Canada shifted his gaze from the Asian to the Brit. He didn't like that mocking laughter. Britain was already in a terrible mood considering the situation and sarcasm was one of his favorite outlets to express himself. While what Japan said was ridiculous and he himself was having a hard time comprehending what the man was doing, it was verbal suicide to say so in front of the stressed blonde. It was times like these Canada was glad people forgot him, rare as those were. He hated fighting. Nevertheless, it wasn't the time for one.

"Britain," he tried to capture his attention.

He was ignored.

"Of all the people to joke around - of all the people to joke around at the worst of times! - " Britain voice heightened, "I would not have pegged you as one them! What exactly are you playing at? Has your anime and time with this twit," he jerked his thumb at America, "turned your brain into a pile of mush? Do you need to be committed?"

If Japan took offense, he didn't show it.

"I can prove it," he stated blankly.

"Please do," the Englishman challenged.

He turned the computer around in his lap and clicked the mouse. America's obnoxious voice flooded through the speakers.

"Oh my god, I FROZE, TOO! Tony, this isn't funny!" it wailed.

Japan turned the computer back around. The in-game America was bouncing everywhere, stretching his muscles, flailing his limbs, and purposely hitting himself against his house. The rest of the characters were perfectly still. Japan tapped his finger against the text box, emphasizing the large, white, capital letters that were easily readable from where Canada was standing.

"You see?" Japan asked. "What the America model is doing doesn't match the text or the other characters movements, or lack thereof, and I can assure you, America did not provide his voice. There aren't meant to be any voices because I didn't record any."

Canada didn't have a response to that. If he hadn't known better, he would've thought it was a couple of glitches, but he had played enough video games to know glitches like voice acting didn't exist. However, that still didn't make what he said make sense. It was impossible to be inside a video game. He looked over at Britain for his reaction.

The green eyed man face darkened, but he lost most of his scowl in favor of a suspicious glare. He shot a side-long glance at America, darted his eyes back to the screen, and lifted them up up to Japan's.

"First of all," he started in a calm yet daring tone, "that just doesn't happen. Second, are you two in league with each other here? Did he set this up with the hospital so you could convince me that your home made video game sucks people in, only to shoot up and scare me so he can have a good laugh? Well, it won't work!"

The Asian made no gesture to signify he was guilty of the accusation. He sat as still as the in-game characters stood, and spoke with confidence, "We did not plan this. I take world conferences more seriously than that, Britain-san."

"America can be very persuasive when he wants to be. Besides, he's guilt-tripped you before," Britain reminded him, just as confident.

"You guys," Canada tried again.

Kumajiro tilted his head. "Who are you?"

Japan cut to the chase rather than continue their stare down. "For the past year and a half or so, I've been working on a new program to transport a person into a virtual world, like an anime. It was only a hobby; we don't have the technology in present times to create such a device, I'm aware. While I was finishing up America's request, I may have linked the files by accident. I don't know how or why it was just him, but he really was 'sucked' - as you put it - inside." He spoke with enough security that he must be either right or had gone crazy.

Canada wasn't sure what to think. On one side, he didn't believe it. On the other, stranger events had occurred with his brother in the center. America's best friend was an alien and a whale lived in his backyard pool, after all. Besides, Japan wasn't one to joke around; at the most, he could be unintentionally silly. In reality, he really wasn't one to take serious situations lightly. Then there was what the nurse said about his brother's condition, ruling out several of the most common causes of comas.

Britain appeared to have similar thoughts. Although he didn't lose the glare, he relaxed his muscles and averted his eyes. "I'm honestly supposed to believe this utter nonsense. Your little project wasn't even working due to the lack of proper technology."

"It is the truth."

Meanwhile, the in-game America had plopped himself down in the grass between the in-game China and Italy. Canada heard him mumble to himself, unable to make out the words.

"Supposing this is the truth..." Britain hesitated. "How do you plan to get him back in his body?"

Japan's blank expression melted into an unsure one. "I don't know. My original programs for both projects are at my home and I don't know how I could configure with what I have without harming him indirectly."

Britain's dark gaze returned, hands clenched. "So we leave him there!? Do you expect his government to take that sitting down!?"

"I said I don't know. Please, allow me to try," he said. "We have two more days before the conference ends and his government expects to him to contact them."

Britain made an unpleasant noise in his throat, but relented. "Alright. I'll take of what needs to be done in his absence. Do I need to make an excuse for your absence as well?"

He shook his head. "I don't intend to miss the meetings. That will make it more suspicious."

"You're not giving yourself a lot of time here," the Englishman remarked.

"I know."

"It's settled, then. Until the end of the conference, America isn't in a coma, he's merely - well, I'll come up with that later. However, that man in the bed is Alfred Jones, not the personification of the United States. He's a normal patient as far as the others are concerned." Britain sighed, rubbing his temples. "This won't be easy at all."

The trio left the hospital shortly after, leaving America's body in the capable hands of the medical staff. As his "brothers," if anything made a turn for the worst or he gave signs of waking up, the hospital would call Britain and Canada right away. They would quickly inform Japan afterwards. While Canada wasn't sure where his old caretaker went, he and Japan had headed straight to their hotel rooms. It was getting late, the sun preparing to set for the night, and they both had work to be done.

Kumajiro was sprawled on the bed, waiting for his dinner. The quiet country placed a dish of chopped up fish and different berries on the floor. He didn't want a mess on the blankets. He picked up the bear sat him next to it. The bear dug in.

"Is What's-His-Face going to die?" he asked between bites.

"Don't talk like that, please, Kumagigi."

"Sorry." He paused to devour another mouthful. "Who are you?"

"Canada," he replied, running a hand through his hair. "I tell you that all the time."

"Oh. Aren't you hungry?"

He knew he should eat, but his stomach wasn't feeling too up to it. "Not really."

Kumajiro accepted that. "Okay."

The room was silent after that, aside from the bear's munching. Canada flipped on the TV to catch the local news. Nothing much of interest was on, so he switched to the national news stations. People were complaining about immigrants at the southern border on one channel, a group was shown celebrating the shot down ban of same-sex marriage in one state on another, and a third was going on about a man who left his toddler son in a car for hours.

Canada watched the hosts listen to the guest speakers bicker over each other for a while. When Kumajiro finished his meal, he cleaned up and let him on the bed again. It was dark out by that point, the city lights and numerous car head lights illuminating the night sky. He remembered he had papers, charts, and notes to review for the next day's meeting where he himself was scheduled to speak, so he pulled them out and set to work.

However, Canada had a problem concentrating. He couldn't get his mind off his brother. There was nothing he could do, he knew, whether or not America was actually in a video game. Canada wasn't very computer savvy, nor were comas easy to wake up from. The idea was mind boggling, though. He couldn't wrap his brain around it. Stranger things had happened, it was true, yet this was a whole different level. No one would go this far for a prank (except in cartoons), especially Japan.

It wasn't that he doubted him; it was that nothing like this had ever happened. Canada believed him, he just needed to see the proof for himself again - make sure this was the reality of the situation to ingrain it in his brain.

He looked at the clock. It wasn't too late yet. He had time before he should get some rest for the next day. Canada twisted his torso to see Kumajiro curled up on his pillow, passed out asleep. His lips twitched up in a smile. He would be right back.

Canada stood up, picked up his room key, and left, locking the door behind him. Japan's room was three doors closer to the elevator than his. He knocked on it. There was a sound of running feet and the door was opened to reveal a giddy Italy.

"Hey, America!" he greeted loudly. "You're feeling better!"

From the bed across the room, Japan stared gawked at him, bewildered.

Canada frowned. "I'm Canada."

Italy smiled brightly."That's a funny name to change your name to."

"I'm America's brother," he corrected. "Like how Romano's your brother."

Italy opened his mouth in the shape of an 'o.' He smiled again. "So, you're like the south that tried to be your own country but got your butt kicked? Or are you the west that was bought from France and stolen from Mexico like Mexico always says? 'Cause I've never seen you before."

He peered over Italy's shoulder, silently asking for help.

Japan relaxed. "Italy-kun, he's America-san's northern..." he trailed off, uncertain. Canada nodded. "Neighbor. In the same way Austria-san and Switzerland-san are your northern neighbors."

Italy tilted back his head to look at Japan. "Ve, why didn't he say so?"

"May I please come in?" the blonde asked.

"Hai. Please, come in," Japan replied politely.

Italy stepped aside, allowing the taller nation to pass. He leaped for the bed, shaking the mattress. Japan leaned away, lifting the laptop in his lap in the air. Canada walked over to his side to see how he was doing. He recognized his brother's Captain America background. The game was minimized, its icon at the bottom of the screen. A smaller window seemingly filled with random numbers and letters was open - the program?

"I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing that," the Asian informed the brunette.

"Hehe," Italy giggled. "Sorry."

"I would've thought you'd be with Germany," Canada commented.

"Germany said he has a terrible migraine and has to get up a lot earlier tomorrow than we did today, so he kicked me out into the hallway's opposite wall after I accidentally spilled pasta sauce on his bed so I came to sleep with Japan!" he explained all in one breath.

"I didn't let him in," Japan added in a mutter, almost to himself. "He popped out of nowhere. It would be rude to ask him to leave and sleep alone so I can attend to more important matters without interruption, so I have yet to ask him to leave."

Canada shifted his weight uncomfortably.

The Asian clicked on the video game icon. The in-game America was crouched in front of the machine, examining it, paused with the scene.

"Ooo!" Italy shot up, supporting his upper body with his arms. "Is that the video game America told me you were making for him? Ve, that doesn't sound like more important matters."

Japan didn't respond to the playful teasing.

"Hey, that's me!" He pointed to his character, standing closest to the machine with Germany and China's, in front of Japan's. "When are you going to be done making it, Japan?"

"On the contrary, I already finished it," he told him, about to minimize the game so he could go back to the open program.

Italy brightened. "I want to play! I want to see what I do!"

He snatched the computer out of the other's hands. The non-Europeans started. Japan reached for the laptop. Italy rolled his legs off the bed, darting across the room. America cries of having been frozen again echoed off the walls, indicating the brunette had unpaused him. Italy raised his eyebrows at the game. He pressed the right side of the mouse rapidly, fast-forwarding through the cutscenes. America yelled about how everyone was talking too fast, not making sense, and moving around all of a sudden.

"Russia, China, where are you going!? Prussia, get away from that machine! It'll freeze you! Britain, listen to me!"

"I got eaten by the blue thing!" Italy exclaimed.

Canada barely gave it a thought. He was across the room in an instant, gripping the back of the screen, and tugged.

Italy yelped. "Ghost! Germany, help!"

He released the laptop and threw himself to the side. Canada's arm were already pulling back with enough force to rip it out of the European's hands. With Italy already gone and no other force pulling back, Canada ended up tripping himself, falling over on his butt. The computer flew out of his hands, over his head. It landed on its side a few feet away from the bed.

Japan picked it up. Canada pushed himself up, hurrying to his side. The game had shut off completely. He played with the mouse. It was fidgety, hardly moving at times, flying in the opposite direction at others.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Italy fretted. "I didn't mean it, I'm so sorry! I - " He cocked his head at their dismayed expression. "You look like I killed your best friend."

The two snapped their heads up.

Italy shuddered at their haunting gazes.

Japan took a deep breath. "Italy-kun."

He brightened at the affectionate term.

"You came in here to sleep, correct?"

"Yeah, yeah!"

"Please go to sleep."

"Okay!" Overjoyed at being forgiven, he twirled his way over the bed, slipped under the covers, and almost immediately fell asleep with a smile on his face.

The other two exchanged glances.

"I hope transferring it to my laptop doesn't hurt America-san," Japan sighed, pushing the button to open the compartment. The very edge jutted out. "Nani?" He pushed it back in and pressed the button. Only the edge popped out. "This isn't happening."

Canada moaned. "It's jammed."

Japan used his nails to try to yank the rest of the compartment out. It wouldn't budge. He sat down on the bed and moved the mouse around. It took a few minutes to restart the game.

"What are you doing?"

"Making sure he is okay."

The game loaded. After another moment of unnecessary mouse wiggling, he managed to select new game.

"Do you think the game broke at all?" Canada asked.

Japan shrugged. "Let's hope not."

The cutscene popped up. America's shoulders slumped and he whined. "Not again!"

The text box read, "Hey, dudes! Tony here's been holding out on me. This machine here can teleport you to alternate dimensions. Isn't that so cool? I can be the hero in another world that needs my heroic savings!"

Without clicking the screen, the Russia model chuckled. The text changed to the next box. "Perhaps you should move there permanently."

America blinked. "Not again! Why are you guys talking so weird?"

Britain crossed his arms. "Do you have to show off your alien every chance you get? The Pictionians were one thing, but this?"

"Dude!"

"You're not doing that," the northern North American reported, stunned.

"Hai, you're right." Japan was just as stunned.

"Ve, is it dangerous?" The Italy model moved closer to the Germany model.

"I'm not going near an alien death trap!" the Romano model declared.

America hung his head. "I don't understand you guys."

"Can he hear them?" Canada asked.

"I - I can't say," Japan answered. He pushed the pause button. The scene didn't stop. He pressed the escape key. It didn't want to be pushed down - America must have broken it somehow. "The game is going on its own, the mouse isn't working properly, and we can't get the disc out. I'm at a loss."

"What is that supposed to mean, mon ami?" The France model stared at America in confusion.

America grabbed bundles of his own hair. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Perhaps we should ask Estonia for assistance," the Asian suggested. "He knows computers better than most."

Canada scratched his head. "Maybe. Yeah. You know what rooms he's in?"

"No."

He shook his head. This wasn't going to be a fun night at all.

America decided to ignore the ramblings of his fellow nations. He had no idea how he got in his backyard with them and Tony, but right now, he didn't care. Whatever kept freezing them and making everyone else repeat themselves (he was sure it was that glowing machine) was going to start up again, he knew it. He wasn't going to wait for it.

America trotted over to his back door. He pulled on the door knob.

"Oh, come on! Who locked my door?"

Russia and China shoved him out of their way.

"Hey!"

Russia opened the door, held it for China, and followed him in. America lunged for the door, wondering how they opened it when he couldn't. He caught it, only for it to slip through his fingers. Literally through his fingers.

"WHAT THE HELL!?" he screamed.

Prussia laughed in the background. "What's this button do?"

America kicked the door. He rammed his shoulder into it, twisted the knob so hard it was a wonder it didn't break off, and used his foot as leverage to ram the door again. Nothing.

The wind picked up with unusual strength. It ripped America away from the house, pulling him to the machine with the others. America felt himself hit concrete instead of metal. He was on the ground. The blonde sat up, looking around. He was in an empty street in a neighborhood he didn't recognize. The others weren't with him. It hadn't restarted.

America stood. "Ugh. All I wanted to do was play a video game. Is that too much to ask for?"

He made his way down the street. He got about ten paces when he hit an invisible wall. He took a few steps back, holding his nose.

"What?"

A rustle behind him caused him to turn around.

America broke out in a grin. "Tony!"

"Game tutorial," Tony said, voice robotic. "Throughout the levels, you will be faced against a multitude of enemies. Before advancing to the real game, you will need to learn the controls to fight."

He stiffened. "Tony? I'm...I'm in Japan's game? But how?"

He was in a video game, like in the movies. It had to have been the storm. The power outage had to have transported him in the game. It made perfect sense.

America laughed. "This is awesome!"

Ve - Italian; the equivalent of 'well'

Hai - Japanese; 'that is correct' or 'yes'

Nani - Japanese; 'what'

Mon ami - French; 'my friend'

So, it was the lightning hitting the house that jump started the Virtual Reality program in the video game. I hope I made that clear.

By the way, do you have any thoughts about the roughly 3,000 word chapter lengths? Like, does it feel like that's dragging it out or are you fine with it?

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, or followed! I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed.