"Fate-alia"- Chibi Japan
In Japan's living room, two men sat on the floor, a small square shaped table separates them, and two cups of tea were placed on said table, one cup for the Nation and the other for the Samurai in front of him who just a moment ago had appeared from the Summoning Circle, and not just any samurai, but a character from the Anime series Japan is very familiar with. Fate/Stay Night. Despite Japan showing no expression, inside he is still in shock to meet an Anime Character in the flesh, an extremely rare opportunity that would make any of his citizens most likely go still shock or be in awe(A calmer way in saying "Fan-girling"), especially if they are a fan of the Fate Series.
However, the truth of this samurai being that same samurai from the Fate/Stay Night Series is still under question, Japan can't know for sure if this man is the real deal.
I should probably start asking him questions now, Japan thought as he studied the Samurai, If he is who I think he is and is here for the War, then that means I have been chosen by the Holy Grail just like in the Anime, but then again he could be just some crazy guy who is very serious in playing the role as Assassin as well did he perform that very convincing trick in appearing out of nowhere.
One thing is for certain though, if this man is just some strange guy in cosplay, Japan will first take a picture with him since he is impress over how good the cosplay is before calling the police.
Japan cleared his throat, ready to begin the questioning, for a man of not many expression, he is able to tell if his own citizens is lying to him, to say that this Samurai is one of Japan's is something the Nation knows for certain.
"So then," the Nation began, "You are how you introduced yourself as Assassin, correct?"
The Samurai nodded in answering, "Might I know your true name?" Japan added.
"For my true name, I am unable to say," the Samurai said, "However, if there is a name for me to be called, Sasaki Kojirou would be the closest."
Ah. Japan thought. A fitting response, for in Fate/Stay Night, Assassin never had a true name, because as it is said in the show or in the Manga, or at least in Wikia, Assassin should never have existed, despite records of there being a Sasaki Kojirou, it is only a name that many still doubt to have ever existed, even Japan, a nation himself, can't recall ever meeting Sasaki in person, then again he has met with many Samurai's in the past and some haven't really shared their names to him, so the probability of him coming in contact with Sasaki is possible.
"I take it that you understood my response," Assassin's words brought Japan out of his thoughts, "I had thought that you would ask further but seeing as you didn't, then you know that I am not the true Sasaki Kojirou," Assassin reached for the cup of tea and rested it on one hand, "Then you know that my summoning here should not have happened."
Japan blinked in curiosity over what the indigo hair samurai's own theory in being here, so he asked, "What do you mean?"
"I am of a fictional hero, yet here I am, though I did live once, I am still just a representation of Sasaki Kojirou," the Samurai said, "So it is a surprise to me that I have been summoned, I suppose my technique may have something to do with it."
"And that technique is?" Japan questioned.
The samurai took a sip of the tea before looking back at Japan, "Before I reveal that, I must know what my own Master's name is."
Japan once again studied the Assassin before answering the question, "I am Kiku Honda."
The Samurai looked at Japan briefly before looking back at his cup, "Kiku Honda," the Samurai repeated, "Well then Kiku, in answer to your question, in life I have mastered one technique which is called Tsubame Gaeshi or Concealed Sword: Swallow Reversal."
"And what kind of effect does that technique inflict?" Japan asked.
"I am able to simultaneously slice my opponents from three different angles, there is more to it if you wish to hear," The samurai said, Japan nodded and the Samurai went on to explain his technique as well does he mention his second technique. Japan has to admit that for the Samurai to be a cosplayer then he really has done his homework, after the Servant finishes his explanation of his two techniques, Japan took the time to take a drink from his cup, giving the Assassin class Servant a chance to express something to Japan who he knows to be a samurai as well.
"I admit, for a samurai like you, it is the first I've seen someone wield a katana while wearing that."
Japan looks down to his clothing which was a red and white workout sweater and matching pants before looking back up at Sasaki with a response, "Well this is the first that I have been able to meet a Samurai in a time like this," he of course had a hint of uncertainty of this Servant being the real deal, so far, the Servant is acting and even speaking genuinely enough, but it is far to soon to come to a conclusion that this is the character from the Fate Series.
"By the sound of your tone, you do not truly believe in my skills, do you?" Japan was caught off guard by the question Sasaki asked, "I'll admit, you are a hard one to read," even harder than the previous man he once saw and yet strangely cannot recall who that man was, "But I assure you my skill as a swordsman is true."
Japan looked into the eyes of the Samurai, seeing only calmness and also what seems to be...troubled? Japan overlooked that and instead thought of something that would settle his suspicions once and for all.
"Then perhaps we should test that statement," Japan said, "To see if you really are a swordsman."
The samurai was surprise to hear that from the smaller man, understanding that what Kiku is doing is challenging the Samurai, "Are you certain that you wish to do that," his answer was given when Japan stood up and in hand he has his katana.
"Yes, it matters not to me if you are the Real Sasaki or not, I just wish to confirm something," such as the possibility that this Samurai is just a lunatic that broke into his garden.
The Servant Sasaki was never one to back down from a challenge, especially when it is to test his skills, so it actually made him feel glad to hear that come from his Master, it is a strange thing however, a Master testing his Servant's skill by fighting. Such a thing could possibly never have happened, at least, that's what the Samurai believed since it would make sense, but when the Samurai first saw Kiku when he was summoned, he recognized his stance that belongs to a swordsman, admittedly, he wanted to see his Master's skills himself, and now it seems that he will get that chance.
"I should warn you, I don't go easy," The samurai warned.
"It would be rude to do so anyway," Japan said, his own samurai spirit kicking in, the indigo haired samurai grinned in seeing this side of Japan and stood up as well, his height towering Japan.
"Very well, where shall we dance this night?"
Japan led the samurai back to the backyard where the Servant first appeared, Japancat walked out of the house and sat on the sidelines, waiting for the fight to commence. The two men, Nation and Samurai, were in position ten feet apart from each other, Japan first bowed out of politeness as it is done when a fight is about to begin and the Servant did the same. When they straighten their backs, both men then raised their Katanas, Sasaki's weapon clearly outstretch Japan's but the size difference did not falter Japan's calm exterior.
It was the fall of a green leaf, touching to the dirt ground at the center between the two samurai's, that led Japan to make the first move. Sasaki was already caught off guard by the speed the seemingly human possessed and his surprise only added when their blades made contact, giving Sasaki a hint of his Master's strength. He was only caught off guard however, not backed off, with his feet still firmly placed on the ground, he returned the attack Japan inflicted against his sword with his own, and that made Japan jump back, despite only seeing the black hair man's expressionless face, Sasaki could tell that Japan was impressed from the return blow against his own katana, but its the same with him. Caught off guard, but not backing down.
The two continued to exchange blows against the other's blades, it was clear that neither of them would try to intentionally harm the other, this is only to test the other's own swordplay, and so far, Japan sees Sasaki, the man he is currently in a blade clashing tango, as a legit Samurai, its been quite a while since he felt this exhilarated, feeling a hundred years younger even.
The test was over when Japan backed off, seeing as how Sasaki isn't going to approach him but rather stay where he is to keep his defense in case Japan tries anything, Japan shows that he has seen enough of Sasaki's impressive skills by sheathing his katana, the indigo hair samurai did the same, a small smile took place in being able to fight a decent opponent so early since his summoning despite not being an official match.
"It seems that I have been honored to meet with a true Samurai," Japan said, he bowed out of politeness and also with respect, "I thank you for your time in showing me your skills."
Sasaki bowed back, "And I thank you for the same reason as well."
They both straighten back up with one question Japan has, "Kojirou-san," Japan decided to call him, even if the Servant is not THE Sasaki Kojirou, Japan cannot think of anything else to call him, "Do you think that you can show me that technique you spoke of, the Concealed Sword?"
The samurai looked to his blade, staring at it in thought before looking back in Japan, "With all do respect, I wish to only reveal the technique when I am up against the enemy, our small fight was enjoyable, but it was not an official battle, please understand that I only wish to use that technique against the other Servants, I would not use it on anything else, I've mastered it for the purpose of fighting worthy opponents, and nothing more, as it is the only thing I can call a purpose."
Japan stared at Sasaki as the samurai looked up to the full moon that glowed in white brilliance to the indigo hair man's eyes, while what the samurai had said were true, they were also words to test his own Master, if Kiku wanted it, he could use a Command Seal to force Sasaki in demonstrating his own powers, it would be by this action that Sasaki would get a glimpse of what his Master is truly like.
But to his pleasant surprise, Kiku nodded, "I understand, I shall respect your decision and will believe your words," the shorter man then started walking back to his house, "You have been saying nothing but honesty to me, and believe me that I can tell when my own children are telling me lies."
Sasaki stared curiously at Japan when he said that. Children? Was Kiku a father? That honestly surprised Sasaki since the man looked no older than in his twenties, though just by seeing those eyes of his Master, he might actually be older than how he appears to be.
Sasaki followed Japan back into the living room, the two sat back down next to the small table and enjoyed the rest of the tea that was made for the both of them, occasionally making small talks. As this goes on Japancat cautiously but also out of curiosity approaches the Samurai Servant, the Servant acknowledges the cat and stared at him wide-eyed in seeing that the cat bare resembles to his Master just by the eyes alone, he overcame his surprise and gave the cat a smile, reaching his hand out and petting the feline, Japancat at first flinched at his touch but soon after purred. Japan watches this exchange, knowing how Japancat can be with close contact much like he is, it was quite a surprise to see that Japancat has come to let this new man touch him, Sasaki must be indeed a mysterious but respectable man.
Just as it is shown in the Anime, which means that Japan does in fact have an Anime character sitting in his living room, while Japan would be more excited if he were to meet Goku in place over Sasaki, it's still an honor to talk with an Anime Character from the beautifully animated show.
But that's not the only thing, Japan has come to realize that he has been chosen as Master and is given a Servant for the purpose of fighting in this war, now logically speaking he should be questioning how something from an Anime is suddenly in real life, but for him to ask Sasaki that would mean that he has to reveal the truth of the Samurai's existence in this world, there is also the matter over the Holy Grail, if it is the same Grail as it shows in the Anime then...
Before Japan could think further on what to do right now, the Samurai Servant's words brought Japan out of his thoughts again.
"I have come to see you as someone who is worthy to be call as my Master, as well do I see you as a Samurai, but now I must ask what your true identity is."
Japan blinked, "But I have already told you."
"You have," Sasaki admitted, "But that is not your true name, now is it?" His suspicions of his Master using an alias is proven when he saw the stoic expression broke when Japan's eyes widen.
"I had a feeling that it might be the case," Sasaki said, and that feeling was not exaggerated. From the knowledge he understood as a Servant, Servants are to tell their Masters apart from sight and feeling alone, he did not experience any of this when he first made eye contact with the shorter man, but after that test over his own skills, he suddenly felt this connection to Kiku now, which is strange since a real Servant should be able to do that. But anyway, now that he felt this connection to Kiku, he has a sudden suspicion that the name Kiku told him was not a true name, it might be just intuition though.
The samurai set the cup he held back on the table, "If you would allow this Servant to settle his curiosity, might I know the true name of my Master?"
Japan studied the Samurai Servant, taking his time in thinking if it is a good idea, he wonders if the Servant would even believe him. Finally after pondering over for a bit, which in actuality Japan was simply staring at Sasaki and he doing the same, Japan has come to a conclusion.
If they are to fight in this war together, then they must know as much as possible about each other.
"Very well Kojirou-san, I shall tell you."
Sasaki listened closely, and allow the words his Master said next go through his head.
"I am called Kiku Honda to hide my true identity, and my true identity is that I am the personification of Japan, the island we are currently on now, I am a Nation."
Sasaki simply sat there, eyes widening in taking this information about his Master, of all things Sasaki could have guess who his Master really was, a Nation would never have crossed his mind, but now after thinking back in his first arrival, in meeting the eyes of the shorter man, he sensed this home like aura surrounding him, and now he knows why.
He's looking at his home that is in the form of his Master. It was quite poetic actually.
"I see, that certainly is a surprise," the Samurai Servant admits, "And I see no reason for you to lie, so I shall accept your words as true."
Japan found it surprising to hear the representation of Sasaki believe him, even using the words Japan used from after their small fight, but now he feels a little guilty, for the Samurai Servant now knows Kiku's true identity, Sasaki is still unaware of his own existence in this world, at the realization, Japan frowned.
The sudden ringing from his telephone made Japan jump in his seat, seeing that it was only the phone he relaxed.
"If you would excuse me, Kojirou-san," Japan bowed before standing up to answer the phone, he picked the phone up and pressed it to his ear.
"Moshi Moshi?" Japan said, he then hears the speaker on the other line having a familiar German accent.
"Japan?"
"Ah, good evening Germany-san," Japan said, "How may I help you?"
"Well, if you can relieve this headache I'm having it would be a start," the German grumbled, "But beside that, something happened at my place and I call to ask if something...odd happened at yours."
Japan looks back to the Samurai Servant who is waiting patiently for Kiku before retuning his attention back to the phone, "Would this odd thing be the sudden appearance of my own Servant?"
That caught the Samurai's attention, by the sound of it, it wasn't Japan who summoned him. Very odd indeed. If it was not Japan who summoned the Samurai then who?
Japan listens as Germany sighed, "So you have one too."
"Do you also have a Servant Germany-san?" Japan asked.
"Nein, Italy, Spain and my bruder are the only ones I know who have these Servants, and if you have it, then that would mean that some of the other Nations would have one as well," Germany said, "We all witness their skills in battle, they are outstanding, just seeing it for myself, they could go up against an army, and if the others have them..."
"Then they would most certainly change the balance on the scale in terms of winning this war," Japan said, "Germany-san, at first I wasn't quite sure where I have heard the Holy Grail War from but now I remember, if you wish to know more about it, such as its history, I be happy to come over and explain it."
"Well, that would be helpful, but how is it that you know the history of the Holy Grail War?" Germany asked.
Japan side glanced at the Samurai before looking away, "I rather not talk about it right now, it is something that would be quite...astounding."
"Alright, when you have the time, come over to my place, also, other then acknowledging the Servants, I've been also thinking in asking for your help in this war..."
"Say no more, I have no desire for the wish myself, so I be happy to join forces with you," Japan said.
"Danke, I'll see you soon then," Germany said.
"Hai, good night Germany-san," and with that, Japan ended the call before turning to face the awaiting Samurai Servant.
"You were not the one who summoned me?" Sasaki questioned.
Japan shook his head, "There is a possibility that the Holy Grail summoned you, it is after all the one who chooses the participants and does the Summoning," the Nation grabbed his chin as he frowned, "But there are so many questionable things, and what the Holy Grail has said to us is even more confusing."
After searching through his memories, Japan recalls the Holy Grail War in the series Fate/Stay Night or at least in Fate/Zero that it is a war between Seven Participants and their Seven Servants, these participants were chosen because of their relation with the families who in history were the ones who created the Holy Grail, so if this is going by the rules like in the show, then it wouldn't really matter if any of the Nations were to join the war or not if they are chosen, which only contradicts most of the things the Holy Grail has said, though arguably the Holy Grail has yet to say anything until the three days are up, and those who wish to be a part of the war will come back to that meeting and let the Holy Grail explain everything.
Oh yes, and let's also add the fact that this is all based on a Manga that is published in Japan. In other words, a story. Would England have something to do with this? He is somehow able to perform something that is not of this world, such as opening doors to other dimensions, like the ones where there are polar opposites of the Nations call 2Ps or even the opposite gender versions of them. Only now this is going as far as opening up other worlds that is out of their jurisdiction such as the Fate universe. Japan is starting to consider in calling England and ask him directly.
"There was something else," the Samurai Servant said, "You withheld something because I was in the room, what was it?"
Japan frowned slightly, not sure if he should really tell the Samurai, after all, if Japan was told that he is a character from an Anime show or at least from a comic strip, then he would most certainly be shocked and even scared.
"It sound as if you know something else about me, if it is something crucial, would it not be wiser to tell me?" The samurai suggested.
It was a sudden change of pace for Sasaki to see his Master suddenly making facial expression, well at least it shows him that Japan is not an emotionless character, but other than that, something is definitely in Japan's mind, something so troublesome that the nation in the figure of a man can't seem to look the Servant in the eyes. What was it that is causing Kiku to act so anxious around the Samurai Servant?
Was it the Samurai Servant himself?
"Am I something that has not reached your expectation?"
At this, Japan's eyes widen at Sasaki's question, "No, of course not, I believe that you are strong," Japan said before looking away, "It's just that..."
The Assassin class Servant listens closely as Japan sighed, as if coming to a decision, and finally facing the Samurai.
"There is something I have to show you."
...
Japan led the Samurai Servant to his room and then to the room where he has his collection of Mangas, a place which was big enough to be a Library on its own. The Samurai waits for Japan who was looking for something in particular while also wondering what could it be that Japan wants to show him. His Master returns to him with a book in hand and handed him the item.
"You see Kojirou-san," Japan began, "In this world, you are not just based from a fictional character, you are a fictional character from a series call Fate/Stay Night."
The Japanese Nation watches as the Samurai Servant stares at the cover of the Manga, he opens it and flipped threw its many pages with an unreadable expression. A minute has gone by and surprisingly the Servant made not much of a reaction, even when the Samurai sees the page where he first appears in the Manga he didn't even flinch, only blinked.
"I see," was the Samurai's only response.
"Are...Are you alright?" Japan asked in concern, Sasaki was caught off guard to hear Japan's asking of his own well being, his surprise dulled and it was replace with a smile.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Even though Sasaki said that, Japan isn't really convinced, "It's just that, you don't seem so surprise to find out about this," Japan said.
"I have said it before, haven't I?" Sasaki said, "I am a representation of a fictional character, so finding out the truth of myself in this world doesn't really faze me if I was not real to begin with," Sasaki turned one page to see a familiar lion hearted knight, he grabbed his chin as he looks over the page in thought.
"Though this does make more sense to me now, I had a feeling that I was once summoned before but my memories has been hazy up until now," the Samurai closes the Manga, "After seeing this book I am able to remember everything after my first summoning, it wasn't that hard to remember anyway, considering that I spent all of my time in guarding the gate at the temple."
It's true, in every Fate scenarios, Sasaki is always seen guarding the gate and nowhere else, in the Anime and in the Manga. The Caster Class Servant had broke the rules of the Holy Grail by summoning her own Servant, this being Sasaki, and his only job given since his summoning was to simply stay in one place, this event is ridiculed in the anime show Carnival Phantasm where Sasaki is usually seen as a cut out figure. Given this thought, Japan felt really bad for how Sasaki was treated, but he was also amazed at how the Samurai Servant made no complaints over his dull role, it might have something to do with him coming across Saber.
Japan stared in confusion when the Samurai Servant gave an amused yet sad smile.
"What is it?" Japan asked.
"I've just realized something about myself," Sasaki answered, "I am a figure of a fictional figure, that is how I see myself in the world I was first summoned in, but in this world I am now a fictional figure of a fictional figure," he chuckled lightly, "A fake of a fake, do you not find it amusing?"
Japan was taken aback by Sasaki's statement, a truly sad statement yet the Servant made no intention to have it sound sad, more like he is accepting the facts. While what Sasaki said is true in some ways, Japan didn't want it to leave it like that, especially if its his own citizen saying this.
"I do not believe that is the case," Japan began, "You said it before that you have lived once, just because you are not the real Sasaki Kojirou does not mean that you are not real to begin with, you are a person, a true samurai, summoned with a body and a mind," Japan reached out and grabbed the Manga out of Sasaki's hand, "It is true that you were created as a character for this story, but seeing as you are here, drinking tea and speaking to me, then I cannot see any reason for either of us to still think of you as a fictional character anymore."
No words were spoke back, the only response was a shock expression from the Samurai Servant, such genuine words spoken in such an expressionless tone is strange to Sasaki, but those words were genuine nonetheless, and at this Sasaki smiled, no longer was this a sad smile, but a smile that showed genuine happiness.
"Your words moved me Kiku, have you ever thought of yourself as a poet?" the Samurai jested.
"I do write haikus occasionally," Japan said, "I can show them to you if you would like."
"That would be nice."
And for the rest of the evening, Japan showed the Samurai Servant all his Manga collection. Intentionally leading him away from the "erotic" section, that is until something caught Sasaki's eye and so reached out the Manga in between the two non-erotic mangas, as a result he made witness for the first time Japan's panicked expression. Though Sasaki was confused why Japan is freaking out for what ever reason, he found it entertaining to see the Japanese Nation make such an expression, he's going have quite the fun experience from this one he noted.
Switzerland just took his little sister Liechtenstein out for dinner, though he admits to her that he actually preferred Liechtenstein's homemade meal, his favorite being the sandwich because it taste like sandwich. After they had their dinner, they soon return to their home which is right on the borders of their countries, they entered their large house with Switzerland doing his best to avoid the questions Liechtenstein is asking about the war that will soon come, he did answer to her that he will not be participating in the war, after he gave his answer he saw a glimpse of relief in his sister's eyes, leading him to believe that Liechtenstein was actually worried if her brother is going to war.
Such a silly girl, to worry over Switzerland when he clearly has no interest to be in the war.
After saying goodnight to Liechtenstein, Switzerland went to bed, making a mental note for tomorrow to put up fences that were taller than the ones he currently has around the house, and soon drifted into sleep. Unaware of what is about to happen later in the night.
The Night became Morning, and Switzerland was awake, slowly getting out of bed and listening to the annoying chirping of birds out his window, he exit his bedroom in his pajamas and thought over in what to make for breakfast since it was his turn to make it.
However, just as he passed by Liechtenstein's bedroom, he heard something very odd from the other side of the door.
"Would you like some more tea Mr. Hercules?"
Switzerland flinched, his movements stilled as his mind tries to comprehend what the Swiss had just heard.
Hercules? What was the sleepy Nation doing here-wait a minute. WHAT IS THAT PERVERTED GREEK DOING IN HIS HOUSE, AND IN HIS SISTER'S BEDROOM NONETHELESS?! Switzerland wasted no time in going into his gun cabinet which is right in the hallway he's currently in and took out a shot gun, he ran back to his sister's bedroom and busted through the door.
"Damn it Greece, if you did anything to my sister I-" He stopped, the sight before him left him speechless. His sister is fine thank goodness, Liechtenstein is just pouring in some hot tea to her own cup...
And then pouring it to the second cup, the cup which is right in front of a tall, dark skin, big muscled man, with wild like black hair, wearing a steel plated skirt, and steel bracelets on both of his wrists and on his ankles. The man(which actually to Switzerland seemed more like a monster) is sitting cross legged as he waits for Liechtenstein to finish pouring the tea in his cup.
"Oh, hello Big Brother," Liechtenstein said happily when she finally acknowledge her brother is in her room, she raised her hand to the large man as if introducing him to her brother.
"This is Berserker, my new friend."
Not a second later after Liechtenstein introduced the new man that a sound of a gunshot rung through the entire house.
"Fate-alia" - Chibi Sasaki
