Sadik squeezed Ivan's hand as they walked down the hall towards the meeting room. It had been a long hard month knowing that Arkady was under the care of someone that hated Sadik. Finally they hoped that the other countries had come to their sense and would see fit to return their little one. Ivan rested his head against Sadik's shoulder as the other wraped an arm around the Russian's waist. They were the last to enter and, quite literally, the eyes of the entire world were on them as they walked in. Those same eyes widened at the state of the two nations. Ivan's eyes had sunken in and had so many bags under them, they simply looked bruised. His cheeks had hollowed and his skin had taken on a sickly hue. Though Sadik's eyes could not be seen due to his mask, it was obvious that he had gotten about as much sleep as Ivan had and he looked ready to snap at anything that even looked at him the wrong way. Ivan's eyes had dulled and his smile had vanished. He observed the room with a blank, dull, empty stare that made the others shiver. Sadik led him over to their chairs and the two sat down without a word to anyone. Ludwig cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Let's begin this meeting then." The others, thankful for the distraction from the two heartbroken nations, eagerly agreed. That is until they noticed the document that was to be discussed first. Arthur stood up and pointed a disbelieving finger at Ivan and Sadik.

"What the bloody hell is this about?" The two just stared back. "Ivan get up here and explain this." The northern nation didn't move nor did be speak.

"He won't say anything, ain't talking much lately. And do we have to spell it out for you? Russia and Turkey will no longer be giving any support to any of you." The rest of the world looked on in utter shock. Yao was the first to find his voice.

"But why aru?" Sadik laughed, but it lacked the richness, the love for life and any joy. It was hollow and dead. The laugh of someone who has nothing left to loose.

"You're kidding right? You take our little boy away from us, send him to someone that hates me and would have little issue taking that out on my child, forbid us from having any contact with him and you expect our aid?" He raised a hand to silence any that had started to speak. "We are well aware of those that fought on our behalf to keep Ark at home and we thank you for it. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you and if any of those people are ever in need, be aware that we will never turn our backs on you. But we have been deeply wounded and need time for that wound to heal. For those that stole Arkady from us, expect nothing from us. Either he is willingly returned; if that is the case we may one day forgive you. Or" Sadik let the threat hang in the air. It was no secret that the Russian and Turkish armies were growing in power and would have little qualms about using Greece to test their new strength. They'd have no problems going through the country, straight through and then on to those that had agreed to take their child. Ludwig broke the silence with a negotiation.

"What if we opened up communication?" The two focused their gazes on the German. For the first time since the meeting began Ivan spoke.

"What did you have in mind comrade?" Ludwig smiled sadly; he was one of the ones that had argued to leave Arkady with his parents. Ivan had worked hard to rebuild their friendship after World War 2 and now it was Ludwig's turn.

"Regular letters, phone calls once a week and visitations." Sadik's eyes narrowed.

"How often can we see him?" Ludwig shrugged and tried to think of a number that would please everyone.

"Twice a month?" The other nations were immediately in an uproar. "Quiet!" The bickering slowly died down and all eyes focused on Ludwig. "Alright I want everyone to go away for a little while and think of a fair number. We'll come back and debate in half an hour." The room began to clear quickly, amid the chaos Ageta slipped away from Hercules and fought her way over to Sadik and Ivan.

"Mr. Turkey, Mr. Russia these letters are from your son." After placing the letters in Ivan's hand she raced off to find Hercules. The two stared after the girl in wonder. They turned to each other before sitting down to read the letters. Ivan carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the pile. They were dated from the night he arrived in Greece to the day of the meeting.

Dear Baba and папа,

It's my first night in Greece and already I miss you terribly. I'm trying to be strong but it's so hard. That Greek bastard wants to change my name and keep me from doing anything that he thinks even remotely has an attachment to you. Oh Baba how did you ever put up with this brat when you were still an empire?

In case you're wondering it's the next day right now. I was really tired last night but I didn't want to waste paper. I don't like it here but I did make a new friend. Her name is Ageta or Eta. Baba, you remember her right? She's the girl from the market. She's really nice. She cooks me Turkish food, and lets me speak Turkish even though I'm not supposed to and doesn't get mad at me when I don't wanna learn Greek. The clothes that I came here in smell just like you Baba. I fell asleep on them last night and thought it was all a dream. That bastard is mean. He got all mad because I woke up late. I wasn't late; the clock said it was 8 in the morning. He also orders me around a lot and makes me clean stuff. I have to go; Ageta needs my help with something.

Love

Arkady

The rest of the letters were roughly the same format, and then they found the one that Ageta had slipped in. The two had to read it over a few times for the meaning of the words to register through their shock. Sadik's hands crumpled the paper as they shook with rage. The other nations filed in slowly and took their seats, oblivious to the unforgivable act that had been unveiled. Hercules was the last to enter. The brunette yawned as he walked through the door and gasped in pain as he was slammed into the wall. He opened his eyes to see an all too familiar white mask. Sadik's jaw was set in a hard line and Hercules could feel the fire in Sadik's eyes burn into his own.

"You son of a bitch! How dare you? He's a child you fucking piece of shit!" The other nations stared on in shook. Hercules felt sweat gather on his brow. There was no way Sadik could know…was there?

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Sadik's lips curled back into a snarl and Hercules had a brief reminder of the man that had terrorized the world. For no one had stood up to the Ottoman Empire and lived.

"You raped my son you fucker!" The meeting room froze and Hercules' eyes widened in fear. Sadik shoved the letter into his face, shook the brunette and proceeded to show the rest of the room. Ivan walked up to him calmly, with that smile on his face but Hercules could sense something under it. Something that told him to surrender and submit to anything this man wanted. The Russian leaned in close to Hercules' ear and whispered.

"I will utterly destroy you." Hercules barely held back a whimper. When Ivan stood back up, his amethyst eyes had darkened to an almost black and the smile showed unhidden cruelty. He gulped and, staring into those eyes, felt his bladder release. Warmth erupted in his groin and trickled down his leg to form a puddle at his feet. Ivan chuckled and turned to Ludwig. The German stared at the letter in shock. "Forget negotiations Ludwig. It's war now."