Eduardo led the Rebellion back to their camp in tense silence as rain thundered down from the sky, drenching the rebels to the bone. Edd followed, his head low and his heart even lower. He can't believe how stupid he was! What was he thinking? He should've known Tord would never give up his ambition for anyone, and worse still, he brought Eduardo straight to him. Tord could have died. Now the two most important people in his life currently hate him - both firmly believing him to be a traitor.

Arriving in Camp Littlepine back in England, Eduardo paced forward to talk to Ford, who was standing anxiously near the main lodge's steps.

"Any problems?" Eduardo asked.

Ford hesitated. "The prisoners have escaped." He reported.

"WHAT?! How did this happen? Didn't anyone try to stop them while I was away?" Eduardo exclaimed indignantly.

"They wanted to, believe me. But…" Ford's voice lowered to a whisper and Edd couldn't hear the rest of the report. He quietly stepped closer to eavesdrop. "... the blond shifted. He killed Wulfric and took the reporter for a snack. Without you here, the remaining rebels wouldn't have stood a chance. For their sake I told them to not engage the beast."

Edd couldn't make sense of most of his words, but he could deduce only one thing from the report. Reagan is gone. He thought with a flare of relief. Not only was he grateful he wouldn't have to worry about the snarky Irishman's presence in his camp any longer, but Edd was also relieved he managed to get away from Eduardo. Knowing what he did to the previous Red Army prisoners, Reagan dodged a nuke!

He froze with apprehension suddenly when he caught Eduardo glaring at him. His eyes were blazing green. "I want to see you in my office, Edd. Now." He whirled around and stalked away without looking back to see if he was following.

Edd gulped, his stomach flipping with dread. He had expected some sort of recrimination from his friend, but that didn't make it any easier now that it was about to happen

"I'll take over from here." Hilarson huffed, turning away to start issuing orders to the rebels to keep themselves busy in the bad weather.

"Good luck." Mark whispered, giving Edd a sympathetic look as he came up with Laurel and Diwi.

Edd stiffly nodded his thanks and headed toward the main lodge. By the time he stepped inside, Eduardo was seated on his armchair, legs propped up on the table as he waited for him to come in. His fingers thrummed impatiently along the arms of his chair.

"Edd," His voice was quiet; Edd would have been less afraid if he had shouted at him. "When we first created this Rebellion we had only one primary goal in mind. To take down the Red Army. Do you understand what that means? After the losses we endured at their hands, I thought we had an unspoken connection. I named you my second-in-command and pseudo-leader of the Rebellion because I trusted you to be on the same page as I. Clearly, I was wrong about you."

Was Eduardo going to expel him from the Rebellion? Edd shivered at the thought. There's no telling how far Eduardo's drive for revenge went. Perhaps he took greater offense to Edd's infringement than he thought. Would he… kill him? Suck his lifeforce right out of his body with his nuclear powers like he did with the prisoners?

He came to stand in front of Eduardo, bowing his head low as he removed his mask. "I thought it was the right thing to do," he said quietly. "We don't have to fight."

"I trusted you, Edd," Eduardo rasped, raw hurt seeping into his tone. "You, out of everyone else-"

Edd forced himself to meet his flinty gaze. "I did it for the good of the world, Eduardo. I'm sorry, but you gave me no choice! We could have ended the whole conflict with no bloodshed. I had to at least try and talk to him. I only asked him to try making peace. I thought —"

" SHUT UP!" Eduardo demanded, rising from his seat. "You are being ridiculous! Your judgment is still clouded by that murderer! You still think of him as your friend? Have you forgotten what he did?"

"I know what he did!" Edd said firmly. "But I had to try anyway. As leaders of the rebellion and as a symbol of hope, don't we owe the people out there a chance to end this amicably? No one else has to die!"

"That is no excuse." Eduardo hissed, a wild glint was growing in his eyes. He paced forward around the desk to stand in front of Edd. "Why should I care if the whole Red Army had been slaughtered? You broke my trust!"

"To save my friend!" Edd cried.

"I made you my second-in-command! What more could you possibly want?" Eduardo demanded. "I thought you'd be on my side. That you'd want revenge for what happened to Tom. That you understood how I feel!"

"Eduardo…" Edd tried to interrupt, but he ignored him.

"If only I hadn't lost Jon! I could've counted on him to support me no matter what. He was loyal. Jon would never have betrayed me." He whispered. " I hurt him, when all he did was be my friend. Oh, Red Leader is cruelly clever, Edd! He knew the worst way to break me. He killed Jon and then took everything I cared about away from me! Including…" He reached out to cup Edd's cheek. His eyes were glazed, staring at nothing.

Edd leaned into his touch. "Eduardo-"

"I need to punish you." The fog faded from his eyes and his grip on Edd tightened. Edd hissed, feeling calloused fingers dig into the skin of his cheek.

Nearly sick with dread and shock, Edd forced himself to ask. "Are you going to kill me?"

Eduardo cupped both hands around Edd's face, regarding him pensively for a moment. "Do you really think that little of me?" He asked, tipping his head. "I could strip you of your powers and ranking. Have you be an ordinary human once again. I don't make this decision lightly, mind you. You already betrayed me once before, and I have to be cautious around you now."

Edd caught his breath, and caught it again, gasping in disbelief. He deserves it, he knew. But if they're really going to war with the Red Army Edd will be helpless.

Without warning, Eduardo released him. "But I have a better use for you." Now his voice was a low murmur, with a strange note of amusement in it. "I'll let you keep your ranking and powers. You'll continue to lead the Rebellion, not by my side, but under my command. We will fight the Red Army tomorrow, and you will battle alongside me. Not because I forgive you, but because I still need your powers if we want to get rid of the Red Army. If you show so much as a hint of treason or hesitation within that battle, you can say good-bye to your buddy's chance for a quick death. I will milk it for all it's worth and you will watch every second of it. One way or another, Red Leader dies tomorrow!"

Edd toppled to the ground in defeat. "Please… don't do this. I'm sorry, Eduardo! I never meant to hurt you." He begged. "You know I wouldn't have done this if I had any other choice. But he's my friend!"

"So was I." Eduardo growled, glaring back at him. "But you betrayed me."

"I didn't betray you - I did it for us!"

"REVENGE, Edd! Revenge. We're doing this for revenge!" Eduardo reminded him sharply. "Jon means more to me than you ever will!"

They stared at each other in cold, stunned silence. Edd looked at him, tears welling up in his eyes as his words stabbed him straight and true to his heart like a sharp blade. For a brief moment, Eduardo appeared to hesitate; as though even he were shocked by the harsh words coming out of his mouth. A look of instant regret passed over his face. But a moment later he shook his head and barged out of the cabin without another word, leaving Edd alone in the dimly lit cabin to crumble in his misery.

(Meanwhile…)

Far away from the turmoils of war, a golden beast trampled through the forest. Its fur was drenched from the rain, flattened against its powerful muscles as it walked making it less fluffy and more skinny in appearance. Arms and legs dangled from its jaws, poking out between its sharp teeth.

The monster ducked into a cave and carefully deposited the body from its mouth onto the cold hard ground.

Dante stirred and moaned, feeling something soft poking his side. He giggled, pushing whatever it was away. Then his hand touched a velvety muzzle, and his eyes flew open with a startled scream.

He scrambled away from the huge, purple and green eye looming over him in the dark. Startled by his reaction, the monster reared back and accidentally struck its horns on the ceiling of the cave. A boulder dislodged and hit its head, erupting into an annoyed growl.

Gasping for air, Dante watched the huge monster shake itself; water droplets flying everywhere. "Reagan?" He asked shakily, the events of the past day flooding into his mind as recollection dawned on him. The monster fluffed up and used its hind leg to scratch its neck. "Reagan? Is that really you?"

The monster stopped scratching itself and turned to look at him, ears pricked.

A flash of lightning outside the cave followed by the loud rumble thunder caused the monster to snarl. Fur bristling along its back, tail lashing, it poked its head out of the mouth of the cave and roared at the sky. The sound reverberated around the cavern, and Dante clutched his ears to muffle the booming sound.

He's scared. Dante realized with a pang of dismay. He scrambled to his feet. "It's okay!" He reached out to the monster. "It's okay! You're safe!"

The monster fixed its one-eyed glare to him, pinning him to the floor. The monster twitched its ears and leaned closer, warm breath fanning over Dante's face as it sniffed him.

Being familiar with dogs, Dante figured it was the same concept and slowly offered its hand for it to catch his scent. The monster stooped lower, nostrils flaring. His hand brushed over the top of its snout and he felt the velvety feel of its fur once again. Dante bit back a cry of alarm when a long forked tongue licked his palm and wrapped around the length of his arm.

"Ew."

Shuddering, Dante pulled his hand away. From this proximity he could clearly see a long scar across the monster's eye going from the top of its head, passing through the eye with no damage and to the left corner of its mouth. The green and purple eye watched him closely.

Dante wrapped his arms around himself, shivering. With his wet clothes and no way to start a fire out here in the rain, he wouldn't be surprised if he developed hypothermia.

Noticing his discomfort, the monster waddled closer. It shifted around in the dark and curled up on the cleft of the cave, carefully bringing Dante closer to its belly with one large paw and wrapping its tail protectively around them.

Dante gasped, leaning back against the damp fur behind him. However, even though they were both wet the monster emitted a strong warmth throughout its body. Relaxing, Dante sighed and closed his eyes; snuggling closer to the monster. It reminded him of a heat pad or an electric blanket.

A deep rumbling purr accompanied by the rain soothed Dante to sleep. He patted the monster behind him and drifted off. Who knew Reagan's monster form, which was primarily used as a weapon of war, could be so adorable?

He couldn't have closed his eyes for more than a few seconds, but when he blinked them open there was sunlight shining brightly outside the cave entrance illuminating the woods. Tiny water droplets from the leftover rain fell down from the ceiling onto puddles as birds chirped. The fresh scent of dew in the morning reached his senses and Dante stretched his limbs with a loud yawn.

Looking to his side, Dante made a startling discovery.

The monster was gone. In its place, Reagan slept soundly; curled around him and hugging one of Dante's legs as he snored.

Dante ignored the fact the Irishman was naked, thinking of his next course of action.

He pulled out his communicator and stopped. If he reports to the main base now they'll send out for his return. Dante glanced at Reagan, knowing what fate awaited him if they returned to the main base now. We can't go back yet. He thought. But we can't stay out here. We need to lay low. What we need is… a safehouse!

Eyes brightening with the idea, Dante stood up and got out his phone.

(Meanwhile…)

"Gather around the main lodge for an important announcement!"

Edd blinked his eyes open with a groan, dark bags under his eyes. Sleep did not come to him last night. He tried to get into bed and wait for fatigue to take him. However, all he could see, behind his closed eyelids, was the shock and hurt in Eduardo's expression. The events of the disastrous meeting with Tord kept replaying in his mind, haunting him awake.

Rising to his feet, Edd put on his clothes and shoes. He went to put the mask on but hesitated. Does he even need to wear this anymore? He was still second-in-command and a symbol of hope for the Rebellion. So much for hope… Edd thought wryly. I don't feel very hopeful right now.

Still, he put the gas mask on and headed outside.

Stepping out of the main cabin Edd observed the rebels gather around at the foot of the steps. Even the children were present, lined up in order, scuffling to get a good view of their leader. Several eyes found him as he joined them. Edd gulped but resisted the urge to duck his head in embarrassment. Although he hadn't been demoted per se, he knew he was no longer welcome on the balcony with Eduardo. He found his way to the end of the line, in the far back from the lodge. The rebels back there with him gave him curious looks and whispered to one another.

Eduardo stepped out onto the balcony. He pivoted to face the gathered rebels, who all fell instantly silent.

"Yesterday, the Red Leader announced his takeover of the Iberian peninsula." Eduardo said, his resonant voice echoing around the clearing. He sounded just like a leader - straight to business without any meandering preambles. "But we won't let them. Tonight, we shall battle and stop them once and for all. And we won't be alone, either." Eduardo paused, raking his gaze around the crowd. "Ford tells me the local armies will aid us in our battle against the Red Army."

Edd bristled. We are the ones aiding them! Not the other way around. How could Eduardo be so arrogant?

"Hilarson, I want every rebel armed to the teeth before we set off today."

"Understood!" Hilarson dipped his head.

Eduardo moved on. "Daisy, you and the other medics should scrounge up all the medical supplies we have for the field. You'll be needed in battle to heal our injured."

Daisy nodded, her face serious. "Yes, sir."

"What about the kids?" Kai, a rebel with red hair and pale skin wearing tight black ripped jeans, dark blue blouse and high black boots, questioned. "Are they coming with us?"

"Of course we are!" Collin complained before Eduardo could respond.

"We've been training our asses off to serve the Rebellion!" Little Ivan added.

His brother, Ian, nodded, eyes glowing. "We're just as good at fighting as any of you!" He said eagerly, baring his teeth. "We want in!"

"And you will." Eduardo said with a respectful dip of his head, approval shone in his gaze. "The Rebellion values every single one of its members. No one is getting left behind tonight."

He paused, but the Rebellion was silent; Edd thought that shock—and perhaps a little fear—had clamped their mouths shut as they exchanged uncertain glances. Some even whipped around to glance at him expectantly. Don't look at me. There's nothing I can do. Edd thought in dismay. I'm sorry. But I am just as powerless as you.

"I will not rest until The Red Army has been destroyed. So far, they have been ransacking the land with no fear, confident in their own power - like a predator at the top of the food chain. But they will soon learn what fear is. We will show them they are not as powerful as they think! They won't stand a chance against us." Eduardo announced. His voice rose to a jubilant roar. "Remember what we're fighting for here, people! We fight to avenge the fallen Nations… We fight to protect the remaining Nations - to save the world from the Red Army's tyranny! Keep the loved ones you lost close to your heart as you fight tonight… we're doing this for them. The war ends tonight!"

Though some people were still looking worried, Edd could see that most of them felt properly motivated and even reinvigorated by Eduardo's speech. They came together to chant and cheer in excitement. With a heart heavy as stone, Edd forced himself to join in and show his support.

The meeting came to a close, and Edd only had one goal in mind. "Ford!"

The hacker stopped in his steps and faltered, looking at him impassively as he approached. "Yes?"

Now that Edd was standing in front of him, he didn't know what to say. How to react. He didn't know Ford as well as Eduardo and Mark, clearly. But from the few years they worked together he thought he'd gotten a good reading on him.

Guess not.

"You must be happy with the outcome of the meeting." Edd couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice. "We're going to war with the Red Army… is that what you wanted?"

Ford shifted. "Not particularly."

"Why so hesitant?" Edd's voice was puzzled. "You spilled the beans to Eduardo and ruined the whole thing. The least you could do is own up to it."

"I am glad people are going to die tonight. Is that what you want me to say?" Ford sneered.

Edd reared back in shock. He wasn't expecting the American hacker to have a temper. "Why would you do it then? We had a good thing going for us. We could've avoided the battle entirely!"

Ford looked at him pityingly; his golden eyes were twin suns blazing. "I may be shy and reserved, but the greatest mistake you made was underestimating my anger. I am not as strong or loud as Eduardo, it's true. But I want revenge just as much as him." He told him coldly. "Jon was my best friend since high school. I stayed with him during the exchange program and we became penpals after I returned to America. We had plans to meet up again… but he was killed before that ever happened. I didn't even learn about it until Eduardo contacted me to join the Rebellion."

His words pierced Edd's heart, and he stared at him sympathetically behind his mask. "I had no idea. I'm so sorry about Jon. Really, I am." He murmured. "But the stakes are so much higher than you think. Now more people are going to die - innocent people who had nothing to do with your skirmish with Red Leader. Do you think Jon would've wanted this?"

Ford's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He wouldn't. But he's not here anymore, is he?" He retorted. "Red Leader killed Jon. He took over my country! Out of everyone here, I guarantee I desire the Red Leader's death most of all. Eduardo just expresses it more often."

Edd glanced at Eduardo, who was still standing on the balcony by himself; overlooking the camp as preparations for the upcoming battle were being made. He was so distracted by Eduardo's rage he completely neglected anyone else's drive for revenge.

"I am sorry about your friend. For what it's worth, I wish it didn't come to this." Ford continued quietly. "But Red Leader needs to pay for his crimes. Don't you see he's not the friend you grew up with anymore? Let me tell you; if one of my friends betrayed me, killed someone, and started a world war I would've cut them off a long time ago."

"It's not that easy."

Ford snorted. "It's very easy. You're just afraid to let go of the past… but it's time to move on, Edd."

Astonished and hurt, Edd watched the hacker walk away to his private cabin. From his spot he watched Hilarson distribute weapons to the rebels, the Rebellion doctors gathered around the Infirmary, and kids practicing their aim on the shooting range. As Edd continued to observe around the camp, Ringo slipped out from the inner pocket of his jacket and climbed his shoulder.

He patted her anxiously. "What are we going to do now?"