Serbian Wolf 1: Hell on Sky

by FAlavanja

A 14-year old boy named Vuk Misic,after 4 years of his defeat in the Yugoslav War,was tired of wars. However,few months later in 1999,he's about to witness and overcome a new attack against him,this time at the form of the bombings. However,an unexpected but monumental event which happened in the midst of the bombings would change the divergence for him and his friends and enemies.

15. Chapter 13: Chained no more - Part 3

Chapter 13: Chained no more - Part 3

15th July - 09:15

Konstantinos Stephanopoulos,

Remember the time when you proclaimed that you won't get ousted so easily because NATO "protects" you along with your military and police,calling me a "naive fool" for telling you truths a week ago,the last time we contacted each other? Well,yesterday morning,a group of your fellow mounted policemen got defeated and smeared with nasty things,not the least of which were rotten fruits and vegetables,for trying to stop us as we dealt with NATO's Thessaloniki Base. It's now destroyed from within. I know how you feel right now. It hurts a lot when your forces couldn't manage to curb the rebelling people against you,on the same place where that infamous Railroad Incident happened on 28th April.

Now let's go to the serious part,in which I'll give you one simple question: "Is following NATO's lane really worth it?". It's the follow-up of your "What's happening to my people?" question. It's a question you should ask yourself. Why? It isn't because of domestic policies which improved living conditions of my people,and it certainly isn't because of your gentlemanly personality,far from it. If you're still ignorant or deliberately idiotic,its because you refuse to listen to your people and some of your ministers,and hear them. Before 1999,you were consistently the most popular public figure in Greece,but since 7th July it's at best questionable. A real leader of a nation should've distanced him or herself from ones who violated the trust by attacking our ally,not stand with them! Seriously,what are you going to achieve by maintaining an alliance with America,Britain,Germany and NATO in general? I'll tell you what: NOTHING! More so when almost every single Greek soul are against the ongoing atrocious bombings which killed about 5 or 6 thousand in just 113 days alone. THAT'S THE ENTIRE FUCKING REASON WHY THEY'RE ANGRY AT YOU!

I know this might seem ludicrous for someone to write a letter to one's enemy,but I'm writing this as one last call for us to negotiate a ceasefire. No matter how much you disappointed me,I deep down know you want to redeem yourself,go back to normal and end the chaos. I'll gladly do it for you,you just need to accept the following demands:

1. Leave NATO and condemn it with extreme prejudice.

2. Close their bases,especially the Crete Naval Base,cut relations with the main leaders of NATO (excluding France) and expel American diplomats.

3. Admit to the public that you were wrong on your current foreign policies through delivering a speech.

If you accept all of these,you'll end the rioting and your people's rage in no time,because frankly,I'm too tired of committing action almost every day as much as you're trying to stop me. You'll even regain your falling reputation amongst the populace into what you were recognized as. Besides,they,the West,don't care about you,Greeks,and me. They only care about loyalty over Atlanticism and America and subservience towards the same. Don't believe me? Just look up 1967 and 1974,if you know history. They're the same ones who pushed Russia to the edge and unofficially declared the Second Cold War.

HOWEVER,if you've ignored this letter of hope and relief,discredit what's written and still believe in Yankee's abnormal narrative,that's fine...but you have to pack yourself into resignation before my people come and get you.

Sincerely,

Athene.

I let out a heavy and tired sigh of relief and let my pencil drop on the desk,re-reading the paper. I woke up early just so I can finally write this long letter to my "President",having enough energy to write it. I could've slept longer,but I hadn't for obvious reason.

But that wasn't the only letter I wrote. After the Thessaloniki Base raid,aside of telling Vuk and Helena what happened,I wrote a letter to Maria and Arisha to let them know what happened yesterday,and to also know how are they going with their life. Are they ok? I haven't seen them for weeks,last time being in that 610th Anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo rally. The last contact I got from Maria was a week ago,in which she told me she was invited to go to Alfred's mansion by Emily,accepting the invitation. I was like "what the heck" and Maria said the same. Since then,she didn't told me how she's been.

As for Arisha,she's an even bigger concern for me. Unlike Maria,she hadn't told me anything during the past period of 7th July,with exceptions of Vuk which hinted me that she's in Chechnya and that he'll ask her to come to me two days ago. I mean,isn't she happy now that Yeltsin had died? At first glance,she looked like she's more than happy,especially after Vuk told me how Arisha trolled "the Leader" to death and made her create a celebration in Taganrog for her family members to enjoy. It's an utter shame I hadn't been invited. I would've had so much fun.

But now,I feel like Arisha's bliss has expired. I know this because,as told by Arisha,her concerns over Chechnya and the continuous bombings against his younger brother Vuk are making her depressed. Again,is her life getting better or worse? I have to know sooner or later.

I grabbed my written letter and put it inside an envelope,getting up from the chair. I dropped the envelope inside my backpack and left my bedroom. Upon exiting the same,I smiled as I saw two dandelions sleeping on my double-sized bed. Vuk and Helena still haven't woken up. I didn't want to wake them up,but I kissed their cute little faces,softly. Before getting outside to deliver the letter to post office,I went to the bathroom to refresh myself by washing my face and hands,taking pajamas off to dress up and got outside after locking the door,all with quiet steps.

10:05

I finished the mail procedure after waiting in line at post office,requesting a registrar to bring this letter to Kostis for serious reasons. He was nervous over my explanation,telling me it's risky because "you'll reveal your identity" in a quite volume. I responded that Kostis knows me and he just sighed and accepted my request.

Contrary to what I usually except nowadays,I hadn't seen any group of policemen (or Kostis' forces in general) showing up to chase me after. It wasn't so tense and risky as I thought it would be. I drove my way to this place with safety and ease. To make things better,its sunny and bright as my current mood,a perfect time for someone to take ones time to play outside.

Knowing I hadn't eaten anything after I got there,I went to the nearest bakery to buy and eat cheese pie with yogurt for today's breakfast. I entered the car to go back afterwards.

10:55

I got back to my apartment,wondering what Vuk and Helena are doing or at least,have they finally woke up? I unlocked the door to see for myself and here they are,sitting on chairs and playing chess. Helena heard door's closure and turned towards me,with Vuk following her suit by raising his head two seconds later.

"Oh,you came back,Athene." Vuk said,then asked "Where were you?"

"At the post office to deliver an important letter to Kostis." I replied.

"I-I thought you disappeared." Helena said,with a sad face.

I wasn't surprised at her thought. Locking them without telling them were I'm going will raise suspicion and be worried about me.

"Of course I didn't,sweetie." I said,approaching her giving her a hug.

A short pause came in as Vuk placed the white bishop aside on the desk to get up.

"Vuk is teaching me chess,mommy." Helena informed me "He's indeed a great babysitter."

"Well now,thanks for the compliment," Vuk replied,approaching us with blushy face and his hand rubbing the back of his head,smiling "but I'm not that good. At least,I'm trying my best."

Both me and Helena giggled at this,Vuk too.

"What were you doing while I was gone?" I asked them.

"We woke up at around ten'o'clock and refreshed ourselves by opening the window. We didn't knew where you were and,after making a breakfast for me and Helena to eat,we searched all rooms,only to notice that the door was locked ." Vuk explained "We were worried and Helena asked me if you disappeared,and I replied that there's a good reason why,despite not knowing where. What's more,I told her that,even if it was unlocked,Alfreak might be there outside to get her and eat her alive."

I laughed. 'Alfreak' again...and-and the way he had described the Yanktard to my daughter is more funny. Good to know that Helena will soon learn who Alfred Jones really is. He certainly isn't "The Hero" as he always portrays himself as.

"I'm glad you're keeping her safe,Vuk." I replied,caressing his hair.

Vuk nodded,smiling.

"Wanna play with us?" he asked.

"No,but I have a better idea." I said,then suggested "How about we go to Alcazar Park? The day is sunny and we need some fresh air. It's summer,after all."

They agreed at my suggestion and started going.

11:20

We walked around the park,observing the environment around us. Trees and grass gloomed with light,pigeons were flying around and kids played games on a playground. I looked at Helena and Vuk teasing one another while walking,telling jokes and laughing. It brightened me with joy seeing them so happy,especially Vuk.

If it wasn't for the second attack on Thessaloniki Base,Laryssa and Northern Greece as a whole would still be under siege and Kostis' forces would still roam around. Everything south of Lamia remain unsafe to visit.

When we got near a playhround,Helena turned to us.

"Vuk,Athene,can we play at the playground?" Helena asked,excited.

"Sure." I said.

And so we went there and I watched them as I sat on a bench,running around a large climbing frame with slides. At this point,my concerns over the Greek unrest against Kostis were discarded. It's those great times where Vuk can have its place to be fully happy,forgetting the sorrows and tragedies he'll have to endure every day since 24th March. And I,Helena,Violeta and Mikis have to resist until Greece is out of this terrorist organization. Comparing his situation to my own,I'm very lucky.

"Hey,Athene!" Vuk ran towards me "Can you join us?"

I giggled and stood up from the bench.

"Oh,you two!"

13:00

After I finished playing with Vuk and Helena for more than an hour,like hide and seek and volleyball,I finally got tired and told them that I should take a rest and sit on this same bench. They let me go,and they don't seem to grow tired as I am,observing them playing and the rest of the kids around the playground,melancholically.

Until my phone suddenly rang from my pockets. It cut my sights and thoughts. Who could it be? I looked up my right pocket,picked the phone and placed it on my ear. I expected that it was one of my colleagues or friends,or even my young brother Atreus to tell me what happened to him today.

When I heard a young womanly voice through the headphones,it made me grin in joy. It's Maria.

"Hola!"

"Καλημέρα,Maria!" I replied,kindly "It's been long time since we hadn't contacted between one another."

"I wouldn't say so. It's only been a week ago." she said,formally "But that's irrelevant,even though I tried to call you two times and it looks like you ignored me."

I blushed after hearing her words. I must've ignored the buzzing while playing with siblings two hours ago,thus receiving few missed calls as a result.

"I-I'm sorry,Maria. I was incredibly busy over serious stuff." I confessed,trying to make her understand.

"Makes sense." Maria confirmed "I heard a lot of your actions from Emily,telling me you're fighting your president to make him get out of NATO."

"Correct." I said,proudly,but then grimaced in disgust when I heard Emily's name.

"And when you and your people have raided the Yanqui's base in Salónica and fought the police yesterday..."

I was pleased for reading my letter to her. She knew what had happened.

"Oh yes,it was our masterplan." I replied with honesty,with grin getting more open and wider "Even if it was recent,it gives me nostalgia. It's,as of now,the greatest thing I've ever done to my country. If only you were here to witness it..."

Maria bursted in laughter.

"How was his reaction?"

"I don't know,but I do know that he fled like a chicken upstairs before getting inside his helicopter to flee towards Crete Naval Base. Emily waited for him near a terrace."

"Typical of him." Maria is having a point "Every conscious or knowledgeable nation knows that he's a total coward,not having the guts to fight these raging people."

"Absolutely!" I raised my tone. Then,I cleared my throat and imitated Alfred's voice,mockingly "HELP,HELP! The vandals are going after me,BOK,BOK! Emily,HURRY UP BEFORE THEY PLUCK ME ALIVE! WAAAH!"

We then laughed loudly for half a minute until I abruptly stopped laughing,feeling the people around me are staring at me,thinking I'm some sort of a maniac.

"Ahh,Alfred's such a brat."

"Yeah,a GENOCIDAL brat!" I added,in reference to what Alfred calls Vuk.

Again,we bursted into laughter,but this time it was only ten seconds,and the laughter was more quiet than the previous time. In my case,at least.

"So,anything else you want to talk about?" Maria asked,after calming herself down.

Technically,nothing much. But I do need to know what happened to her last week.

"How was your week in Alfred's mansion?" I asked.

"I hate to say it,but it was quite great." Maria said.

I was amazed. I thought she was disgusted at mere suggestion of staying in Alfred's mansion,but it now looks like she wasn't.

"I also made new friends called Mick and Griff." she continued "Griff is the Yanqui's pet and I had lot of fun with Emily and Mick. I was even assigned to be a temporary bartender to serve guests with Emily. It was such a great place to visit,despite being owned by that criminal idiot."

Maria then proceeded to tell me how did she ended up here. She told me that she had a conversation with Emily about Alfred's complaints. Emily told her that she's no longer allowed to attend NATO meeting due to her infamy as a menace of NATO,mainly for Maria's tendency to record Alfred whenever he loses it (which is more than deserving) and for sometimes staging incidents on him,the recent one being her kamikaze attack on Alfred's squadron on 15th April (I remember this incident as clear as day). Among other things,she asked Emily if she could convince Alfred to stop the bombings,but she replied that he won't do it until he 'gets what he wants'.

"I told Emily that I do this,if I'm in the mood,whenever he pisses me or my siblings off enough." Maria continued,slightly annoyed "To my surprise,she knew my reasons why,telling me it's for his support of Franco and mistreatment of my children,particularly Edu Varela and Maximo Machado."

At least Emily has a brain.

"So you're saying that Alfred told Emily to ask you to come here because he won't be in his home to visit Greece and try to stop me,predicting my plans?" I attempted to configure.

"Sí. From Emily's words,he already knew you conspire against him since the day one of these cowardly bombings against that joven in the Balkans."

It's unnecessary to explain why. I hope she knows my long-time position when it comes to this recent war.

"Do you think that Alfred's NATO exclusion on you is a good thing?"

"On one hand,it's excellent,and I'm thankful for this,but on the other hand." she continued,sounding suspicious "It feels as though it's a trap. Solana is still the Secretary-General of NATO."

"That's probably because he doesn't want to see you anywhere,Maria." I told her.

"Oh well. Even if I'm in NATO,at least I won't attend Alfred Co'Jones' frustrating meetings."

I bursted into laughter again. Firstly it was "Alfreak" and now its "Co'Jones". What's with these derogatory names? They're so funny and accurate. I won't translate the latter label,and you know goddamn well why.

"You stayed there for how many days?" I kept asking.

"Five,after which Emily left the mansion to go with Alfred,one day prior to your attack on their base in you-know-where." Maria explained "Now,here's the catch: Shortly after she dressed up and got ready,I asked her if there's anything 'off' with their mierda campaign and she told me that you once screamed at both her and Alfred that they're using weapons forbidden by the international law,which she then denied ever using."

Her last sentence widened my eyes,appalled. Looks like Emily remembered my words during my confrontation against his brother AND her three months ago. Despite writing that letter shortly after we won,I still wasn't sure why did I told this. I only heard rumors about these might-be weapons back then,from various victims of Vuk's people in the entire month of April,telling me that those bombs were of different kind,as it made their surviving victims sick to their stomach with illnesses.

As the months progress,the bombings will only get worse and worse...

"I didn't had any evidences for my claims,I was blinded with rage during this incident." I admitted to her ears "I don't know if it was a lie all along,but I need time to investi-"

"Can I do it for you,Athene?" Maria asked,cutting me off.

I paused. Is she for real?

"Sure,b-but why?" I questioned "I can do it myself."

"There's no need to do both missions in one go,Athene. Your mission against NATO in your homeland is more enough of a contribution for justice in this World." Maria assured me "While you'll focus doing your battle,I and some of my people will be the one who'll find evidences to prove that these Anglo-American fucks are indeed using forbidden weapons against that young teen. Once we find them,I'll present them to the UN and expose their methods,making them stop the bombings. Además,if 'the Leader' Co'Jones is pleased with my absence from NATO,then he won't get uncomfortable over me searching for proofs in an 'illegal' land."

I snickered at this. Alfred won't have it both ways. Maria and her defiance,she'll do a huge favor for Vuk.

"Ευχαριστώ,Maria! You're the best." I concluded,joyfully.

"De nada. I'll call you again as soon as I find anything. Adiós!" and Maria ended the call.

"Who called you?" Vuk asked,seeing him and Helena walking towards me.

"A friend of mine." I said.

"What's it's name?" Helena asked.

I paused. I don't want to reveal Maria's name to Helena,much less in front of Vuk. I don't want to drag her into involvement over these bombings.

"Let's go back home." I concluded,ignoring my daughter. "We stayed there for how many hours. We got tired."

Vuk nodded in agreement at Helena,and Helena said nothing.

---

16th July - 12:50

A knock on my door was heard. It was a postman. He gave me a mail and I thanked him,thus walking away. Upon entering my bedroom to sit on my chair,opened the letter and read it,I was pleased. Pleased because this letter was from Arisha herself. She had responded to my letter.

In that letter,she congratulated me for my struggles and offered me to visit her in her house in Taganrog. Additionally,it had a photo of her house,which was white and turquoise. The only strange thing about this is that she hadn't told me her condition. What a shame.

Regardless,I accepted the offer with passion.

No sooner I packed my stuff for visit,I was about to exit my home to go to a nearest airport,but Helena and Vuk stopped me on my tracks.

"Where're you going?" They asked me,almost at same pace.

I turned and took a deep breath through my nose.

"I'm going to visit Arisha." I responded.

"Arisha who?" Helena asked,curious.

"A fri-"

"My older sister." Vuk cut me off,answering to Helena.

"Your older sister?" she replied to him,then turned to me "Can you allow me to visit her with you?" and then she glanced at Vuk for a second "And Vuk too?"

I was inconsistent at her question. Should I deny them and let them stay in my house,with no one to keep them safe (except maybe Violeta,if she's with them)...or accept and bring them to Arisha? If I pick only one out of two,the leftover one would be incredibly upset,especially Vuk. Vuk would end up getting babysitted by a babysitter called Violeta (ridiculous,isn't it?). They're both equally dear to me,but if I take them both,who knows what'll happen to my house? Maybe NATO or Kostis' forces would confiscate my property as a blackmail or worse,bomb it to bits downright.

In any case,I'll deeply regret it.

After making a choice so hard,I chose to only pick Helena...

"Yes."

Helena and Vuk walked towards me,but I moved my palm near his face.

"Not you..." I said,frowning.

Vuk opened his mouth in confusion and shock.

"W-w-why?" he stuttered,slightly pissed off.

I hadn't answered,but I blushed in shame.

"I-I...I'm sorry,Vuk." I replied,in a sad tone "I just don't know what to say..."

Vuk paused for some seconds.

"And you're going to leave me here alone?" Vuk snapped at me,in a quiet but angry tone.

"Unfortunately,yes..." I dismissed "I mean,you've been with Arisha a lot,haven't you?"

"Да."

The room was silent for ten seconds. Vuk crossed his arms in disappointment,frowning.

"Look on the bright side,Vuk,I'm going to call a friend named Violeta to visit you in my house while I and Helena will be with Arisha." I tried to cheer him up "I know you'll get along with her,as much as my daughter would do so with your sister."

"Maybe you're right..." he also dismissed,after letting out an unhappy sigh,not letting his arms go,for now.

"We'll stay for two or three days." I assured him "I promise."

"Добро онда..."

Vuk said goodbye to us and I threw him my house keys to safeguard the same,after Helena dressed up for a trip,we left my home to fly towards Taganrog. I had a short phone conversation with Violeta,to tell her to visit Vuk in my house and sleep there until we come back.

"You're gonna like this place,Helena. You'll see." I said to her,but my inner voice said "I'm so sorry,Vuk. It pains me to leave you,but I have no other choice..."

20:00,Taganrog,Russia

I don't know why did it took us so long to get into this beautiful place. Me and Helena have traveled seven and a half hours,despite looking so close on the map. We sustained our patience by taking a nap in the plane.

To this day,I can't remember the last time I went to Arisha's house. Maybe few years earlier. The climate was colder than in the Balkans (naturally,because its in Russia) and we were surrounded by various beaches,akin to Greek ones.

I took the photo of Arisha's house from my purse and we went on to find her house,holding Helena's hand,walking together. I had to ask some locals by showing this photo to them in order to receive hints to her exact location. They told me it's the house of Antony Chekhov,a famous Russian writer.

After we passed several streets to the north,we finally found it. I verified by looking at the photo again and then at the house,and it matched the appearance. It also looked modest,too. Helena was excited and so was I. She jumped carefully and pointed at the door.

When we approached the door and rang at it,someone opened the door. I was kinda surprised it wasn't Arisha,but his twin brother. Before he spoke up,he was silent for five seconds,surprised.

"Добрый вечер,Athene." Ivan said,smiling.

"Καλό απόγευμα,Ivan." I did the same.

"Why did you come here?"

"Your sister invited me to stay for few days." I smiled at him back,showing him the letter. I won't stay longer. "Here,take a look."

Ivan grabbed it with his fingers and read it casually. After finishing,he gave it back to me.

"I see." he replied,looking around the environment "If you want to know where's Arisha,she's currently shopping. She'll return shortly."

Helena walked some steps towards him,grabbing and pulling his jumper,softly.

"Hey..."

Ivan looked down at her.

"Who's this girl?" he asked,turning his head at me.

"It's my daughter,Helena."

"Nice to meet you,Helena." Ivan said,shaking her hand.

"Κι εσύ." Helena replied,kindly.

A moment of silence entered.

"Well,what are we waiting for?" he exclaimed,inviting us "You two are more than welcome to take comfort inside."

We entered together and closed the door. I chatted with Ivan while Helena sat on his legs,about our conditions and our siblings,particularly about Vuk and Atreus,my younger brother from Cyrpus. He told me that his and Arisha's conditions are more of the same,stating that nothing much significant has changed after the major NATO's embassies were blown up one and a half months ago,telling me that living standards amongst Russians are,as of now,same as with Yeltsin's Era because the plans for improving those things are yet to be planned. He also told me that Russia's nascent president Putin has just recently created his own cabinet.

Our conversation progressed until,after half an hour,the door opened without ringing or knocking. It's Arisha,entering the house.

"Here's the packed trout you wanted,Иван." Arisha said,in a tired tone,indicating that she's been shopping for quite some time. She took and placed her coat into the hanger "How are you? Is there anything new from tele-..."

She cut herself off,noticing my presence. She left the shopping bags on the floor and approached us,with a half smile.

"Athene! It's good to see you!" Arisha hugged me "I thought you wouldn't arrive,given the fact that y-..."

"How can I forget about you and your letter,Arisha? I'm always pleasured to visit you at any time you like." I hugged her back,then released "As Miguel Prado from Peru said 'For my friends everything,for my enemies the law'."

"He couldn't be more right." Arisha replied.

Of course. Maria's children are always full of wonders,the most being Edu.

Arisha sat on a sofa to relax,looking at the dark window displaying the night. Helena got up from Ivan's leg and moved few feet away from us. Consequently,Ivan stood up and offered her to be with her so as to let us alone.

"Helena,enter my room." he told her "I'll be with you when I finish preparing dinner."

Helena nodded and did so in an instant,and Ivan went to do what he wanted until,after five minutes,he placed the trout onto a hot pan which was grilled with oil,and gone to his room to play with my daughter.

Now that Arisha and I were alone,everything was silent,except pan's crunching and murmurs not far away from our room.

"How are you?" I asked her,starting the conversation.

"Doing better,as with Ivan." she said,then asked my question "How are you?"

I took a deep breath.

"I'm relatively fine,a bit tired of instigating actions almost every day in hopes of making my 'President' stop supporting NATO." I answered,feeling annoyed "I think I already told you why."

"I see. What's with Vuk? Why isn't my young brother with you?"

"I wanted to bring both Vuk and Helena with me,but my house is at risk of either getting confiscated or worse,blown up by NATO airplanes." I explained,getting serious "I and my colleagues are wanted by my government. I'm very lucky they don't know my house location,yet."

"Нет,they wouldn't dare to bomb your land,let alone your house." Arisha said,crossing her arms "After all,the pindo didn't launched a nuke on Moscow when his embassy got demolished after the ultimatum or on Салоники and Афины when his face got pelted with that rotten tomato of yours and when he got chased by your enraged mob two days ago."

I couldn't avoid giggling. By just remembering Alfred's comeuppances makes me laugh.

Arisha smirked.

"The only thing you'll expect from him after each and every incident is one massive bratty tantrum." Arisha finished. Her lips from her smirk turned wavy of wanting to laugh.

Some seconds later and she couldn't take it anymore and bursted in a fit of laughter. Arisha's laughter was so long that I had to get up and tap her back hard,seeing her coughing.

"Oh,the time when the pindo whined "ACT OF WAR" and calling him a "Loser"...I remember it like it was yesterday!"

We then heard Ivan giggle at this.

"You showed that punk his place,моя сестра!" he shouted and laughed for some time,hearable from his room.

"Indeed I did." Arisha turned at his room door,after calming down.

Half a minute of silence passed and I leaned at the desk to pick up a Matryoshka doll to play around.

"Speaking of Vuk," I continued,lowering my hands holding the wooden doll down "when he entered my house to babysit my daughter two days ago,he looked terrible: He now has visible tear troughs and is more paler than usual. Despite acting normal,he had a high fever and laid in bed the day before yesterday."

"Normal...Normal for Vuk to look like that because of Alfred's" she then gritted her teeth in anger "stupid attacks and abuses," and then reverted to normal tone,but remained angered "as seen with the attack on Podujevo refugee caravan..."

This also made me angry.

"It was Emily who did that,but yes,you're correct." I added,angrily,placing the doll back to its place "NATO's bombing on defenseless and innocent civilians is their job."

"I hope he recovers..." she sighed "I'm so worried of him...at least you're keeping him safe."

"Yeah..."

Arisha stood up from the sofa to walk towards cold window,looking at the fields. I too stood up and approached her. She lowered her head,sobbing.

"What's the matter? Are you alright?" I placed my hand on her shoulder.

She only stopped sobbing.

"It's going to sound absurd to you,Athene." Arisha said,with a raspy voice "But I got reminded of something...regrettable."

"What?"

"A month earlier,when Vuk was recovering in hospital in Urosevac after we fought the KLA in Slatina Airport,I got reminded of the time when I once helped Alfred in his Civil War in 1863,by sending aid and volunteers to win his war against his Dixie children led by Allen Wallace over slavery." she explained,trying to make her voice hearable "He wanted to be friends with me,and I even gave him Alaska and birthed Logan Bartlett less than century later. And after so many decades later,what did I got in return? Ingratitude and downfall. He defeated me and Ivan in Cold War and unleashed Yeltsin upon us,leading our people to live under poverty,misery and slow death. With Yeltsin gone,however,I see almost no difference when he ruled Russia and when he died."

Arisha turned and I placed my arm over her back to make her sit down.

"No matter how happy I and my siblings were when the pindo had his embassy destroyed in Russia and celebrated over it,the joy and happiness faded away,when I realized that I made the Second Cold War happen." she snapped her fingers "Just like that." and continued to confess,tears slipping through her cheeks "The only thing I want the most is peace and calmness. I'm so sick of wars and conflicts,be it in Yugoslavia or Chechnya. They should've stayed dead and buried in 1945."

I saw her placing her hands to her face and cried. I felt her pain and sorrow. Every sane nation wanted to live in peace and start a new era of brighter future. But those among us,our current future remains dark (well,not in my case,but you get the point) with inability to stop enemy's desire to subvert this concept into their perfect World (I'm looking at you,Μαλάκα). The Cold War happened,yes,but the World just decided that peace wasn't an option,accepting a continuous mentality when most of the World joined the Yanktard in his war against Ikram in 1991.

And their war in Chechnya makes it more worse for them. Arisha has to put up with these terrorist barbarians in Caucasus,as Vuk does with the KLA.

The World has changed,but Alfred hasn't followed its suit. He lives in his own World.

"Alfred of today is no longer the same as Alfred of the past. He hasn't changed himself in the slightest,and you know it." I tried to console her "What happened happened,and it'll stay that way,but the only way to change him and with it,the entire World,is to defeat him. Maybe then he'll see errors of his ways."

Arisha raised her sight at me,now smiling.

"You're right,Athene. We have to stick on these wars and win them." Arisha concluded silently,wiping her tears with her sleeve "Спасибо..."

I hugged her one last time before we stopped our long conversation. Looking at the clock,we talked for more than half an hour. As such,we spotted that the dinner table had four plates with two of them being empty except the remnants of leftover food. Ivan and Helena had eaten their trouts. We didn't.

We blushed at clock's time and sat on our respective desks to eat our trouts,before going to bed to sleep.

I'll have a great time staying there.

17th July - 15:20,Crete Naval Base,Souda Bay

Narrator's PoV

Kostis was alone on the docks,wondering why did the Leader wanted to see him there. When he arrived through private plane,sailors saluted him and he walked forward,towards the 'H' spot where Alfred's Apache Helicopter will land,which two of those sailors followed him. When he reached it,he stood still and observed everything,as the rows of battleships and an aircraft carrier floated beside these shores.

He remembered the fierce conversation he had with Alfred three days ago when the latter had a tantrum and told him off that he should use tanks and planes to curb dissidents,and it hurt him more when he red Athene's letter a day later. He didn't read all of it,he only stopped at the written question of 'Is following NATO's lane really worth it?'. This question rolled over his mind and has since started to regret his decision to remain in NATO. In particular,he regretted his boating on 8th July that she's a 'naive fool' who had to make him resign,thinking that he's safe with NATO. He was wrong.

Fifteen minutes of wasting his time patrolling around and chatting with his fellow sailors,he saw that trademark helicopter and went back to the parking circle. The cold air blew his face and hovered few of his hair he had at the top of his head. When it finally landed,the doors opened and the blonde young man with his usual jacket uniform came and jumped out.

"Hello,Mr. President. You arrived on the right place at right time,as expected." Alfred said,as he approached Kostis and stopped his steps when he got near him.

"Pleasure to see you so well." he said,smiling.

"I wouldn't say so..."

Alfred turned his head left and right,as if the sailors are watching him exclusively.

"Are there any group of monkeys hiding behind sailor rows to pelt me with rotten stuff,or raze this base and try to rip my clothes off?" Alfred asked,sounding angrily "Have you brought Athene with you?"

Kostis raised his eyebrow in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" Kostis asked him back "Why are you acting so paranoid? No one,let alone Athene,is on this naval base."

"'No one'. Really?" Alfred retorted,crossing his arms "Your people have downgraded themselves to such a level that I wouldn't considered them as 'people' anymore,causing major trouble whenever things don't go their way,such as throwing rotten stuff at people they don't like."

Kostis widened his eyes at his words,spotting pure disgust in Alfred's tone.

"You don't understand. Just because a minor part of my population are acting like that doesn't mea-"

"Stop your mumbling,Kostis! You're already annoying me with your stupid excuses!" Alfred cut him off,severely "They're untrustworthy,and that's a fact!"

Kostis snorted and crossed his arms as well,rolling his eyes.

"Why have you invited me into your base?" he asked,also annoyed.

Alfred turned his head to stare frowningly at the shores,before turning it back.

"Anything new with your handling over the rebelling opposition?"

He didn't knew what to say next. Alfred gave him the last chance to get rid of her and her colleagues,and he feared that he'll fail the backer if he doesn't.

"Nothing." he spat almost immediately,not thinking about picking a sentence.

"Nothing?" Alfred seethed "Then what did you do over the last three days?"

He was tired of hearing judgmental questions,from both Athene and Alfred. After the previous conversation with the latter,he didn't do anything significant to counter demonstrators but suppressing the protesters on countryside and defend the lands he still has and governs over,and his Presidential Palace to prevent them from infiltrating it.

"Have we already talked about this?" he snapped at Alfred,uncrossing his arms "You know goddamn well that my forces are suppressing them as best as they can."

"You haven't done shit,Stephanopeulos!" Alfred retorted again,mocking Kostis' surname "Your way of 'suppressing' your enemies is beyond pathetic. It's null and void." then,he asked "Why haven't you followed my advice?"

"Using my military tanks to squash them and bomb them to bits?" Kostis raised the tone "I already told you I WON'T use them to curb dissent! What you're proposing is asking for another civil war!...Ev-even Athene is offering to have a peace negotiation between her and me!"

"Fuck your 'Alfred',Athene and her 'negotiations'! I'm not 'Alfred' to you!" Alfred shouted at him,angrily "You don't 'negotiate' with brainwashed animals who want their country to collapse,dumbo! Athene is the one who you should be hunting down,not NEGOTIATE or be passive towards her! Actually,I could simply take control of your military and do it myself!"

Kostis looked down at the dock edge where they were standing. He grew fed up for Alfred calling him and his people names. In those instants,what he intended right now was to push him into the sea,to teach him respect over an authority. But knowing the consequences,he let it aside,and instead he stood up against him.

"Who are you exactly? Do you know where are you at? You don't have any authority to tell me what to do,sonny!" he asked him,angrily,in same volume as Alfred did,walking a step forward towards him "I'M the Head of State here,not you! And I'M the one who'll choose if I can keep suppressing them or to make peace with the same people,κουτσούβελο! If you can't understand that,then I have a right to kick you out of Greece,because you resorted to badmouth Greeks in a tone of total entitlement!"

Kostis closed his mouth shut and gave him a frozen look. Alfred was shaking in anger and raised his fist,but two of Kostis' bodyguards who stood behind him raised their guns at him,making him lower his arm. He slowly took his glasses off with his trembling hands and starred at him,pissed off. They were slightly bloodshot but incredibly baggy and murky,indicating how much days or weeks he hadn't slept,as if he looked ill.

"Are you joking with me?" Alfred began to growl "What the fuck did you just spewed?!"

Kostis realized he made a mistake. When he lashed out at the Leader,he forgot that he's technically in NATO. He could feel goosebumps in his stomach by just looking at Alfred's psychotic eyes.

"I-I'm sorry,Mr. Jones. I don't know what has gone into me,recently..." he tried to confess,clearing his throat.

Alfred took him abruptly by his tie.

"Listen to me good,old fart. What you've just spat would've led Greece into a total destruction..." he gritted his teeth,enraged,then he ungritted them and started yelling,tightening the tie "I DON'T GIVE A SINGLE FLYING FUCK IF YOU'RE THE 'PRESIDENT' OF ATHENE OR IF THERE'S GOING TO BE A CIVIL WAR! I'm the one who's protecting you in a dire time of the New Cold War against your enemies and all I'm asking you is to commit major offensives against them!" Alfred paused and screamed at his face "DO SOMETHING!"

He released and pushed him violently near the bodyguards' bodies. Kostis barely got balanced. Alfred walked two steps towards Kostis.

"Why are you starring at me?! Are you an owl!?"

Kostis didn't moved any part of his face,acting like a statue. One of the two guards raised his gun at Alfred but this time,he grabbed raised his Desert Eagle from his uniform's pocket at him and the other guard jostled his fellow guard's arm for acting like a retard. He put his firearm back to his pocket.

"You now have a piece of my reinforcements near your mainland docks and airfields,they're all at your disposal,but I'll no longer tolerate defiance nor anyone ripping my nerves." Alfred remained enraged,despite the brief calmed tone,touching his pocket "Your sole job is to stop Athene in her tracks by using those things,while I'll deal with her myself. However,if this base of mine is destroyed under your negligence,I'LL HAVE YOUR CAPITAL CITY OBLITERATED,UNDERSTAND!?" he paused for a moment,frustrated,and turned at everyone around him "NOT EVEN YOU CRETINS KNOW HOW TO DO A JOB WELL DONE!"

Alfred put his glasses on and marched away into the base's building,mumbling "Greeks these days...". Nobody,not even Kostis,dared to let out a word at him afterwards.

The sailors looked at him,hoping Kostis would speak up. He didn't. Kostis dismissed them and ordered to let him go back to his palace,arguing that he wasted his time here.

He no longer has any choice but to accept the Leader's orders. All in all,he thought,Alfred is truly a madman.

---

18th July - 23:30,back to Athene.

Two hours ago,we returned to our home in Larissa with plane and unpacked ourselves. Violeta was with Vuk and I and Helena hugged them both,tired. They were happy to see us again,Vuk in particular. We spent our time talking about our stay in Taganrog,and they told us how did they got along. I thanked Violeta for keeping Vuk safe.

In general,Taganrog was one of my greatest visits I've ever enjoyed. I should plan a date to visit Taganrog again.

As Violeta went back to her house in Piraeus,we finished dinner and went to sleep,except me.

I was in my bedroom reading a book before going to bed,until my phone rang. I hoped it was Kostis to tell me his response over my letter,but I got Markos. To remind you,Markos is a member of Revolutionary Nuclei whom I had promised not to tell that his group is affiliated with us.

That's why I was surprised hearing his voice,being so unexpected.

During our midnight conversation,he gave me a crucial and urgent report: Yesterday,Kostis visited Crete Naval Base to meet Alfred. They argued about why did Kostis do almost nothing to keep himself in power,resorting to nothing but usual defenses,beatings and hold-offs over police stations still loyal to Kostis. He also told me that Kostis taunted the Yankee for being so verbally hostile towards Greeks,leading to the latter to let an outburst at Kostis and threatened him with country's collapse.

I asked him how did he knew all of this and he said that he was disguised as a sailor (he probably got that method from me) to gain access to this base.

Additionally,he informed me that on today at early afternoon,while I was in the plane,the military has blocked bridges and main roads in order for Greeks who live outside of Greece to the north not reach Athens. He then told me that he and his men will plant bombs all across the Naval Base and its building,to which he said it'll take a day to prepare and another day to cover them up. He only wanted me to give signal to launch the bombs.

I told him that he should do it once Kostis is dealt with first,and he agreed,ending the call.

In conclusion,instead of ordering his sailors to kick Μαλάκα out into the sea,Kostis chickened out the moment Alfred got infuriated at him,predictably accepting Alfred's demands to remain in power.

I waited for him to respond to my letter and that was his response,more of the same. I think he even threw my letter somewhere out of deniability.

Kostis is such a motherfucker...

20th July - 10:10

Vuk woke me up early to announce that a Lieutenant-General named Spasoje Smiljanić,who's his current Chief of the Air Staff,contacted him to return to Serbia and lead an Anti-Air Artillery division situated in Kalemegdan to down as many jets as possible,to ensure that Belgrade is temporarily safe from the bombings.

"I have faith in you,Vuk. You'll show the Yankee his place." I said,after slowly getting up from my bed.

"Наравно да хоћу,Атино." Vuk replied,with a semi-grin "Belgrade will sleep peacefully and Alfreak would think twice before striking the Capital City again."

With a wink and giving last kisses to me and Helena,Vuk waved us goodbye. I wished him good luck and he got out of my house to depart via plane towards Serbia. He looked a little healthier than when he arrived in my house a week ago.

As for me,I'm going to Violeta's house to finalize our "Final Push" plan to infiltrate the Presidential Palace with our people and do what must be done to save this country from NATO,which we'll launch it tomorrow. We planned it yesterday in our Thessaloniki Headquarters,and it led Violeta to take Helena with her to stay in her house after the meeting.

14:20

I took the bus to drive me to Thebes. Beyond this city lies the military blockade five kilometers away of that city,blocking Attica from Kostis' enemies. Violeta herself had trouble entering Piraeus because of this.

Normally,I would've picked the highway to reach Athens,but since the blockade exists,I choose not to drive my way to Thebes with my car. Otherwise,my car would end up getting towed by a tow truck or stolen by someone.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It's going to be a long walk...

15:50

It's nearing the sunset and I still hadn't reached Athens. I stopped at Erythres,taking a short rest and buying a bottle of juice to regain energy,sitting on a field.

I looked up the sky,tired. Will I ever make it?

18:10

I ended up entering Pateras Forest,thinking it's a shortcut to Athens. I didn't knew why,but I avoided the military tanks from spotting me,standing on the road.

Upon passing ten kilometers,I heard eagle's scream from the sky. It made me stop and turned around to see the eagle landing on a tree branch. It moved its head left and right and I shrugged my shoulders. It looked so familiar,seeing an eagle six days ago when Alfred's base was razed to the ground.

I kept walking,but I was scared,thinking I lost my track. I haven't bought a compass to navigate the forest's exist.

The Eagle screamed for the second time. I looked up again and it's that same eagle ten minutes ago. What is it doing? Is it following me?

To confirm,I walked slowly with my head turned,so as to not trip and fall. It flew with me. When I stopped,it stopped.

At first,due to slowly getting fed up,I shouted "Why are you following me?!" at the eagle. It only starred at me and doing its head moves.

I rolled my eyes and kept going,trying my best to ignore this eagle. Beneath the forests covering much of the sky and the light slowly passing,I still heard its voice. This time,however,it flew below and it was so fast that I felt its feathers when he passed over me. I chose to follow him because,even though it looked like he tried to stalk me for no reason,the eagle may know the exit. So I started to run into direction where it flew.

Five kilometers later and I stopped at nearby trunks on a dense,but more wider,part of this forest. It was surrounded by many bushes and I could see a stream from afar,about five kilometers away where I'm currently at.

I panted for some time and was going to sit on a fallen trunk to relax,but suddenly,I got hit with an egg in my face. I gasped in shock and anger,and touched the yolk on my forehead and threw it away from me.

"Who the...WHO THREW EGG AT ME?!"

No response came out after my words,except a noticeable male chuckle. It infuriated me.

"WHY'RE YOU CHUKLING?!" I yelled,angered "SHOW YOURSELF,YOU COWARD!"

The chuckle turned into laughter,and after five seconds,someone came out from one of the bushes. To my despair,it's none other than Alfred fucking Jones. Who else would it be?

"L-l-look at yours-s-self-f!..." he barely managed to form a coherent sentence due to his continuous and disgusting laughter.

I stood there at the sight of a laughing snake,feeling blood boiling in my veins,amazed.

I have no words...

When he finally calmed down,he let out a relieving sigh.

"What the heck are you doing,Athene?!" Alfred shouted.

"I could ask you the same question,stupid Μαλάκα!" I shouted back.

"I don't think so." he said,smirking.

I took a deep breath to ease my anger. It was partially successful. 'Partially',because of his unwanted presence.

"How and why did you found me?" I asked,crossing my arms.

"My great pet Griff tracked you all the way to this isolated place,Athene. With which device did Griff used is a secret." Alfred explained "As for 'why',since Kostis failed to capture and discipline you for raging against NATO and for your absence on my meetings,I and Griff alone caught you in the act instead." Then,he added "And as for this egg thing,that's what you get for throwing a rotten tomato at my face."

And I would do it again if I had brought one...

"Let me ask you something,moron,do you know the reason why I'm doing this?" I snapped at him.

"Yes I do. It's because you and your barb-*cough*" he wanted to spit 'barbarians'. Markos wasn't wrong "people are against the bombings on that criminal Genocidal Brat. He's so defiant..."

"Criminal is what YOU are,Yankee!" I snapped at him,now gritting my teeth. My anger is rising again "Vuk's very close to me and no amount of lies will ever change the truth."

"What truth?"

"The truth that hurts you so much." I replied,mockingly. Then I asked him,getting stern "Do you have any idea what you're doing in the Balkans? You're bombing innocent people with banal excuses,and you know it,you only pretend not to know because it won't suit your ego,prick! Do you have any ounce of shame?"

Alfred bursted into a louder laughter,lasting for one minute. He held his stomach.

"Oh my,ha-ha-ha,you're bringing me in tears...!" he commented,moving his glasses down and cleaning his tear from his eyes. After this,he moved them back and replied "What's there to be 'ashamed' of exactly? There's no shame in doing a righteous and moral war against Serbian savages from Albanians,despite their and the Russkies' backing. But-but..." he then mocked,provocatively 'I'm afraid that if the Serbs attack innocent ethnicities,NATO would fight back' and we'll fight back until they're decimated."

WHAT?! He called his current actions against Vuk 'fighting back'?! 'RIGHTEOUS' and 'MORAL'!? It enraged me so much that I ran towards him and raised my fist to punch him in the face. Unfortunately,he grabbed my fist near his left cheek. Good reflexes,though.

"Not gonna happen,cutie cat." Alfred said,smirking again,and raising his right hand holding another egg.

He pushed my fist and made me walk backwards to my previous position,leaning against a tree. It made me jump and turn around,feeling the tree's moving. It's quite unstable.

Looks like I'll waste my precious time standing this fucktard.

"Athene,you're coming with me!" he demanded.

"Never,Yanktard!" I raised my tone.

"Why are you acting so aggressive?" he asked,pretending to care "I've just asked you nicely..."

"YOU'RE the aggressive one!" I shouted,taking a step forward and pointing my finger at him "I don't want you there! GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

"My..." Alfred placed his fingers at northern part of his nose,nodding his head left and right,as if he's talking with a dumbass (like him) "It worries me to see you so...different,to what you've been known for. You used to be one of us,but all of the sudden,you resorted against NATO,against me. I don't know what's the matter with you,but we can ta-..."

"Spare me your emotional convictions,Alfred,it won't work on me anymore!" I retorted,angrily "If there was any remote chance of reconciliation between you and me,it ended the moment you decided to attack my closest friend Vuk. And even then,my antagonism ranged way before 1999."

"Come on,Athene! Why the fuck would you trade your decency and civility for some misguided notion of 'helping' an enemy to the World?! What have I ever do to you?!"

"Lots of deaths and abuses! You don't get to lecture me about 'decency and civility' and even Democracy! Since 1947,you're unbearable!" I started ranting,more angrily "From supporting brutal dictatorships like Pinochet,Trujillo and Videla to backing morally obnoxious terror groups like the Taliban,Gladio and Khmer Rouge against nations,including me,who hadn't shared your fucking standpoints,you deserve as much respect from me as you gave respect towards many others: ZERO!"

I paused for a while to catch my breath. Lights over this forest are fading,and Alfred is,as every other time,shaking in nervousness and hidden anger. I saw his limbs shivering.

"Can you shut up?!" Alfred asked,angrily.

Truth hurts,doesn't it?!

"ΟΧΙ! You BETRAYED me by leaving me alone when Ece attacked Atreus in 1974,and seven years prior,you and Emily the gourd backed the Military Junta to impose Dictatorship. And worst of all,you insulted my family after my previous leader Papandreou dared to call a national referendum to approve the West's stupid austerity package from the EU!"

June 1964,Greek Presidential Palace.

Georgios Papandreou had summoned me to assist a meeting he'll have with that handsome Alfred Jones. Many nations are in love with him. While by no means mentally ill,Alfred's known for his short temper since the war against Hyuk in 1950.

But my affection for Alfred was weird in the East's eyes,to the point of seeing me as 'a piece of property to be developed according to the Pindo's needs'. Those Commies are just lying,what do they know? I fend for myself. I mean,Alfred isn't that bad,right?

Anyway,my Prime Minister ordered me to make two cups of tea for Alfred and the Ambassador to America,Gerassimos Gigantes. I nodded my head and went to the kitchen to do so. I poured in the tea on these cups and placed them on the tray which I held to the room they were in.

Upon exiting the kitchen,I heard them arguing in their room,stopping to walk in an instant. I got near the closed door to hear what're they talking about.

"Mr. Ambassador,I want you to tell that no-good Prime Minister about my solution to Athene's economic problem." Alfred complained. Previously,he argued with my Prime Minister about my young brother Atreus "You know he'll get convinced by someone loyal to him like you."

"And what's that?"

"The acceptance of the EU's Austerity measures,Mr. Ambassador." Alfred said,calmly "The freer the market,the freer the people. Am I right?"

"We already accepted some of them,Mr. Jones. We don't need to free the Economy further!" Gigantes protested "It would be unacceptable to the Greek Parliament and contrary to the Greek constitution!"

Alfred growled and grabbed by his collar.

"Listen here,Deane,fuck your Parliament and your Constitution!" he snapped at him,angrily. Then threatened "I'm an elephant and Athene's puny brother Atreus is a flea. If these two fleas continue itching the elephant,they may just get whacked by the elephant's militarized trunk,whacked good...I pay a lot of my dollars to the Greeks and Karpusis! If Papandreou tells me about Democracy,Parliament and Constitution again,he,his Parliament and his Constitution may not last very long!"

I was shocked to the core of what he had just said. I let the tray fall and the cups collapse and spill their tea over it. When they heard the sound,I opened the door and stood still with opened mouth.

"Hello,Athene,nice to see you arrived jus-" he cut himself off,noticing me. Alfred had just released the Ambassador from his grip "W-wait,what happened?"

My body was shaking and I let my tears fall.

"L-look,don't take this seriously." he approached and told me,after being discovered "It's not what you think it is."

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" I shouted,pushing him aside.

I ran away. I couldn't believe that a person I trusted...no,adored,had lied and threatened on my back and insulted me and my brother shamelessly. He didn't cared about me to begin with. My supposed enemies had tried to tell me,but I foolishly disregarded their facts.

I was wrong...I was SO wrong...

"THERE'S your 'decency and civility' you claim to respect!" I concluded,angrily.

Silence warped the environment for some seconds. Griff screamed at random,to remind us he's there (we ignored him).

"Those are the things of the past!" Alfred said,now clearly annoyed "Times have changed,the New Cold War is advancing and you still refuse to participate in it! Our new enemies are no longer Commies,but Serbs and Russkies!"

Nope,he'll never get it. He's truth-proof.

"What 'New Cold War'?! You got what you wanted,Yankee! You won the Cold War! What the hell do you want from me?! You never had businesses in Greece except to meddle every now and then!" I retorted,enraged "This new 'Cold War' is YOUR fault,because you aren't satisfied with the completely valid outcome you got,imbecile! Instead of focusing on your domestic issues and building a better future for your American generation,you kept on going by attacking Ikram and now Vuk! And the death of Yeltsin and the destruction of your embassy in Russia hadn't ended your greedy desire to expand your hegemony! Who do you think you are, Μαλάκα!? THERE'S NO WAY TO FUCKING PLEASE YOU!"

I panted again after shrieking my last sentence with strength of my lungs.

"Whatever..." he dismissed me like a wind "You'll stay in NATO,whether you like it or not! COME WITH ME! THAT'S AN ORDER!"

Vuk was right,I really should've kept that pile of shit with me back in Thessaloniki.

I tempted to launch against him again,but I had a better idea...

"You know what?" I took a deep breath "You're right. I'm coming wi-" I cut myself off,walking towards him and stopped "Wait,there's something on your nose!"

"What?"

"A flea,on the bridge of your nose!"

He crossed his eyes and slammed his nose with the other egg he held all this time in his right hand. He fell for it. I couldn't help but to loudly laugh at him.

"T-t-there was no flea,m-moron! HA-HA-HA!"

After realizing this,he clenched his fist tightly and his eyes trembled in fury.

"YOU'RE DEAD!" he screamed.

Alfred ran towards me,but I turned and he ended up hitting the unstable tree.

"If you want to come with you,catch me,ELEPHANT!" I spat,smirking.

This pissed him off even more. He chased me around this tree and near itself,olé-ing him like a bull each time he was near me,hitting that same tree. It went like that for around five minutes until the tree couldn't take it anymore and slowly fell downwards at him. Alfred had no other choice but to jump and fall away from the tree and the latter stomped itself on the ground.

We were exhausted and I wanted to follow the stream out of this now-dark forest,but I saw Griff landing on unconscious Alfred,trying to wake him up. To my intrigue,I saw a video camera on eagle's back. Now I see why Griff managed to find me so easily.

I tried to take it away from Griff at first try,but he turned and screamed with his wings flying around. I sighed when it didn't woke Alfred up just yet. I tried for second time and he did it again. At third and final time,I simply grabbed him like with chicken and swiftly pulled the camera out with my right hand,letting him go afterwards.

Leaving both of them in the forest,I grinned and was delighted over winning him at his confrontation against me (he'll have to find his own way out *snickers*). This is yet another story for me to write on paper and send them to my most beloved friends and allies. They'll have a great laugh,be sure about that.

With the help of the video camera which had GPS,I ended up in a town of Mandra. I was incredibly in need to sleep,after walking so much to get to Violeta's house. It's now 22:15,according to camera.

I called Violeta to drive to Mandra to take me to her house. She was inconsistent at first,but agreed when I told her what happened in shortest way possible. When I saw her car,I immediately got inside,reached Piraeus and finally entered her house to sleep,at midnight,in her bedroom.

---

21st July - 09:45

This is the moment we're all been waiting for! I,Violeta,Mikis and tens of thousands have approached the Greek Parliament and chanted our demanding slogans. The rest of Greeks have stayed at homes.

"OUT OF NATO OR OUT OF GREECE!" they chanted.

This day is his last chance. He'll either accept my proposition and change his mind,or resign for failing his people.

A part of those people have pushed the locked door to try and break it. We tried many times relentlessly until we decided to use our united force to slam the door until it was unlocked.

"ON THE COUNT TO THREE! ΕΝΑ,ΔΥΟ,ΤΡΙΑ!" I shouted through megaphone.

And they formed themselves together into 'bread' form to slam the door repeatedly. We walked backwards and slammed it,and did so over and over again until finally,the Parliament's door slammed open,breaking the lockset. We marched several steps forward and saw Presidential Guards moving from their position,turned and raised their guns at us.

"NOT ONE STEP FURTHER!" one of the guards shouted.

We and our people stood inside,outside and beneath the large open doors of this building. I stood 10 feet away behind the people,and Violet and Mikis stood behind me.

"Hold up,what the hell's g-" Kostis cut himself off,after opening the inner door and went out make an appearance. When he noticed us,he stopped and stood surprised,seeing all the people inside.

"Athene?"

I walked and got near him.

"Have you finished packing?" I asked,angrily.

Kostis moved his eyes left and right in uncomfort,unexpecting a confrontation.

"This cannot be real...Is this already over?" he asked back.

"It is. You lost."

"I think there's some misunderstanding. This isn't what you thi-"

"You refused to listen to me and my people and now you're begging for a second chance when it's too late?!" I raised my voice "Resign,now!"

"Leave!" Violeta added.

He gulped and covered his mouth with his hand in fear and shock. His guards still aimed their guns at us threateningly.

"Can you at least hear me out,before I leave?" he suggested,growing hopeless.

"I'm all ears." I said,crossing my arms.

Kostis explained his point of view about why did he stood for its,about his basic knowledge about what had occurred over the last two months and why did he wanted to negotiate. As he spoke his words,I was unconvinced,thinking he's lying,until he talked about his phone conversation with Alfred Jones a week earlier,in the aftermath of the Thessaloniki Base Raid,telling us he asked once or twice if he should leave NATO altogether.

"From this point on,I started to realize that it's not my people's fault,but mine. I was so blindfolded." he's about to finish his confession "Mr. Jones started to insult you,me and our people,and even threatened to bomb Athens if I don't repress you enough,but I told him it would cause another civil war!" he paused "It all just went sudden..."

Many in the crowd have started to squabble over Alfred's surname and who's "Jones" Kostis' talking about. I genuinely didn't knew that he too was abused for not toeing Yankee's line. The guards lowered their guns.

"If you're going to view my tale as a 'big lie',I have an evidence." he said,casually,taking something from his pocket "Here,Athene,take a look."

He handed me a piece of paper. I examined it and I realized it's my letter I wrote to him shortly after the Raid happened. I was astonished that Kostis kept the letter,thinking he threw it to the bin because of my belief that he's too stubborn to listen to me or concede.

Mikis asked me what's so special about the letter,and I told him the obvious.

"I'm all in for negotiations,but since you want me gone..."

"WAIT,don't go!" I shouted,seeing him turning his back to exit the hallway. Kostis turned again "You're not telling lies."

He was surprised again.

"Well then,state you demands." Kostis raised his tone.

"I already wrote them on that paper. Remember?"

I handed my letter back to him to re-read those three demands. He adjusted his glasses before he did.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" some retarded asshole spat from the crowd,before Kostis was about to start reading.

"Σκάσε!" I turned and shouted at him,both annoyed and angered.

Silence came in for some seconds.

"Fair enough,I'll accept your demands,if it means resolving this major problem we're having." he concluded,after he finished "But what would I get from this in return? Who'll pay for the damages and deaths of many policemen?"

Come to think of it,he should technically pay the damages. However,its true that policemen who stood for him were only guilty for affiliation (I kinda felt sorry for doing my first assault in Thessaly Police Jurisdiction. Six policemen had died and its Jurisdiction was paralyzed with humiliation.). Kostis is a weak and impotent Leader,but not stupid. He's open to reason.

"Mainly,you'll remain in power until the end of your term,that's for sure." I told him,then I paused "Regarding the 'reparations for damages',I'll pay some of my money for them,but you'll have to pay your fair share too. Because in the end,you ought to take responsibility for causing the revolts in the first place. Had you listened to your ministers to leave NATO before July,this whole mess wouldn't have happened."

He took a deep breath.

"Understandable. They were right. I shouldn't have dismissed them...I didn't knew it was THAT serious."

After his words,I ordered the crowd,as well as my two compatriots,to leave the Parliament and go to their homes. Kostis suggested for me to go to a private room so as to his guards not see us talking.

"Good for me." I said,smiling.

The guards left us by and went back to their original position.

"I-I...I'm sorry for acting antagonistic towards you,Athene." he stuttered,blushing "And for calling you an 'abettor'.

"There's no need to apologize. At least you admitted."

"Do you accept my apology?"

"Not yet,you firstly need to do the first demand." I told him.

"You mean the third one?"

" Ναί. I'll write the script." I exclaimed "It'll take time and you'll read everything what I'll write for you,outloud,even the things you would get uncomfortable with. I'll notify you when I'm finished."

Kostis nodded and looked away for a while before he went to the Parliament's office. Once he did,I picked a pen and one large paper in this room and went to the Parliament chamber to sit on a seat and write a speech. It'll take time.

15:20

Shortly before I handed my well-written speech,Kostis called every minister to gather and join to hear his address. Part of his ministers have refused to participate,and I can't blame them. I ensured that his speech will be televised,here and abroad,for all of them to watch. I phoned Violeta and Mikis to turn their TV's at 15:30,when it'll start.

Kostis and I are near the entrance of the Parliament Chamber,with the former holding the papers. Even though he's having a stage fright,he nevertheless got ready.

"I don't know how would Mr. Jones react to this?" he asked,shyly.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. You kidding me?

"On what side are you on?" I asked back,annoyed.

"Y-y...Yours?"

"Then forget about him and his filthy words. Alfred's the last thing you should care about." I motivated him "If you want to prove you're a strong and bold leader,you have to make the Westerners and Americans hear your message and let them know that Greece is no longer that nation who kneels before aggressors."

Kostis gave me a weak smile and was about to enter the Chamber,but I placed my hand on his shoulder,making him turn.

"Yes?"

"You remind me a lot of Papandreou. He was a puppet of the West during Cold War,in the same replica as you are,but not for long. For once,make me and your country proud."

"Εγώ θα."

And then he entered the Chamber,with me staying near the entrance to watch him speak. He got to the podium,adjusted the mic and thumped the same. He cleared his throat.

"Citizens of Greece.

Over the last two weeks and indeed,five months,this great Greek Nation had been in a constant state of confusion. A nation called Yugoslavia is being bombed since March and Greeks were justifiably enraged. When our people started revolting against their establishment,it and I were blinded in ignorance,thinking that NATO would protect us against disorder and chaos,but I was wrong.

Why did they revolted against me,I've asked myself for some time? For a major reason: NATO is bombing the Serbs,our historical and bonded brothers which share our religion and history. Yugoslavia is getting bombed not because of the alleged 'genocide' against Albanians in Serbia's heartland,but because of the sin of their brotherhood between it and Russia and for its Socialist and Nationalist outlook. They're fighting a despicable terrorist organization called the Kosovo 'Liberation' Army which is allied with NATO for their special hatred towards 'Communism'. All in the name of 'Humanitarianism'.

Atlanticism and Neoliberalism,the so-called champions of the Cold War over Warsaw Pact,claimed that they'll bring a new age of prosperity and peace to the World. They were lying like they always did. Even after they won,they chose to harass and abuse their former enemy with their IMF,international isolation and overall humiliation at the Russian people,our other historical friends,believing in absolute delusion of 'freedom' and other rubbish. When the Russians ended their tyrants life on that memorable 15th May of this year,the West tried to manipulate them again thinking that their new leader Vladimir Putin was just like that drunk anus called Yeltsin. They were angry,and Putin heard them and gave them ultimatum to NATO,ending up getting the America,British and German embassies destroyed with planted explosives,for attacking their brotherly nation of Serbia. They hadn't dared to nuke Russia because Russia has nukes,and because they're deep down shameless cowards,no matter how much they'll hate to admit it.

NATO's overall actions in the Balkans are,at best,criminal. And I condemn them with extreme prejudice."

I was amazed and my lips widened in complete surprise over his tone as he spoke up,fitting the script. His tone was sharp,poetic and cold. During my time of writing this,I told everything about why he was wrong into trusting Alfred and his rhetoric,and all the crimes which he launched against Vuk's people,and he mostly agreed (because he preferred to stay neutral from both sides,America and Russia). He's finally understanding me.

He continued.

"Furthermore,I would like to inform our former friends the Clintons and the Secretary of State Madeleine Albright,as much as it pains me to say it,that they're playing with fire. They did it with us and they're doing it with Serbia and the International Law. Over the last forty decades,we were treated like a puppet to be manipulated with and we were constantly threatened and name-called with words like 'fleas','neanderthals','savages','monkeys','cretins','brainwashed animals',etc...whenever we tried to distance our way from them to create a new diplomatic approach.

For this reason,I'll issue an order to close the major NATO embassies,with the sole exception of France,and their military bases,and complete expulsion of American Diplomats who were nothing but trouble which were largely responsible for launching that 1967 coup against us because we refused to accept their disastrous economic proposals three years prior,resorting to these insults I've just listed,not having their way. For now on,the relations between Greece and America will be severed except on touristic grounds,for the American people aren't responsible for their government's actions. Americans are welcomed to have a vacation in Greece. The relations between those two countries will be restored when they stop their criminal attacks against Yugoslavia and once they pay for all the damages they caused on not just our neighbor from the north,but to the rest of the World.

We'll start visiting their enemy leaders like Putin and Slobodan Milosevic in exchange.

To that decree,I officially announce the end of Martial Law and reparations for our dead and wounded policemen and their families,God bless all of them,for trying to maintain order in Greece from our raging people. The Police weren't at fault for being humiliated in such a way,because it was me who let that happen.

Again,I and my predecessors were misled by our former allies' propaganda and fell for it,but not for long. I would also want to reconcile with my people,if they wish to forgive my past incompetence,negligence and weakness. If they don't accept,that's understandable. I'll take responsibility for my actions and my price was and will be paid if the same mistake is repeated.

With it,I,Konstantinos Stephanopoulos of the Hellenic Republic,will end my speech by stating that this new day of 21st July of 1999,will be the first day of new and sovereign Greece,free from further interference in our foreign and domestic affairs and threats. Anyone who'll dare to disrupt its newborn legacy will be punished and condemned with fullest power of the Law.

I wish you all happy summer,my beloved Greek people!

Thank you!"

Once he finished his long speech,everyone in the Chamber thundered in applause,and so did I. He got down to where I'm at and made a joyful face.

"How did I looked?" he said,in a happy tone.

"Like a real Leader,and this might be your fresh start." I replied,sympathetically "But it's almost over."

"Almost?"

"Yes. It'll be over when the Grand Finale is executed."

"What 'Grand Finale'?"

I and him went away from the crowd into a lone corridor and explained my final act of blowing the Naval Crete Base up into destruction and my affiliation with the Revolutionary Nuclei.

"You're insane!" Kostis snapped at me,complaining "Delivering a major historical speech was one thing,but this..."

"Hey now,you agreed to my demands and this was one of them."

"I know but,did you wrote that this base will be closed?"

"Changed my mind,it'll be destroyed to the ground by this terror group." I said,menacingly "It'll put cherry on the cake,like how Russia did in May."

"But we don't have nukes!"

"Doesn't matter,they'll make sure it looks like an incident,coincidental or not." I explained "Your only task right now is NOT to inform Alfred Jones about it,or we'll be doomed! If he calls you,end the call immediately."

"I will." he agreed "He doesn't deserve to be there and this will be his punishment. Less than what that κουτσούβελο deserves,but still fair. After all,I wanted to push him out of the docks."

"You should've done it. I would've sympathized with you earlier if you did."

We separated ourselves and I went to my house and called Markos to tell the sailors,except 'The Leader' and his soldiers (if there are any),to evacuate from this base and,by midnight and half an hour,he pushed the button and let this Grand Finale commence. Afterwards,I went to sleep.

22nd July - 12:00,Greek Presidential Palace

Kostis received a report and three different newspapers from a minister and he got up to take them to his office to review them.

I was in his office and looked up those newspapers. They had more of the same theme except the titles,which were: 'Stephanopoulos,out of his mind?','Greece suddenly drifts into violent approach.' and,the most interesting one,'Greeks no longer deserve respect.'.

The last title came from the "TIME" magazine,which was the same one who had the title of 'BRINGING THE SERBS TO HEEL'. I wasn't surprised at all with this title,it's Malaka's favorite.

He then opened two letter with 'K' and 'A' letters plastered on those two envelopes. The first paper was torn to many pieces. I arranged the pieces and it revealed that Alfred wrote bunch of swear words and curses at Kostis,seeing how unimaginably enraged he was towards Kostis.

Same with me,but in a 'gentle' manner,because the letter I received wasn't torn,but was visibly crumpled with few small holes and pen scribes. When I finished reading it,it completed me.

"'Dear' Traitor...

You've gone and done it. I was almost consumed in flames (at least I wasn't covered in gasoline) in one of my main bases in Europe,waking me up whilst sleeping for twenty minutes. And on the time when I fell asleep for an entire minute,thus escaping this place. I've tolerated you for far too long. What you did twice on me in Thessaloniki and in that forest two days ago made my suspicions grow,but today you pushed me to the edge. All because you have a 'special love' with that genocidal fucking brat,then to get out of NATO. Are you happy now,you insufferable smartass bitch? ARE YOU!?

I used to admire you and your formerly great culture of philosophies,heroism,ancient innovations and mythologies,and even visited some of your places,but not anymore. Under the 'bond' of Orthodox Christianity,you and your herd of savages have threw Civilization out of the window. Why 'savages'? You see,if throwing rotten stuff at other people,committing terrorist attacks,screeching obscenities and blowing up military bases isn't 'savagery',then I don't know what it is. Or to use your word,barbarians. You're no longer Greeks of Greece,but pure and simple barbarians,every last one of them. Heck,I won't get into the UN (Utter Nothing) fat pig Lex Ross' absence in 1994 over Rwandan Genocide caused by bloodthirsty Hutu apes against Yvonne Uwimana. She still has yet to recover...

And let's not forget your dear president's (which I wasted my patience calling him ten times to know what the fuck's he doing) yesterday's speech full of bullshit,satisfying you and your people what they wanted to hear,not what they needed to hear. And how did those greasy Greeks responded? They lavish him with applauses and cheers for that bald commie maggot,who's more worse than you. I bet you possessed him. Do you think this is a coincidence? IT IS NOT! This only confirmed that you're proud of reverting yourself 6000 years backwards in just two weeks. Now THAT'S an achievement!

When the time of reckoning comes,you'll find that you have made enemies of your former allies like me,and that the new allies Stephanopeulos has found for you in Yugoslavia and Russia (Russkies where the same ones who unleashed the Red Plague and murdered their only Martyr Yeltsin and Capitalism,but that's out of my point). would prefer a Russkie-controlled Greece,that has no chance of ever reverting to the former bastion of civilization you used to be. The same way how Egyptians of Egypt threw away their ancient civilization for Socialism,Islam and Anti-Semitism against my ally Anna Goldhirsh since half a century,despite opposing my war against the genocidal brat (everyone has flaws,and that's ok). Arabs and Hispanics may be savages but not as much as those stinking Serbs. Serbs are the ultimate tier,the seconds being from Russia.

Religion really does corrupt one's mentality and civility like how Islam and Orthodox Christianity do. Islam makes women into a cattle to be beaten and raped and brings disclosure of intelligence,and Orthodoxy brings in defiance and nonconformity against salvation and prosperity. Socialism and Leftism in general combines both,despite not being a Religion. That's why I'm a staunch Atheist,unlike you.

If I was the President of the United States,not the Clintons,Reagan or FDR...if I was in charge and had my way,I would've interrogated every Greek-American and,if necessary,expel them and kill them if they refuse to go back whence they came,for committing utter treason. I would've then conquered you with many brutal rocket attacks at my disposal,repressing you to the bone and establishing conc-...you may get the picture.

So yeah,I've written this letter from where I'm currently at,in Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily,far away from this pesthole it has become. I'm sick and fed up with ANY 'people' who are attacking my embassies,military bases,my civilian and military personnel as you did today and initiating terrorism. The World and the UN in particular has yet to understand what 'retribution' is. I won't do things which I wrote on my previous paragraph,but I'll isolate you. If you doubt,I'll put sanctions on you and make sure that NATO,especially Maria,doesn't contact or trade with you. Until you change your ways,you'll remain on my blacklist. What I want now is to see you,Athene,dead or buried alive,or even better,fill you with concrete and made a statue out of you.

Rot in Hell,

AFJ. The Leader.

P.S. My sister Emily recommended me not to go to Serbia in the battlefield to use my B-2 against you-know-who and fight him. Even though I hadn't slept for two days straight and I'm feeling worse,I told her not to worry. I've had two bad days,and I hope I won't have the third one. I don't want anyone to play with my shaking sanity. If I do,I might end up in a mental institution for a day,and it'll be YOUR fault!

Again,die..."

Phew,that was a long read,I thought. I giggled. I couldn't have imagined how Alfred have collected so much fury and venom to write so hatefully is for a medal. He only spewed psychotic tantrum-like ramblings (though I'll concede for what he had wrote about Islam and Rwanda,he's right on those regards),and it goes to show that he's not quite well in the head.

I'll sum up my opinion on his poor boo-hoo letter in five words: I don't give a damn.

"Athene,can I read the letter that blonde madman-child wrote to you?" he asked,in a respective tone.

I turned,smiled and tore this paper into pieces and threw them into the bin. He got up from his seat,confused and I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Similar to yours." I answered,kindly "As I've said,Alfred's the last thing you should care about. Working together has done so much good than harm,don't you think?"

"Perhaps."

"You did a great job."

I reverted my hand and,before leaving to go back home,I told him.

"Have a nice day,Πρόεδρε μου."

We waved each other goodbye and he sat back to do his usual work. I've risked so much to make Vuk and Arisha relieved and turn Greece into normal. Kostis is learning how to be strong and Greeks can finally take a fresh air from NATO's alignment.

I cried in joy. The chains of Neoliberalism,Atlanticism and the IMF which clenched Helena and me were finally broken. They may were invisible,but they were in form of these three things. I can finally start to become economically and politically independent and no one will ever again complain over my preference to be with Vuk and help him with best of my ability to resist and win this war. Εκτός,this isn't the end. The humanitarian aid can now enter my lands and do what they'll do to our Serbian brothers in their struggle.

Mission Accomplished.

---

Here's the final part of my Thirteenth Chapter,even more longer than what I've excepted than my second part. I've planned A LOT to get posted just now. To compensate my absence,the 14th Chapter would me less longer (best be 4000 to 6000 words),and I meant it. It'll certainly be posted much earlier,maybe in late December.

Greece wrote a crucial letter to her President if he's able to agree on her demands to stop this chaos after the Thessaloniki Base Raze,after which she played with Serbia and Athens and was called by Spain for a chat. She also visited Russia to know how's they're doing with their lives Post-Yeltsin. From getting confronted by America (and winning) to deliberately destroy his base in Crete,she ended up forgiving her president after realizing he also cared to leave NATO and progressed to grow into a strong leader he didn't used to be.

Thanks for reading and happy Thanksgiving.