Special guest appearances by Valery wu-sanchez, character belongs to sunnyweatherz over on Tumblr

Cedar by collector-of-tommys over on Tumblr

Terrance by Ianwoodsisadilf over on Tumblr

Twilight was near at its end by the time the Red Army pulled up to the border. The sky was an orange and purple gradient as the full moon climbed higher, no clouds were visible, allowing the silver stars to shine through. A beautiful night to end the war if everything goes to plan.

Red Leader stood in front of his soldiers, Paul and Patrick on either side of him as they waited for the arrival of the Green Rebellion.

It was a chilly night to be standing outside, but being from the North Tord was used to worse weather conditions. He looked out over the vast clearing, wind buffeting his hair and uniform as his gaze scanned the horizon expecting to see shapes mingling over the distance. Sighing under his breath, Tord anxiously awaited the start of the meeting. What was taking the rebels so long?

He lifted his robotic hand. "Valery, Cedar," he beckoned the two soldiers over to him. "Scout the perimeter. Don't show yourselves. If you spot the rebels, come back to me straight away."

The two soldiers dipped their heads and slid off in opposite directions, blending into the shadows as they made a wide circle around the clearing.

Amidst the crowd, Matt shuffled around impatiently. He rubbed his hands together to warm them up and shrank in on himself. He was gathered around the other medical personnel, including Sarah and two other doctors from the base they settled in. Yanov stayed behind in the base to get better acquainted with the equipment, trusting the other doctors to do their duty should something go awry. Not like they will need them anyhow. The war is about to end!

Tom also stayed behind, promising not to throw any wild parties in their absence. Matt knew how much his friend wanted to be a part of this meeting, but he promised to give Tord a chance to make up with him by ending this war on his own terms; plus the added benefit of making amends with Edd without interference.

I wonder if Edd will recognise me from this distance?

"Matt,"

At the sound of his name, Matt perked up. Patrick stood before him, dipping his head. "Red Leader wants to see you."

Matt gave a nervous start and gulped. Why would Tord want to see him at a time like this?

Nodding, he passed Patrick and made his way to the front of the crowd of soldiers, politely pushing them aside and veering out of the way until he made it to Red Leader himself. Paul looked at him and bowed his head, walking away to give them some privacy.

Red Leader glanced at him through the corner of his eye. "Stand with me." He said coolly.

Matt obeyed, walking up to him to stand by his side as they both stood watch over the clearing. For several heartbeats, neither of them spoke. The soldiers didn't make a peep behind them, reflecting their leader's mood for the meeting. Other than the breeze, the only thing they could hear out here was the rising volume of chirping crickets.

"Do you really think Edd will show up?" Tord asked, breaking the silence.

Matt looked up, startled. "Of course! Why wouldn't he?"

Tord sighed. "It's been so long since…" He trailed off with another sigh. "I am afraid the damage I've caused is too great to be fixed. He'll never accept my apology."

"Nonsense!" Matt brushed him off. "Edd will be thrilled to know you want to be friends again. He always held hope for you, you know?"

"I know he does." Tord chuckled bitterly. "Only God knows why."

"Because we're friends!" Matt reminded him. He bumped Tord's shoulder affectionately with his elbow. "We grew up together, remember? Heaven knows it would take an absolute catastrophe to split us up for good."

Tord frowned. "So you wouldn't consider me going mad with power and blowing up our home with a giant robot a catastrophe?"

Matt hesitated, his smile faltering. "Ehh… not gonna lie, you messed up pretty bad there." He confessed. "But that's all in the past! We're okay now, right?"

"Matt," Tord looked at him for a long moment. "I'm so sorry."

"What for?"

"Hurting you. Both then and now." Tord said quietly. "I… I feel terrible for punching you in the face then… using you to get to the robot… and then betraying you. I wanted to apologize to you sooner, but I was so upset you didn't remember me. I had to intervene and mess with your head. I was wrong to do so."

"It's fine, I already forgive you." Matt reassured.

Tord didn't seem to hear him. "After I ruined things with Tom, you were my best friend. You were the only one in our group who understood me - who truly saw me for my potential and supported me to reach greater heights. I never got to tell you how much I appreciated your support then, and even now you've been a great help." He shook his head, looking suddenly old and tired. Why hadn't he found a way to tell him this before? "The giant robot incident was a mistake I regret deeply to this day. There is no excuse for the way I treated the three of you. I can only hope I'll be able to redeem myself in your eyes and be someone worthy to be called your friend." He bowed his head, silently awaiting judgment to be bestowed upon him.

Matt stared at him awestruck, unsure of what to say or do.

A flash of guilt struck him with the reminder that he pressed Tord into becoming the fearsome military leader he is today. A rush of warmth followed suit when confronted with his friend's raw feelings and desperation to make things right. He remembered, throughout all the chaos and misery they suffered… in his own, flawed and misguided way… he did love them after all. His way of expressing it was a different matter altogether, one Matt intends to have a serious talk with him about later down the line, but despite his flaws he can't deny that Tord was trying his best to fix his past mistakes.

Slowly, he reached out and touched Tord's hair. "I forgive you." He patted him on the head, ruffling his hair.

Tord lifted his head in shock, wide eyed.

Matt sniffled, wiping away the tears brimming in his eyes. "Thank you, Tord. That's all I wanted to hear from you." He murmured. "No matter what happens, you can always count on me as your friend!"

Tord smiled, and squeezed Matt's hand; though in all honesty he wanted nothing more than to crush the ginger in a bear hug. "Thank you." He breathed earnestly.

"Red Leader,"

A soldier with wavy black hair, olive skin, and a pair of hazel eyes behind rectangle-framed glasses stepped up to him, their face grave. "The rebels are here."

Red Leader dipped his head, wiping away all traces of emotion from his face as he recomposed. "Thank you, Valery." He turned back to Matt. "Go join the others. I'll take it from here."

"Good luck!" Matt whispered as he hurried away.

He peered ahead into the shadows, looking for signs of movement. Almost at once he caught a glimpse of dark shapes massing on the opposite side of the clearing near the bushes as the Green Rebellion advanced in a single line.

Red Leader paused for a heartbeat, and glanced at the soldiers behind him. Though he knew how anxious they must be, he could see nothing but stoic determination in their faces. They will protect him with their lives if necessary.

Paul and Patrick quickly joined him, awaiting his command.

Tord took a deep breath. It's time.

The night was dark when Edd led his rebels into the clearing where the meeting would take place. Mark was flanking him; the smallest of rustles told him the others were not far behind.

He paused on the edge of the treeline. As the other rebels caught up to him, moonlight shone down onto the clearing casting a faint sheen on the land. When Edd looked across the hollow, he thought at first that the sweep of earth was empty, stretching up to the night sky. Wind swept across and rustled the bushes. Then he caught sight of movement up ahead, and he realized with a sinking feeling of dread that a crowd of soldiers were standing there, with Red Leader at the front. His stomach clenched as Edd realized that Tord, too, had brought his own soldiers with him.

"Ah shit."

"Well, so much for that plan." Laurel hissed. "We came here to talk, and yet this looks more like an ambush than a peaceful meeting between leaders." Her eyes glared furiously at the back of Edd's head.

"I bloody f#cking told you this was a bad idea from the start!" Hilarson whisper-shouted, though his attempt of a whisper might as well be a yell.

"This isn't over yet." Edd said urgently. "Nothing has changed. We'll talk, and see where it goes from there."

Mark shrugged. "We've come this far, we would be fools to turn tail now."

"Who said anything about retreating, rookie?" Hilarson said. "We'll talk. But if there's no peace agreement…"

"Let me handle it."

With a flick of his hand, the rebels moved up in purposeful silence to form a tight line on either side of their leader, facing the Red Army soldiers. Edd felt the air crackle with tension, and he realized it would be all too easy for fighting to break out, even if the Red Army did not attack first. Would Tord keep his word, and try to talk rather than fight?

Red Leader stepped forward, arms outstretched; the metal of his robot arm glinting menacingly in the moonlight. "Greetings, Green Leader!" He called. "I am pleased to see you've accepted our invitation. Come to the middle so we can discuss things privately. Bring two soldiers of your choice to accompany you."

Edd shivered, hearing Tord's voice again in person after all these years. He glanced back at his rebels unsurely. He did not know if the line would hold without him present. If just one rebel moves the wrong way, battle could engulf them all. He saw Hellucard exchange a tense glance with Katya, as if both people were thinking the same as he was. Next to him, Laurel kept her gaze fixed on the Red Army soldiers.

Thinking quickly, Edd came to a decision. "Hilarson, you take charge. Don't let anyone move a muscle until I say so." He ordered. "Mark and Laurel, come with me."

"No one moves." Red Leader ordered his soldiers at last, his voice carrying easily in the chilly air.

"Forget the meeting." Terrance snapped. "That's a whole fighting force they've brought. We should attack!"

"No." Red Leader took a pace forward, summoning Commander Paul and General Patrick to flank on either side of him. Looking directly across the clearing at Green Leader, he dipped his head. "No battle will be fought here today. I said that I would come here to talk, and that's exactly what I intend to do. Nobody moves without my say so, is that understood?"

"Sir, yes, sir!"

With that taken care of, Red Leader marched forward with his most trusted soldiers escorting him across the clearing.

Nervous and yet excited, Edd stalked to the center. Mark was on his left, while Laurel walked on his right. All in all, he feels as though he made a good choice in escorts. He trusts Mark with his schemes, and while Laurel disapproved of his actions thus far he knew she would be of far better use standing up to someone like Red Leader in person.

The two leaders walked in silence to meet in the middle.

For a moment that seemed to last several years, the two lines - one of soldiers, the other of rebels - faced each other, their hair and uniforms blowing in the wind, their eyes gleaming with a tension that teetered on the brink of breaking into vicious, battle rage.

Red Leader raked his gaze over his opponent. Edd, or rather, Green Leader is wearing a black coat and a gas mask over his face, just like in the previous transmissions; though Tord was glad to spot his iconic green hoodie underneath the dark clothing. Briefly he wondered whether Edd took inspiration from some webcomic or book, or if he simply came up with this attire himself. Very edgy!

Edd gulped when he caught sight of Tord drawing closer. He'd seen him perform his morning report broadcasts before, however he was totally different now. No longer he wore the iconic red and blue uniform all the Red Army soldiers dressed. Instead he was wearing a fancy, shining new outfit; red and gold with a bunch of medals and a sash fit for royalty. Edd grimaced. He knew Tord loved boasting his achievements for all to see, although did he really need to try so hard to seem superior to everyone else? He's already well on his way to ruling the world, what more did he need?

"Humble much?" He heard Laurel snicker under her breath, voicing his thoughts.

Red Leader stopped at the center and he watched Green Leader approach with a calm and calculating gaze.

Edd padded closer and stopped, facing Red Leader. "Thank you for coming, Red Leader." He murmured evenly.

"It's been a long time, old friend." Red Leader lifted his chin. "This meeting is long overdue." He gestured to his escorts. "This is Commander Paul, I believe you've already met."

"Hi, Edd!" Paul waved. "Long time no see. Or should I say-"

"No-"

"It's a Paul-leasure to see you again." He curtsied.

Red Leader face palmed while Pat stifled a giggle beside him. This can't get any worse.

Edd regarded the Commander for a few seconds. "I see your sense of humor is a-paul-ing as ever."

Paul beamed from ear to ear. "Ah, very edd-ucated on the subject, I see?"

"Nope! No. No! Enough puns, we have a very important matter to discuss!" Red Leader cut in, getting between the two of them. The last thing he needs right now is for his friends to start a pun war during the literal war. "And this is General Patrick."

"It's an honor to finally meet you." Pat dipped his head courteously.

"Indeed." Edd swallowed, and hoped it wasn't audible behind his mask's voice modulator. "I held hope of seeing you again someday. I'm glad you contacted me. We've been separated for far too long, and the silence between us has festered into something unpleasant. But now we can talk and clear the air, and perhaps we can go back to how things were."

Red Leader tipped his head but didn't speak.

"Do you remember how it was? How things used to be?" Edd prompted. "You remember how we used to go over each other's houses all the time growing up? How we fought over the last piece of bacon in the mornings? The crazy adventures we would embark on a daily basis? We were excited to live life like that. We have been united since childhood and vowed to be together no matter what happens." He leaned closer to Red Leader. "Surely, you remember?"

Red leader cocked his head to one side and frowned. "I remember four dumb kids who played together, it's true. But those kids grew up. They've become adults, and their desires have changed." His gaze glittered like ice. "Things change, Edd. Nothing lasts forever."

"Like Tom?"

Red Leader stood motionless against the wind. "What about him?" His voice was leveled.

"He's dead, Tord. I will never get to see him again." Edd bowed his head. "But then again… you already knew that, didn't you?" He lifted his head, staring straight at Tord.

Red Leader stiffened. "I am aware. My soldiers reported to me. I am sorry for your loss, Edd, but if you think I had something to do with it-"

"I am not accusing you of anything. I'm just letting you know how I feel about this." Edd shook his head. "And I know you and Tom never got along, but surely you wouldn't be cold-hearted enough to kill your own friend?"

"Of course not!" Red Leader said. "What do you take me for?"

"A psychotic, mad tyrant with a bloody reputation." Laurel flashed back at him.

"Be quiet, Laurel!" Edd growled softly.

Red Leader smirked. "Rumors tend to pass around and get exaggerated over time. You shouldn't believe everything you hear." He said silkily.

"And yet, every rumor has a speck of truth to it." Mark murmured knowingly.

"And what of you, Green Leader? What sort of reputation have you built for yourself?" Red Leader argued. "If I am a bloody, vicious tyrant to you, then you are a merciless terrorist in my eyes. I suppose we both have good reasons to be here today and fear one another."

"That's not true!" Edd urged desperately. "Tord, I would never do anything to hurt you. And I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me… or our friends."

"Then you shouldn't be going around accusing me of something I did not do." Red Leader growled. He shook his head and pushed his bitterness aside. "I am sorry about Tom. Really, I am. But I am not here to discuss him, I am here to try and make peace with you."

Edd took a deep breath and stepped forward, lifting his face so moonlight reflected his mask. "Tord… I thought the world of you. Ever since I first met you, I considered you my brother of sorts. You were always gold to me." He began. "Growing up, I wanted to explore the whole world with you. Go on adventures, seeking thrills, and finding treasure wherever we went. But along the way I feel like I wronged you in some way. You left us. You went to carve out your own path alone. Did you even think of taking us with you?"

Red Leader listened in rapt silence. Paul and Patrick leaned closer, eyes shining with curiosity as they observed their leader's facial expressions.

"You never asked, but if you had we would've surely accompanied you wherever you went. I was sad to see you go then, and even now I am mourning the best friend I have lost that day." Edd went on. "I never asked for much. Unlike you, I never had ambition. Heck, I never even left England until today. But I am fine with where I am now in life. Home is where my friends are, wherever that may be, and it's all that I need. But for you it's never enough is it?"

"Edd, I-"

"It's okay. Really. I know I can be pushy and stubborn, and I'm sorry if anything I did set you off down this path. I alone deserve to carry this blame for the rest of my life. But please, stop this." Edd pleaded, not as the Green Leader, but as a friend. "People are scared, Tord. The world isn't yours."

"You didn't do anything, Edd. For f#cks sake - I chose to leave and create the Red Army of my own volition. You give yourself way too much credit if you believe this whole war started because you were a bad friend." Tord interrupted. He stopped, his tone softening. "And yet, my ambition went too far and I ended up hurting you and our friends as a result. I am sorry about that day. About… the giant robot incident. I betrayed you then because I thought it was the only way to be free of my past. I was wrong to do so. I see now that my friends are more valuable than I gave credit for. I would give anything to repent for that mistake." He bowed his head. "Forgive me."

Edd smiled behind the mask. "Of course I forgive you, numbskull! Do you even need to ask? It's not too late to make things right." He said. "All we have to do is disband the armies-"

"Uh? Disband the army?" Paul echoed, wide eyed.

"Yeah! We'll announce the end of the war on radio or TV or something, then we'll look for Matt together, and we can go home to the way things were before."

"Uh… no."

Edd stopped, eyebrows furrowed in confusion before he turned back to Tord. "No?"

Red Leader lifted his head, a deep frown on his face. "You misunderstand my intentions here today. I am here to make peace with you. Apologize for my mistakes, and that's it. I am not quitting the Red Army by any means." He said matter of factly, giving no room for argument. "I still want to take over the world, you see. I want to change it! I want to be part of the history books for my great achievements and remembered for centuries to come! I do not want to go back to the way things were."

Edd gasped. "Look at the destruction around you! Is the suffering you're causing really worth the entire world?"

"Of course it is! I've come too far to give up now." Red Leader retorted. "What's a few more conquests to have the world as rightfully mine?"

Edd knew there was no point in trying to persuade him. Shocked to the depths of his bones, he murmured: "This truly is the end of our friendship then. You're hurting me, Tord. I can't recognize you anymore as the dear friend I've known my whole life and grew up with."

Sadly Tord nodded. "If you can't accept me as the Red Leader, or understand what I'm trying to do for the good of everyone, then there's no relationship left between us." He bowed his head. "I love you dearly, Edd. You were like a brother to me. But while I regret my actions against you I don't intend to go back to the way things were. Living with you and the others was great, our adventures were fun while they lasted, but I want more out of my life than carefree shenanigans. I want to provide this world with something meaningful. I want to be great and leave my mark on history! You have to let me go, Edd. But if you can't accept that then… I guess we're better off without each other."

"Can't we come up with a compromise at least?" Edd offered. "You can keep the Nations you already took over. But no more."

Red Leader scoffed. "What's the point of only conquering a handful of nations? I need to take over the entire world if I want the changes I intend to implement to be truly successful."

"But you're hurting people in order to do it!"

"Well, people wouldn't get hurt if they knew what was good for them and simply submitted!" Red Leader snapped. "Hello? I made a declaration of war. People could've chosen to join me or be conquered, and they chose the latter option. I am not going around blindly taking over land with no warning! I gave them a choice, and they chose wrong. My consciousness is clear!"

Edd reared back in shock, not believing his ears. "What happened to you? You were never this cruel in the past."

"Do you hear yourself? You're stuck in the past, Edd!"

"And you are blinded by the future!"

"Why, I oughtta-" Red Leader stopped and recomposed himself with a long suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Here's my offer; you stay out of my way and let me do my thing… and I leave the UK alone. Isn't that generous of me?"

"No deal." Edd responded. "Either everyone is free from your reign of terror, or none of us are."

Red Leader groaned. "Surely there must be something you want?"

"I want my friend back!"

"I offered you my friendship, but if it's not exactly the way you want then I'm afraid there's little I can do."

"Sir, please reconsider-" Patrick tried to intervene.

"No, I will not go back to the way things were just for the sake of the world. I'm sorry! That ain't happening. I worked way too hard to get to where I am now and I am not about to give up on that dream for him or anyone else!" Red Leader growled. "Here's a better deal for you then; why not join forces? You and I, we can still be friends. We don't have to outright reject one another, you know. If you and your rebellion help me rule the world, I'll even allow you to take command over any Nation you want. Name it and it will be yours."

"Out of the question."

Red Leader threw his head back and let out a strangled laugh, on the edge of his patience. "I've forgotten how annoying you can be, Edd. You are as stubborn as a god damned mule!" He hissed. "I am giving you every option I can offer but if you keep refusing me like this then it seems we're at an impasse."

"I don't want anything from you." Edd sighed audibly. "Do you really see yourself as so superior that only you should rule over the world?"

"Of course." Red Leader replied without hesitation. "I know what's best."

Edd shook his head sadly. "Then you miss the point of ruling, Tord. The power will corrupt you - I can see it already has. A crown would suit you ill."

Red Leader thrust his face closer, baring his teeth. "What do you know about power? You're just a kid in a grown man's body who refuses to face reality." He stated. "While you were goofing about, I have worked hard to build all of this - to get to where I am now. I have rightfully earned my soldiers' respect and loyalty, because guess what? They believe in me and my will to rule. They want a better future, and I can make it so."

"No!" Edd lurched forward and grabbed him, shaking him. "Stop pretending you're conquering countries for the sake of a greater cause! You're just greedy! Give up this poisonous dream and let the world go… please, just come home."

Red Leader stared at him, his face blank. "I won't."

Edd flinched and released him as though he'd been burned, and he stared at Tord incredulously. "So that's it then, huh? All those games we played… the promises we made… just buried in the past and forgotten so easily?" He muttered. His voice was little more than a whisper. "I never knew you could be so heartless, Tord. I held hope that our past still meant something to you, but evidently not."

"I do care." Red Leader retorted. "But you're demanding the impossible from me. Can't you see how unfair you're being? Why should I give up on my dream just to please you?"

"It's not about pleasing me! Goddamnit, Tord, you're missing the point! If you don't stop the war now, more people are going to get hurt. I just assumed you would be glad to know you always have a home to return to."

"Thanks, but that won't be necessary."

"You're UNBELIEVABLE!" Edd snapped. "I came here to talk to you today, thinking you would be reasonable. Everyone warned me against this!"

"That's true." Laurel added. "We did try to convince him not to do this."

"And I had a million good reasons not to come, but you know what? I did come despite all the warnings because you are my friend! And I thought that meant something to you, too." Edd rasped. "And you know what? Fair enough! Maybe I wasn't such a great friend to you anyway. Reject me all you want, but know that I'm the only one out here who is not one hundred percent convinced you're the tyrannical dictator everyone fears so much."

Red Leader bristled. "Believe whatever you want. I could care less what you think of me, old friend!" The word friend was hissed contemptuously. "I am doing this whether you like it or not. I don't need your blessing! I tried to give you an olive branch - a chance to let you back into my life, and instead you just throw it back in my face!"

Edd grit his teeth. "I have an obligation to the people in need. As Green Leader I vowed to protect and defend the world from your reign of terror, and that's exactly what I'll do. I just didn't realize being my friend was such a terrible fate to you."

"Oh quit playing the victim card already!" Red Leader shot back, rolling his eye. "You're no leader! You are a petulant child – a reckless fool, at most, who only ever sees the things he wants to see and nothing else. The whole world be damned!"

"Do you have any idea what I've been through because of what you did?" Edd's fists trembled at his sides.

"And do you know how miserable I've felt since?" Tord retorted, hurt blazed in his eye.

Paul and Patrick exchanged concerned glances. Mark shifted his feet awkwardly. Laurel watched the argument, intrigued.

"I can't believe I've been so wrong about you!"

"You've been wrong about everything!"

"Who's to say you're not a murderer after all?" Edd breathed. "Maybe you did kill Tom-"

"I did NOT kill him! I would never do that-"

"LOOK OUT!"

A strong force barreled into Red Leader with no warning and he stumbled forward into Edd. "What the-? What's the meaning of this?" He spun around, heart lurching as he saw Paul standing directly behind him.

Blood gushed out from a wound in his throat as a bullet pierced him from afar. Paul staggered forward, eyes glazed as blood pooled into his mouth, trying to speak but no words came out, only gurgling in his own blood before he fell over.

"PAUL!" Patrick shrieked.

From either side of the clearing, Red Army soldiers and Green Rebellion members stirred and gasped in shock. "MAINTAIN FORMATION!" Hilarson yelled above the commotion.

Red Leader hurried over to his Commander and pressed his neck firmly with his hands. "No no, Paul, stay with me! Stay awake!" He murmured frantically, the events slowly registering in his mind. "You're going to be okay, you hear me? Pat! Pat, come quickly!"

The General rushed over in a frenzy, sobbing.

"Put your hands on his wound and press down firmly to stop the blood flow." Tord instructed. "Call one of the standby doctors - quickly now!"

"Please don't die. Please don't leave me. I need you." Patrick whispered, blinded by tears.

"Well well well…"

Tord looked up and froze in shock.

A man was hovering mid-air above them, dark green uniform blowing in the wind as he glowered down at them clutching a gun in his grasp.

"Eduardo?!" Edd exclaimed.

"That bullet was meant for you, red. But I guess killing the second-in-command will have to do for now." Eduardo said, slowly floating to the ground.

Tord looked at him with a mixture of keen interest and outrage, eyeing the man in front of him as though he were a lab specimen he'd like to dissect. "And who are you supposed to be?" He demanded.

Eduardo prowled closer. "I am the Green Leader. The Real one."

"Really, now?" Tord shot Edd an accusing look. "Then how come I'm wasting my breath with this one?"

This one? Edd thought, hurt. Did he mean that little to Tord he'd been reduced to this one as opposed to his own best friend?

"Come now, Edd here wasn't a total waste of breath." Eduardo turned to look at Edd. Though he was smiling, his eyes held fury behind them. Edd gulped behind the mask, knowing the promise of punishment for his insubordination. "After all, I've been trying to flush you out of your lair for the past month or so, and who knew all it took was one heart to heart with an old pal?"

Red Leader rounded on Edd, a look of venomous hatred blazing in his one gray eye. "You BETRAYED ME!" He spat. "You brought me here to KILL ME! I trusted you! All this talk of peace was just a diversion to get rid of me!"

"No! I did no such thing!" Edd pleaded. "I came here to talk and try to make peace with you. I swear!" He faced Eduardo. "Eduardo, please tell him!"

Eduardo wordlessly glared daggers at him.

Horror swelled up within Edd. "D-did you follow us here?"

"Follow?" Green Leader spat the word out. "I don't need to follow you to know what's going on inside my own damn rebellion. At least there's one good rebel who knows where their loyalties lie."

As he spoke, Edd remembered seeing Ford behaving more skittish than usual around camp these last couple of days. He'd always assumed the American hacker was just anxious about keeping the big plan from his friend. No wonder he looked guilty! He must've been keeping Eduardo informed since their first initial meeting.

"You must leave." Red Leader turned away from Edd.

"Wait, but-" Edd blurted, reaching out for Tord.

Red Leader spun around, knocking Edd's hand away with a snarl. "Go home!" Edd flinched as Red Leader glowered down at him. "Clearly there is no truce to be made between us. You've wasted our time here today, and now we will be marching South." He raised his voice, loud and clear over the clearing. "We'll attack next nightfall! Try and stop us, if you dare."

Green Leader smirked. "With pleasure."

Edd looked back and forth between his two friends with desperation. "We don't have to fight!"

"Leave while you still can." Red Leader spat crossly. He crouched over his wounded Commander and picked him up, effortlessly throwing him over his shoulder while Patrick watched anxiously. Red Leader glared straight at Edd. "This isn't over."

"Retreat!"

The Red Army soldiers parted a path between them for their leader to pass and he disappeared amongst his men. Edd watched them evacuate, heartbroken and filled with despair. Their last chance for peace has been lost forever.

"You've betrayed me, Edd." Eduardo growled, turning his full attention back on Edd now that the Red Army was gone. "You went behind my back and conspired against me."

Edd flinched. "I just-"

"Save it! I don't wanna hear it." Eduardo snapped. "But mark my words, as soon as we get back to camp… there will be hell to pay." He whipped around, lifting his head. "Green Rebellion, move out!"