Megatron
Megatron had taken to staying away from the pack he loved his pack but .... His want to be alpha was strong an it grew stronger every day it was his right. He should of taken over for his father why was it stormrunner. IT was unfair. His tail was up not caring that he was beta. he was frustrated cause he wanted the spot but he also didn't want to fight his brother.
Stormrunner
Megatron's reclusion from the pack hadn't gone unnoticed by his younger brother. He'd at first left Megs alone, having picked up on a definite tension with the older male, and he didn't want to push his buttons. But when Megatron continued to isolate himself from the others, Stormrunner began to worry about his sibling, and eventually resolved to speak with him to resolve whatever was ailing his packmate.
It had taken a bit of searching for Storm to locate Megatron today, and he noted the raised tail right off the bat. Stormrunner had no choice by the flag his own banner in the air, but his expression was far from domineering and held no wisp of aggression. It was merely a silent affirmation of his rank, and wasn't backed by the usual flair of his expanded ruff or nape.
"Megatron?" Stormrunner woofed lightly to catch his brother's attention, "Can I talk with you?" He slowed his pace, eventually coming to a standstill a bound or two away from his elder kin.
Megatron
He kept his tail up even when storm came over with his tail up. If it hadn't been his brother he'd have no qualms taking his rightful place but it was. **Of course** he didn't know what would come of this. If his brother tried to force him out he would fight him.
Stormrunner
For the sake of peace, and because it was only the two of them right now, Stormrunner still declined to acknowledge Meg's raised tail and his refusal to lower it in his presence. He wasn't like his father, and wouldn't resort to fangs unless absolutely every other option had been exhausted first.
"I noticed that you've been a bit distant, lately?" He started, then nodded to a deer trail, beckoning Megatron to walk with him as he started moving in that direction. "Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" Of course, he knew there was, but he wanted Megatron to be able to address it first, and get that weight off his chest.
Megatron
He moved down the trail. He listened to his brother and now tried to figure out the right words that wouldn't harm his brother. He didn't hate his brother for stealing his place. ** You took my rightful place as alpha, it is the position I was born for and I trained every day to take over for father. I thought I could accept you as alpha but...... I can't it was meant for me** there he said it. His tone had remained calm and civil
Stormrunners
With the truth out, Stormrunner weighed his brother's words carefully against what he wanted to say, knowing he had to step carefully if he were going to preserve peace in the pack. "I see." Pale brown eyes danced ahead, subconsciously scanning the trail ahead while his focus remained on the conversation. "In all honesty Megs, I had no intentions of ever becoming alpha." He gave a small chuckle at that, then quickly sobered as he went on, "And I didn't realize you had your eyes set on it for so long. I don't think dad did either, and really, I don't think he ever considered the day he'd have to step down."
Stormrunner's pace slowed into an easy lope, traveling along a trail that was familiar to all the Aspen Grove wolves. "I know you feel you were robbed, but try not to think of it like that. It wasn't really meant for anyone; I mean, it could have been Hawk or Blackout that took leadership, or even a rouge wolf. The timing just happened to be in my favor, with dad slipping up, and me being their to take direction for the pack."
Megatron
HE snorted Father knew I talked to him all the time beforeHe said with a snort. He snorted at his next words I can't be beta any more Storm i want my position. Nor am I leaving my packHe said . He said as he walked I don't want to fight you but it is my place and If I have to I willHe said. He would in the end fight him and put him where he belongs if he had to but he wasn't going to be beta any more. It was time he took his place as rightful alpha. It is time for me to take my place Storm one way or anotherHe said. Blackout isn't alpha material he don't care for it. he said. Make the choice give me my rightful place or fight meHe said.
Stormrunner
"Dad never never mentioned any of this to us. I don't think he ever envisioned himself stepping down, heh, much less appointing an heir." Stormrunner suggested lightly, still moving at an easy lope through the snowy landscape. His pace did falter a little when Megatron suggested an ultimatum of violence though, bringing a nervous remark from his younger kin, "Come on now, Megs." He side glanced the other male, he steps a little slower but unfaltering, wondering if Megatron's ego was enough to spill his own sibling's blood over ranking. "The pack has been at peace for so long, there's no sense of ruining that over a title? The pack looks up to you and values you as it is. I know I do." The wolf shook his head, "Besides, you don't need this kind of weight on your back - you've served the pack dutifully for over ten years now, there's no sense burdening you golden years with stress; keep the gray off your muzzle for a little longer, or you might scare potential mates off." The latter was offered as a joke, as Storm desperately tried to navigate a peaceful outcome.
Meg
He followed and listened ** storm I won't say it again I'm an alpha that is my position I deserve it. I don't want to she'd your blood but if I have to to take my position I will. Until you and them see me as an alpha I won't settle. ** He said. ** I will no longer take orders from you. And I will make it clear to the whole pack that I'm an alpha of this pack. If I have to fight you I will I don't want to but if you respect me then you'd agree I deserve to be the alpha of this pack it's my place**
Megs
He listened to his brother letting him speak. He kept his tail in alpha position. He was trying to do this peacefully but storm was joking about things made him know he had to be alpha this wasn't a joking situation.
the pack will still be peaceful. They respect me and will accept me as alpha just as well as they accepted you he said.
my golden years I deserve to lead my pack. I'm not going to be your beta any more. I will make sure everyone sees me as the alpha I should be. I will not be happy till I finally get what I worked my whole life for. I won't let you stand in my way. I'm trying to do this peacefully storm but I'm done with being lower ranked then you. he didn't care if they co led the pack but everyone will come to know he's an alpha. Blackout already told him he'd accept him as an alpha even expressed how happy he'd be for him finally being an alpha. His mother too and well if his father wouldn't be happy for him well that would hurt him.
Stormrunner
"Megatron..." Stormrunner tried again, but his lighter words seemed to have no affect on his brother, and Megs remained determined to take his rank. This was getting more serious than Storm liked, and he honestly worried that Megs might spill blood to take his rank from him. "Listen Megs, being alpha.. it's not a rank that you're just entitled to because you feel like it, or because you were born first." He started, speaking gently and with empathy, because the last thing he wanted to do was make his sibling angrier, "It's something you earn, and I've earned this spot. I was here when the pack needed me to be, and well... you weren't. A leader that takes over because they feel entitled isn't really a leader, you know? And I've been alpha for many months now, leading us through the harshest of winter."
Meg
He listened and then he stopped I've been here for the pack every day of my life how dare you! I've earned it just as much as you. You have no right to say that! You can either share alpha with me and apologize for your lie. Or I'll spill your blood. I've been here I protected this pack with my life just as much as you. You've done the same amount or less for the pack then me. I have never left this pack in my ten years of life I've earned the spot just as much as you he said glaring at his brother. He had gotten this pack through more then storm. Mega has never vanished he's even given up meals to let others have food.
Stormrunner
Stormrunner was taken aback by his brother's increasing aggression, and finally came to a full stop to face him. "Easy Megs." He kept his tail up, but his face remained twisted in a look of concern as he tried to handle the other, "I don't mean any offense by it, I'm only trying to get you to see my point of view. I happened to be there the day dad couldn't handle his duties, and I took over for him. And I shouldered that responsibility for the past few months now, with no problems.. until now. Nothing more, nothing less. It could have been you that day, but it just happened to be be." Megatron's glare was returned with no malice, only sympathy for his brother, "The way you react with such aggression and anger right now, that's not befitting of a leader. You're letting your worst emotions guide you, to the point that you're willing to shed a packmate's blood to get what you want by force."
Meg
He glared ** you just insulted me I have every right to be angry** however he did calm. **Here thing Im not beta and I'm not under you. You can either accept me as your equal and allow me to run this pack beside you as alpha or you can fight me. ** He said. ** I know an alphas duty and it is what I'm meant to do I've earned it. I'm willing to share it with you but I can't live as beta any more** he said** and I don't want to she'd blood so you lying again. I said if you can't accept me as an alpha beside you then it will be a fight**
Stormrunner
"I didn't mean to insult you." Stormrunner apologized with sincerity, "I'm only saying that I happened to be in the right place at the right time when the pack needed a leader, and for the past few months, it's all been working well." When Megatron continued however, it became clear to Storm that there was no abating his aggression or will. Storm sucked in a deep breath and raised his head, smoothing out the lines of concern that had etched his expression. "You've been a phenomenal pack member, and an integral part of our family, and you work well as our beta. I look up to your wisdom and advice, but there just can't be two alphas. You're... a bit too headstrong, Megs. You're too quick to anger, and too quick to turn to violence to get what you want. A leader has to listen and compromise and make tough decisions without letting anger cloud their rule." When Megatron called him out as a liar, Stormrunner evened his voice, "You just told me you'd be willing to spill my blood to take my rank, brother. Those were your words." A sterner look yet came to his features, but their was was no joy behind his eyes when he spoke, "You're getting older, Megatron. If we come to blows, you know that you're not as quick as you use to be, and I don't want to cause any harm to any of my family. Please, Megs, don't do this."
Megatron
Megatron words weren't filled with the anger any more. he wanted to cry almost. ** Storm I've been trying to do this peacefully I am not beta I can't live like this. I love you but your being unfair I deserve to be an alpha atleast for a few years I've earned it. There is no reason to not have two alphas. It relieves some of the burden. ** He said. ** I don't care if I can't have what I've earned I rather be dead I can't be happy with being beta.** He said. ** I'm still as quick as you. Stop insulting me that's not fit of a leader** he said** I'm sorry storm but I can't live as just a beta any more. I deserve I've earned the right to be an alpha atleast for a few years**
Tayzeka had been wondering near by her ribs slowly healing when she heard the two. She moved toward them ** Enough both of you.** She said** your both fit and worthy of the position. Storm two male alphas can work. You two work good together. You want a peaceful solution there it is. The pack would not mind Megatron stepping up. I don't want you two fighting in any way. And if you fight and mega looses you'd have to kick him out he's too dominant to accept a lower rank and I won't see him kicked out so please you both can be alpha**
Stormrunner
"But you haven't, brother." Stormrunner reminded him patiently, "You demanded to be leader, then threatened violence on me when I didn't concede. I love you too Megs, but I don't think this is a good idea." When his mother arrived, it didn't sway Stormrunner's stance. He gave her the same patient smile, knowing that she was just trying to find a peaceful resolution herself. "You're just too headstrong for us to be able to work together efficiently. If your happiness revolves solely on being leader... that's not good for the pack, Megatron. You have to want it for the family, not for your own ambitions and ego."
Stormrunner looked between the two, "Mom, please don't get involved, this is between Megatron and I." Now he looked back to Megs, "You see, you're quick to take personal insult when I'm pointing out facts; you are getting older Megs, there's no shame in that. I say that only to avoid a fight. I will someday have a mate to share my burden of leadership with, but I hope that you can still be there at my side, as my beta and adviser. I need you at my side as my brother, not my competition."
Megatron
He kept calm this time ** I have earned it. I want it for our family but I can't live as a beta** he said** I wasn't threatening I just told you if it's has to come to a fight I will fight. ** He said** your not my alpha storm you are my equal. If you wanted what's best for the pack you would accept me as an alpha** he said. He looked to his mother. **Mom** he said softly** storm I'm sorry but I can't stay as beta. My family is everything to me but mother is right if I loose you have to kick me out and you will break the pack. I want to do this peacefully but you that don't understand that I'm dominant it's in our blood we can't control how dominant we are. And me I'm alpha dominant we will continue to fight unless we come to an agreement that we are both alphas or we fight. It's natural but I can't be a beta**
Tay had tears in her eyes. ** Storm if he loses I will go with him. Don't tear this pack in half storm please do what's right. Accept him as your equal please. ** Her tail dropped and she began backing away. If they fought. If meg lost her family would be destroyed. She loved them both but she knew this day would come. Megatron had always been dominant and honestly she was surprised it took this long for meg to make it clear. ** Storm the only reason he handled your words this way is because your his brother. I've seen him handle similar situation with outsiders not once did he loose his anger. I'm begging you don't break this family** she kept backing away.
Stormrunner
"Megs, you're trying to force me out of the rank I earned because you feel entitled to it? What do you feel you've done to earn it that I haven't?" He asked these things honestly and as delicately as he could manage, trying to sus out the understanding behind his brother's motivations. When they spoke of Megs being driven out, he shook his head and answered back emphatically, "You know I would never drive you out of the pack. I didn't force dad out when I took over for him, why do you think I would make you leave? Disputes are part of any family, it's how we deal with them that matters."
When his mother began to fervently back Megatran, a look of hurt came to Stormrunner's eyes. "Mom, I'm not forcing anyone's paw here, I'm just trying to be a good leader and keep the family together. You both act like it's my decision here, but Megs is making these demands and ultimatums." The thought she would willingly leave her family if her elder son didn't get what he wanted over him stung his heart a little, but he persevered, "I don't think his will to lead is coming from the best place. Strong dominance alone isn't a reason to have someone as a leader; you have to be able to temper that with reason and compassion." His attention had honed back in on Megatron, "Please don't tear the pack apart over this."
Mega
He had everything it would take to lead. ** I'm not trying to force you out of the rank but I am an alpha. If we can't share there never be peace again. I'm not the one trying to split this pack storm I want my family I want to lead like I've earned** he said. ** I have compassion I have everything you just said** he said ** I can't live this way any more storm. I'm meant to lead our family and I'm willing to do it beside you. ** He said**as equals both of us deserve it. ** He said. ** Last option to avoid fighting storm. We share Aspen Grove pack lands as two separate packs. You cannot change me. I'm an alpha you can accept that and live side by side with me but I'm noones beta and your my equal not my alpha** he said. **I'll have to leave storm if you want peace it won't happen with me here unless I'm an alpha it won't be peaceful any more. I want us to all be happy to get what we deserve and earned. Just like you. But I don't know or understand why your making me repeat things.**
Tay sighed. **He has everything you have storm so he got upset at your words. Everyone has those days even an alpha there nothing wrong with that. ** She loved both her sons and they both deserved alpha
Stormrunner
"We can't both be alphas. You have worthy qualities, but you're too headstrong for us both to lead without butting heads over everyday decisions, just like we are now. A pack can't confidently been lead by that kind of discord." Again, the wolf shook his head, his mind becoming more resolute, "I'm sorry Megs. I don't want you to leave, and I don't want to fight you, but if you are more concerned with being a leader than making peace with our family, I can't control that. We have peace right now, I want to maintain that." The sadness remained, but it was secondary to his resolve to stand his ground and not give into these ultimatums. "You need to lower your tail, Megatron. For the sake of mom and the rest of the pack, don't spill blood today."
He'd side-glanced at his mom, but never truly let his focus fall from his brother, worried that Megs would launch into an attack.
Tay
He snorted **I'm as headstrong as you. I'm not butting heads with you. I'm telling you I can't live this way any more. There will be no discord. I've agreed with everything you wanted or voices things you agreed with** he said he snorted ** I'm trying to bring peace to the family.** He said. * * My tail is right where it needs to be. Mom wants us to coexist. She raised me to be a leader just like you. Mom understand and supports me and you and so doesn't father. I'm not leaving, I'm not lowering my tail. ** He said. Megs wouldn't out right attack his brother he really didn't want to fight him it killed him to see his mother so upset but he couldn't live with his family as a beta any more. He wished he could but he couldn't
Tay had tears **storm I love you both but this is breaking my heart. Megs wants everything you want but he is dominant and needs the rank and there nothing wrong with that. I support both of you. If you can't accept megs as your equal you need to fight him it's the only way** she looked away she wanted both of them happy. This broke her heart. She laid down now as her ribs hurt.
Stormrunner
"But we already
Stormrunner took a one brisk step to his brother, bringing himself inches from Megatron. His head was high and his stormy ruff fully expanded in all its wintry glory, "I will give you one more warning Megatron, you need to lower your tail. Accept your rank as beta, a title you rightfully deserve and have earned. If you fight me, you know you aren't as young as you use to be. You're strong, but age takes a toll on us all, and I don't want to fight you like this. But I will defend my rank, as any alpha would."
Tay
Tay frowned** I want you both as leader storm** she said
Meg didn't budge ** I'm not trying to disturb anything, I'm not trying to kick you from alpha. But I've earned alpha as much as you have and I can't live as something lesser** he said. **For sake of our family storm, accept me as your equal we could be great together. We can lead this pack together. Everyone can be happy mom can be happy. ** He said.
He didn't lower his tail. **I can still hold my own against you. I haven't weakened or slowed down yet. But please reconsider this. We don't need to fight we've both deserved and earned alpha. We can coexist as alphas if you just open your mind more please brother don't split this pack. I don't want to but I can't live as beta. It's not the position that I deserve. I'm your equal. Please for the pack for mom, for yourself for me accept me as your equal**
Stormrunner
"We can't both be alphas Megs. You talk about your happiness and your wants and needs, but this is not what I want, because I know it is not best for the pack." Instead of falling back into that discussion, he left it there, having said all he could. When Megatron tried to turn his words around, Storm's gaze hardened and he bared a fang in further visual warning, "We're done discussing this. We both know where we stand; the pack is whole and happy right now, you're the one willing to drive a wedge through it to get what you think you deserve." He took the last half-step forward, until his nose was pressed into Megatron's, his eyes staring unblinkingly into his brother's. The pain was still there, but he'd tamped it down, focusing solely on what needed to be done. And that was to defend his title. "These will be my last words before I act with my fangs, brother. Lower your tail, please."
Megatron
He stopped trying to convince him and instead of responding he attacked by snapping at his brothers muzzle. He hated to fight him but this was storms decision. If he won he would still let storm be an alpha beside him. But he couldn't be happy at all till he was an alpha
Tay watched tears freely running down her face
Stormrunner
A snarl exploded from Stormrunner as he officially put aside any attempt at staying this fight any longer. As with Starscream, force was needed to end this dispute, and Storm only hoped he had enough strength and training to hold his title. The moment Megatron's muzzle moved, Storm's went with it, and their fangs met with force. He felt the pain his his brother's teeth tear across his skin, bringing a sting of wetness to his eyes, and turned his against the other's flesh, trying to grab and shake the other. He was willing to spill some blood, but his ultimately goal was not to cause harm so much as it was to tire out his older sibling...
Megatron
He wouldn't be able to stay if he lost cause he would never submit. It hurt to know this could be the end of having his family. He focused now and moved to shove his brother and his teeth go for his brother shoulder area now.
Stormrunner
Stormrunner felt teeth hit his shoulder and dig in for a strong bite, though it wasn't as vicious as it might have been against a true enemy. They were bothers after all, and at the end of the day they were still family. For that reason his own fangs didn't go for a throat or bite with any more force than was needed to get a hold of his sibling. He'd winced at the pain against his shoulder, while raising a paw to put over Meg's back as he bite for the other's scruff, aiming to grab and thrash him at the same time.
Megatron
He felt his brother leg on him and teeth in his scruff. He made to rear up to dislodge and throw his brother off balance putting his own fest up on his brother and attempted to bite his brother side again and thrash it a bit
Stormrunner
When Megatron reared up to throw him off, Stormrunner attempted to push forward and knock his brother off balance and adjust his grip. Unfortunately for both, a huge blanket of snow suddenly roared down from above, where the branches could no longer bear the weight of the white crystals that had dropped on them during last night's storm. Both wolves were pelted with several pounds of snow, causing no real damage, but some disorientation.
Stormrunner's growl sharpened in surprised and he scrambled back, fervently shaking his coat. He blinked upward, but didn't waste too much time trying to figure out what had just happened; he had a small window of opportunity, and he took it. Storm lunged forward, aiming to slam himself into Megatron and once more size his sibling, this time by the thick fur and skin about his shoulder.
Meg
Meg shok himself of the snow. He let his brother teeth sink into his shoulder. He reared up and aimed his teeth for the side of his brother face or neck while he also aimed his claws for his face
Stormrunner
He tasted blood now and hardened his grip. He gave Megatron a harsh thrash before ultimately his hold when Megs reared, and though he snapped quickly to retain it, his teeth clanked harmlessly against air and fur. Megatron gnashed fangs against his face, tearing a few lines of red into his pale gray coat, and bringing a light yelp from the other. When Storm saw paws swinging his way, he tucked his head aside to avoid them, and rose on his hind legs, shoving forward and clawing at Meg's face to distract him...
Meg
He winced at his brother yelp as he lowered down after and aimed to ran into his brother underside with his shoulder on hopes of knocking him over along with aiming to grab his scruff
Stormrunner
Stormrunner's front paws had scarcely hit the ground before they came up again as he leapt aside, avoiding the brunt of Megatron's rush. He twisted in mid jump, swinging his muzzle down to grab at Megatron's back, aiming to fill his mouth mostly with fur and skin. With this he would thrash the other again, using his paws where he could to to wrestle with and whittle away at his brother's energy and eventually force him to the ground.
Stormrunner himself was beginning to breath heavily, with bits of his own fur scattered in clumps across the trampled snow. Megatron was a fierce adversary and Storm could tell his heart was into, but the younger Storm still had quite a bit of fight left in him.
Megatron
He was tired but he would not submit. He yelped as his brother grab and thrashed but he did not go down. He had to turn more serious if he wanted alpha and now Megatron's teeth go for a hind leg of his brother and he would thrash and attempted to pull it toward him.
Stormrunner
Their breath was catching in the quiet air, rising in puffs of steam as loose tufts of fur drifted around them. Had they really been going after each other, red would have been staining the ground in more than just light spatters, but as it was, the two were still holding back on their true capabilities and trying their best to overpower the other.
There were a few tense minutes where the pair fought with neither side truly losing or gaining any ground, only wearing down their endurance. And then, in a moment where Storm was catching his breath and gauging his next move, Megatron rushed in with renewed vigor, catching his younger brother off guard and snatching his hind limb. Storm whirled and snapped, but once more his teeth snapped shut on air rather than skin, leaving him temporarily at Meg's mercy...
Meg
He felt his teeth grab his brother back leg and now he pulled it toward him hoping to make him fall on his side. Whether it worked or not he'd give a little thrash and lashed out with his claws.
Stormrunner
Stormrunner felt his other leg slip as he was pulled forward, and had to scramble to keep his balance against the fierce thrashing Megatron was giving him. It had stopped him from getting a hold initially, but the second Storm managed to gather his three free paws beneath him in a solid manner, he wincingly wrenched his imprisoned limb free. With the ferocity of an incoming storm, the wolf rushed upon Megatron with gnashing fangs, grabbing for the loose skin and fur of Meg's neck, while swiping a paw at his sensitive nose, and using his shoulder to buffet Meg's own claws...
Meg
Meg just wouldn't give up he couldn't. His personality his want to lead his family kept him pushing through the exhaustion he felt he snarled as his brother grabbed his neck but he didn't let this stop him now he pulled his front half down and aimed his own bite for storms front shoulder aiming to cripple him. He also pushed toward him hoping to throw him off balance so he could then throw another bite at him this time for his side
Stormrunner
His muscles were beginning to scream at him. The adrenaline from the start of the fight was starting to fade, and lead began to fill his limbs. He felt his brother's movements become more determined, more focused, but knew he had to be feeling it as well. There was more fur and spots of pink in the snow than he would have liked, but Storm didn't have much time to think about that.
Megatron was rounding on him again, breaking free of his hold to try and grab his shoulder. Stormrunner forced his paws to dance, twisting away from Megs and snapping back at him, this time going for a muzzle hold and another thrash. Meg's body slammed into his own, but Storm braced against it, then pushed back with all his might, trying to topple the other over before releasing whatever hold he'd gotten.
Meg
Meg almost fell but caught himself his adrenaline was still very much there. Now he turned completely serious as he set his teeth for his brothers muzzle and claws for his brothers eyes.
Tay didn't like this she couldn't handle it if meg lost her first born didn't deserve this.
Stormrunner
Fangs and claws met Stormrunner, forcing him to duck his head back to keep his brother's teeth from digging too deeply into his snout. It meant forgoing a bite himself, and brought a welling of blood across his pale gray face, but it didn't stop the younger wolf from rearing up and pushing forward, slamming his paws for Meg's face and neck in an attempt to shove him to the ground and bring an end to their quarrel. "Enough, Megs! Enough blood has been shed!" He growled in diminishing fury, for he felt no glory or pride in fighting his own kin. With one eye squinted nearly closed due to the past paw strike, the other remained open and on Megatron...
Megs
He growled at him as he just stopped but he didn't submit and his tail remained up in alpha. ** I'm never submitting to you. Your my equal** he said no anger in his words. But he would not submit he just couldn't
Tay moved to meg and licked his wounds. But her heart was broken storm made it clear he can't compromise which means meg would have to leave. ** Storm you need to learn to compromise. That is where you are lacking. Now our family is broken because of it. I love you both and you both deserve Alpha. ** But now she turned away. She wouldn't watch meg be chased out. She was going to ask her brothers and hawk to join him however. She herself wouldn't leave unless starscream did.
Stormrunner
He stood there panting as the fur settled around them in the crushed and tainted snow. His tail was high and his ruffled coat still expanded in all its winter glory. He was about to strike again, but he could tell Megatron was utterly exhausted and unable to continue the fight; to attack him now wouldn't be right, though it remained a last resort if his brother didn't submit. "Lower your tail, Megatron. You can't keep fighting like this and I don't want to hurt you, you need to concede." He stalked forward with stiff limbs, eyes matching Meg's gaze with authority. If Megatron did not lower his tail, Stormrunner would pounce and force the other to the ground. An ear swiveled in his mother's direction, but he had no words for her right now - he had to deal with his fellow packmate first.
Marvolo
He kept his tail up ** I can't do that I know my place and that's beside you as your equal. ** he said he would never submit he couldn't
Stormrunner
This was the last thing Stormrunner wanted to do, but he couldn't let packmates ignore his authority, or what good was he as their leader? His eyes set and his tired muscles went into action, and he lunged forcefully at Megatron, to knock the wearied wolf down and stand above him, his tail arched high and his fangs bared to make it absolutely clear how serious he was, "Let go of your pride, Megatron. All I am asking is for you to set your ego aside and think of the pack first. I need you at my side as a loyal beta, not competition. If you can't do that, you need to leave."
Turok
Turok approached enough, he's leaving and Kurok and I will be joining him as his elders Storm. WE are sorry you can't learn to coexist. OUr own birth pack was run by two strong alpha males you could of done that too without breaking up your familyHe said. Tay had asked them to go with meg. come Meg I have talked to Crucifix and his son Kalaber they unlike your own brother are willing to share their territory with youHe said.
Megatron snapped at his brother as he ppushed over. Im leaving but i will come back to take my home back the territory He said snapping at his brothers muzzle before getting up and moving to follow Turok.
Kurok paused by Storm If my sister dies from this I won't forgive you Kurok had always been the odd one out of the siblings and he blamed both Meg and storm for all this.
Tayzeka had gone to the den site that they had used with megatrons litter and just laid there.
Stormrunner
Stormrunner was startled by the the decision and harsh words of his uncles, and it took a moment between heavy pants to offer a response, "I was given an ultimatum, with unreasonable demands. A good leader doesn't roll over and give in to things like that." He defended, but his words held a note of uncertainty, having not known his uncles felt this way. The young wolf felt further betrayed that Kurok and Torek would leave behind their entire family in favor of a single wolf, but he couldn't stop them.
Megatron's aggression surged back in full force, but Storm was able to easily evade the weakened snap, and only looked back at his brother with shadow of confusion and hurt in his gold-rimmed eyes. "You are thinking of your own ego before the pack. I hope that you can come to terms with that before you return." To Kurok, he responded tiredly, feeling emotionally worn as some of the pack seemed to be turning on him for doing his job, "I will be here to look after mom; you are the one that is abandoning your sister and weakening the pack."
Kurok
Kurok stopped and turn and made to pounce on him to pin him. My sister asked us to go with him. Do not ever accuse me of Abandoning my sister. She only stays because she loves your father. She loves you but if star would go with megatron so wouldn't she. You have got loads to learn boy and compromising is one of them. He snarled at him before turning to continue on.
Stormrunner
He gnashed his fangs in the air, giving Kurok a visual warning, and a reminder that he was alpha, "You've been a good and loyal pack member for as long as I've been here, why you're suddenly so hostile to me over a dispute between Megs and I is... I don't know." He didn't have the words for it, so he didn't try to explain it. It frustrated him that the pack he cared so much for would so willingly turn their back on him after he'd lead them peacefully for months, and over nothing more than a title dispute. "You are all acting like Megatron is forcing your paw - it's his choice to leave, and it's your choice to follow him. Tay and Megs don't control you. He is the one giving up on his family because he didn't get the power he wanted. You're enabling him, and weakening the pack for his ego. That's all this is." He emphasized, passion coming into his tones rather than snarls or growls. "Compromise is working together; Megatron made demands that weren't realistic. You know that, Kurok."
Kurok
He snorted We choose to protect our family your well protected he is not so we will go with him. He said then snorted Megatron made no demands he told you what was bothering him and you turned it into a demand. You've got a lot to learn if you think he can just turn off his dominance. This is life Storm Dominant wolves clash. He wanted to do this peacefully and gave you the options he could work with and you shot them down. But don't you ever accuse us of abandoning our pack our sisters. He said.
Gwen had avoided going by Storm she loved her family but she wanted some adventure so going with Megatron seems perfect opportunity.
Stormrunners
"I made no demands, only telling him that the title was already mine. I- I don't-" The storm-hued wolf faltered, feeling blindsided by Kurok's view of the situation. Storm closed his mouth for a moment and let himself finally catch his breath and clear his head. When he spoke again, he did so lightly, knowing Kurok had only heard one side of the story, and that from a wolf who had only witnessed half of it herself. "-I think maybe you've jumped to conclusions here? Megatron seemed a bit distance, so I wanted to talk to him about it, and yes, he said he wanted to be alpha. I told him no; that's not me failing to compromise, that's a reasonable response to a rather major demand." Stormrunner explained, hoping this might smooth out the hostility he was getting from his uncles. "Maybe abandon was a harsh word, so I apologize for that. But so is trying to blame me for her dying, don't you think? Especially when you two are choosing Megatron's well-being over your elderly sister? You did say he's going to Crucifix's pack, so shouldn't he be safe there?"’
Kurok
He snorted ** us staying won't stop her from dying when it's meg leaving that killing her** he said with a snort ** he not joining crucifix he sharing his pack lands with him and treating him like a fellow alpha. Now that's an alpha. You could of shared Aspen Grove with him** he said**thus preventing a family from splitting** he said
Stormrunner
The rustle of nearby willow branches that marked the approach of Starscream. All the commotion had began to draw the attention of other pack members, and the ex-alpha was no exception. Slow but steady steps brought the wolf into view, his grizzled face furrowed in alarm and a single aud directed at Storm, catching his son's words as he spoke with the others. Though he didn't immediately ask about what was happening, the look of confusion Star carried was unmistakable.
Stormrunner quelled his frustration as best he could, and wrestled between wanting to talk these three into staying in the pack, and wondering if it was best to simply let them go if they thought so poorly of his skills. "Listen, Kurok, I'm not going to argue with you." The alpha began, "You three are free to make your own decisions, and bear the weight of what consequences come from them. If Megs knows that leaving is going to hurt his mother, and he chooses to go anyway, that tells me all I need to know about his leadership skills. I still love him as my big brother, but I'm disappointed in his decision." Ignoring the strain it brought to his muscles, Stormrunner raised his head high as Starscream stepped up beside him. "You three can go now, if that's what you want. You're still family, and welcome back any time as long as you can respect my authority."
Meg
He stopped ** do not insinuate I don't care about mother. She is staying only because of father. You won't accept me as an alpha storm I cannot stay with someone who doesn't see me as what I am. We could of shared Aspen as two separate packs. It's large enough to house both of us. You just choose to see me as lesser and refuse to see me happy and where I deserve. ** He said the anger was gone from him. Only sadness and heart break that his brother couldn't accept a compromise to keep everyone happy. He eyed his father even more pain showing. He had been a daddies boy and this killed him.
Kurok just sighed ** look storm you talk about meg putting his ego aside well I think you too need to put it aside for the better of our family. Let meg have the southern half of the territory. This way we can all coexist happily. Your mother won't have to live with a broken heart and the family can be together**
Stormrunner
His eyes darted back to Megatron when his brother returned, and he felt tension creep back into his frame, with eyes glancing to his brother's posture to see how he stood. "I know you care about her, but you're putting your needs before her own. Making that kind of decision is not a good sign of a solid leader, and that's one reason I can't step aside and let you take my place." To Megs and Kurok both he spoke, "It's not ego that keeps me in this position, it's a desire to lead and protect my family. Being leader isn't about satisfying ones need to be dominant, it's about making sacrifices to keep your pack safe. Megs, you and Kurok are trying to make me out as the bad guy here and I don't understand why; I can't be the keeper of your happiness, only you can do that-”
"Dominance fight?" Out of the blue, Starscream snorted this, his brows furrowing more as he began to piece the situation together based on what he'd heard, and the sight of pink-tainted snow and clumps of fur scattering the ground. "A pack has a single alpha pair, there's no splitting the pack. What is this nonsense all about?" A particularly potent look was then turned to Stormrunner, who bore it without flinch, "Almost as bad as inviting cats into the pack."
Storm shouldered the critique, having already gone enough rounds with Star and his dislike of Dawnstride, "We're not discussing that right now, dad. Megs and I had a disagreement over who should lead the pack, and I won the fight." And to this Starscream huffed again, eying the two of them. He loved each of his known children equally, and held no favorites. He didn't like seeing the pain in Megatron's eyes, or the distress that riddled Storm's, but then he had never been good at consoling his children. That skill seemed to be reserved specifically for Tayzeka and the late Kaina.
Meg
**so I should suffer then be a miserable wolf because you can't compromise. I'm sorry that I want to be an alpha to lead and protect my pack. I'm sorry I exist storm. ** He said he nuzzled his mother. ** Thank you mother** he would return next month to take the territory from storm however. **I wish father and you would join me but I understand his want to stay in Aspen ** he didn't say anything about his father wanting to stay with storm.
Tay returned** enough, megs I'll visit you every day no matter what storm wants you tell crucifix I appreciate his generosity of giving you half his land. ** She said moving to her eldest. **And if your pack needs anything I will be there to do what I can you will make a splendid alpha just as your brother has. **
Stormrunner
"Megs, stop. You can't blame the world when you don't get what you want, and you can't blame me for your unhappiness. You have to take responsibility for yourself. You-" Before Stormrunner could continue to reason with his brother, Starscream again broke into the conversation.
"You're leaving?" A dour look encompassed his heavily whitened muzzle, and he watched as his mate approached the group, nuzzling Megatron and speaking of Crucifix. He shot a puzzled look to Tayzeka, then to Kurok and Stormrunner.
Patiently, Storm tried to fill his father in, realizing he was missing some of the nuance of the situation, "Megatron is unhappy being a subordinate, so he's moving to the Parnassian Meadows to lead a pack there. Kurok and Torek are joining him."
A rumble rolled through the old male's chest, not really an aggressive noise, but one of discontent, "Is that true?" To his former beta he looked, "Crucifix has enough in his pack, you should stay here. Besides, he's fond of inviting non-wolves into his group." His distaste for such mixed packs reared up again, even though one of these hearty allies of Crucifix had been crucial in defending his daughter and grandchildren last year in the Sonnet Forest.
Meg
He listened to his father** how can I stay when I'm an alpha? Storm refuses to share our home with a second pack and won't accept me as his equal. So if you have a suggestion I'm ears but I'm not lowering my tail to him. **
Tay just listened but she couldn't see star having a solution that allows meg to stay and be an alpha
Stormrunner & Starscream
Stormrunner parted his jaws to speak, a little worried that their father may not be the best one to consult, but he was just so exhausted after the fight that he thought better of trying to stop it and simply let his father put his two cents in.
"If you lose a dominance fight to someone, you lower your tail to them. You're not an alpha." Starscream answered in blunt honesty, even though the hypocritical old wolf often edged his own banner a bit higher than it ought to be, despite frequent rebukes from Stormrunner. Thankfully in this moment, it wasn't flagged that high, perhaps in subconscious recognition of the tension in the air, and the fact that Stormrunner was so on edge. "Everyone loses a fight now and then, Imre knows I did." He spat that with some disgust, recalling the few scraps where he'd lost, including to his own sibling. "But if you keep it raised, you're asking to get killed or driven off, that's just how it works. You don't split packs or have co-leads like those damned Haunter scum! I get where you're coming from, you get a lot of this dominance from me and your grandma, but you haven't yet learned how to cope with loss."
Stormrunner swallowed quietly. His dad's response was actually a little more eloquent than he'd expected. Following up on his sire's words, Storm added a little more softly, for he truly didn't want to see his own brother hurting, "Think of what really matters to you, Megs. Family, right? For them, for us, make the peaceful decision and stay on as my beta. I could really use your help. The only thing I'm asking is that you keep your tail lowered and respect my position, that's it - just like we have been doing all along until today."
Meg
He shook his head. ** No I can't live as a beta you have blackout. I'm accepting my loss father but I'm choosing the best course for everyone. I will not settle for beta. It's not my place. ** He said. His tail flicked ** family is everything to me but I can't lower my tail to an equal. In three years when I'm not fit to lead then yes I'll be beta but I should be allowed to lead like I worked my whole life for** he said. Tears pricking his eyes. **You don't need two betas. ** He said. ** You could let me have my own pack and live with you. The land is too big for one pack. But you choose not to.** He said. He had too much drive to lead a pack.
Stormrunner & Starscream
Tension continued to reign, and Stormrunner was running out of both patience and energy. He would not budge on his stance as an alpha, and Megatron's yearning for dominance was not waning. Starscream's interjection into the quarrel and the emotions that swirled with Tayzeka's involvement only fueled the endless firestorm that the conflict had become, and it was threatening to split the family apart.
"Emotions are high, it's doing no one any good to argue about this right now." Stormrunner moved forward, placing himself in the center of the gathered wolves. He raised his voice to be heard, and pitched it to be taken as a command rather than a suggestion, "Neither Megatron nor I have the strength to continue this fight right now, so we're all going to head back to our rendezvous site to rest. " Had this been anyone other than a loved family member, they would have been ousted long before now; but Storm loved his brother, and felt that a bit of downtime might help mend bruised egos and strained feelings. With his own muscles begging for a break, he was the first to turn away from the group, heading towards the nearby densite. "Once we've had time to think and recover, Megatron and I can talk again. For now, Crucifix can wait." He'd glanced back at the others, then continued onward, deeper into the heart of their territory.