Arctic

I slipped my parka back on and stomped outside slamming the door behind me. Why was everyone making such a deal about this…? Why couldn't there be some sort of compromise? Why were they discussing this like I wasn't an active member in this issue…? This guy Russia wanted to take over my home, according to Canada, and Canada was playing mother bear when it came to this issue. I chuckled at the irony of that last thought and watched my breath float up into the sky.

I stood out in the snow for a long time, just enjoying the cold and peaceful silence, then I heard the door open slowly. I turned to see Canada closing the door behind him silently. I had to smile at how my brother always acted. He wasn't really my brother, but he was the closest thing I'd ever had to one. It was a long story.

People had passed by my home many times, always in search of the northwest passage and whatever… No one seemed to really notice me much though. Both England and France had explored the area around my home, but to no avail, they would return home. I helped some people if they were kind souls, I didn't have anyone to consider family and grew up with only my polar bear Mischa. That was until Canada came exploring, by that point it had become routine for me to guide people out of my area so they could do as little damage to the wildlife as possible, so when Canada came showing such respect for my land I couldn't help but appreciate his presence…

When he left I asked him to come back again, He was my only friend other than Mischa. He told me he'd ask Papa. I didn't know who he was at that time, but I nodded hoping that Canada's Papa would let him come visit, it was so lonely in the tundra all alone. I was still a tiny girl, and all alone at that. Canada returned dragging a much older man behind him, I recognised this man, he'd explored my land before.

France was willing to let Canada and I play. They taught me French and eventually I became a part of the family. The day Canada brought me back home to meet the others I was amazed. There was also England and a little boy named America. I didn't get to spend as much time with America till he bought Alaska from Russia, but that was hundred years of later. England had insisted I learn English too, He and France argued constantly and I was very confused when I was young as to why they fought so much. The family had dispersed over the years though, France left, keeping very little contact with Canada or I. America and England had a horrible fight, it tore the family in twain, and Canada soon followed suit in a more polite manner. Eventually even Canada forgot about me, that was until this issue had come along. All in all though, I loved the people I called my family…

"Arctic?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly. He was always so timid, even around me. Granted I could be pretty scary sometimes, but I wasn't anything like America, Papa or Dad… I sighed slightly. "Yeah Canada?" I responded. "I'm sorry things got out of hand in there… But now you see why I want to keep you safe, you know?" He asked timidly. I scoffed slightly. "Canada… I'm not a little kid anymore… Remember I was living all on my own until You found me…?" I said with a slight smile. He nodded slowly. "So I can take this…" I stated confidently.

I patted him on the back and walked back inside shedding my coat, keeping my scarf on as a comfort thing, and settled down in my chair resting my boots on the table. England raised a hairy eyebrow at me. "What are you doing?" He inquired. "Chilling…?" I said raising an eyebrow as well. America, sitting on the other side of England, laughed and held out his hand in a high-five. I high-fived him before taking my boots off the table. England sighed with annoyance. We both laughed for a moment, then Canada came back inside.

Japan looked around. "Are we ready to continue this meeting?" he asked. Everyone returned to their seats mumbling slightly. Once everyone was settled Japan turned to look at me. "Arctic… Would you like to make a statement?" He asked. I nodded and rose. "I know this meeting is about my territory, and I know that there have been conflicts between everyone in this room before… but can we please put the past aside if we're going to come to any sort of agreement… I'd also appreciate it if you all didn't act like I wasn't right here…" I said. I quickly sat down and the negotiations went on for the next few hours.

Somewhere along the way France and England broke out into another argument which I managed to stop them with a sideways glare.

The meeting came to an end without much of a decision. the unanimous decision was that I would have final say, unless I were to hand the decision over to someone else I saw fit to make the decision. Like I was going to do that. Canada would probably keep me locked up in a room for the rest of my life. America would simply use my home land for its resources. I had no idea what Russia would do with my land. I appreciate the choice though, at least now I have a say in this matter, as I should.

Days had passed and there'd been no word of a follow-up meeting so I decided I'd simply chill out until someone came and talked to me. So a couple weeks into November and I was simply relaxing, skating in my backyard like I do when I have nothing better to do… That is until he showed up…