Tales of Ciskaria

Part 3

"Ciska! Slow down! You're driving like an Italian!" Ivan put his hand over his heart as we flew down the winding road.

"Sorry." I replied and slowed down to a more appropriate speed. "I'm just really excited." Today was the official opening of Zenshin City. People would be coming from all over the country, apartments, homes, shops, and office buildings would be going on sale and celebrations would be held all day. Anyone who wasn't going to join in the celebrations would be watching on television. Several other countries, including Matthew and my brother, Honda, had promised to come. It was going to be a great day for my country, a modernized city, the first of many I hoped. As we drove over the flat plains, through small towns and villages, the tall towers in the distance got closer and closer. Soon we arrived, joining the lines of cars, carts, and other vehicles that were all coming to the city. The streets were lined with parked cars and the garages were quickly filling up. Lucky for us, we got to park next to the city hall which had been sectioned off for our President, Hadoko Souchii, and the Provincial Representatives. A podium had been set up at the top of the steps for Hadoko to make his speech for the growing crowd.

"Miss Kiku, Mr. Braginski." President Souchii greeted us as we walked up the steps to meet him. He was wearing a suit and tie, as were the Provincial Representatives who were gathered together, chatting. Ivan was also wearing a suit and tie while I had opted to wear a short orange top that showed a bit of my belly, and had thin straps, as well as a long blue skirt, a fashion trend from the early years of my country that I still enjoyed today. I was also wearing wedge heels so I would appear even the slightest bit taller. President Souchii was about the same height as me, most people in our country were generally short, while Ivan towered over us all, and he had light brown hair with hazel eyes.

"Good morning President Souchii." I bowed in greeting and smiled. "It's a wonderful day for the celebrations."

"It is, I could not have asked for better weather."

"Hey Ciska! When do we get to eat?" Alfred showed up next to me. Unfortunately for me he had decided to come. I knew he was trying to be supportive of his brother's idea but he had also probably come mostly for the food. I was surprised he'd come at all, with Vietnam, and President Kennedy being assassinated. I could imagine how confused he was with all of his people throwing out conspiracy theories on how he died. I knew better than to ask what really happened however. Alfred would get very serious and say, mention Kennedy again and I'll shoot you. He wouldn't of course but a serious America was a scary one.

"After the speech when the ribbon is cut." I answered pointing to the red ribbon set up in front of the city hall.

"Awesome! What do you guys eat around here anyway? Rice?" My eye twitched a little at his comment. Even countries could be a little stereotypical sometimes.

"Actually, we uh, eat goat, we eat other meats as well but goat is often people's favorites. A lot of people are also vegans."

"Goat burgers? Sounds awesome! As the hero I'll have to try everything!" America smiled before leaving to find Matthew I assumed. I sighed after he was gone and when I looked around I found that I was alone. Ivan must have left, I knew he didn't like to be around Alfred. Just when I thought I was safe however Japan came along with Germany who was trying to keep a very ecstatic Italy occupied.

"Oh oh! I love festivals! That outfit you're wearing is very pretty! Do girls normally wear that around here?" Italy smiled as he usually did.

"Not anymore, it was in fashion a long time ago, but I still like it." I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and looked down towards the ground.

"Ve? Well I like it! It reminds me of very tropical places! Don't you think so Germany?" He tugged on Ludwig's sleeve.

"Um, yes, of course." Ludwig got a bit flustered.