"I told you, but you wouldn't listen, like you always do,' Mustang criticized.
"But I didn't need your help!" Ed retorted.
"If you didn't, why are you on my back?"
Ed was at a loss for words. Mustang beat him at the argument, again. He knew very well that the Colonel was right, but like always, his pride got in his way. Making him refuse help when he absolutely needed it. He was relieved, though, when he came back. He didn't want to die and leave Alphonse in that empty shell of an armor forever. He was determined to find the philosopher's stone to regain their original bodies. But also to help with another problem he had now.
They kept at their, well, Mustang's pace, and headed farther down hell. Hoping that either there was someone, which was highly unlikely, or a town, which seemed likely, but not by much. The slash on Ed's leg stopped bleeding and festering, which both sighed from relief. But the cold was relentless, as both shivered uncontrollably. You would think with two insulators, Ed would be slightly less cold, but no. And Mustang didn't have anything to cover up, except his white shirt.
Then a realization came over Ed. Even though both were trembling from iciness, Mustang didn't have something to help keep his body warmth, aside from the small bundle of heat on his back. The fact that Ed couldn't see didn't stop him from comprehending that the colonel was freezing. But what could he do? He hoped that the military sent a search group, or that there was a local town somewhere not far away. He hated owing so damn much to the bastard.
There was nothing else they could do. Just keep moving forward, try to find a way to get out of this place. Briggs shouldn't be farther away from where they are than Headquarters. That should be a priority, but not the top priority. Food and water should be. After all, if they can't survive and die from malnutrition, they wouldn't be able to make it to Briggs, let alone survive against wild animals. Food was definitely a top priority. Now the question is, how are they gonna get it? The train wreck left them both battered and bruised. Ed can't even stand. So it was all pushed on Mustang's shoulders. Hopefully he can handle it all, for both of their sakes.
But all seemed futile. This place seemed endless. Nothing but a couple of trees, lots of snow, and two people. And the people were following on the tracks of the train, knowing that they would reach Briggs soon enough. That's what they had hoped for, that is if things don't take a turn for the worst. Hope would be an ally, right? Because that's all they have to live on. The thing to drive on. That should be enough to help them, for now.
The train's exploding fire was still raging on. It could be seen as far as light can travel. Illuminating the dark sky that was coming to take over. The moon taking the sun's place in the sky. Night taking over wasn't a good thing for Ed and Mustang. They had to find a place where they could stay while the night passes. And considering all the snow and weather, it would be difficult evading the cold.
Coyotes could be heard in the distant. Howling as the moon rose into the sky and to the sound of snow crunching nearby.
Mustang abruptly stopped.
"Huh, why'd you…..s...stop?" Ed asked.
"…Coyotes," Mustang muttered.
"Wh…what do you m…mean 'Coyotes'?"
"They're in front of us."
Crap. This wasn't good. Coyotes meant there was more than one, and there was only two of them which could mean more serious injuries, and a less percent of survival. Not to mention possible death looming before them. What would they do? What could they do?
"So what d…do we do n…now?" Ed said in a hushed tone.
Mustang didn't immediately respond. He just stood there. Hoping they would pass. But the wolves' vile and hungry nature stayed with them as they saw the blood. Saliva starting to drip from the corners of their mouths.
"Shouldn't we run?" Ed asked, irritated.
"I doubt we would be able to outrun them," Mustang replied.
"So what should w…we do?"
"I can fight, I still have my gloves."
"I c…can fight too."
"No you can't. You can't walk, and even if you could, you still wouldn't see them."
"Tch! What about y…you? Aren't you t…tired from carrying m…me?"
"Yes. And for a pipsqueak, you sure are heavy."
"Don't call me a pipsqueak you bastard!"
The coyotes charged at them, due to Ed's yelling, rather hastily. Mustang dropped Ed on the snow covered train tracks, and quickly prepared to snap.
The coyotes lunged at Mustang, with bared teeth ready for tearing his flesh off. Showing no mercy, Mustang snapped repeatedly. Raging flames engulfing the coyotes, much like a tornado. Stopping them in their tracks. He took this opportunity for a getaway, since the flames would hold them off for a good couple of minutes. He picked Ed up the bridal style way and started to run the fastest he could. Ed complained about the way Mustang was holding him, but Mustang payed no heed as he kept running, trying to avoid the coyotes.
But fate wasn't nice to them, as the flames died down by the water from the melting snow. The coyotes had burns on their skin, which the flames exposed, the fur burnt away. But that didn't seem to even slow them down as they used their anger for fuel to their chase after the two alchemists. But luckily, fate gave them a break this time as the coyotes tumbled down the cliff due to their limping from the burns. Mustang was only able to go so far, as he sat down by the cliff, his back to the wall, Ed squirming his way out of his grasp.
"What th…the hell?" Ed rasped, tumbling out of Mustang's arms, landing on the tracks.
"I believe the words you're looking for are 'Thank you,'" Mustang said rather proud he managed to get away.
Author's Notes: I know I said I would try to get it updated about 3 to 4 weeks ago, I've just had writer's block. I'll try my best, but at least I forced myself to write this chapter, and did it seem actionful, or at least good? Oh, and SORRY~ WITH A HEART FULL OF SORRYNESS! Oh and one more thing, I have a poll, please vote truthfully on it, it REALLY helps. There are GOOD story ideas, and if you can't vote, make an anonymous comment.