July 11th- Day 11: Games. This theme is for games of the non-sports variety (there is a sports theme later for that). Board games, little competitions, video games, bedroom games, childhood games, you name it. Of course they don't have to be playing the game. They can be talking about it, watching it, be analogized to it, etc.
There was nothing quite like coming home from a long day at work and plopping down into the computer chair to play some video games. It was something America looked forward to almost every day, or more like when he wasn't so exhausted that he didn't fall face first into the bed to pass out immediately. Most of the time America would pop in any game. He was fast to finish them within two to three days, sometimes even twenty-four hours.
It had been so long since he had found a really good game to play. He used to get the down-low on any game from Japan before it came out, but the Asian nation had been silent as of late.
One day, America approached Japan after a meeting and asked about a new game. Japan looked confused for a moment. He tilted his head.
"Didn't you get Gamerz Mind?" he asked. America shook his head. "Oh! I'm so terribly sorry! I was sure I gave it to you. It's a new MMORPG."
America's eyes lit up, and he but jumped Japan for the game. "REALLY! Lemme play! I want to play it!"
Japan, used to America's outbursts, nodded. He turned to dig it out from his briefcase. America didn't question why he happened to have it in there. Stranger things have come out of the bag anyways. Japan handed the game over, briefly explaining what it was about.
"You're stuck in someone paranoid mind. It's been damaged by an outside incident. You and others online are to try and fix it. There are currently five classes, but the programmers have been thinking up more."
"Sweet! I want to be a Hero class!" America exclaimed.
Japan frowned slightly. "There…is no Hero class, Mr. America."
"Seriously?" America glanced at the box once again. "Ah well. I'll still have fun! Thanks dude! I was waiting for a new game!"
"I apologize. I really did think I had told you." Japan turned to leave, but paused to look back at America. "By the way, I'm under Nihon."
America frowned, his eyebrows furrowing. "Just Nihon? Dude, that's the same screen name you have in EVERY MMORPG!"
"Yes, it keeps it simple." Japan then left with a smile.
America rushed back home to install the new game to his computer. He ordered pizza while the last of it finished. Once done, he entered all the information needed, designed his character, and entered in his name. He made sure that his character was a big, tough looking blonde with a snazzy outfit- or as snazzy as one could get in these rather bright outfits the company had made. America had decided his name would be Hero235.
"Yeah," America said, satisfied. He sat back in his chair. "Let's get started."
Three hours later and America was already at level twenty. He felt rather proud. He slipped down to the younger ranks, remembering a time when he was level five, and helped the other players out. All were grateful to him, especially since he would stand aside so that the other players got the experience points.
"All right, Hero, let's go on up to the higher ranks. See if we can mess around up there with the twenty-fives." America navigated through the light red tunnels of the world, reminiscent of a brain, until he found the door to levels twenty-five through thirty. "A good boss kill would be perfect for an EXP boost."
With confidence, America stepped through. The world was different compared to the first and second levels. This one was more about the desert. Pillars of sand and rock, much like those in Utah, towered overhead. America had no idea how this connected to a brain, but he went with it anyways. It was pretty, and teaming with new monsters to destroy.
He set off looking for a particularly strong boss. Most of the enemies were of mediocre threat. America passed them by, diving deeper into the world. He stopped when he saw a boss battle break out before him.
The creature was easily twice the character's size. It had three arms, all reaching for the character that America mistook for a girl. The character was a Knight class, wearing the armor and the helmet that came with the standard issue of the basic design. However, the character moved fluidly around the beast. It dodged any blow, sending low-level spells the creature's way.
America smiled, thinking that perhaps he should intervene. The player was obviously no match for the beast. But then, the character pulled outs it sword and jumped high in the air. America wasn't sure how because he couldn't get the camera to move fast enough, but he saw the creature's health drop drastically. It fell to its knees and disappeared like all villains did. Then, the knight dropped to the ground, unharmed.
America was impressed. He trotted over to see the player. Its name was set to private, meaning he had to ask the player for their information. He also noticed the player had set their settings to "no microphone". So America typed his response.
Hero 235 said :That was incredible!:
The player turned to look at America. Their face was hidden, as were all knights. Usually a knight belonged to a guild, but this knight didn't. Or maybe he had that hidden as well. It was an option.
Hero235 said :What's your name?:
The player didn't respond. America frowned.
Hero235 said :What's wrong? Are you AFK?:
The player simply turned and walked away. America started. "H-hey!"
He moved his character to follow, but the player only took it for so long. They teleported to a different area; a move only higher level players can achieve. America pouted, sitting back in his chair.
"What an ass. I just wanted to praise him and shit." America rocked in his chair for a bit. He was used to jerks online. Hell, he played with Prussia from time to time. Briefly he wondered if that was him.
A little symbol down at the bottom of the webpage indicated that he had gotten a PM. America clicked it, wondering if it was that other player. It was Japan instead. Nevertheless, America replied to him.
They met up in the same level near the entrance. Japan's character, Nihon, was a special class. To get that class, you were to be given a special code that allowed for any alteration of your appearance of any kind, regardless of what class you actually chose to be. America rolled his eyes at seeing that Japan had chosen a cat girl physique.
Hero 235 said :You would!:
Nihon said :I am quite fond of this. Is there a problem?:
Hero235 said :Why no mic?:
Nihon said :I believe it's for the best for all countries to hide their identity and their voice. Perhaps you should hide your name as well?:
Hero 235 said :As if anyone is gonna know it's me!:
Nihon said :If you think so.:
Hero235 said :Know where there are some good enemies to defeat?:
Nihon said :Yes. Follow me.:
The two players embarked. Along the way, America received a PM from an anonymous source. He opened it up, thinking it might be an admirer.
:Please, don't talk to me again.:
America's player stopped. Nihon had been running in front of him, but he paused as well. He turned around to look at America.
Nihon said :Hero? Is something wrong?:
America was stunned. Who could have possibly sent him this message? He hadn't gone out of his way to talk to anyone in general; just a few "You're welcomes" and the like. Either way, it didn't warrant someone to anonymously e-mail him about not talking to him. How was he to know just who it was he had bothered? Couldn't they tell it to his face?
Hero235 said :Oh, nothing. Just got a PM and was reading it. How do you reply to anons?:
Nihon said :You don't. It's designed so that you can't.:
Hero235 said :Lame. Well, whatever. Let's just go!:
Three hours and a stiff neck later, America was ready to sign off. Japan had just departed, saying it was time for him to sleep as well. But just as America was about to press the log-off button, he caught sight of the knight from before. He knew it was the same one as it saw him too, and fled the opposite direction.
Hero 235 said :Hey! Wait up!:
This time, the knight stopped. It shot a warning blast at America.
Hero235 said :Dude! What the hell? I just wanted to say hi!:
? said :I told you not to talk to me.:
America blinked. He smiled as he leaned forward in his chair. Somehow, knowing who sent him the e-mail was more of a relief than caring about the contents of it.
Hero235 said :Oh, so it was you? How the hell was I to know? You should've just told me your name.:
The knight didn't reply. America thought that he was going to log-off in a minute. It wouldn't surprise him. The guy was unpredictable, except for the fact that he liked to run away from people that were nice to him.
? said :You have a point. Well I am telling you now to please not talk to me anymore.:
Hero235 said :Why? I didn't do anything. It's not like I was mean to you or said or did anything cruel. Can't I just say hi? I think you're a good player, that's all.:
For some reason, America thought that the player was probably scoffing on the other end. He wasn't sure why. The player gave no indication he had, given that their player's actions were limited to just run, walk, jump, and fight. There was an amusing option to dance, but the knight didn't look like it would dance any time soon.
? said :Well thank you.:
Hero235 said :You're welcome. What level are you?:
? said :85.:
America nearly dropped the controller. For all he knew, the game wasn't that old. It had to have taken a player a good two or three months to get to level fifty, but to get to level eight-five in a little under a month was impossible. Even Japan's character wasn't that high a level, and he was a co-creator, like almost all of his video games.
Hero235 said :No way. That's impossible.:
? said :Obviously it isn't.:
Hero235 said :I don't believe you. Show me your stats.:
? said :I do not know you. I will not reveal that.:
Hero235 said :Well, all right. I was hoping we could be friends.:
? said :I don't live in the same country as you.:
Hero235 said :How can you tell?:
? said :Your screen name reminds me of someone I know that lives in America.:
America smiled. He leaned forward, his interest piqued.
Hero235 said :And you remind me of someone from England. Are you?:
? said :Spot on.:
Mentally, America was proud of himself. He wasn't sure why, but it was exciting to know someone was talking to him from England. He talked to the countries for crying out loud; why was this so amazing? He wasn't exactly sure and wasn't one to over analyze things.
Hero235 said :I didn't think you Britts were good at games.:
? said :I'll have you know that most older gents are serious gamers. We also spend more money on games than we do films or music. I've played Call of Duty before and enjoy other sites like WoW. Something like 20 million of us "Britts" play online games.:
Hero235 said :Whoa, you play those too? We should play! I'm killer at Call of Duty.:
? said :I bet. Yes, I think you and my mate would get along just fine.:
Hero235 said :Well he's probably sleeping. Which I'm gonna go and do. Here, take my info. We can chat some time later.:
America pressed for his information to be sent over the PM. It was amazing that only a short while ago, the knight had berated him for even trying to compliment him, and now he had his information. They had chatted for far longer than either intended. Still, it was nice to know that the player didn't seem as defensive as before.
The next couple of days went much better with the mysterious knight player. There was still no exchanging of information, the British player having America's stats. At one point, America received a PM from the knight player asking to meet him at the level thirty to thirty-five area. It was there that the knight player explained that he would help America raise his levels.
"Really?" America exclaimed. He forgot there was no microphone ability.
Hero235 said :Awesome! Thanks so much! Should we make a group?:
? said :I think that would be best, yes.:
Hero235 said :I'll need your information then.:
? said :And you shall have it. Check your inbox.:
America frantically pulled it up. His heart pounded with putting a name to his online friend. It was exciting. He didn't even care if the player was even eight years old; the fact is, this guy was a good player and a really nice guy. America clicked open the unread e-mail.
America stopped. The player's stats read that he was twenty-three, lived in London, and that his real name was left a secret. America had left his name a blank too, something of which he did for every game he played online. HE always put down that he lived in Washington D.C., even if he was currently nowhere near the capital.
Then, America saw the character's name.
Hero235 said :Your name is Britannia?:
Britannia said :Is there something wrong with that name? It's a rather powerful one.:
America was laughing. He shook his head, amazed that a human was making him so happy. A human that wasn't his own.
Hero235 said :You're cute.:
Britannia seemed caught off guard as he didn't reply to America's comment. A short time later he made the group, "Anglo-alliance" and they set off to fight monsters until the wee hours of the night. Whenever America commented on Britannia getting some sleep, he waved it off. He was quite fine with staying up later, claiming he had homework he was doing as well.
Hero235 said :Do you have two computers or something? How could you be doing this and playing a game?:
Britannia said :I have two screens, actually. I have my work on the other screen.:
Hero235 said :Man, my friend in England isn't as tech-savvy as you. What college do you go to?:
Britannia said :A good one.:
One day, America received word from his boss that he was to travel to England for a meeting. America was sad that he wouldn't get the chance to play his game for the night, wondering if Britannia would be upset that he wasn't on. Then, an idea struck him. During lunch he raced home so that he could quickly sign on. Of course, Britannia wasn't online. It was rather late in the evening in England. Still, America typed up a quick letter that he would check before he left that night.
:Hey Britannia! I'm gonna be taking a trip to England! Did I tell you I worked for the American government? Well I do and they want me to head over there for the weekend. Do you think we can meet up? I'll be at the American embassy at noon on Sunday if you wanna meet! I'm a blonde, almost seven feet, and I have glasses. I'll see you there, hopefully!:
That night, America checked his e-mails. The message was strange and short.
:I think I know who you are. I'll be there.:
Sunday, America was standing outside the embassy as he said. He forgot to write Britannia back and ask what he looked like. He was so busy, gathering his things to get to his plane on time that he forgot all about it. Now, he was anxious that Britannia was watching from afar and had decided to walk away. Maybe he thought that he was too intimidating, too ugly, or too… something. America never met his online friends, but he couldn't give up the chance to meet Britannia.
He secretly wanted to play Call of Duty with him.
A tap on his shoulder had America turned quickly. He smiled when he saw England standing there.
"Hey!" America greeted. "What're you doing here?"
"I knew it," England said. He had a secretive smile on his lips. "So you don't think us Britts can hold our own in the gaming world?"
America's mouth fell agape. "It was you? You're Britannia?"
England crossed his arms smugly. "I sure am. I knew it was you all along."
"H-how?" America gawked.
"Please. Hero235?"
America rubbed the back of his head. "What? That could be a random number or something."
"That's your age, you git." But England was laughing.
America fought back his blush and smiled. He was rather glad that it was England that he met; despite the fact he really did believe it was a human. He wasn't sure why-again, he wasn't one to over analyze things. But every time he and Britannia had talked it was always so natural. Like when he and England talked. Of course, America would never admit to that. He and England were just friends.
It was America who held these one-sided crushes.
"Why didn't you tell me?" America asked. "That you play games so much. I mean, do you really have two screens?"
"Three, sometimes," England replied. He shrugged. "I just never saw a reason to tell you."
"Can you fix your computers if they break too?" America asked.
At this, England looked away with a slight blush. "N-no… I call Japan and ask him for his help."
"I can help too you know!" America exclaimed a little too loudly. He felt a little protective of England, but again, would never admit as such. "You can call me."
"I just thought you would laugh if you knew how much games I play," England mumbled. He was looking at his feet. "I thought you'd call me a geek or whatever term you use."
"Well, Japan and I play all the time so…" America smiled, putting his hand on England's shoulder. "Tell you what, next time Japan, Canada, and I have a LAN party, you can join us, okay?"
England smiled, that rare true smile. It made America's stomach do a flip and his heart caught in his chest. "I'd like that."
"But no lame names like Britannia."
"Then nothing stupid like Hero235."
Hoshiko2's cents: Inspired by Angel-Shin on Livejournal for giving me this adorable idea based on logistics about UK gamers. It was interesting and I thought the idea was too great to pass up for today's prompt. Hope you all enjoyed it!