playing in the (early) snow

He didn’t know how or why but smiling through this intense trial made it seem easier. Like the two of them really would get out of this ridiculous mess. Maybe he’d even be able to keep his toes and his ears in the end. Despite everything the boys could find a grin on their maw as they battled the elements together. If Mort’s brain was misfiring so was Hika’s. The sound of the winged wolf laughing only brought the same to Kaiyo’s lips. Sure they were facing certain death, but why not go out with a laugh? It certainly brightened the koi colored wolf, and encouraged him further. They could do this. The two of them could weather the storm. They had to.

Kaiyo caught his breath as they prepared for their next step. It was a harrowing plan, but they would be better off the sooner they began. He took in a deep breath and steeled himself. The corners of his pale lips pulled up, but now there was a seriousness to his expression that hadn’t been there before. He didn’t know what he had to do, but he’d make sure to come through for his snowy friend. No one was going to die. Not on his watch.

He nodded firmly at Mort’s command, but still felt the chill and more as he pulled away from Hika’s much smaller frame. Saph was placed on his neck, and then the real journey began. Kaiyo was light on his feet, and with Mortis clearing the path he had no trouble staying on the other boy’s tail. He couldn’t do this forever though, and he prayed their shelter would come sooner rather than later.