[fic] State of Mind - Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
The white snow reflected the morning light into Ward’s squinting eyes. He was still unsure of this stuff that had made him so miserable the night before. Concentrating hard, he pressed his hands together and pushed them into the cold dust. A crackle and blue light flared before him at the snow hardened into the clear shape of a rabbit. A lopsided rabbit wreathed in the burnt smell of his transmutation, but it was something.
A rough cough from behind startled Ward, interrupting his concentration and the rabbit crumbled. Hissing, he glared at the interloper. Sting smirked back.
<’You’re not so good at it.’> The Mustang taunted, <’You need a lot of help.’>
The Elric clenched his fist hard and pictured it flying into his new pack-mate’s face. It relaxed him, a little.
<’If you’re going to be of any use we’re going to have to work on you hard.’> A resigned sigh and a flick on the ruined ear, <’Can’t be helped. This pack is only as strong as the weakest member. We’re going to have to make you strong. Work you hard.’>
That made sense. He would need to learn to survive in this pack. His pack. Ward took a determined breath, <’What do I have to do? Whatever it is…I’ll do it!’>
<’Good.’>
Suddenly it was cold everywhere and he was on his back in the snow glaring up at the chuckling gunbu leader. What was that for?! He’d just said he would help!
The Mustang unconcernedly strode around him as Ward eyed him from the ground, dark foot-wraps gleaming against the snow as Sting slowly picked some ice up and began packing them into a ball. <’You will clap-fix our den and help get food into storage for the colder nights. I will teach you how to hunt, from the start like with [pups].’>
= = =
Sting looked down at his young subordinate as the Elric's face scrunched up.
<’Why do you have to teach me how to hunt?’> Ward asked dubiously, <’Why can’t Flash or Havo? Why you?’>
<’Hughes gather berries, they do not hunt.’> The Mustang said slowly, <’Sometimes Havo will hunt with me, but he needs to be near Flash for protection. That human-predator is out there.’> He growled deeply in his throat while the Edward frowned nervously up at him. Those human-predators and all the blood…the voices clamoured to never let a subordinate to die again, one of them sharply commanding him to focus on the now and to be a commander. Sting forced himself to relax and breathe, grumbling under his breath as memory flashes of human-predators and how lethal they were against his pack flickered behind his eyes. How even fire could not keep them away or stop the metal bees…
Keep it together. They wanted him to stay focused.
Shaking his head, the gunbu glanced Ward who was brushing off the snow with his perpetual frown directed the Sting. He had a new pack now; it wasn’t as big as it was originally, but it was a bit bigger than yesterday. He had to focus and protect his subordinates. Primarily, he needed to teach the pup - almost an adult now, certainly an adult by Mustang standards but he had noticed that the others always took longer to reach maturity - he had to teach the pup how to hunt. Since he was a pup, best to start with how you teach pups to hunt.
He flung his near forgotten snowball into Ward’s face and felt a flutter of satisfaction in his face at the Elric’s astonished and offended expression.
Ward’s yellow eyes fixed on the cocky smile of the Mustang as stared in bewilderment. What was with all the pushing and throwing of snow? Was this some weird Mustang behaviour he needed to know about? His gaze darted down to the gunbu’s hands and back. It was promising that he wasn’t wearing the fire-gloves, so the Elric figured this wasn’t some kind of fight, so why -
<’H-hey!’> he shot Sting a startled look as he was picked up, one hand firm around his nape and keeping him limp, <’What are you doing?’>
<’Teaching.’> Sting replied bluntly, the smirk twitching on the side of his face. <’Move quick!’> Ward was flung into the air, limbs flailing as he tried to right himself before ploughing into a pile of snow.
It was cold. So very cold and he was still confused by the Mustangs bizarre behaviour. It was like fighting but without the fire-snaps, and Ward was really into a fight now and he would win without his clapping. Giving a roar, he charged at Sting with snow grasped in his hands only to be side stepped.
<’Too slow.’> taunted the Mustang, <’You need to move fast and quiet to catch something.’>
Hissing under his breath, Ward spun about and aimed low. He grinned when he got Sting to slip a little as he dodged. He could move fast, he just needed practice.
Sting gave an amused smirk as Ward came around for another swing. He had to admit, the pup learned fast. It made him almost proud, but he couldn’t afford to let him get cocky. He flung another face full of snow into Ward’s charge.
<’Once your prey sees you the fight is over. You need to be hidden.’> Sting smiled wryly, <’Come this way! Try to catch me!’> He marched off confidently into the more forested areas before ducking behind a tree. His breath frosted in the air as he listened carefully for the dampened sounds of the Edward trying to charge quietly after him. Sniffing daintily with his nose, he crouched down lower until his blue-pelted form was hidden by all the snow. It was like on the hunt, such a simple activity it was easy to quiet his mind and focus. No thinking at all…
Flash and Havo watched in amusement together from their perch on top of the den. It was a promising start of the day to witness their leader being so active in the morning, so different from yesterdays moping and mutterings in front of the fire.
<’How long do you think until Ward gets him?’> Havo questioned absently as he gnawed on a bone.
Flash grinned. <’He’s a fast learning pup. He’ll get him at least once before the day is out.’>
<’That’d be good. If he can get one on the boss he can help hunt.’>
<’More food would be good.’> The Hughes replied, <’Might help out with Sting too.’>
Havo nodded, <’I think it will help out.’> he said seriously, <’Look at them now. I haven’t seen the boss able to keep focus for this long since …y’know, not since it happened. This is good for all of us. Packs need to grow.’>
<’Packs grow,’> Flash agreed. <’The more they grow…’> He trailed off, eyes glimmering with glee. <’Look. Another maybe-pack-mate.’> The Hughes gestured at the bush where the nearby Heiderich was cautiously stepping out, ears swivelling. <’He wants the Edward. We have him. Maybe we can have the Heiderich too.’>
Havo eyed the nervous stranger skeptically, <’Him? He’s potential prey if life gets hard. We can’t eat pack-mates.’>
<’Ah, but you’re looking at it wrong.’> Flash tapped his eye-covers knowingly, <’Fons is a good hunter and gatherer. I trade him pelts sometimes. He would be an even better hunter if he was in our pack.’>
<’Commander Sting won’t allow it.’> Havo lamented.
<’Maybe.’> Flash responded. He wasn’t so sure. In this mood, almost anything with Sting was possible.
= = =
Ward silently stalked forward, carefully positioning his feet into the snow to muffle any noise. There in the bush was a glimmer of blue. He just needed to stay low and quiet to get that smug bastard back for all the insults, face plants, snow in the face and being picked up twice. He was going to shove that gunbu’s face so far into the snow it turned blue.
The Edward breathed slowly as he crept within a few paces of the Mustang and slowly lowered himself down to get ready to pounce. He breathed in, tensed his muscles and WHUMPH! His head was shoved into the snow again. Flailing his limbs furiously, Ward managed to get his angry gaze on the smug bastard sitting on him, tail drifting back and forwards in tune with his irritating smugness.
He returned his gaze back to the bush. There was a mound of snow covered by Sting’s outer blue pelt. He’d been tricked!
<’Well…’> Sting drawled as he sidled over to his decoy, <’You’re getting better. Not bad for such a small [pup].’> Arms were shoved into the pelt as it was tugged back on, <’You need to work your attack. It’s vicious, but you need to direct -‘>
<’AHA!’> Ward crowed from his position on top of Sting, who regarded him with an astonished then pleased expression from his place on his back in the snow. <’I got you! Hah! I am the best Edward ever!’> The Elric hopped off and gave a delighted twirl as Sting hauled himself back up.
<’Yeah, you got lucky [pup]. Don’t get cocky.’>
Ward continued his spin, <’I’m going to be the best hunter ever!’>
<’Good.’> Fons said flatly, <’I won’t need to keep giving you gifts.’>
Sting had started in surprise before assuming his usual expression of nonchalance. Ward smiled weakly, his stomach doing nervous flips. <’Um…hi?’> Fons was here. Fons wanted him. Ward didn’t know what he wanted him for, but he felt nervous at the thought. He’d joined the pack though. Did this mean Fons no longer wanted him? What if Fons stopped coming?
<’You did join the pack.’> The Heiderich eyed Sting as he discreetly wiped off the snow from his pelts. <’Why did you go to them?’>
<’Ummmm.’> Ward froze in place, staring at Fons. Why did he? They’d helped him twice. Flash was nice, they had a big den…but Fons had helped him too. Fons who wanted him and made Ward feel hot and helpless and he didn’t know these feelings. He didn’t know what to say. What did he need to do? A frantic glance at his new leader - the one who was teaching him new tricks - revealed nothing but a bland and unconcerned gaze.
No help there.
Fons ran an annoyed palm through his hair, <’You are so frustrating. You’re an Edward. I know that but you don’t listen.’>
<’Ummm…’> Ward tried to interject, but the Alfons cut him off. <’I get it. Heiderichs are patient and I can wait. You don’t know the right things and this…pack…can teach you. I can wait.’>
<’Ummm…’> The Elric trailed off, unsure where this was going or what it was even about. Fons wanted him to learn the right tricks?
The Heiderich was marching over to Sting who cocked a head at his approach. They regarded each other until the Mustang nodded firmly. <’Yes, that would be an acceptable idea.’> He crossed his arms and gave the Alfons a stern look, <’You may join our pack and continue your courting. In return, you are my [subordinate] and will help the pack.’>
<’I see,’> Fons observed wryly. <’Make us both yours and I can get him.’>
Quiet.
Sting went still while the Alfons assessed him.
<’Okay. I will join the pack.’> Fons grimaced distastefully as Sting patted his head and gave him some quick sniffs to identify his scent. <’Only while Ward is here.’> The Heiderich brushed the commander’s hand away and trotted over you Ward.
<’You are so much trouble,’> The Alfons gave a put-upon sigh, <’Can’t even keep your braid neat for a night?’> Huffing under his breath, Fons tugged the Elric down into their standard grooming positions and resignedly groomed it all back into place. Some quick licks behind the ears has it all set smoothly while the two subordinate gunbu joined their leader.
Sting raised an eyebrow at Flash and Havo as they nudged each other, solemn faces twitching with concealed grins. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at them and their intent gazes on the two newest pack members.
<’Enough courting! Time for you both to work for your place! We won’t have any lazy members!’> The Mustang barked out, hisglee at the Edward’s annoyed face quickly smothered. <’Ward with Havo - go fix those holes in our den! Heiderich -‘>
<’His name is Fons.’> Interrupted Ward.
<’Fons, gather food and pelt materials with Hughes.’> Sting commanded, <’I’ll stand guard.’>
All four stared at him with varying expression. The gunbu pleased, Ward confused and the Heiderich annoyed.
<’Well? Get to it!’>
= = =
Miracle Mustang Pack Keeps Amazing
The Mustang pack present at the Amestris National Park has been reported to have changed yet again. Recently it astounded zoologists and naturalists to learn that a wild pack had accepted an Elric of the Edward variety into the pack instead of eating him.
Today they’ve gone one step further. The nearby Heiderich, an unusual oddity descended from the mating of two Alphonses, has also joined the pack. This is notable as Heiderichs, commonly known as Alfons’, are generally either avoided or outright hunted as prey - unlike Elrics that may coexist in overlapping territories.
Scientists studying the changes have concluded that this unique combination of reduced resources happened because of expanding human presence combined with the presence of the Elric has resulting in this unusual pack. The group shall continue to be observed to note if the gunbu will turn on the Heiderich when the Elric is absent or if they will completely accept their new member.
The Amestris National Park is open 9:00am to 5:30pm every weekday with special night viewings available at request.
The white snow reflected the morning light into Ward’s squinting eyes. He was still unsure of this stuff that had made him so miserable the night before. Concentrating hard, he pressed his hands together and pushed them into the cold dust. A crackle and blue light flared before him at the snow hardened into the clear shape of a rabbit. A lopsided rabbit wreathed in the burnt smell of his transmutation, but it was something.
A rough cough from behind startled Ward, interrupting his concentration and the rabbit crumbled. Hissing, he glared at the interloper. Sting smirked back.
<’You’re not so good at it.’> The Mustang taunted, <’You need a lot of help.’>
The Elric clenched his fist hard and pictured it flying into his new pack-mate’s face. It relaxed him, a little.
<’If you’re going to be of any use we’re going to have to work on you hard.’> A resigned sigh and a flick on the ruined ear, <’Can’t be helped. This pack is only as strong as the weakest member. We’re going to have to make you strong. Work you hard.’>
That made sense. He would need to learn to survive in this pack. His pack. Ward took a determined breath, <’What do I have to do? Whatever it is…I’ll do it!’>
<’Good.’>
Suddenly it was cold everywhere and he was on his back in the snow glaring up at the chuckling gunbu leader. What was that for?! He’d just said he would help!
The Mustang unconcernedly strode around him as Ward eyed him from the ground, dark foot-wraps gleaming against the snow as Sting slowly picked some ice up and began packing them into a ball. <’You will clap-fix our den and help get food into storage for the colder nights. I will teach you how to hunt, from the start like with [pups].’>
= = =
Sting looked down at his young subordinate as the Elric's face scrunched up.
<’Why do you have to teach me how to hunt?’> Ward asked dubiously, <’Why can’t Flash or Havo? Why you?’>
<’Hughes gather berries, they do not hunt.’> The Mustang said slowly, <’Sometimes Havo will hunt with me, but he needs to be near Flash for protection. That human-predator is out there.’> He growled deeply in his throat while the Edward frowned nervously up at him. Those human-predators and all the blood…the voices clamoured to never let a subordinate to die again, one of them sharply commanding him to focus on the now and to be a commander. Sting forced himself to relax and breathe, grumbling under his breath as memory flashes of human-predators and how lethal they were against his pack flickered behind his eyes. How even fire could not keep them away or stop the metal bees…
Keep it together. They wanted him to stay focused.
Shaking his head, the gunbu glanced Ward who was brushing off the snow with his perpetual frown directed the Sting. He had a new pack now; it wasn’t as big as it was originally, but it was a bit bigger than yesterday. He had to focus and protect his subordinates. Primarily, he needed to teach the pup - almost an adult now, certainly an adult by Mustang standards but he had noticed that the others always took longer to reach maturity - he had to teach the pup how to hunt. Since he was a pup, best to start with how you teach pups to hunt.
He flung his near forgotten snowball into Ward’s face and felt a flutter of satisfaction in his face at the Elric’s astonished and offended expression.
Ward’s yellow eyes fixed on the cocky smile of the Mustang as stared in bewilderment. What was with all the pushing and throwing of snow? Was this some weird Mustang behaviour he needed to know about? His gaze darted down to the gunbu’s hands and back. It was promising that he wasn’t wearing the fire-gloves, so the Elric figured this wasn’t some kind of fight, so why -
<’H-hey!’> he shot Sting a startled look as he was picked up, one hand firm around his nape and keeping him limp, <’What are you doing?’>
<’Teaching.’> Sting replied bluntly, the smirk twitching on the side of his face. <’Move quick!’> Ward was flung into the air, limbs flailing as he tried to right himself before ploughing into a pile of snow.
It was cold. So very cold and he was still confused by the Mustangs bizarre behaviour. It was like fighting but without the fire-snaps, and Ward was really into a fight now and he would win without his clapping. Giving a roar, he charged at Sting with snow grasped in his hands only to be side stepped.
<’Too slow.’> taunted the Mustang, <’You need to move fast and quiet to catch something.’>
Hissing under his breath, Ward spun about and aimed low. He grinned when he got Sting to slip a little as he dodged. He could move fast, he just needed practice.
Sting gave an amused smirk as Ward came around for another swing. He had to admit, the pup learned fast. It made him almost proud, but he couldn’t afford to let him get cocky. He flung another face full of snow into Ward’s charge.
<’Once your prey sees you the fight is over. You need to be hidden.’> Sting smiled wryly, <’Come this way! Try to catch me!’> He marched off confidently into the more forested areas before ducking behind a tree. His breath frosted in the air as he listened carefully for the dampened sounds of the Edward trying to charge quietly after him. Sniffing daintily with his nose, he crouched down lower until his blue-pelted form was hidden by all the snow. It was like on the hunt, such a simple activity it was easy to quiet his mind and focus. No thinking at all…
Flash and Havo watched in amusement together from their perch on top of the den. It was a promising start of the day to witness their leader being so active in the morning, so different from yesterdays moping and mutterings in front of the fire.
<’How long do you think until Ward gets him?’> Havo questioned absently as he gnawed on a bone.
Flash grinned. <’He’s a fast learning pup. He’ll get him at least once before the day is out.’>
<’That’d be good. If he can get one on the boss he can help hunt.’>
<’More food would be good.’> The Hughes replied, <’Might help out with Sting too.’>
Havo nodded, <’I think it will help out.’> he said seriously, <’Look at them now. I haven’t seen the boss able to keep focus for this long since …y’know, not since it happened. This is good for all of us. Packs need to grow.’>
<’Packs grow,’> Flash agreed. <’The more they grow…’> He trailed off, eyes glimmering with glee. <’Look. Another maybe-pack-mate.’> The Hughes gestured at the bush where the nearby Heiderich was cautiously stepping out, ears swivelling. <’He wants the Edward. We have him. Maybe we can have the Heiderich too.’>
Havo eyed the nervous stranger skeptically, <’Him? He’s potential prey if life gets hard. We can’t eat pack-mates.’>
<’Ah, but you’re looking at it wrong.’> Flash tapped his eye-covers knowingly, <’Fons is a good hunter and gatherer. I trade him pelts sometimes. He would be an even better hunter if he was in our pack.’>
<’Commander Sting won’t allow it.’> Havo lamented.
<’Maybe.’> Flash responded. He wasn’t so sure. In this mood, almost anything with Sting was possible.
= = =
Ward silently stalked forward, carefully positioning his feet into the snow to muffle any noise. There in the bush was a glimmer of blue. He just needed to stay low and quiet to get that smug bastard back for all the insults, face plants, snow in the face and being picked up twice. He was going to shove that gunbu’s face so far into the snow it turned blue.
The Edward breathed slowly as he crept within a few paces of the Mustang and slowly lowered himself down to get ready to pounce. He breathed in, tensed his muscles and WHUMPH! His head was shoved into the snow again. Flailing his limbs furiously, Ward managed to get his angry gaze on the smug bastard sitting on him, tail drifting back and forwards in tune with his irritating smugness.
He returned his gaze back to the bush. There was a mound of snow covered by Sting’s outer blue pelt. He’d been tricked!
<’Well…’> Sting drawled as he sidled over to his decoy, <’You’re getting better. Not bad for such a small [pup].’> Arms were shoved into the pelt as it was tugged back on, <’You need to work your attack. It’s vicious, but you need to direct -‘>
<’AHA!’> Ward crowed from his position on top of Sting, who regarded him with an astonished then pleased expression from his place on his back in the snow. <’I got you! Hah! I am the best Edward ever!’> The Elric hopped off and gave a delighted twirl as Sting hauled himself back up.
<’Yeah, you got lucky [pup]. Don’t get cocky.’>
Ward continued his spin, <’I’m going to be the best hunter ever!’>
<’Good.’> Fons said flatly, <’I won’t need to keep giving you gifts.’>
Sting had started in surprise before assuming his usual expression of nonchalance. Ward smiled weakly, his stomach doing nervous flips. <’Um…hi?’> Fons was here. Fons wanted him. Ward didn’t know what he wanted him for, but he felt nervous at the thought. He’d joined the pack though. Did this mean Fons no longer wanted him? What if Fons stopped coming?
<’You did join the pack.’> The Heiderich eyed Sting as he discreetly wiped off the snow from his pelts. <’Why did you go to them?’>
<’Ummmm.’> Ward froze in place, staring at Fons. Why did he? They’d helped him twice. Flash was nice, they had a big den…but Fons had helped him too. Fons who wanted him and made Ward feel hot and helpless and he didn’t know these feelings. He didn’t know what to say. What did he need to do? A frantic glance at his new leader - the one who was teaching him new tricks - revealed nothing but a bland and unconcerned gaze.
No help there.
Fons ran an annoyed palm through his hair, <’You are so frustrating. You’re an Edward. I know that but you don’t listen.’>
<’Ummm…’> Ward tried to interject, but the Alfons cut him off. <’I get it. Heiderichs are patient and I can wait. You don’t know the right things and this…pack…can teach you. I can wait.’>
<’Ummm…’> The Elric trailed off, unsure where this was going or what it was even about. Fons wanted him to learn the right tricks?
The Heiderich was marching over to Sting who cocked a head at his approach. They regarded each other until the Mustang nodded firmly. <’Yes, that would be an acceptable idea.’> He crossed his arms and gave the Alfons a stern look, <’You may join our pack and continue your courting. In return, you are my [subordinate] and will help the pack.’>
<’I see,’> Fons observed wryly. <’Make us both yours and I can get him.’>
Quiet.
Sting went still while the Alfons assessed him.
<’Okay. I will join the pack.’> Fons grimaced distastefully as Sting patted his head and gave him some quick sniffs to identify his scent. <’Only while Ward is here.’> The Heiderich brushed the commander’s hand away and trotted over you Ward.
<’You are so much trouble,’> The Alfons gave a put-upon sigh, <’Can’t even keep your braid neat for a night?’> Huffing under his breath, Fons tugged the Elric down into their standard grooming positions and resignedly groomed it all back into place. Some quick licks behind the ears has it all set smoothly while the two subordinate gunbu joined their leader.
Sting raised an eyebrow at Flash and Havo as they nudged each other, solemn faces twitching with concealed grins. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at them and their intent gazes on the two newest pack members.
<’Enough courting! Time for you both to work for your place! We won’t have any lazy members!’> The Mustang barked out, hisglee at the Edward’s annoyed face quickly smothered. <’Ward with Havo - go fix those holes in our den! Heiderich -‘>
<’His name is Fons.’> Interrupted Ward.
<’Fons, gather food and pelt materials with Hughes.’> Sting commanded, <’I’ll stand guard.’>
All four stared at him with varying expression. The gunbu pleased, Ward confused and the Heiderich annoyed.
<’Well? Get to it!’>
= = =
Miracle Mustang Pack Keeps Amazing
The Mustang pack present at the Amestris National Park has been reported to have changed yet again. Recently it astounded zoologists and naturalists to learn that a wild pack had accepted an Elric of the Edward variety into the pack instead of eating him.
Today they’ve gone one step further. The nearby Heiderich, an unusual oddity descended from the mating of two Alphonses, has also joined the pack. This is notable as Heiderichs, commonly known as Alfons’, are generally either avoided or outright hunted as prey - unlike Elrics that may coexist in overlapping territories.
Scientists studying the changes have concluded that this unique combination of reduced resources happened because of expanding human presence combined with the presence of the Elric has resulting in this unusual pack. The group shall continue to be observed to note if the gunbu will turn on the Heiderich when the Elric is absent or if they will completely accept their new member.
The Amestris National Park is open 9:00am to 5:30pm every weekday with special night viewings available at request.