The bear stood protectively over the boy as he slept. No matter how calm and safe the area seemed, the bear was determined not to make the same mistake again. This time, no one would steal the boy away while he slept. The boy moved, in his sleep, and seemed ito murmur. "Kuma." The words came like a breath, and the bear understood what was needed. He pushed his nose into the boy's hand, and he could feel something like energy transferring from him to the boy. The boy's form glowed, changing shape, growing larger, older. As the boy grew, the bear shrank, now around the size of an average house cat.

Finally, his eyes snapped open, and he sat up, now a fully grown man. He stumbled weakly to his feet, scooping the bear in to his arms. Voices echoes from a camp nearby, and Canada walked to the circle. Seychelles was the first to notice him, and she froze, eyes wide, mouth open. France foowe her line of sight and aslo turned to stone, breathing his name. "Canada." England dropped his tea, spilling all over the ground and his pants, and burning his skin, but for once, England paid no attention to his tea.

"Take me to Quebec." Canada's quiet voice was full of determination. France was the first to unfreeze, finding his feet, and reaching a hand out shakily to touch Canada's face. "Mon chère." He murmured, tears gathering in his eyes. A small smile crossed Canada's face. "Sacré Papa, it's me." He whispered, and was engulfed in a hug. France tucked his head into Canada's neck, breathing the familiar sent of maple syrup. He was pulled off of Canada by England. "You twat!" England scolded. "Get off him, you'll suffocate him!" No sooner that France was removed then England took his place.

"You git!" England scolded. "Why did you go missing? Do you have any idea how worried I was? I gave you your independence because I thought you could take care of yourself, but then you go and disappear!" England rambled, but his words were skaking with tears. Canada leaned into the hug and accepted the scoldings happily. Seychelles shifted, awkwardly, feeling as though she didn't belong. She couldn't help but feel that America should be here, not her. She considered silently sneaking away, but was stopped by someone grabbing her hand.

She jerked her head up to meet Canada's eyes, wide and startled. Canada offered her a tentative smile, awkwardly holding open his arms. She hesitated. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "America should be here, not me." Canada pulled her into his arms, gently pulling her close. "I'm glad you're here. After all, you're my precious little sister." Seychelles flushed red, but returned the hug. After what seemed like a long time, yet not long enough, Canada pulled away. "Britain," He said softly, meeting England's eyes. England gave him his full attention. Canada turned his gaze to France, then Seychelles. "France, Seychelles, I need your help."

Again, Canada repeated his request. "Please take me to Quebec. All three exchanged glances, remembering the traitors, but no one refused. England gathered his jacket." Well, then." he stated, meaning "Let's go." Canada strode bravely into the center of the camp, head up and back straight. All eyes turned to him as he walked. The General emerged from his tent at the commotion and stopped short at the sight of Canada, trailing thre other countries behind. He gave France a hard look, and France dipped his head in deference to the man.

Canada stopped in the middle of the camp. He turned to the crowd and spoke, his voice quiet, but clear. "I am Canada." His voice carried over the whole camp. The General moved deliberately, a stood in front of Canada, sizing him up. Then the general put a hand over his heart and began to sing. "Oh Canada..." The whole camp instantly joined in, some people later than others, some hasilty rising to their feet, but singing from their hearts. Canada blinked tears from his eyes as the song ended. "Protégera nos foyers et nos droits!" "We will protect our homes and our rights."

Canada waited till the last strains of the song had died out to speak. "I have something to announce. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sealed official document." He cleared his throat. "A long time ago, I received this document from my boss-the prime minister" He began, correcting himself. "He gave me permission to use this if the situation arose and I deemed it necessary." He swallowed, and all the soldiers watched his every move. "This is the UK." Canada directed their attention to England, who, although taken off guard, polightly nodded to the crowd. Canada gestured to France. "This is the country France, and the Republic of Seychelles. He guestured to Seychelles too.

He broke the seal on the document he held, opening it." This document has already been signed by Cuba, Denmark, Seychelles and of course, I convince America to sign it just last year." Canada continued, now staring directly at England. "I hope you'll approve this as well." Seychelles recognized the document with a gasp, and took a step back. "What are you doing, brother?" she whispered to herself. "France, I hope you'll guide Québec in the future, like you guided me once." Canada said to France

France felt a sudden fear taking over him, unexplained, yet undeniable. He wanted to rush to Canada and pull him away, to wrap him in his arms, to protect him. But France knew he was being ridiculous. After all, Canada was not in danger right now. He was surrounded by his people, in the safest place in his land, standing confident and strong. Yet, France could tell by England's taunt face that he was the only one feeling the wasn't until Canada said this next words that France finally understood the feeling of dread in his stomach.

But by then, it was too late.