right, allowing her to see short dark hair feathered around his face and amber eyes gleaming with curiosity. He was of average height, but the katana at his waist and the muscles under his haori warned against underestimating him. Kagome swallowed at his unearthly attractiveness and how her power practically exploded in greeting.
The boy blinked before a blush dusted his cheeks. "I didn't think to find you more fascinating in person, Lady Kagome."
Without her consent, her arms had slackened their hold on her bow. Her mind screamed to resume her defensive stance, but the boy was weathering her purity as if entranced. Reaching out, he hesitantly touched one of the tendrils of power swirling between them. As he did, his power rose to acknowledge hers, sending hot shivers down her back.
"W-who are you?" she stuttered, feeling fifteen again in the face of such power.
Something about him called to her, as if she somehow knew him. Her question made him meet her eyes again and smile.
"You were just speaking of me," he replied before executing a perfect, formal bow. "I am the embodiment of Nihon."
For a moment, Kagome's thought processes screeched to a halt. Her jaw fell and she felt herself gaping rather stupidly at the male. What in the world was he talking about? Recovering, she sent out her powers again to test him. His lids fell to half-mast as a predatory light sparked in his eyes. Stepping forward, he pushed into her power until he was directly in front of her.
"I felt you as soon as you appeared in this time," he whispered, studying her. "You saved me-have seen the best and the worst that I am and still your heart is filled with such devotion. I've never witnessed anything like it in any of my citizens."
Kagome sucked in a breath as he used his power to push hers back steadily. It wasn't an attack. Instead, when he had the bulk of her power hovering just over her skin, he let the two powers mingle. She nearly groaned as it felt like every part of her lit up with belonging and exhilaration. He was telling the truth.
Immediately, she fell to her knees and pressed her head to the back of her hands. "Lord Nihon, forgive me," she entreated as Kirara scampered up the Goshinboku.
Surprise took her when he dropped to one knee in front of her. One of his hands touched the back of her head lightly.
"Don't, Lady Kagome," he beseeched. "As I said: you saved me. Naraku was well on his way to destroying all that I am."
Hesitantly, Kagome sat up and raised her gaze. Nihon's sharp hunter-eyes were gone. A soft look tinged them now, making them look like sunlight through honey. The intensity of it made heat flood her cheeks.
"I'm sorry we couldn't stop him before he'd managed his destruction," she told him.
"I have grown because of it, so there was some good. But, I had expected the Jewel to take you when you had completed your task." His eyes flickered with displeasure. "I found myself disliking having to wait for you."
That made her brows furrow. "Why?"
The glint of fangs that flashed shouldn't have caught her off-guard. If he was the embodiment of Japan, right now the land was filled with demons and humans and magic.
"Because you care so much for me," he stated simply. "I don't understand."
Kagome's fingers twitched at the confusion in his face. She supposed that humans wouldn't feel such deep and abiding loyalty to their homelands until they became more united. Now, they were scattered into small villages-subjects to the elements and knowing little of each other besides what the shoguns allowed.
That would change, she knew. In time, all Nihon's citizens would adore him. He would be one of the great powers of the world.
Smiling, she licked her lips and tried to put into words her feelings. It was a bit difficult as the spirit of her country was entirely too handsome.
"Why wouldn't I? I've lived so much here-more than most would ever live if they had a hundred years," she said. "I've found love and heartbreak and bonds that transcend death. My life has been an abundance of marvels and Nihon has provided it. Why shouldn't I feel pride to be a citizen of such a generous provider? Why shouldn't I love the wonders around me?"
Amber eyes sharpened again as they assessed her. "All my monks and priestesses have a high connection with me, but yours is nearly tangible. The Jewel gave you a great burden, Lady Kagome. Even my demons cannot claim immortality."
Flinching at the reminder, Kagome looked at her hands, fiddling with the material on her legs. The joy that she'd been feeling fled in the face of the solitary existence waiting for her. The time would come that she'd bury each of her friends. Even Inuyasha. Even Shippo and Sesshomaru. She'd outlive all of them. It made her heart twist in on itself.
"I know," she said on a breath.
"I can," he replied, causing her to jerk her attention back to him.
His lips pulled up again and he tipped his head to the side. "Even should my empire fall, I will live on in memories. History will sustain me so that my spirit never falters. As I have survived the past two thousand years and continue until even your birth time, I do not think that it is something I will soon face."
Understanding, Kagome brightened, her shoulders rolling back as she sat forward. "You mean, I won't be alone? You'll-you'll be my friend?"
Chuckling quietly, Nihon inclined his head. "If you like. Though, I can't say that I have much experience with it. China irritates me with his pushiness and I'm not close to the others, either."
Amused, Kagome covered her mouth. "Oh! Yes, you aren't right now, are you? History has you giving the world the cold shoulder for the next couple of centuries."
"The era of demons and true magic is fading," he admitted. "I will need time to make the transition."
Rolling to his feet, he offered his hand to her. Brows up, Kagome didn't hesitate to place her smaller one in his. Nihon gently pulled her up, their skin almost sparking where it touched. Kagome's spiritual power unfurled almost bashfully this time, spreading out a small tendril toward the spirit before she'd thought. He smiled and let his power surround hers almost playfully, making hers brighten in happiness.
"I doubt any of my citizens will ever surpass you in power, Lady Kagome," he informed her. "Not now. The more spiritual power you have, the more connected you are to me."
Realizing what he meant, Kagome blushed-especially when she noted that he hadn't released her hand.
"So, uh, I should just call you 'Nihon?' " she asked in an effort to change the subject.
Confusion flickered across his face. "Of course. That is who I am."
He blinked when she shifted her fingers and then released her with a deep blush and a stuttered apology. It was so adorable, Kagome had to forcibly restrain herself from squealing and wrapping him in a tight hug.
Instead, she settled for giving him a radiant smile. "Well then, Lord Nihon, I am so very glad to meet you."
Nihon put his hands behind his back, relaxing into a more natural stance. "So am I," he admitted.
Next chapter:Kiku in hiding