Real World, US, WA.

Yeah, right now I am in my real home. The VRD remote (Virtual Reality Device is too long) worked, and I didn't pass out this time! I decided that if I was going to stay longer, then I would need to be fully prepared this time. I learned something very odd when I returned to my world. I should probably explain what happened earlier, though.


Tomorrow is the world conference where I'm going to be placed with another country. I woke up early and realized that I really wasn't properly equipped for living in a different country. I had come here in my school clothes with nothing but a hairbrush and some stuff in my pockets for school. I pulled out the VRD and looked at it. I still had no idea what the BRING OUT button did, and since I was alone, I decided to test it. I had on my coat with the giant pockets, and I wondered if the pockets would stay with use of the button.

I thought about the lab where I had originally left. I thought about going back and being able to tell them what was wrong. I pressed the button, and once again the world went white.


I opened my eyes to see that I was standing in the exact spot where I left. The scientists, however, were sitting around a table discussing…me! Or more specifically, my disappearance. I felt a giggle rise up in my throat, and it escaped, blossoming into full-blown laughter. How long had they been there? I couldn't believe I was back.

When they heard my laughter, they whipped around. Their jaws dropped at the sight of me. That one guy who resembled Japan (Jason, maybe?) leapt up.

"R-Ruth, you're back!"

I was instantly surrounded by excited and worried scientists.

"What happened? You've been gone for hours!" One asked.

My snickering stopped. That couldn't be right. I had been in the other world for a lot longer than a few hours.

"Wait, what? I've been there for at least 2 months!"

They glanced around in confusion, and Dr. Gospender checked his watch. Dr. Stratler pulled out a notebook and muttered to himself as he wrote something down.

"The subject appears to be a bit confused."

I got a bit angry at that point. I was not confused at all!

"Oh, for crying out loud! Look, I have proof right here!"

I reached into my pockets, searching for the camera. It seemed that the pockets were still impossibly large. I fished around until I felt a plastic case. It was totally worth it, seeing the men surrounding me freak out.

"How did you just do that?"

"That shouldn't even be possible!"

Blah, blah, blah. Take that! I found the pictures I had taken, and I went to the nearest computer. I downloaded all the photos and proceeded to show them off.

"See? These photos are proof that I have been in Hetalia longer than a few hours."

It was an understatement to say that the scientists were speechless. Finally, Dr. Stratler spoke up.

"Well, it appears that time moves faster in the virtual reality world. This was definitely…unexpected."

"It actually makes a lot of sense." I interjected. Every person in the room turned and stared at me. "It's true! I went into a TV show. TV shows can go through days or even weeks in one episode. So, if I was in there for about 5-6 hours, that means that almost 12 episodes passed."

They looked astounded by my logic. What, did they think I was an idiot? I might be small, shy, and quiet to the point where people forget about me (remind you of anyone?), but I'm brilliant in school.

"That…is pretty accurate," stated Dr. Gospender. "I'm going to have to ask for the device back now, though."

"Why?" I clutched the remote. My work wasn't done yet! I still had to help the other countries!

"Since you're not a legal adult and a registered scientist, it would be very bad for us if something happened to you."

I understood his point and reluctantly handed it over. Suddenly, I had a thought.

"Hold on, what if it doesn't work again?"

They looked concerned, and decided to test it on an older man. I didn't catch his name. Right before he clicked GO IN, I remembered what I had learned.

"WAIT!" Everything stopped. "When I went in, I figured out why it wouldn't work for anyone else. You've been giving incomplete instructions. You've been telling people to think about where they want to be, but forgetting about why they want to be there in the first place! It's like an equation, say 1+2=3. You've got the 1, the first part, but you forgot the second step."

Again, they were silenced by my logic. After a few seconds, the scientists rushed around correcting notes. The guy pressed the button, being sure that he was completing the full equation. However, as he clicked it, it started sparking, and the man cried out and jolted as he was electrocuted. When it ended, he slumped to the ground. The others rushed to pick him up. Jason turned to me.

"That's what happened to everyone else who tried it."

I went over to it and picked it up. It was slightly warm. An idea hit me.

"Hey, Dr. Stratler!" He turned to me. "So, you know how this remote doesn't work?"

"Yes."

"Well, I was wondering if I could keep it. You wouldn't have to pay me for testing it or anything."

He looked unsure. "I don't think that's very safe."

"Please?" I gazed at him with big blue eyes. I've been told many times that my eyes are very child-like.

"Well, I suppose. If it does anything, though, you have to give it back immediately."

"Yay! Thanks!" I gave him a small hug. He smiled lightly.


I got Dr. Gospender to drive me back to school, since I had drama club today. When I got back home, I went around collecting things that I might need on my travels. The nations always seemed to end up getting shipwrecked on an island somewhere, so I also composed a survival pack. Finally, I had assembled everything. I am now ready to go anywhere and deal with anything in another world. I'm going to get some sleep before the world meeting, and I'm going back tomorrow. I'm going to try to go home with Canada. Alright, I'm done for the night.


Hi, everyone! While I was writing, I realized that Ruth hadn't had any time to prepare for her adventure. I myself always carry a pack of random things that could be needed, so I decided to have her grab a lot of junk that will be seen in future chapters. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Adiós!