Aya and Anubis stayed with Nasser and his wife, Tahia. She would help them during the day with whatever they were doing, and they would talk about their plans for the coup. At night, however, they, and some members of the Free Officers, would sit around and listen to the stories of her mother's time. She captivated them with the vivid accounts and details she could recall, and trusted the couple enough to tell of her time in England and Russia.

It was only late at night that Nasser would catch her sitting out on the balcony, longing to see those she left behind. He truly pitied that she couldn't walk freely around, but they couldn't risk her being taken again.

Nasser approached her carefully. "Do you miss him?"

Aya raised a delicate brow and assessed him. "Who?"

"Russia- er, you said his name was Ivan, yes?"

She smiled softly at the man. "Yes, that's his name. And yes, I miss him terribly."

Nasser nodded thoughtfully. "I believe the Soviets will make a wonderful ally."

Aya scoffed, catching his full attention. "Maybe for money, but nothing else."

"Then why so eager to become allies with them over another country?" Nasser asked.

She clenched her fists. "As long as I can prevent it, we will not be allies with the American bastard." She glared at nothing. "You have not forgotten what they caused, and I will never forgive what they have done to my sister."

:~:

Saturday July 19, 1952*

The Free Officers were holding a meeting late in the afternoon, discussing the specifics planned for August 5th, when the leader came storming in.

"You're late, General," Nasser frowned.

"I know-" General Naguib panted. "But this is important!"

All eyes were on him.

"The Royal Army high command has all of our names!" the General shouted.

"They will execute us!" one member screamed.

The hysteria didn't take long to spread.

All of the men began jumping, screaming, crying. Aya clenched her fists as she jumped up. "All of you! Stop!"

The panicking men all turned to her.

"We can no longer bend to their wishes!" she declared. "This does not mean defeat!"

"Then what does it mean?" one demanded.

"It means we must act faster," she told them calmly. "All the specifics will stay the same, except the date."

"When will we act?" another asked, clutching his jacket.

Naguib looked to Nasser as the latter addressed them. "Our country is right; we will act on the night of the twenty-second."

He got a few gasps in response.

:~:

Tuesday July 22, 1952

Regardless to what was going on in Egypt, the rest of the nations were holding a World Conference in Helsinki, Finland. They had announced it as a way to check on all the nations. Everyone mingled and tried to catch up with one another before the formal meetings began.

A man with dark eyes, clad in a long white garment and checkered turban, watched all of nation's exchanges carefully before making his way to Alfred.

"Hello again, America," the man greeted warmly. "It is nice to see you again!"

"Hey, Saudi Arabia," Alfred sighed.

Alfred was trying desperately to get away and was happily distracted when Tino, standing on a chair, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Okay," he smiled. "if everyone's here we will get started!"

The nations collectively began to take their seats, Alfred took a moment to look around the conference room. He saw his brother talking with the Netherlands, the Nordics all finding seats close to Tino, Lovino dragging his brother away from Ludwig, and finally Arthur sitting beside Francis.

The American rubbed his eyes and did a double take.

No member of the Soviet Union could be found.

:~:

Toris looked around carefully, trying to ensure that nothing would be left behind. Stalin had come by earlier saying that Ivan would be going to a meeting, but gave no specifics. After placing the last bag in the car he noticed Ivan standing beside him.

"Will I ever see her again, Litva?" he suddenly asked.

The Lithuanian wasn't sure, but he wanted to appease the Russian. "I'm sure she will return, sir. Just try to focus on your meeting."

Ivan huffed impatiently as he got into his car and ordered the driver to go.

:~:

The night came faster than they thought possible. Nasser, Naguib, and a few others met first with a member of the CIA then a member of the KGB. Even the agents could see the real power was within Nasser, despite him allowing Naguib to lead.

Aya stayed outside with Anubis on a balcony watching the lights of her beloved city. Her delicate hands fondled her mother's Ankh nostalgically.

'Did you ever feel like this, mother?' she mused in bittersweet contemplation. 'Here I stand, ready to take back what is ours...Tonight we will rise again.'

With burning determination she hurtled over the railing, landing with a soft flutter of sand and Anubis close behind. Just as she straightened up to dust herself off, the Free Officers walked out the door.

The country was already primed for the coup, since the army had already taken control of police stations, radio stations, the army headquarters, and all government buildings. The only thing left to deal with was the king.

They checked things over once more. With everything in order, they all rushed to the palace. Aya and Anubis led Naguib, Nasser, and another officer named Sadat, to the king's palace while the other soldiers went to take the second major city, Alexandria.

Anubis snarled as Aya signaled to Nasser.

:~:

King Farouk slammed the receiver down in exasperation. His entire network of British support was completely neutralized, leaving him on his own.

"How can Churchill do this to me?" he questioned himself. "I did everything he asked!"

He barely had time to catch his breath before the three men stormed into his study, led by the furious woman and jackal. The beast bounded past all of them and tackled down the King.

He shrieked in pain as Anubis' teeth sank into his skin.

"We have taken back our land," Aya declared calmly, as the king continued screaming in pain. "We are mercifully giving you three days to pack your belongings and leave."

"England won't allow this!" the king cried out.

Aya jumped to her guardian's side. Crouching down and clutching his collar, she hissed, "Let him try to stop me now."

:~:

Wednesday July 23, 1952*

7:30 am. The radio crackled as the microphone was adjusted.

{Good morning my fellow Egyptians. In the name of General Naguib, I, Anwar El-Sadat, will tell you the reasons for our Blessed Movement.}

Sadat cleared his throat.

:~:

Arthur was already up and getting ready for the second day of meetings. He was adjusting his tie when he heard a frantic knock on the door.

"What is it?" he snapped.

The aid panted as he answered. "Your boss- is here...He wants-to see you."

Cocking his head to the side in confusion, he stepped out of his room and headed down to the conference room. Much to his surprise, the other nations, along with their bosses, were all there.

"What's going on?" Arthur demanded, confused.

Churchill cleared his throat nervously. "Just listen," he said as he turned up the radio. There was a brief moment of static before a smooth baritone voice came in.

{Egypt has passed through a critical period in her recent history characterized by bribery, mischief, and the absence of governmental stability. All of these were factors that had a large influence on the army. Those who accepted bribes and were thus influenced caused our defeat in the Palestine War of 1948…}*

"Go," Arthur chocked out to his aide. "and find the others. And bring them here. Now."

The aide scrambled out the door. The other nations watched Arthur carefully as they continued to listen to the address. Truman sat with his fingers laced under his chin, staring intently at the floor.

{As for the period following the war, the mischief-making elements have been assisting one another, and traitors have been commanding the army. They appointed a commander who is either ignorant or corrupt. Egypt has reached the point, therefore, of having no army to defend it. Accordingly, we have undertaken to clean ourselves up and have appointed to command us men from within the army whom we trust in their ability, their character, and their patriotism. It is certain that all Egypt will meet this news with enthusiasm and will welcome it.}

Saudi Arabia listened in shock. "She did it…she actually did it…"

Arthur was seething. "How dare she..." he repeated to himself over, and over again.

Francis tentatively approached him. "Angleterre?"

The Briton's head snapped up as he fixated his lurid, emerald eyes on the Frenchman. "What the bloody hell do you want?" When no answer came, he continued. "Do you even know what this means!" he shrieked.

The doors slammed open as the aide walked in briskly.

"Sir, they couldn't be reached..."

Arthur ignored him and continued glaring at Francis.

"N-No, I don't-"

"No one knows what this will cause," Churchill interrupted, placing a calming hand on his nation's shoulder. "We will just have to see how this plays out."

Just as Arthur was about to lunge at Francis, a certain Norwegian decided to intervene.

"Both of you just shut up and listen."

{...The army will take charge with the assistance of the police. I assure our foreign brothers that their interests, their souls, and their property are safe, and that the army considers itself responsible for them. May God grant us success.}

The radio again crackled as Sadat finished his speech.

Alfred tentatively looked to Arthur. The latter was pale as a corpse, tremors raking his body.

"I'm sorry, England," Churchill coughed.

"What do you mean you're sorry?" Arthur demanded, emerald eyes burning. "That's my bloody colony! Do something! Send the army!"

"We can't!" Churchill slammed his fist down on the table.

"The fuck does that mean?" Arthur screamed.

"It means," the English Prime Minister sighed. "I'm not going to risk the lives of those Brits still in Egypt just for your folly."

Arthur was about to protest again, but Truman cut in.

"The Egyptians have promised not to harm any British property or citizens."

Another aide quickly walked in. "President Truman, you have a phone call."

"Ignore it," the American president commanded.

"But, sir, they said-"

"Ignore it!"

The aide scurried back out of the room.

After another long pause of silence, the French president asked, "What now?"

Truman shrugged. "We wait and see what happens."

That plan did not sit well with Arthur.

:~:

Friday July 25, 1952

The nations stayed glued to the news as events unrolled in Egypt. Truman continued to diligently ignore the call that came for him, raising suspicion from the others there, while Sadiq and the Saudi Arabian continued to cast glances at Arthur, who was slowly losing his mind.

It had been two days since the King had fled Cairo, and the bosses wanted to know what was next. The news stations were running footage of the city of Alexandria, where the King was allegedly hiding out at the Montaza Palace.

The nations began to shift restlessly. It had been a tense two days and the stress was taking a toll on their bosses who rubbed off on them. The Finnish host stood to announce a short break when noises from the television screens recaptured their attention. Playing for all the nations, and their shocked bosses, was the Egyptian army marching through the city.

Feliciano shook as he gripped Ludwig's sleeve tightly.

Barked orders from the screen made them all look up. There before them stood Aya, dressed in full army uniform, beside two other men, Anubis in front of them. Then back to the anchor.

{The Egyptian army has occupied the city of Alexandria. Orders have been given by General Naguib for the former king of Egypt's yacht not to sail}

People were singing, dancing, cheering all out of joy.

An aide, again walked in. "President Truman, there's a-"

"Who is it?" he barked.

"I-It's King Farouk of Egypt!" the aide finally got out.

All eyes turned to the two Americans in the room. Truman took a deep breath then took the phone and hung it up. There was a long silence before he simply repeated, "Ignore all calls."

"How can you just ignore it?" Alfred demanded, finally speaking up.

"America, just calm-" Truman began.

"No! They're going to kill him and you're going to let them!" he accused, shocking everyone.

"Egypt isn't like you, America," Sadiq smiled. "No blood has been shed, and if she has her way, none will."

The Italian Prime Minister nodded after hearing out his aide then turned to address the others.

"No, they will not," he announced carefully, not oblivious to Arthur's glares. "He has been granted asylum in Italy."

"I believe," Truman began, casting a warning glance at his nation. "the question is now what the Egyptian people will choose to do."

:~:

Monday July 28, 1952

It took days for him to arrive in his mystery location. All the while, Ivan had just stared out the window with glazed over eyes. When his private plane landed in the airport, he made no immediate move to leave. Eventually, a flight attendant came by with a fresh bottle of vodka and reminded him that the plane had landed.

Taking a long swig, Ivan stood and made his way off the plane. He staggered back when dry, hot air assaulted him.

'Why is it so hot?' he asked himself as he shrugged off his long, tan coat.

Find out where you are and it should be obvious, Russia taunted him bitterly.

:~:

It was depressing to Ivan that his driver knew where he was to go while he didn't.

When he pulled up before a lavish palace he looked to the driver.

"This is where I was told to take you," he shrugged.

"Hm," was all Ivan said as he went back into the heat and up to the entrance.

Before he even got the chance to knock the door was opened, revealing a familiar Arab nation.

"Well hello there," Zada welcomed happily. "what brings you here?"

"I was told to come here," Ivan answered apathetically.

Zada bowed slightly before opening the door wider and revealing a large, open foyer. He could hear an array of voices radiating throughout the palace.

'What is going on?' Ivan asked himself. 'And why am I in Syria?'

The voices got louder, but Ivan was too preoccupied with his questions to be bothered by it. Smiling broadly, Zada threw open the vast doors and revealed seventeen other nations sitting around an extensive table of various foods.

"Hey!" Zada called out getting everyone's attention. "The Russian is here!"

Nothing in his past could have prepared him for their reaction.

Cheering. They were cheering because he was there.

Ivan couldn't believe himself. Never had anyone been so happy to see him- not counting his little sister, of course. Colour rushed to his face as he felt embarrassed by the situation.

These people weren't afraid of his arrival- they welcomed it.

"So!" one with dark curly hair and eyes jumped up and clapped him on the shoulder. "You're the Russian we've been hearing about?"

Ivan couldn't make a coherent answer.

"Do not worry, my friend," he assured. "I am Tareq, the Kingdom of Libya."

Barking made them all turn back towards the door. In the opening stood Anubis, taller and broader than when the Russian had last seen him, and adorned in golden cuffs and a matching collar. He made his way over to Ivan and motioned for him to follow, which he did. The guardian led him through the hall down to the office, where the newly named president awaited.

"Hello," Naguib greeted warmly. "And welcome to Egypt!"

"Egypt?" he demanded, he barely recognized the man's words.

"Yes," Nasser confirmed. "where else is this beautiful?"

They laughed at that while Ivan was still in shock.

"Wha-Wh-Ho-"

Ivan was cut off from his stammering by a delicate hand being placed on his shoulder.

"And here I was vain enough to believe you would be happy to see me," that seductive voice purred. "If you two would not mind..."

She didn't have to finish her request. Nasser led Naguib out of the room while smiling at the two countries. Once the door clicked shut, Ivan pulled Aya into his arms.

"You left me," he pouted with his face buried in her obsidian hair.

"I had to, my love," she said as she looked up with pleading eyes. He pulled back and stared down into her golden eyes.

"You knew I would be here today," he accused.

"Of course."

"How?"

"Because," she smirked and pulled him down by his scarf. "I worked very hard to make sure that we would become allies."

That being said, Aya caught his lips in a searing kiss.

A new era had begun.

*In the order they appear:

July 19 is the day that they had to change their plans because the king got the names of the Free Officers and was going to have them executed.

July 23 is when the revolution actually happened. It was a bloodless revolution, but it sent a powerful message. The 25th is when they finally caught the king, sent him and all of his belongings to Italy, and three days later Naguib was named the first president of Egypt.

I take no credit for this speech. These are the actual words Sadat read to all of Egypt at 7:30AM on Wednesday July 23, 1952.

When the Free Officers came for him, King Farouk tried desperately to reach out to his allies for help. First he called England and then America, but Truman kept ignoring him.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reads, favourites, and reviews this story. If you are interested in the continuation of Aya and Ivan's story, look out for the sequel, Suez 1956.