America the Mysterious (United States of America #1.5)

His American Wife (Japan) (Part 1)

"Japan."

What the...

"Has his economy gotten worse Mr. President?" America asked in worry.

The wince said it all. "Unfortunately, yes," he answered. "The people are starting to get restless, and the birth rates are dwindling, but thanks to the recent tsunami, it has not helped. More jobs are being lost and the streets are filling up with homeless people. Japan and his boss are worried that if this continues, there could be a civil war, and I know that civil war is the last thing that Japan needs."

America shivered as she remembered her own Civil War. While she wasn't familiar with Japanese history, she was sure that Japan knew what it felt like to be ripped apart because of inner conflicts, how painful it felt, and how terrifying it felt as you were trapped in a room of darkness for who knows how long until the war is finally over and the original personification comes back.

It was horrible, and America didn't want her children to have to relive that horrible time ever again.

And she surely didn't want that to happen to Japan.

"But why a marriage alliance Mr. President?" she asked. "We could always just trade with them, and at least keep it up until the people can get back on their feet and take it from there."

"That's true," said the President, "however this crisis has presented a multitude of problems besides the economy."

America paused. "Go on," she said.

"I won't lie when I say that these problems have risen because of the economy, but corruption is starting to rise within the higher ranks as a result of this, and other countries are starting to see Japan as an easy target."

"For what?"

"For potential resources."

America stared at her boss, trying to digest what she was just told. Then she sighed.

"How could marrying me be of any use?" she asked.

"You know how our country's population has dwindled drastically these last several years?" the President asked. "Well, thanks to that, our own economy has risen and pollution has dwindled. The Japanese government, specifically the corrupted officials, would want to take advantage of the trade for their own means. However, through a marriage alliance, they will back off thanks to the United States' personification's reputation."

America raised an eyebrow, but stayed silent.

"The Japanese government is aware you are a mother, and how protective you are of your children and your people. You will not hesitate to kill anyone who poses a threat to either of them, and that scares the corrupted officials. Of course, Mr. Honda said that, not me or the Emperor."

America couldn't help but unleash a light snort. Of course Japan would say that.

"Not only that, but Japan would have an ally in the United States against the other countries, and you yourself would gain an ally in Japan later on once they regain their strength."

America nodded, seeing her boss' point. If things continued the way they were now, then the corrupted officials will grow stronger, causing the Emperor to become another puppet ruler, and civil war will inevitably break out. It was not something that America wanted to bear witness to, or even participate in if things escalated.

So, with a sigh, America looked to her boss.

"I'd like to have a chat with Mr. Honda if possible," she said. "Do you think he will be able to make the journey?"

"I can check," said the President, picking up the phone. "Are you saying you are agreeing to this?"

"I wish to hear what Mr. Honda has to say first before I come to that decision," said America. "Will that be all?"