Prologue
October 17,
"If I hadn't revolted. If I hadn't fought. If I hadn't demanded change, then maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have turned into a different man.
I looked over at all the newspapers strewn on my desk.
Jarring headlines made me want to just go over to him and whack some sense into his head.
I groaned as another migraine washed over me.
This was all too much for me. I had been stressing out for at least three months already, for his sake.
I had my own problems to deal with, but I can't help to think that this is all my fault.
I ran my hands through my hair.
Oh well, Alfred was coming over to discuss a plan tomorrow. Hopefully by that time we'll have figured something out."
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October 18: Conference Hall : Location: Mexico City:
"For the last time, Adriana, tell me why you want to help him!" the exasperated American sighed.
"Because Alfred, he's always been there for me and now it's my turn to be there for him."
The young Mexican lady rubbed her temples, "Iván needs us, he needs our help!"
"That damn Russian doesn't need anything! He's feeding you a web of lies!"
"And how do you know!"
"Aw come on Adriana don't be so stupid!"Alfred slid a folder across the table.
Adriana opened the folder skimmed the newspaper clippings. She gasped. "More than 100 dead!" read the headline. Another one said, "Massacre at Moscow!"
"He let it happen. He didn't step in and try to protect those innocent!" Alfred explained.
Adriana felt hot tears prick her eyes, "No. Ivan would not let this happen!" she cried.
"Adriana! Look at the proof! Everyday there are more fights!" Alfred explained.
She shook her head, "If it so, then that is why he needs us. We could help him, encourage him to find another way!"
"Adriana are you even listening to yourself!" Alfred shouted in disbelief. He knew Adriana was stubborn, but this was too much.
"Adriana forget it, he's snapped, he's crazy!"
"No! Alfred it's too early to say whether or not Ivan's gone crazy."
Alfred ran his hands through his hair, sighing. "No, you are right. But it's only a matter of time though..."
"Alfred! Don't say things like that!"
Alfred slammed his hands on the table. "Dammit Adriana! Can't you see how bad things are in Russia! You just can't expect them to slide away! Bad things are coming! Mark my words!"
Alfred pushed his chair back, making a sharp scraping sound, and stood up quickly leaving the room.
"Al-Alfred...Alfred!" Adriana called out, a lump in her throat forming.
She certainly did not want to lose two of her friends in one day. She placed her head in her hands.
"Dios mío por favor ayúdame. Ayuda a Iván también."
With a heavy sigh, she stood up and followed Alfred out into the hall. He was leaning against the hallway, his dirty blonde hair covering his face.
"Alfred? Are you alright?"
He shot his head up,"Hmmm?" He wiped his eyes. "Yeah...yeah...I'm just-I'm sorry Adriana. I didn't mean to suddenly turn on you or anything." Alfred said gently.
"It's okay, Alfred, I understand we- I can't keep on believing everything will be perfect and rosy. Things are happening and we need to keep a clear head."
She took Alfred's hand, "I'll stay here for a few days, depending what happens in Russia, then we'll make our decision."
He gave her a weak smile. "Oh Adriana," he thought, "I've already made mine."
December 5: Conference Hall: Location: Mexico City:
"Adriana! Adriana!" Alfred ran down the hall, newspapers held tightly in his hands.
Adriana poked her head out of the conference room, "Yes? I'm a little busy right now."
He reached the door, "Did-you-hear-I-have-" he panted. "Okay wait..." Alfred bent over and placed his hands on his knees.
"Okay Alfred...take a deep a breath!" Adriana chuckled.
"Take-this-" he handed her the newspapers.
She took them with a slight frown.
"I heard all about. Come, I have something to tell you." She ushered him into the room and they sat down.
"My boss said we are going to have a visitor."
"Visitor? Who? When? Today?!" Alfred frantically asked, causing Adriana to smile.
"I don't know who it is, and yes today!"
"Aww come on! Your boss didn't tell you?!" He whined like a little boy. A small childish pout formed on his lips.
"You know, don't you?"
Adriana chuckled, "I promise I don't know." Alfred flashed her a smile, something he now seldom did.
"Okay, okay. All joking matter aside, we need to discuss something very important." His tone suddenly becoming serious.
Adriana nodded. "I see. I assume you want to discuss," she waved over to the newspapers, "this."
"Yes, and something even more important." Alfred blue eyes darkened.
"Oh." Adriana became nervous.
Alfred took one one Adriana's hands into his.
"Alfred? What-"
"Adriana...I'm sorry...but Ivan's changed."
Adriana looked at him intently. "Umm Alfred...isn't that why we are here?" She asked with a small laugh.
Alfred shook his head. "Adriana," his voice soften, "tell me what does Ivan look like?"
"Alfred what does that have to do with anything?"
"Then you don't know?"
"Know what? That Ivan is changing! Well isn't Russia changing too!"
"Ooh Adriana...it's so much more than that..."
"Alfred...you are starting to worry me. What so mean with that?"
"Adriana, what does Ivan look?"
Alfred asked again, his grip tightening on her hand.
"She's so young to know about this..." Alfred thought sadly.
"Alfred this has nothing to with our meeting, plus we need to get ready for our-"
"Visitor?"
A heavy-accented voice interrupted. It began to laugh, a deep chortle, almost mocking. Alfred and Adriana turned their heads towards the sound of the voice.
A tall man was leaning against the doorframe, with his arms crossed. He was dressed in a long black trench coat and his face was covered by the rim of a black military cap. The coat and cap were trimmed with red and the cap had a small circular symbol that neither Alfred or Adriana could decipher. A deep red scarf was wrapped around his neck and draped over his shoulders.
Alfred stood up. "Excuse me but who are you and what are doing here?" he asked bluntly.
The man laughed again, sending chills down Adriana's spine.
"For one having spies all over the Russia, you really are pathetic." The man remarked coldly.
"Hey! How-how do you know that?!"
"Let's say I also did my research."
"Russia? This man...Iván...is that you?" Adriana said softly to herself. She slowly stood up, ready to greet her friend.
The man, still with his head down, turned the conversation over to Adriana.
"Milashka, before I so rudely interrupted you conversation with this, American," he spat the word,"he was asking you to tell him what Ivan looks like. Humor me dear, and answer his question."
Adriana felt confused, why the same question over and over again? What did it matter?
She sighed, "Well Iván is-"
Adriana stopped, utterly perplexed.
"Go on, milashka, tell us, tell me, what does he look like. Physically."
"Oh...well...in that case. Well, he has violet eyes, platinum blonde hair-"
"Thank you, my little sunflower, that's all we needed."
Adriana froze. "Little sunflower" that's what he always called her.
"Are-is that you Iván?" Adriana asked.
The man laughed and turned his head to face her. His red eyes met her brown eyes. "Don't ever mention his name to me again, milashka." His voice deepened, almost like a growl.
Adriana gasped. This man was obviously not Ivan. Alfred looked at the strange man and stood closer to Adriana.
"Just who are you?"
"Comrade, don't you recognize me?" The man face twisted into a dark smile. He walked over to Alfred and Adriana.
"You are...you're Ivan's-" Alfred said.
"Ahh-ahh! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vladimir Radislov." He took of his cap and bowed, taking Adriana's hand. Vladimir placed a small kiss on her knuckles. He kept his gaze on her.
Adriana felt another shiver run down her spine. This man meant no good. Yet she couldn't keep her eyes away from him. He was handsome, that was given. His beautiful, caramel colored hair and those strange crimson eyes that held an air of enigma, looked perfect in the black coat.
"Hey! Take your hands off her you, commie!" Alfred pushed Vladimir away from Adriana.
"I beg your pardon! Commie?" He retorted as he quickly composed himself.
"I'm sorry, but just who are you?" Adriana asked, still not understanding anything. She eyed Alfred and Vladimir.
"Milashka, didn't this American already tell you? Tsk-tsk-pity, he seemed smart. Ah, well, I am Vladimir-"
"Vladimir. Yes, I understand, but just who are you?"
A cold smile, curled Vladimir's lips,
"Why, pardon me, where are my manners?" He snarled and his crimson eyes locked with Adriana's once again.
"Milashka, I am Russia."
