Hello!

CantoCookieMonster here!

I started another story... I hope you guys like it! There are no pairings, and I'm only rating it T because I'm paranoid.

Translations are at the bottom.

I DON'T OWN HETALIA!

June 29, 20XX

Canada unlocked his front door, and walked into his house that was located in his capital city, Ottawa. It was another day of paperwork, another day of being invisible, and overall, just another day in his life. Actually, thinking back on it, he hadn't received much work lately. Harper seemed to have it all under control. Since when did going to the Parliament buildings start becoming a formality? Canada ignored the feeling of emptiness as he continued inside. Soft padding steps accompanied by slight clicks on tile floor notified the nation that he had woken up his bear. Coming into view, the small polar bear asked the question he did every day.

"Who?"

"Canada." The blond simply went over to his pet, scooped up the white ball of fur, and went to the kitchen to prepare some food. His bear never remembered, but it was fair, because Canada never remembered the bear's name either. "Kumaju, what do you want for dinner?"

Listening to his bear list off multiple types of fish and different brands of syrup, the Canadian went around his kitchen, opening cabinets and grabbing ingredients. He paused when he noticed he was getting short on maple butter and Amber maple syrup. He would have to restock before he made pancakes again, otherwise there wouldn't be enough.

Putting everything Kumajirou had asked for in a plastic bowl, Canada put in on the table, next to where the white fluff ball was sitting. The blond got himself some leftovers from the night before, and popped it into the microwave. The hum of the microwave and soft munching noises filled the house. It was getting tiring, being invisible. No one really noticed Canada, not to mention how many times he was almost hit by drivers claiming not to see him. England, France, and most definitely America, did not have this problem, so why did he? Canada didn't snap out of his thoughts until Kuma tapped him on the head, telling him that his food was done.

Eating slowly, Canada wondered if anyone still remembered him, or needed him. Maybe Kumatoto did. Who else would take care of him?

Canada thought about this some more as he finished his food. Would America remember him if he ever left? Probably not. Neither would England, or France, or the rest of the world for that matter. Sighing, he put his dishes in the sink, pausing only a second before starting to wash them. Canada turned to grab Kuma's empty bowl and washed that as well. He didn't have any work to do tonight. The blond decided just to take a shower, check his emails and go to sleep. Then, the next day, it would be the same thing.

Life as a nation was beautiful. So beautiful.

Canada shook his head and went to the stairs, making his way up with Kumariju right behind him. The house was too big for one person and a small bear. With thoughts of buying a nearby apartment, the nation went to his room so that he could start his night routine. He looked at his alarm clock, and it stared back at him, its numbers declaring seven thirty. Looks like he would be going to sleep early.

He never took long showers, so Canada wasn't surprised that when he came out, only five minutes had passed. Taking a seat at his desk and turning on his computer screen, the blond absently clicked on his mail.

From: Germany

To: The World

Subject: World Meeting

Hallo everyone.

This is just a reminder for the world meeting that is coming up on July 1st,. Everyone is expected to attend. This includes nations, special administrative regions, and micronations. This meeting will be an important one as we will be discussing some pressing matters, and also, just to check up on everybody.

The meeting place in my and mein bruder's capital city, Berlin. Please do not be late. It starts at 10:00 sharp. Also, as a reminder to some of the more eager representatives, we do not allow fireworks or firecrackers.

Danke,

Germany.

Canada chuckled. He could imagine the German nation typing this with Prussia hanging over his shoulder.

July 1st. His birthday sure came around fast. He made a note to himself to make a small cake for himself and Kumajiru. Looking at the contents of the email again, he noticed that Germany mentioned regions, and firecrackers. It was then Canada remembered that Hong Kong, the young Asian personification, shared his birthday. Perhaps he would bring his commonwealth brother something when he went to the meeting.

Another message had arrived, this time, from a certain self proclaimed hero.

From: The Hero! (The US of A!)

To: All you International Dudes, and China, who is sort of a dude, but isn't really. And all the Girls. (This may be China.)

Canada laughed softly. China wasn't going to like that.

Subject: The hero's BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Yo Dudes!

It's that time of year again! That's right! It's my totally amazing birthday!

I'm holding a massive party in DC and all of you are comin. ALL OF YOU. Even Sealand. Cuz, seriously. Who doesn't wanna celebrate the Fourth of July? IT'S GONNA BE THE BEST PARTY EVER!

So don't forget guys (I don't think you will, LOL).

DC, July the Fourth, to celebrate me.

See you all there, cuz, I know I will,

AMERICA, THE HERO!

The Canadian just stared at the screen. Fourth of July. Apparently, it was always more important than the First. Sure, there wasn't a flashy, violent war behind his independence, but would it kill the world just to remember that his birthday came a couple of days before America's? Canada was getting sick of the belated birthday cards he got from England after he got over his annual Fourth of July slump, if he remembered to send it.

Shutting down his computer, Canada headed to his bed, feeling a little sad, and a little lonely. He pulled back his maple leaf bed spread and let his polar bear climb in before getting under the covers himself. Not bothering to set his alarm, the blond drifted off to sleep.

Canada looked around to find himself surrounded by white. His clothes were white, and there wasn't anything else around. 'This has to be a dream,' he thought.

"You can consider it a dream."

The North American nation glanced at his surroundings, but saw nothing.

"However, it is not. I am here to give you a choice."

Canada didn't understand. A choice?

"You may choose to be temporarily relieved of your duties as a nation. There will be no replacement for you during this time. If you wish to take this opportunity, you are warned, for there is a price."

The nation thought before answering. "I ... still have things to do," said Canada slowly. "And besides, I think England, China or even America would appreciate the break much more than I would."

"I cannot do that. I cannot afford to take them away. They are-"

The blond looked up at where he thought the voice was coming from, with sudden anger taking over him. "Still of use to their countries? Still important? Still needed?" he asked bitterly.

The voice seemed to hesitate before answering. "...Yes."

Canada laughed. It sounded hollow, distant. "Sure, why not? I get a break, and no one notices."

"I remind you, there is a price. Is this what you have decided?"

"Anything is better than staying where I am now."

"Then it is final. Canada, your absence has been granted. Take care."

As soon as the words were said, everything turned black, and Canada's image faded away.

June 30th, 20XX

The personification of Hong Kong sighed as he put down the phone receiver. He was tired. So many things had been going on lately, and the load didn't seem to be easing up. No, it wasn't his family, although they were kind of crazy. Hong wished it was that simple. It was his people. The citizens of the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong were unsatisfied. Every day, the phone would ring, telling of protests, rallies, and conferences going on about what the people weren't content with. Sometimes, citizens were being patriotic to China, and sometimes they were completely against. Hong didn't even try to explain anymore that there was nothing he could do about it. In fact, the brunet probably suffered more than anyone. Whenever his people weren't content, he got a headache. No matter how many pills he took, it never helped. The young anthropomorphic representation was literally being torn apart.

When his phone rang again, Hong answered in Cantonese with the same emotionless tone as he always did. It was probably the police again. "No matter what you say, I already told you I can do nothing about this. There is only so much a government branch office manager can do."

"HONG, ARU! It's me, China!" Dropping all pretenses of not being a personification, Hong Kong mumbled his greeting to his older brother over the phone.

"You're so quiet, Hong! I was calling to ask whether you were coming over for dinner, aru." Hong Kong shook his head, even though he knew China couldn't see it. Normally, he would have accepted the offer, but he just couldn't do it.

"No, I'm sorry.下一次先啊*."

"Okay, aru. See you tomorrow at the meeting! And tell your people to stop protesting. It's beginning to spread, aru." China said goodbye before hanging up.

"If only I could," whispered Hong Kong as returned his phone to his pocket. The gleam of the sunset shone through his window and reflected off the glass door. It was getting late. He packed up his things, and headed out the door. Most of the workers were gone already, except for one. The worker probably wanted to finish off any work before Hong Kong S.A.R Establishment day, which was a public holiday. Establishment day had been Hong's birthday since 1997.

"See you tomorrow, Mr. Wong." The young Asian dipped his head in acknowledgement towards his subordinate before going towards the elevators. As he waited, Hong Kong tried to ignore his overwhelming desire to sleep and his growing headache.

Going down on the elevator, he quickly exited it and the building, and tried to flag a taxi. He was in no mood for his crammed subway stations, especially not when he was going to the Central District. If he did, he would have to pass by the Admiralty station, where everyone was rushing in four different ways. No, he was taking the taxi. Managing to get one, Hong Kong plopped himself into the backseat.

"你要去哪裡啊,哥哥子*?"asked the Taxi driver.

"中環, 畢打街*," replied Hong Kong. As the taxi sped off toward the Central District's Pedder Street, the young personification gazed out the window, wondering if there was ever going to be time for him to relax. Even though he knew the other countries had much more to deal with, he himself wasn't used to this. Hong didn't know what to do.

The red taxi cab pulled up along the side of the street, and after paying the driver, Hong stepped off onto the busy Central District sidewalk. Navigating his way through people with years of experience, the seemingly young Asian easily found the building where his residence was, and entered it and its elevator. Normally, Hong Kong would have headed towards the other side of the Island, where he lived in public housing in order to put himself in the shoes of lower income families, or to Kowloon, where his private housing apartment was located, the one where he would go to interact with middle class families. But, he couldn't do it. He loved the kids in the public estates, and the people in the private estates, but he just did not want to deal with anyone.

He was welcomed into his penthouse apartment by his panda. Picking up the small bear and tossing his bag onto the floor somewhere, Hong walked to the floor to ceiling window on the other side of the room. On the streets below some protesters were still holding signs and chanting words that Hong couldn't hear. The Asian turned away with a slight hint of pain in his eyes, moving towards the couch and flopping down onto it. He loosened his tie, set his panda on his abdomen, and sighed. Hong didn't care if he was still in his work clothes, or if his email was unchecked. He didn't care if he hadn't eaten, or if he didn't set his alarm clock in order to get to the meeting on time. All he could think about was sleeping, in order to get away from it all.

Hong was lying down in what looked like an endless white space. If this was a dream, it was definitely a weird one. Looking at himself, he saw he was dressed in a light white shirt and pants. Where was he?

"Representation of Hong Kong."

"Yes?" Hong replied quietly to the low echoing voice .

"I have heard you. You may choose to be temporarily relieved of your duties as a region. There will be no replacement for you during this time. If you wish to take this opportunity, you are warned, for there is a price."

"What do you mean, relieved?" asked the Asian.

"You are granted with a choice of having an absence."

Hong Kong swallowed as he thought. He wouldn't have to deal with anything anymore. Sure, he would probably have to come back after, but a little break couldn't hurt. "What's the price? And what about my panda?"

"The price will be revealed later. Your bear will be fine."

The young representation thought a little more before making up his mind. "I choose to take it."

"It is final. Hong Kong S.A.R, your leave has been granted. Take care."

When the sentence ended, all the white disappeared, and with it, Hong Kong.

July 1st , 20XX

Germany watched as the representatives flowed into the room. Some looked dishevelled, probably because they had forgotten about their plane and had rushed to their airports. With over two hundred people in the room, Germany was amazed at how no one had gotten in a fight yet.

CRASH! The German sighed. He had spoken too soon. Before anything could happen to turn everything horribly wrong, Germany decided to take control. "EVERYBODY SHUT UP! THE MEETING IS STARTING."

All those in the room froze, then headed towards their seats with quiet, spread-out chatter throughout the room. Standing at the front, Germany cleared his throat and began to speak. "Since there are many of you, I ask that you take attendance in each of your geographical sections, and report if anyone is missing before we start."

The blond paused as the occupants took note of who was present. Germany started to call out when he saw everyone settle back down. "Central and South America!" A confirmation of presence was made for the group.

"Western Europe!" France stood up, and had nothing to report but a wink.

"Northern Europe!" Multiple hands, belonging to the Nordics, England and his brothers, and the Baltics, reached up.

"Central Europe!" Switzerland stood, shook his head, and promptly sat down.

"Eastern Europe!" Russia waved from his seat.

"Southern Europe and the Mediterranean!" Italy flailed hello from his spot in the room.

Germany continued until he got to Oriental Asia. When he arrived at the group, China stood, but spoke as well. "Hong Kong is missing, aru."

The German furrowed his brow, but kept calm. "Try contacting him," suggested the blond, but the Chinese man was already waiting for someone to pick up through his cell phone.

Meanwhile, the host country moved on through the rest of Oceania and Africa. When Germany got back to North America however, he saw the hands of America, Mexico, and Greenland only. There seemed to be something missing.

"Where's Birdie, America?" asked Prussia from across the room. Said country turned, and finally noticed the empty chair beside him.

"HE'S NOT HERE!" the American declared.

"I CAN SEE THAT," retorted the albino.

"Contact him as well, America," said Germany. The North American nation was unlocking his phone as the German spoke.

"No need. They will not answer."

Everyone in the room stopped and looked around. Where did that voice come from? It certainly wasn't Germany, whose voice, surprisingly, was not low enough. "What do you mean they will not answer?" asked China, with a hint of nervousness.

"They will not answer you. They are not able to answer you."

"Where are they. What did you do, and who are you," growled America. There was no answer. Immediately, China, Korea, Macau and Taiwan stood up, all booking immediate flights to Hong Kong from their phones as they briskly left the room. America, France, and England all stood with phones in hand, and went to the door too.

Before leaving, England turned back to Germany. "Continue here. We'll call back if we find anything." The Central European nodded as the Briton disappeared.

He, along with many others, hoped the two missing nations were alright.

July 1st, 20XX

In a hospital in Ottawa, Canada, a baby boy was born into the world to a happy, human family.

July 1st, Two years later

A healthy baby boy was born to a warm, human family in a hospital in Hong Kong.

To be continued.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Translations! (Traditional Chinese/Cantonese - English)

下一次先啊: Maybe next time.

你要去哪裡啊,哥哥子?: Where do you need to go, mister? (actually, it's a slang term for a young man. Not the most respectful way to greet a customer, but hey, it's slang.)

中環, 畢打街: Central, Pedder Street. (A place in Hong Kong, on Hong Kong Island)

Central District, or just Central, is a busy part of Hong Kong. To get to it, you can take the MTR, which is the subway, but it's crowded. VERY CROWDED.

To any readers that can read the Chinese, I know it might not be grammatically correct, but I tried to write it as how it would be said in Cantonese.

So, Tell me what you guys thought! Liked it, hated it, you tell me. Other characters will show up later, don't worry. :)

Please review. Reviews are amazing. :) So is Constructive Critisism.

Thanks for reading!

CCM