Canada sighed, setting his coffee back down on the side table. "I don't know, Mr. Kumajiro... Maybe I shouldn't go to the meeting tomorrow. I doubt anyone would notice whether I was there or not..."

"Hmmm..." The polar bear on the couch beside him picked up the TV remote, flipping to the nature channel. "I'm sure they would notice if you were gone, um... what's your name again?"

"I'm Canada!" the country exclaimed softly, slumping further into the sofa as light from the television reflected off his glasses. He watched images of snow-covered mountains flash on the screen in front of him. I guess I don't really have a choice anyway... he thought. He would have to show up tomorrow whether they noticed or not.

Canada glanced at the clock on the wall. It was getting late. He should probably get to bed soon...

*CRASH*

He jumped suddenly: hair curl standing on end. The loud noise had come from the kitchen.

"America! What are you doing in my house again?" He called in his quiet voice from the couch. "Are you in my fridge?"

No answer.

"America?" Canada got up and walked towards the doorway. "I know it's you! Haven't I told told you a million times not to-"

He reached the kitchen. There was no one there. Then what had the noise been? His eyes fell on a mess of broken shards on the tile floor. Sharp ceramic fragments were scattered everywhere. How had that happened? He knelt down to examine the pieces.

"It's OK, Kumajiro... Its just a broken plate," he called softly.

Again no answer.

"Kumajiro?" Canada whispered hesitantly. Something was wrong.

He straightened up and whirled around, coming face to face with... himself?

Canada stared at the figure in front of him in horror. "W-what? W-who are you?" he stammered in fear.

The twin smirked, cutting into him with piercing red eyes.

"I'm Canada."

Something slammed into the back of his head, sending him falling into darkness.