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Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 217: Dream Journey

Wales knew the exact moment when Canada made contact with his magical core – his inner dragon. Now, he just needed to make sure that things didn't go south. It was unlikely to happen – the dragon was a part of Canada, after all – but it wasn't unheard of. So, he would keep watch.

He wondered if he could afford getting a book to read. This could take a while, and frankly, watching someone as they slept wasn't what he would call 'invigorating'. He wasn't a creep or anything.

However, when Canada's breathing pattern changed, he decided against it. If things went wrong, and he was distracted… He knew that there was no way that he would be able to forgive himself. And neither would Scotland or Ireland.

He would prefer to avoid that scenario, to be honest.

…

Canada calmly stared at the dragon, trying to take in as many details as possible. Wales had told him that it was important that he focus on what the dragon looked like, as the type of dragon would tell him more about the methods necessary for helping Canada.

The dragon was white, but not scaly. In fact, Canada could have sworn that the dragon appeared to be covered in some sort of fur. He also had icy blue eyes, which was the first thing that really drew Canada's attention. He wasn't overly large, being about as large as a minibus. Somehow, when he thought about dragons, he imagined them to be bigger.

The dragon calmly stared at him, sizing him up. Again, Canada's rational mind was telling him that he should be afraid, but the intuitive mind was telling him to relax. Wales told him, before going to sleep, that he needed to trust his instincts at all times during this exercise. After all, this wasn't the place for rationality. This was a place for truth.

"So, you finally came," the dragon said.

Canada was surprised. He expected a deep, rumbling voice. The dragon spoke in a quiet voice, being just a few decibels away from being a mutter. Canada took a deep breath.

"Were you expecting me?" he asked.

"Of course," the dragon said. "I've been with you since you were born, but you were unaware of me. I was so lonely. We weren't built for loneliness."

Canada shivered as he heard those words. He knew loneliness very well. It had been what set his drama during the month into motion.

"I'm sorry," Canada said. "If I had known…"

He didn't know how to continue that statement. The dragon huffed.

"I knew that you wouldn't be able to come to me on your own," he said. "That is what we are, after all. We need company. We cannot be alone. That's why, when the spell was cast, I added my own addition."

"W-what do you mean?" Canada asked, confused.

"Our magic relies on companionship. We need to be surrounded by friends. By lovers. That's why I added my own spell. One that would attract partners."

Canada's eyes widened. He instinctively knew what the dragon was referring to.

"You?" he whispered. "You're the reason why all of them were suddenly interested in me?"

"Not all of them," the dragon said. "Some of them were already. I just added incentive for them to want to come to you."

"Why? Do you have any idea the type of trouble I went through?"

"Yes. You forget, I am a part of you. As for why… I told you, neither of us was made for loneliness. Tell me, when you first started seeing the fairies and other indications of magic, were you alone, or not?"

Canada paused. Now that he mentioned it, it was usually when England or one of the other magical nations were around that he could see indications. They were hovering around the magical nations, so he didn't think much of it. But… there should have been hints of magic that resided in his own country, so he should have noticed things before. But… He didn't, did he?

The dragon continued to watch him, his eyes shining with a knowing light.

"Before you started spending time with so many other nations, I didn't have that much energy," the dragon said. "I relied on the few times you had company to survive, along with the companionship offered by your bear. But you can understand why I decided that we needed more people to play an important role in your life."

"But… Did they have to fall in love with me?" Canada asked. "Was that really necessary?"

"More than you might realise. There is a reason why you decided that it would be easier to have more than one. It's because our very essence relies on being close to others, and as many as possible."

The hair on Canada's nape stood on end, and he turned around to see a number of nations. Some he could easily recognise, while others were blurry.

"Out of them all, I believe that these are the ones that can influence us best," the dragon said. "The best companions."

Canada's eyes scanned them all, and he felt himself grow pale. A dragon was playing matchmaker for him. And the ones that he was suggesting…

…

Wales was startled when Canada shot upright, gasping desperately. He quickly turned the light on and brought a glass of water to Canada, who downed it in three gulps.

"That was fast," Wales remarked. "Did something bad happen?"

"Not… exactly," Canada said. "But… I think I know the real reason why everyone was like that during the conference. That dragon interfered."

Wales frowned thoughtfully.

"Do you remember what this dragon looked like?" Wales asked.

"Yeah," Canada nodded. "It was white and looked kind of fuzzy."

"White and fuzzy?" Wales repeated. "…I see. I think I know what you saw. It's a polar dragon. They live in cold regions, and unlike most dragon species, are very social. They don't handle isolation very well. But… that also explains a lot. These dragons… You see, they're polygamous."