I got to see an intense hockey game today. After breakfast, France got a call from Canada. He put the phone on speaker so I could hear as well.

"Hello, papa and Ruth!"

I hid a giggle. Awww, he still called France his papa. It was so cute!

"Bonjour, mon fils! How are you?"

"I'm fine, papa. I was actually wondering if you and Ruth would like to come to my hockey game against Russia. I tried calling America, but he hung up after about a minute and a half. He thought I was a salesperson…"

He trailed off awkwardly. Poor guy. Even his own twin can't remember him. I made up my mind.

"Sure, Canada. We'd love to come, and I don't think France has anything planned." I glanced at him, and he shook his head.

"Really? You'll come?"

Poor Canada sounded so excited.

"Of course! Besides, if you hadn't asked, Russia probably would have."

"Okay, if you're sure. The game is being held in Quebec at 9:00 tonight."

Over the phone, there came sounds of a struggle. There was also a bit of cute growling.

"Kumakeepo, stop that! No, don't chew on the phone cor-"

Silence. Within a few moments, both France and I realized that Kumajiro had eaten the phone cord. After a few minutes of hysterical laughter (me) and chuckling (France), we got up to go to the airport. The flight would take about 8 hours, and it was 10:30 now. If we left now, we would have about 2 ½ hours to spare until the game.

?'s POV

I woke up to the sound of voices. Stretching, I rose from the soft dirt I had fallen asleep on. I heard the girl's voice, and also that non-human's. I heard a door close, and I rushed to the edge of the forest. No! Where was she going?

Listening closer to the voices, I heard them talking about a 'ha-key' game. I realized that she was coming back. I wanted to meet the female human-pup before she left forever. I didn't know why, but I felt drawn to her, as if we connected. I had never felt this way before, but I likened it to the way the animals I saw with the other non-humans acted. Hearing them draw nearer, I melted back into the source of my name. I, Shadow, sentry of the night, would not be seen nor found by any who sought to find me without my consent.

Ruth's POV

When we finally touched down in Quebec, Canada was waiting for us. He looked a bit tired, but that might have something to do with the bite marks on his clothes. I hid a smirk.

"H-hi guys. I'm so glad you came!"

He showed us around the city, and then we went to pick up Russia.

"Hallo, everyone!"

He saw me, and decided to give me a big hug. He didn't crush me this time, so that was a definite improvement. With the greetings done, it was time for the game. The conversation got a bit aggressive between the 2 opposing nations.

"Hey, Canada!"

"What is it, Russia?"

"I will be winning this match today."

"Yeah, right. I'm going to kick your butt!"

It was amazing; Canada's transformation from a timid boy to a formidable hockey player. He looked like he could take on an Uruk-hai! I was definitely glad that I wasn't his enemy; the way he was glaring at Russia currently. I think even Russia was a bit intimidated right then.

The game was insane. Players were smashing into each other with a fury, and the two main players were the most vicious out of all. I winced as Canada slammed Russia into a wall. That guy was intense! How did he suddenly get so strong? I couldn't choose who to root for, so I cheered both on equally.

In the end, Canada won. He and Russia helped each other up and shook hands. Afterwards, all four of us went out for hot chocolate.

"That was a good game, Russia! Sorry about slamming you into a wall and all that."

"It is alright, comrade. It was very fun, but next time I will beat you."

"We'll see about that."

France, of course, was very proud of his adopted son.

"You did very good, Matthieu! I am so proud!"

He hugged Canada close to him. I could see fatherly pride in his eyes. I really couldn't understand how people thought he could hurt somebody.

"P-papa, you're squishing me!"

"Ohonhonhon, sorry." He released Canada with a smile.

"Now, I believe it is time to go home. It will be a long flight."

Russia spoke up. He was in an abandoned alley behind a few buildings. We could barely see his scarf.

"Hey, look! The mysterious portal is back!"

We all hurried to him. Sure enough, the glowing hole was there. I smiled.

"Well, looks like it won't take as long to get back now."

I explained that the portals always led to wherever England was at the time. I had seen him yesterday in France, so he should be at the border now. France was only too happy to go surprise the Brit.

"I'm going to stay with friend Canada for now," said Russia.

We all said our goodbyes, and I jumped into the opening with France. England stared at us when we came through. He had been trying to curse somebody again, probably either France or Germany.

"Hello again, England!"

He made a strangled noise, then managed to pull himself together. France seemed to have disappeared, so I readied myself for the coming chaos.

"Um...hello, Ruth. How did you get here?"

"Me and France went to a hockey match against Canada and Russia. We were going to the airport when we saw the portal. I decided it would be quicker to jump through.

"Wait, the frog is here!?"

Arms reached out from behind him and wrapped around his body.

"Bonjour, Angleterre. Ohonhonhon!"

"Get off me, you wanker!"

France gasped. "Angleterre, I am hurt. How could you call me that?"

I stepped in before a fight could break out.

"I'm still here!"

They both turned to stare at me. I guess they had forgotten that there was a third person in the room.

"Seriously, you guys need to stop fighting all the time."

I mentally face-palmed as I watched England elbow France in the gut. This was going to be hard.

"Hey, France!" I yelled. "Don't you think we should be getting home now? It is getting pretty late."

The nation of love jumped and turned to me with a sheepish grin.

"Désolé, Ruth. I forgot about you."

"That's another reason why you shouldn't be allowed to take care of her! Who forgets a young girl?"

"Excusez-moi, but you just did!"

I decided that it was time to go, so I grabbed France by his coat and started pulling. Occasionally, I can summon a lot of strength if I'm dealing with immature kids or people.

"Okay, you know what? We're going! Bye, England."

Once we were back at the house, I kind of lost my patience.

"France, you can't just go up to people and grab them!"

"But I was just showing my l'amour!"

I sighed. It was dark now, and I was tired. I shook my head. I'd work with France on personal space tomorrow if nothing came up.

It's odd, though. All day today, except during the hockey match, I've been feeling weird. I think someone, or something, is watching us. More specifically, me. I'm going to find out what this thing is and why it's been stalking me. Maybe it's the shadow creature I saw by the lake. I'll search for it after I talk with France. Maybe I'll have better luck than England.

So we finally know the shadow creature's name. Shadow. How fitting. How did you guys like the hockey game? I watched a youtube video of a match between Canada and Russia. It was crazy! Canadians are really fierce when it comes to their hockey! There will be more interactions between England and France, and I'll give you all a hint at what I have planned: Fever Reducer. That's all you get. Good luck in school and please review!