A cold breeze ruffled Edward's fur as he watched the sun slowly sink. Around him the clan began to settle down for the night, sharing tongues or heading to their nests. He sat in one of the last remaining patches of summer sun, but the light did nothing to chase away the chill in Edward's heart.

With Riverclan on Shadowclan's side and Windclan refusing aid, the chances Thunderclan had of defeating Bloodclan, Shadowclan, and whatever chimeras Envy had created by themselves was slim to none. Not to mention that Al was still being held prisoner and his matter wanted to kill him. Even Mustang won't be much help.

Night fell quickly, heat slowly bleeding away as from a corpse. All the cats were asleep, save himself and Goldenflower, who was on watch. Despite his long day, Edward didn't feel tires. A feeling in his gut told him to keep sharp, that something was wrong.

And his instincts had never steered him wrong.

He stood and stretched, padding past Goldenflower into the woods. When he was out of sight of the camp he reached inside himself and returned to his human form.

The woods were much harder to navigate, but he didn't change back. Soon he reached the training hollow and a sleeping Mustang.

"Mustang," Edward whispered. Mustang awoke instantly.

"What is it, Edward? Are we under attack?"

Edward shook his head. "There will be an attack tonight, but not by Envy."

Mustang growled. "Edward, you can't take on Envy by yourself."

Edward grinned. "I won't be by myself; you're coming with me."

Mustang shook his head. "What makes you think I would go with you on this insane suicide mission?"

"Listen," Edward said seriously. "There is no way Thunderclan can take on Bloodclan, not without Riverclan and Windclan's help. They'll get slaughtered. We're the only ones with a chance to stop Envy."

"Stop trying to be the hero."

"Dammit, I don't care! If I have to the hero and lose my life for it I will, if it stops the shedding of innocent blood."

Mustang looked shocked. "You're dead serious about this, aren't you?"

Edward nodded.

Mustang spoke in a gentle tone. "You know there is a very high chance that if you do this, you won't come out alive? What about Alphonse? What about your life back home?" Mustang added softly. "What about Winry?"

Mustang's words made Edward hesitate. Memories flooded through him; his first time Winry threw her wrench at him, constantly checking to see if Alphonse had adopted another stray cat. What is this was the wrong decision? If he succeeded, he would never get to tell WInry that he… well, he would never get to talk to her again. Who would take care of Alphonse? What about everything left unfinished?

No. He would not allow these fears to to change his mind. THere was nothing left undone that someone else couldn't do. Alphonse was almost 15, he could take care of himself. And Winry...he was pretty sure she knew how he felt.

He might never know if she felt the same.

"There's no other choice." Edward said solemnly. "I'll do this with or without your help."

Mustang gazed at him deeply and must have seen the unflinching determination there, for he said," I'm in. There's no way I'll let a runt like you show me up."

Edward was too relieved to reply. He had been worried that Mustang wouldn't help him, and that he would have to charge into his death alone.

"Let's go then." He returned to his cat form and Mustang followed him into the trees.

The night was a peaceful one, the world bathed in milky moonlight. The sounds of prey scuttering through the undergrowth and the wisp of owls flying high above calmed Edward. Even in the worst time this forest has ever seen, life went on. Suddenly Edward stopped, sniffing. A familiar scent danced on the wind, and Edward turned around and growled at a leafy bush.

"Get out here now."

The leaves rustled and a lithe black silhouette crept into the moonlight, abashed.

"What are you doing?"

Blackpaw eyed him calmly. "I'm going with you."

"Absolutely not. I will not allow you to endanger yourself."

Blackpaw bristled with anger. "I have just as much a right to fight for my home as you do maybe even more. My clan is being held captive, and if I can do something about it, then I will."

"You're Clan is the enemy, Blackpaw. If you think to fight on their side, then you become the enemy as well."

"Don't be a mouse-brain," she snapped. "Shadowclan is not your enemy. Do you really think the entire Clan will succumb to Envy's leadership? If I go with you, I could talk some of them into fighting back."

"Let her go, Edward." Mustang spoke softly. "She has a point."

Edward growled softly, gazing at his troublesome apprentice. He saw determination and a flaming anger at all of the injustice that has been done. But underneath her tough exterior he saw fear. Fear that she would be stopped from defending her clan, fear that despite her best efforts the clans could be snuffed out like a light, and a fear that she won't make it out of this battle alive.

And all of a sudden, Edward was reminded of himself.

He sighed in defeat. "Fine. But if it looks like we won't make it out, I want you to run."

She opened her mouth to protest, but Edward cut her off with a snarl. "That's not negotiable." She nodded reluctantly.

"Blackpaw, lead the way," Mustang ordered. "You know the territory best. Can you find us a way across the border where we won't be spotted?"

Blackpaw flicked her tail. "Follow me."