Featuring special guest appearance by Leela warner by Fanimaniac4ever101 over on ff net
And Cindy by Jekna-karma-lokert over on Tumblr
Standing eerily still atop the main lodge balcony, Edd watched over the camp alone, mulling over his anxieties for the day. His expression, as always, was thankfully obscured behind his mask.
To say he was a mess was an understatement. Edd would've liked to attribute his nervousness due to the fact that Reagan of all people was stationed in his camp after their unpleasant encounter years ago. And indeed, Reagan's presence did not help quell his temper, but to say he was solely to blame for his anxiety would be inaccurate. Edd could barely muster the appetite to eat, and he didn't get a wink of sleep last night.
His mind was infested with thoughts of today's meeting.
The fate of the world rests solely on his shoulders, and it all comes down to him to end the war; no pressure.
He was scared of encountering Tord face to face. He was terrified of the meeting not going as planned. But most importantly, he was concerned about Eduardo. When he finds out, because it is a matter of when and not if, Eduardo will most definitely cut all ties with Edd for his betrayal. And that frightens Edd greatly.
His belly churned. It was still early in the morning, the sun barely reaching over the top of the trees. Before long, he will lead the rebellion South and meet up with the Red Army. But first, he needs to get rid of Eduardo.
Edd stiffened. The man in question came into his line of view as he stepped out of the lodge below, stretching his limbs as he yawned loudly.
3… 2… 1…
"Eduardo!"
As planned, Mark and Ford came bounding out of the boathouse. Eduardo straightened up immediately. Edd vaulted over the balcony railing and floated down to the ground to stand next to him.
"What is it?"
"We received word of an allegiance appeal from some nations off to the East." Ford stated. "They want to discuss the terms of our alliance with a representative of the rebellion."
"Really?" Eduardo leaned forward, looking eager. "That's great news! Although, with so much to do around here it might take a while to comply-"
"Nonsense! You should definitely go right away." Mark brushed him off. "We got everything under control here."
Eduardo hesitated. "Are you sure? What about the prisoners? Or what if the Red Army attacks?"
"Let me deal with them." Edd broke in solemnly. "I can handle things around here until you get back. The prisoners aren't going anywhere, and the Red Army would be suicidal to try anything with us. If they try," Edd cracked his knuckles for emphasis, his eyes glowing through the mask.
Eduardo looked back at each one of them with narrowed eyes, humming pensively. "An alliance offer would surely strengthen us… But I don't wanna leave the Rebellion unguarded…"
"Hey, I'm here, too. You're not the only one with superpowers around here."
"And we're not helpless without you, you know?" Mark put his hands on his hips, daring Eduardo to contradict him. "C'mon. We've got this!"
Turning to Edd, Eduardo fixed him with a narrowed-eyed stare. "Can I count on you to run things around here in my absence?"
"Of course." Edd nodded, pushing his guilt aside to seem confident and really sell the bit.
To Edd's relief, he bought it. Eduardo dipped his head and walked away. "Very well. This may take a while, so I might not make it back until tomorrow." He murmured. He glanced back at them over his shoulder, smirking. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Edd, Mark, and Ford stood by and watched as he took flight and shot up into the sky in a green streak; feeling the weight of their deception pressing down on them with each passing heartbeat.
"He's gone." Ford breathed.
"Now is the time to act." Mark said. "I'll gather the rebels in front of the main lodge."
In a matter of minutes, the rebellion members were gathered around below the steps of the cabin. They already know what today means, and most of them were just hanging about near the area just waiting for the order to meet up; the crowd was far too anxious about the meeting to try and pretend for normalcy.
"Green Rebellion!" Edd raised his voice as he stood above them in the balcony. "The time has come for us to depart and meet with the Red Army. The kids, of course, will not be coming along. They will stay behind and guard the camp. Whoever does not wish to be a part of this meeting are welcome to stay. Any objections?"
Ford lifted his hand in the crowd. "I should stay behind." He spoke up, avoiding everyone's gaze. "I will be of no use in the meeting, and someone needs to keep tabs on our connections."
"Very well." Edd dipped his head. "Those staying, stand with Ford to the left. Those of you coming along, stand to the right."
The rebels quickly rearranged themselves. To his surprise, both Hilarson and Laurel were coming despite being previously opposed to the idea. When the groups were finally organized, Edd observed them. It was evenly split, perhaps with more members joining him in the meeting, but Edd was pleased to know he wouldn't leave England heavily unguarded.
"Thank you all for your assistance. I promise to do my best by you and end the war today." Edd bowed his head and floated down to the ground. "Leela," The young girl was sitting by the campfire on a tree stump, feeding her dog treats when he called out to her. She jumped to her feet as he crouched to her eye-level. "I need you to do something really important for me."
"Can't I come with you?" Leela pleaded. "I want to help out in the fight."
Edd shook his head "If all goes right, there'll be no battle today." He murmured. "But I need your help. I need you to stay in camp and watch over the other kids until we get back. Can you do that for me?"
"Even Collin?" Leela asked tentatively.
Edd smiled. "Especially Collin. If he gives you trouble, you have my permission to unleash Nina on him!" He petted the Havanese dog as he spoke. "You won't be alone. The other rebels will stay to help guard the camp. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Thank you." Edd dipped his head and stood up, facing the rebels gathered around him. "Now… Let's move out."
(Meanwhile…)
Arriving at the base settled near the border of the Iberian Peninsula, Red Leader and his soldiers were quick to get themselves acquainted with the place. The soldiers that dwelled the base had been stationed here for a few months already, ready to charge the frontlines to expand their territory at a moment's notice. However, when the threat of the Green Rebellion became known they were ordered to remain stationary until further notice, and now they greeted their leader with open arms.
"Welcome, Red Leader." A man stood waiting in front of the line of soldiers, poised straight and saluting. "Everything is ready and waiting for you. I hope you find your new quarters to your liking."
"Yes. Thank you, Admiral Wolfgang." Red Leader dipped his head. "Are your troops ready to accompany me to the meeting?"
"Ready and waiting. I've taken the liberty of instructing them on the mission before your arrival." Admiral Wolfgang said curtly. "They will march whenever you give the word."
"Good." Red Leader nodded in approval. "See to it that Lieutenant Yanov and his staff have everything settled in the medical wing here. I have a meeting to get ready for."
"Affirmative."
Tord glanced over his shoulder, watching his soldiers help each other get settled. An anxious and tense mood settled over them as they worked fervently. Paul, Patrick, and Tom unboarded the aircraft and approached him, waiting for his command.
He led the way deeper into the base. While the structure was new, it paled in comparison to the main base. Don't get him wrong. It was still impressive; a perfect mesh of luxury and safety combined into one without compromising either of them. But the design was much simpler to that of the main base, and not as big, but it would have to do.
"Red Leader!"
Tord stopped and spun around on his heel as a soldier with short, wild raven hair and dark skin approached him with a rather large gift box in her hands. "Yes, Cindy? What can I do for you?"
She dipped her head. "I was told to deliver this to you. Your order from the tailors?"
"Ah, yes!" Tord's eye sparked with recognition and he took the box from her. "Thank you. You may join your comrades with the preparations. We will be leaving shortly."
"Wait."
Paul approached cautiously, took the gift box and pressed his ear against it. He shook it for good measure but nothing happened.
"Okay, you're good. I don't think it's a bomb." Paul stepped back and gave the box back to Tord, smiling.
"You don't think it's a bomb?" Tord echoed with laughter. "Wow, Paul. You're the best bodyguard ever. I feel so safe around you!"
"As your Commander I pride myself in your safety." Paul beamed.
Tord rolled his eye, but did not bother mentioning the tons of planes he crashed with him aboard the craft throughout the years.
"What is it anyway?" Tom asked, eyeing the box.
"You'll see."
Tord led the way through the hallway and came upon a door at the end of the corridor, which led to his new temporary quarters. This room was solely reserved for the highest ranking member of the base; since Red Leader outranks Wolfgang, the Admiral had to move out and stay with the other soldiers in the barracks for the time being. Of course, this room was nowhere near as fancy as his own office back in the main base but still classy. He'll have to thank Admiral Wolfgang for keeping the place in such pristine condition.
"You guys wait here - I really wanna hear your input on this."
While he went off to a side room Tom, Paul, and Pat situated themselves around the office; pulling up a couple of chairs and lounging about for a bit.
The room was mahogany red with a twin sized bed, a desk with a world map displayed on top, a couple of chairs, a nightstand with a lamp, and a dark oak dresser.
"Ta-dah!" Tord stepped out, arms outstretched as he showed off his brand new uniform. "What do you think?"
Tom sat up straight. Gone was the ordinary blue and red uniform, now substituted for a red and gold piece with medals, a golden sash, a red cape, and even epaulettes on the shoulders. Tord looked extremely handsome in the new outfit, the epitome of king, but Tom couldn't help but frown.
"Isn't it a little… much?" Tom pointed out softly. "You're going to end the war today, hopefully, and you're going dress like that?"
"It's my first time making a public appearance in the flesh." Tord combed back his hair, grinning. "I need to look my best."
"Okay, but does your best have to look like a tyrant?" Tom argued.
"Well I think you look lovely, sir." Paul cut in. "Nowhere near as handsome as Patrick, of course. But, you know, a close second."
"Why thank you, Paul! At least someone in this room admires my taste in clothes."
Tom and Patrick exchanged an unamused glance. "Please tell me you took a shower before putting on the new outfit?" Tom asked.
"Of course I did." You helped me shower, after all. "We still have several hours before we deploy to the meeting place. You guys should get yourselves situated until then and make sure everything is ready."
"Will do!" Paul saluted, moving to take Patrick's hand in his as they exited the office. "It's a shame we'll have to sleep in individual beds here. I'd love nothing more than to cuddle up with you all night long."
"Paul!" Pat batted him playfully, ducking his head in embarrassment.
Tord rolled his eye. "Hold your horny needs til the end of the mission, got it?"
The duo giggled and left, shutting the office door behind them.
"Sadly, they bring up a good point." Tord sighed. "We can't risk our relationship being discovered so you'll have to sleep in the barracks with the other soldiers for a little while."
"Fine." Tom shrugged.
"You don't seem upset."
"Should I be?" Tom prompted. "I have my priorities straight, Tord. I'm more concerned about tonight's meeting. Aren't you?"
"Of course I am. I merely figured you would be against mingling with my soldiers." Tord pointed out.
"I think I'll live, don't worry. I hardly think spending time away from you is going to be detrimental for my health."
Tord narrowed his eye. "You sure seem confident about that." He muttered under his breath with a flare of annoyance.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!" Tord shook his head and turned away. "Anyway, you better be going now. I have to focus on my speech."
"You'll be fine!" Tom reassured as he got up and moved toward the door. "Just… don't lose yourself in your character, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah."
Tord did not turn away from the mirror as the door softly clicked shut behind him. He frowned, wondering what had happened to the sweet boyfriend who not mere hours ago had snuck him away from the base to stargaze with him out in the field.
He made the excuse that Tom was merely antsy about the meeting to be properly affectionately right now and moved along with his day. He couldn't get distracted by Tom's cold attitude, he needed to perfect his speech.
A knock rapped on the door.
Tord sighed. So much for privacy. "Come in!"
To his surprise, Matt entered the room wide eyed and pale. Well… paler than usual. He stood by the doorway to his office, fidgeting with his hands.
"Is something wrong?" Tord pressed. "If you tell me maybe I can hel-"
"How could you cheat on Tom?!"
Tord reared back in shock. Out of everything he'd been expecting to come out of his friend's mouth, that definitely wasn't one of them. "What?" He sputtered.
"I saw you flirting with one of the patients in the Infirmary!" Matt accused, mismatched eyes narrowed into daggers.
"What are you talking about?"
"You did! I saw you holding her hand and talking quietly with her." Matt went on, growing heated by the minute. "If you think you can double cross Tom with some girl, just because he is playing hard to get, then you have another thing coming, buddy-!"
Tord clamped his robotic hand over his friend's mouth to shut him up, otherwise he wouldn't be able to get a word in.
"Matt, I'm a little busy at the moment to entertain the thought of these accusations, but since you're my friend I will make an effort to dispel these theories from your head." Tord murmured coolly, peering into Matt's eyes. "For starters; no, I wasn't flirting with that woman. Secondly; I am mad crazy about Tom. Always have and probably always will! I would never dream of moving on to someone else just cause they are easier to get along with than Tom."
"Then why were you holding her hand?" Matt pushed his hand away.
Tord hesitated. "We were… discussing a very delicate topic, I'm afraid."
"What kind of topic?"
"That's classified."
Matt blinked. "Are you serious? You're not even going to tell me?" He pressed. "Me? Your good, friendly, and handsome childhood friend, Matt? What's so bad about this topic you would keep it a secret from me?"
"It's nothing personal, Matt. It's a matter of patient confidentiality and Red Army etiquette." Tord answered, dipping his head in acknowledgement. "You are a nurse. You work in the Infirmary. You'll find out eventually, but you won't hear the details from me. I'm sorry but I am not free to discuss this topic with anyone."
"Is it that bad?" Matt's voice quivered.
"I wish I could tell you… But all I can do is assure you that everything is fine, and you have nothing to worry about." Tord met his gaze. "I am not cheating on Tom, I promise you, and nothing nefarious is going on behind the scenes. Do you trust me?"
Matt hesitated but gave a reluctant nod. "I do."
"Thank you. That's all I can ask of you at the moment." Tord sighed. "You should eat something and rest. You're accompanying me to the meeting tonight."
"Me?" Matt echoed with a nervous start.
"Indeed." Tord nodded. "But you won't get to see Edd up close. I just need you on standby should something go awry."
"Why would it go awry?"
Tord glanced at him as if the answer should be obvious.
"Oh."
"Yes. Now if that's all, please leave me be. I have a speech to practice."
"Shouldn't you rest?" Matt offered. "You still have half a day until the meeting, and you look like you need some sleep."
"Are you crazy?" Tord said. He whipped around to stare at him incredulously. "I can't afford to waste time by snoozing all day!"
"But you need to recharge your strength." Matt reminded. "It's not laziness if you need the rest. Did you even sleep at all last night?"
"A little." Tord confessed, recalling the wonderful night spent with Tom. "I don't need a full eight hours of sleep - I function just fine on caffeine. I even have the ongoing record at the army of working for two weeks straight with little to no sleep!"
Matt frowned. "That's not something to be proud of."
"Whatever. I'd rather work," Tord said. He saw Matt's crestfallen expression and added. "You can rest if you want. But I need to practice."
"No, you will not!" Matt exclaimed suddenly, startling Tord. "You need the energy to focus on the meeting. You will sleep even if I have to get Paul and Pat to strap you down on the bed to make it happen!"
"Excuse me?" Tord sputtered. "I don't have time for this!"
"Tord," Matt said at length. "I know you're nervous, but stop panicking for one moment and think about how you feel right now. And I don't mean emotionally; I mean, physically."
"I am not panicking." Tord said, ruffled. "But I am pretty close to mad, though."
"And?"
"And getting madder by the second!"
"And?"
"... And exhausted." Tord realized, his shoulders drooping as the tension left them with the admission. He took a deep breath and rubbed his face. "Fine. I guess I can nap for a little while. Just… come wake me up in two hours, got it?"
"We'll see." Matt grinned.
Tord shuffled off to bed, removing his boots as he collapsed on the mattress. "You take your job as a nurse very seriously, you know." He murmured drowsily. "Yanov taught you well."
"This isn't me being a nurse," Matt said. "This is me being your friend. Though I can't say the position doesn't help. Even you know better than to argue with a healthcare professional, Tord."
Tord lifted his head. "I wouldn't dare argue with you, my dear friend." He cooed. "Now leave me be, and tell the others not to disturb me until the meeting."
"Aye aye, captain!" Matt saluted and quietly shut the door behind him.
(Meanwhile…)
"Psst! Reagan!"
The continuous sound of rain splattering on the roof and windows of the cabin was disrupted by a voice calling out to him. Reagan groaned in acknowledgement, but couldn't muster the energy to respond more than that.
"Are you okay?" A whisper sliced the tranquil quiet. "What happened?"
"Mmmf!" Reagan groaned again and lifted his head, squinting his eyes open. He was alone in the cabin. But where was this voice coming from?
"Over here - the gap in the wall to your left!"
Sluggishly, Reagan turned his head and found a dent in the wooden wall close to the floor - barely visible, but still noticeable enough.
"What have they done to you?"
"Uhhhh…" Reagan moaned, blinking owlishly. He tried to stretch his limbs but his arms and legs were still secured to the chair in chains.
"We have to get out of here." Said the little voice. "I heard Green Leader went off to meet with Red Leader. Now is our chance to escape!"
"I- I can't." Reagan barely forced the words out, his tongue numb.
"What do you mean you can't?"
"Too… weak…" Reagan sagged. "I… want to sleep."
"There will be a time for that later, but right now you need to focus." The voice urged. It was a nice sounding voice, too. So soft and quiet. Much nicer than the voice antagonizing him in his head. "Reagan, please. If we don't get out of here now we're doomed. Can you transform and get us out of here?"
"Nooo." Reagan fussed, shutting his eyes. He wanted to go back to sleep. Why can't the nice voice let him rest?
"Please." The voice quivered. "I'm scared, Reagan. Scared for you. I… I don't want you to die."
Reagan's eyes snapped open in alarm. Memories came flooding back, rushing his brain in a whirlwind that sent his blood pressure spiking up. An overwhelming sense of danger triggered his adrenaline, crushing his forcibly induced fatigue within an instant. No! He bared his teeth, straining his muscles against his bindings as he fought off the drugs in his system. I will not be imprisoned again!
His eyes glowed purple and his body started to shift.
Claws first, tail, and then horns. His teeth sharpened and enlarged, turning a toxic purple hue. With one flex of his muscles, Reagan broke the chair he was strapped to.
"What's going on here-?" A rebel came barging into the holding cell. He stopped by the doorway, eyes wide open as he gaped at the monstrosity standing in the middle of the room. "What the-?"
Reagan's forked tongue flickered out and he grinned a sharp-toothed smile. He needed energy and proper nourishment to combat the drugs flowing in his veins.
Before the rebel could retaliate or sound the alarm, Reagan pounced on him, severing his head from his body with one clean blow, and devouring his flesh in quick famished bites. A warm rush of blood gushed into his mouth, and dripped down the sides and made a mess on the front of his clothes.
Not that he'll be needing them in a few moments.
"Reagan? Is everything okay?" The small voice pressed anxiously.
His ears twitched and he paused his meal. He could hear footsteps stomping down the corridor towards them. A growl rumbled in his throat and he braced himself.
With a thundering roar, Reagan rapidly grew in size, tail lashing. He burst through the cabin's ceiling. If the rebels did not know about their escape before, they definitely do so now. The monster peered down at the destroyed cabin and saw the owner of the meek voice cowering away from the debris falling around him.
Recognizing him and the danger they were in, the monster stooped down, jaws wide open and carefully picked up Falls in its mouth.
The spy shrieked in panic, struggling to get away from the sharp set of teeth that caged him in, but the forked tongue kept him still. Ew. Dante wrinkled his nose at the foul smelling saliva of the beast. He tried in vain to hold his breath, or at least breathe in through his mouth, but the scent was still overwhelming. I'm gonna die! Feeling light headed, Dante passed out and went limp in the monster's mouth.
The golden-brown beast scanned the camp, rain splattering its fur against its muscles. Not a soul dared to move.
With no one stopping them, the monster blinked and merely took its leave with the unconscious spy hanging from its jaws, trampling deeper into the woods with thundering pawsteps.
The rebels looked at one another. "So… should we stop them?"
"If you want to run the risk of being devoured, be my guest." The other shrugged.