Author Notes: Not only is this the second last chapter, it's the biggest. :D It was also fun to write. Although I only hinted at stuff. Maybe one day when I get confident I can write things like that. Maybe. idk

State of Mind
A Fullmetal Alchemist Zoofic by Elric 'Hunter' Ward

Copyright:
The Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi) and all its respective work and ideas are copyrighted by Hiromu Arakawa and her distributors.

Comments and critique welcome.

Chapter Fourteen

Fons sucked on his thumb where the berry spines had pierced it and scowled ferociously. This wasn't how he had planned his day. Ward was supposed to leave the pack and come back to the Heiderich's den. Fons wasn't meant to join the pack and help gather berries. He could hear Ward and the Mustang – predator - playing around as they practiced their stalking. He could have taught Ward that, the Mustang wasn't needed.

He dumped the handful quickly into the waiting Hughes's arm and resolutely ignored the constant smile.

'I am glad.' Flash smiled at him as he juggled the increasing berries, 'Our pack is much bigger now and will do much better now.'

'Humph.' Fons huffed under his breath and grabbed for more berries. It wasn't working much better for him.

'Our den has much less holes now and our food stocks will fill up so much quicker,' The Hughes continued on, 'Ward and you are really helping our pack and leader.'

Fons frowned at the Hughes, annoyance prickling his skin. 'Ward is meant to be mine.'

Flash grinned at him, 'Ward can be yours. You are both pack now and in a Mustang pack, everyone is everyone else's mate. We are all [commander] Sting's.'

Shock ran through the Heiderich as he stared at Flash. Everyone was a mate to everyone else? That was so weird. How did they stop fights and jealousy? What if someone wanted someone else? The idea of sharing mates was so foreign; he had to wonder how the pack functioned at all.

It would be like…taking away someone's mate. They would only be mates sometimes, not all the time. 'Everyone is a mate?' He repeated faintly, not sure he liked this idea.

Flash nodded firmly, 'Yes. Everyone looks after everyone else.'

Fons blinked once, twice. 'I - We – Heiderichs – don't mate with many. Just one mate. We don't share.'

It was Flash's turn to regard him with surprise. 'You don't share?' He fiddled with his eye-protectors, 'How odd…that makes sense I guess. Don't you normally go around in pairs? No-one to share with.'

They worked in silence, quickly collecting the fruits they needed to store.

'I will talk to the [commander],' Flash announced, 'I will let him know you are pack-mates but not-mates. He'll be confused, but we know you two are special cases.' The Hughes stopped and toed the ground a bit. 'Not much mating recently anyway,' he muttered darkly. 'This pack needs [pups]. Mating makes them. We need to make the pack strong so we can have [pups]. You keep courting the Edward and help make young for our pack.'

Fons stared at the Hughes. The pack would accept their kits? That wouldn't be too bad, there would be more protection but –

'Courting needs travel. I will only travel a bit, but a proper mating ritual only happens at the end of the courting journey. No kits until after travel.' He explained. 'That way I can be sure that Ward is a good mate.'

Flash looked thoughtful, 'Is the mating journey long?'

Fons shrugged. It would take as long as it needed to for them to decide if they could be good mates or not.

'Would you come back?'

Fons gave another shrug, 'We travel. We decide. Then we mate.' He plucked another berry and regarded it with a troubled expression, 'My choices are limited. I am above the normal mating age and I need a mate.' He lamented. 'Ward might be my only chance, so I will court him as properly as possible – even if we must travel where the humans are.'

Flash stared at him, 'Ward is a good [pup], but can he be a strong mate?'

The Heiderich carefully placed the last of the berries into the Hughes filled arms, 'I will be the strong mate and care for Ward. I can be strong for him while he learns. He is surviving, so he is not bad…' he paused while brushing off the leave, 'It's kind of sweet really, how little he doesn't know. He's so eager to learn. It is endearing.'

Hughes nodded, 'He is a cute [pup]; there is some potential.'

He charged and leapt; teeth ready to bite down hard.

Ward was flipped and sent flying into another one of those thankfully soft snow drifts. 'Ooomph!' He groaned as he rolled himself back up again and glared at his attacker. The Mustang who had thrown him stood there cockily with that damn smug smirk and 'I'm better than you' air. The Elric narrowed his eyes in annoyance as Sting strode forward until he was standing over the smaller. Ward frowned back as he straightened his new pelts. They were the bright blue pelts of the gunbu, with silver markings and handy pouch-holes to put things in.

'It'll do for now.' Sting looked down at him dubiously, 'We're going to put this into practice.'

'Practice?' Ward gulped; flashed back to his failure with the rabbits.

'Yes, hunting.' The Mustang raised his voice, 'Havo! Guard the den and the non-fighters!'

'Right-o [commander]!' The Havoc called from his location and gave that odd, one-handed salute. Both the Heiderich and Hughes gave Sting a dirty look at being referred to non-fighters. The Mustang shrugged in response and hauled Ward up out of the snow. 'Come on then.'

Manhandling the indignant Edward, he moved off quickly into the forest.

'This'll do. Just like we've been practising, right?' Sting flicked an ear as he looked around the land. 'I'll get in spot quickly, so just go for an opportunity when you see it.' The Mustang meandered his way down the path. 'Don't screw up!' The bastard threw over his shoulder as he disappeared around the bend.

Ward muttered to himself, quietly, as he hunkered down behind a bush and covered himself with some dirt. He was smart and he had listened, of course he wouldn't screw up! He just needed to cover his scent and wait.

Waiting…

Still waiting…he sighed as he adjusted his position again. Sting never mentioned how boring this would be. He huffed to himself.

There, a sound!

The Elric stilled his entire body, resisting the urge to quiver in anticipation. As he watched, a small herd of deer slowly meandered their way down the well-worn path. Yellow eyes watched them all intently from the bush until the last one had passed him by a good metre.

Shooting out of the bush, he ran towards the herd. When the deer spotted him they all quickly ran in the opposite direction down the path – the Elric doggedly pursuing them all the while. The surroundings were no more than a blur to Ward as he leapt over logs and around trees, closely following after.

It should be any moment now – there!

Stepping square into the path of the stampeding deer was Sting, arm raised and fingers ready. Ward quickly flung himself to the side when he heard the expected snap and following flames that quickly and lethally targeted the largest deer. The other deer scattered in all directions from the flames and their now dead fellow dear, while Ward cautiously edged his way back onto the path and towards their kill. No chance risking them attacking him. Sting had told him all about how they could quickly turn on an Elric and trample him to death – not that he was so small as to make it easy. It was just best to be…cautious.

He peeked his head out to check the absence of the deer. They had all fled, good. The only thing present was the pack leader and the mostly-cooked deer.

Ward pranced out happily over to the Mustang and their kill. They had done it! He had helped Sting take down a large prey successfully without tripping over or running out of breath. He was learning the right tricks! Ward gave a victory dance around the deer, pelts flailing around in the air. 'Look! We got it! A great big deer for your pack!'

Sting arched his head proudly and gave a happier smirk than usual. It was almost a smile. 'Our pack.' He tossed hair and posed a little over the meat, 'This was a good kill, makes for good meat. It's hard to get a deer by yourself.'

The Mustang trudged over to the deer, footing careful on the ice. 'Come here Ward, make yourself useful.' He gestured the Elric over, eyes bright. 'Clap it open right here. We'll get the heart out, good to eat it straight away.'

Nodding enthusiastically, Ward skidded over to the side of the deer and clapped it open without hesitation. He watched with intent and curious eyes as Sting reached in and pulled out the heart. The deer's heart was much bigger than the bite-sized ones from rabbits and squirrels. He watched with wide eyes as the Mustang expertly twisted and split it in two, stubby claws digging in. Shaking small flecks of blood onto the ground, he presented Ward with his half. Sting was munching down on his quickly as soon as Ward has grasped his half, almost letting it drop.

The Elric eyed the Mustang licking his fingers, gave a shrug and quickly tucked into his. It was good, much better than hoarding it for the next day. From now on he would eat hearts quickly after the kill and not later, Ward decided as he hunched down next to the elder.

Licking his own fingers, he gave a sideways glance at the quiet Mustang. Ward cocked his head, contemplating the other. Sting was muttering to himself again, so very quietly under his breath with pauses and breaks. The Elric eyed the Mustang and his one-sided conversation uneasily, apprehensive about this. He had been hoping to avoid seeing the Mustang lose his focus since Havo had explained the illness. He still didn't entirely understand it, just that he needed to help make the pack stronger – including Sting.

'Hey, bastard.' Ward jabbed the leader roughly in the side, 'Snap out of it. You've got to focus' He jabbed harder, unable to resist getting some enjoyment out of the act.

Sting gave a whole body shudder and turned startled eyes to Ward. 'She says to focus too…' The Mustang said soberly, 'They're all talking…' He trailed off only to be lightly shoved by the Elric.

'Exactly, Bastard-leader.' Ward said impulsively, 'They want you to ignore them and look after your pack. Got to focus on the now.' Standing, he nudged the deer. 'We've got to get the kill back to the pack, right? Make the pack strong or something?'

'Yes...' Sting shook his head as if to rattle something back into place. 'We need to feed the pack mates to keep everyone strong and safe.'

Together they manhandled the deer between them into a suitable position for dragging back. Sting declined Ward's offer to clap it in half. 'Keeps better when in one big piece, instead of two little pieces. Big things are always better.' An assessing gaze ran up and down Ward while Sting's mouth tugged up. The Edward hissed angrily back, 'Small things are tastier! Big things will choke you!'

Sting leered back, 'Depends on how you… eat it. We can practice sometime.'

Ward felt like he was missing a bit of the conversation and gave the meat a vicious tug; grinning in self-appreciation when he made the bastard stagger. Serves him right for being so big and weird.

They hauled their kill on together with few arguments until Ward decided he needed a break. He wasn't used to all this moving of large animals and running around, it was going to take some getting used to for him. Ignoring Sting, he dropped his end and watched in delight as the Mustang stumbled and glared over his shoulder at the Edward.

'I need a rest!' Ward announced before flopping down in his tracks. He only needed a short while to get his breath back…

Sting rolled his eyes, 'I should have expected someone so small would have no endurance.' He sighed dramatically, 'Very well then.' The Mustang settled down calmly next to the deer, ignoring the Elric's hisses and ravings of height.

Pouting, Ward picked at some rocks while he waited for his second wind. He ignored the first coughing sound, but reluctantly looked up at the next cough. The Mustang was sitting very stiffly with eyes averted, his cheeks a faint pink.

'Thanks…' Sting muttered, '…for earlier. I am not a very good [commander], I forget to focus and look after my pack.' He gave a wave of an arm, 'I'm not always like this, it will be a good pack. Big packs are good packs, even if you're not a gunbu you are helping the pack get big…' He trailed off in ashamed silence, both for earlier and admitting it now, 'I will still be a good protector.'

Ward looked everywhere but at the Mustang with his pristine uniform but tattered ears and tails. He hadn't expected the bastard – Sting – to ever mention any of it, which confused him that he had. The Edward wasn't even entirely sure he understood normal conversations just yet and this talk had him worried. Was he meant to jab the Mustang again? He wasn't fading out again, just sitting there stiffly. The conversation was probably just as awkward for him, but Ward thought he was beginning to understand that Sting wanted to keep the pack together, even now with an Elric in it.

'I'm a bad Edward,' He forced out. 'I only know what to do from what I'm told.' Ward muttered, 'I'm not a very good pack-mate but if you help me I'll help you. I – I know master isn't coming anymore. So I need lots of help with here, now. You also need help with the now.' He gritted his teeth and looked away. 'You can teach me how to hunt and what Fons wants with me. You're a [commander] by doing that.' He nearly strangled himself on the gunbu word.

Probably the worst conversation he had tried with others so far. He hoped it ended soon and they returned to the den.

Sting's eyes had brightened and he was looking directly at Ward, 'You need help with mating rituals?' He grinned at the Elric.

Ward shrugged in reply, 'I don't know. What are mating rituals? What are they for? How do I recognise them?' He flicked an ear in annoyance, 'I don't know these things. Stupid masters.' He drew back in bafflement as Sting shifted closer to him, completely invading all his personal space. Ward tensed up in annoyance, was this some kind of trick.

The Mustang leered down at him, 'You don't know about matings? You really don't know anything.' Ward bristled as he eyed the other warily. Hadn't he already said he didn't know anything?

Sting barked out a laugh, 'Hah! Matings are a good thing, but you must work for them. If you get to mate, it is a very, very good thing.' The Mustang's voice deepened, 'It is good for the pack and keeps everyone happy. The best thing about it is…' Lidded eyes looked in Ward's direction, a smirk widening, '…to make [pups].'

Yellow eyes widened as the Elric edged away. Make kits? Mating and mating rituals made kits? 'I'm going to have a kit?' He blurted out in panic, anxiety racing through him. No one had told him that accepting the grooming ritual would mean kits! He was too young to have kits and even with the pack's help he would probably teach the kit all the wrong –

'No, you little idiot. You're not having kits yet.' Sting interrupted, 'You're only in the ritual stage, right?'

'I…I think so?' Ward questioned in bewilderment. This was now the worst and most confusing conversation he had ever had.

The Mustang huffed, 'If you had mated, I would know. The smell would be all over you. So, you're still courting the Heiderich.'

'I…am?' Ward was beginning to feel lost. 'What is courting exactly?' He demanded.

'Hmmm…courting is convincing the other to mate. Gifts, food, grooming, play-fights.' Sting elaborated, '…I don't need to court like you do. I have mates, many mates.' He frowned, 'I had many mates, now I have only the pack – all in the pack are my mates. If I want to mate, I ask. If they don't want to mate I bring gifts and sing until they want to…' The Mustang paused in thought, 'All mates like song and gifts. They don't say no very often…' A smile tugged up.

Ward stared. 'I'm your mate?'

Sting frowned at him, 'Not yet. Fons won't share you yet.' A leer directed at Ward.

The Edward blinked back, 'Your way doesn't feel right.' He replied doubtfully.

'Of course it is!' Sting shot back, 'You're an Edward so you want to do silly things like court. Mustangs are much more sensible – make the pack and mate. You need to know what mating is.' The Mustang invaded Ward's personal space and gave a long lick up his cheek. The Edward grimaced his face in disgust; Fons' delicate licks were much better he decided. Ward thrust a hand quickly into Sting's face as the gunbu leaned in for another go.

'Urg, that's so wrong. Stop with the licking already.' The Elric huffed; eyed Sting's putout expression with consideration. Ward gave the Mustang a quick lick on the nose, eyes moving skyward as he contemplated the ashy taste. He stuck a tongue out. 'Eew. I'm not sure I like the taste of mating.' Ward rubbed at his mouth.

The gunbu rolled his eyes. 'That's not mating, not even close. I know what to do!' Sting announced, 'Help me get this meat back and I'll show you! Mating is very good for you.'

With renewed energy the Mustang stood up and began hauling the carcass back towards the camp. Ward rushed to aid him in pushing the deer, somewhat confused by the turn of events. There was an odd scent coming from the Mustang that made him feel the same confusion and warmth he had with Alfons. Shaking his head in embarrassment, he ducked it down and pushed more determinedly at the meat. The quicker they got to the den the quicker Sting could illustrate "mating" and help Ward understand – without expecting any practical applications just yet.

The rest of the trip was entirely awkward on the Edward's behalf as the scent filled his nose and he stumbled several times in distraction as he eyed that tattered black tail. Sting just smirked at him with eyes glinting, tugging the meat along faster. When they finally dragged the deer into the clearing – why had they killed such a big one – they were sweaty and panting from the exertion. Sting didn't give Ward anytime to rest, tugging him forward with a command. 'Watch and learn, runt.'

Ward was panting too hard to do more than narrow his eyes as he watched interest as Sting tugged the meat the rest of the way over to the other gunbu, dropping it triumphantly in front of them. Motion in the corner of his eye signified the curious approach of Fons, the Heiderich eying the Mustang with suspicion as he delicately sniffed the air. Ward returned his gaze to the others. The scent that had been clinging to Sting the entire way back had strengthened and he could smell it clearly from his location while the Mustang postured in front of the pack.

'It's a good kill, isn't it? Got it myself!' Sting boasted as he preened before them, chest thrust out. 'Ward helped.' He tacked on dismissively.

The two gunbu looked suitably impressed and happy, the Hughes carefully sniffing the air while a pleased expression slowly covered his face.

Sting suddenly pressed himself up against the Havoc and thrust his face into Flash's. 'Let's mate now.'

Havo jerked his head around so fast the fire-stick fell out. Ward stifled a laugh at the gob smacked expression. 'You haven't wanted that in awhile?' The Havoc burst out. 'What's –' Anything else was stifled as Flash flung his outer-pelts on top of the Havoc.

'Don't argue! Go with it!'

Havo's mouth shut with a click as he looked between the smirking Mustang half sprawled across him and the big grin on the Hughes' face. He nodded quickly, 'Mating. Now. Got it.'

In a rush of movement Flash was up, hands bunched in Sting's pelts as he dragged the pack-leader into the den. Sting flashed a smug grin Ward's way as he untangled himself and grabbed Havo's arm; pulled the Havoc along with him. Havo quickly took off his outer pelt as he was hauled along, letting it land on the ground near Flash's as the three gunbu stumbled into the den. Ward caught a quick glance of Flash's now bare back as he pressed Sting up against the entry way. He blinked. What – what were they doing with their heads so close? Hands moved against each other's body as more flesh showed, the Elric's gaze turning keen as he watched with interest. He tilted his head as Havo removed the last of his pelts and leapt upon the other two; all three disappeared into the den, a trail of mutterings, grunts and one delighted yip following them.

Huh…so that was 'mating'. He figured there was more to it going by the few sounds coming from the den, but it seemed like a very close form of grooming…and Sting said it was good. Much better than grooming then? Ward's faced went red as he considered the possibility.

Shifting uncomfortably, he made the rest of his way into the clearing, Fons meeting up with him in the middle. Ward blinked back at the flushed face of the Heiderich as Fons sidled over to him with a look that made the Elric feel like he was prey. He flicked some ears uncertainly at the faint purr and pinkish tint. Maybe Sting's scent had gotten to the Alfons as well?

'I'll braid your hair now!' Fons announced, sitting down and gently pulling the Edward with him. Ward succumbed gratefully to the motions, enjoying the massaging of his scalp and fingers running through his hair. Ears flickering at the sounds coming from the den, Ward decided that mating might not be so bad. Just…not yet.

He liked this courtship much better anyway.