Author's Note: Last chapter, then there will be an epilogue.
The title is happy again. Kind of. Depends on the context you think of it in.
Chapter 18:
Slowly enjoying the happy times
Canada sat at the base of the tree, face turned toward the sky. 15 years... such a long time...
It had been 15 years since the war had started. Canada was now in control of the entirety of North and South America. Not that he had invaded the other countries. The governments of the South American countries had somehow all collapsed, Mexico had already been a part of the United States when the Incident had happened. That's what they called it now. The Incident.
It really deserves a better name... After all, he was my brother! But Canada didn't try to change it.
He had kept his promise to America. He wasn't invisible anymore. But Canada wasn't sure if he liked it better. When he was invisible, he had been able to stay out of things, giving help quietly and not making a huge fuss about things. Sure, it was frustrating when he wasn't recognized for his contributions, but no one ever targeted him specifically either.
He missed the days when he wasn't noticed.
Of course, with only two nations left, there wouldn't have been any escape even if he had still been invisible.
The war with Russia hadn't been going well. What had once been Alaska was already completely in Russia's control again, and attacks on the areas that had once been Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina had increased almost exponentially.
How did he even get to South America? Oh, yeah, he has Africa...
Canada sighed.
Maybe... maybe I should just surrender? Like the Nordics, and the Asians... But what would America say? He gave up his country and his life so I could be free of Russia...
But I'm not really free, am I? This war... and I have to think of my people! If I keep fighting like this, they'll suffer...
Canada gripped Kumajirou tighter. The bear let out a small noise of protest.
"Sorry, Kumasaki..." He loosened his arms. "Tell me, what should I do?"
Kumajirou looked at his owner, then contemplated for a moment. "You need to do what you think is right."
Canada nodded sadly. "Yes, I suppose..."
He got up and went inside.
Russia took out the letter for the millionth time and read it again. He wondered why Canada had chosen such a mode of communication when he could have easily called or emailed Russia to set up a meeting.
Shrugging, the large northern nation tucked away the paper. He would see soon enough.
As Russia walked out into the sun, he glanced around Ottawa. The Canadian capital was... well. Something seemed off about it, but he couldn't put his finger on it. As he strode through the city, he kept an eye on things. Everything seemed normal, but Russia couldn't shake off the strange feeling he had.
When he arrived at Canada's home, the door was already open.
"Come in, Russia."
Russia walked into the familiar home. He had used to come here often, as he had been good friends with Canada before the war. He found the nation in the living room. Canada was drinking tea and examining something before him. Curious, Russia edged closer and gasped. Spread out before him on the coffee table were...
Pictures.
Pictures of all the dead nations.
"Canada... What are you doing? What is this?"
"Memories, Russia. Tell me, do you miss them?"
"Da, of course I do, but why...?"
Canada ignored the implications of the unfinished question and leaned back, closing his eyes. "So do I, Russia, so do I."
Hesitantly, Russia sat down next to Canada. "Why did you call me here, Canada?"
Blue eyes bordering on purple fluttered open to meet his own. "Let's end this war."
"A peace treaty? I can't-"
"No, not a peace treaty. There have been so many of those. Too many. They never worked, did they?"
"Da, I suppose not... But how else are we supposed to end this?"
"Do you know what I think, Russia?" Canada said suddenly. "I think that all wars, ever, were caused by us."
"Us?" Russia was surprised. "What do you mean by that?"
"Why do we nations exist, Russia?"
"I do not know. No one knows."
"I think it's because of what we are. Our people identify themselves as different countries, so we appear to represent them. Then they fall in love with the idea of their country, the idea that we as nations embody, and do stupid things like go to war for us. Maybe we're just ideas, Russia. And because we exist, there can never be peace."
Russia attempted to speak, but Canada just kept plowing forward.
"I want peace so badly, Russia. Can't you feel it? The world is tearing itself apart. If only I could do something... If only I could heal it... If only... I feel so helpless!"
Canada buried his face in Kumajirou's fur. Russia was shocked to find that the younger nation was crying. He put an arm around Canada's shoulders.
"Matvey..."
"Ivan, will you accept my surrender?"
Russia pulled back in shock. "Ч-Что?"
"Don't 'What?' at me. I know you noticed the change outside! You could tell already, couldn't you? My people are prepared already, all I need is for you to say yes."
Suddenly it was all clear. The change in atmosphere, the strange feeling Russia had been having the entire time... It was because Canada's people were preparing to become part of Russia.
"Matvey..."
"Please, Ivan! This is the only way. If... If there was only one big country, there would be no more wars. No more pain, or suffering. It would be so much easier to take care of everyone. Just... please..." Canada burst into tears again.
"Matvey, I don't want-"
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU WANT!" Russia pulled back again at Canada's sudden outburst. "It's for the best, Ivan. Please..."
"... You are absolutely sure about this?"
"Oui. Isn't this what you've always wanted? For the world to be one with you? This is your chance, Ivan. Do it for your dream. Do it for me. Ivan, do you accept my surrender?"
"... Da." Russia sounded defeated.
Canada smiled, expression relaxed. "Thank you..."
Suddenly, Russia hugged Canada close. "I'll miss you."
Canada smiled. "Me too."
"До свидания..." Tears fell out of Russia's eyes.
"Don't cry... We'll see each other again..."
Canada closed his eyes, and with a happy smile on his face, he faded in Russia's arms.
Canada - surrendered to Russia - gone
Author's Note: In my mind, Canada's eyes are a pretty bluish purple color. Hence the description of his eyes being "blue bordering on purple".
Hopefully you understood Canada's little speech about nations and war. I don't really know how to explain it...
The title is from Canada's character song, "Canada Complete Introduction".
Translations:
Что = what (pronounced "shto". I've really used this way too often...)
До свидания = goodbye (pronounced "do svidaniya")