Megatron/Blackout

Megatron had grudgingly agreed to stay as long as he won against Blackout and as long Storm actually took his thoughts and opinions in consideration when making decisions. Was he fully happy about not being Alpha no of course not he deserved it he really did. But he did want to stay with his family. Maybe when his father and mother passed on maybe then he'd split or maybe by then he'd be okay with beta or even just becoming an elder. This killed him to accept Beta it really did andd he wouldn't fully be happy but he would deal with it as long as Storm made all decisions with him and listened to him on what he thought. Nine out of ten as is he would agree to what ever that decision was but there might be a decision he felt would not help the pack and thats when he would want to see Storm really think about his decision. Not that it would ever come to that.

The coming days megs ate, drank and slept with the pack. His mother constantly grooming him. However, it was when ever Blackout was around that he would have his tail raised higher then beta to make it clear of his position with blackout now. He could see his brother acknowledged it but he could also see he had no intention on stepping down. He hated to fight his family but as a dominant wolf he couldn't just sit back and let it go he needed it and it would be the only way he could cope with staying. Even with eatting food when it was the beta's turn he always pushed and snapped at blackout. Who just tended to move to the opposite end of the carcass.

It had been three days and he had his full energy. He knew Blackout was different then Storm, Blackout would only hold back from killing blows but would have no problem maiming him. So he waited for Blackout to finally show and when he did he lunged at him aiming for his scruff. His teeth missed his scruff but got his shoulder as he moved to avoid him. Meg felt Blackouts teeth graze his cheek but he had let his brother go and made to shoulder him.

Blackout snarled as his brother attacked him. He knew it was coming with the dominance displays. The display was an alpha display but it was clear the alpha display was geared toward him not storm. He moved but Meg teeth sunk into his shouler. He attempted to bite his brothers cheek but only scrapped it as he was shoulder to the side. He lunged back for his brother this time his teeth sinking into Megatron's back. He held tight thrashing.

Stormrunner

In the days that followed the battle between he and his brother, Stormrunner had given Megatron space and made no moves to intervene on the rising tension between he and Blackout. Unlike his father, Storm wasn't keen on asserting his authority at every chance he got, and only raised a lip or offered a hard stare if anyone stepped too far out of line, which thankfully, didn't happen often in their tight-knit family. Well... aside from with Starscream himself, but the old wolf was of no threat to Storm's authority at his advanced age, and a tired rumble was usually enough to remind Star that he wasn't leader anymore.

Stormrunner had just finished a short patrol with Hawk and the newly recruited Iopa when the sounds of conflict caught his attention. He took off in a flash, racing past trees and vaulting over fallen logs until he came upon an unfortunately familiar scene, and one he wasn't all too surprised to find happening.

Megatron and Blackout had finally come to blows.

Quietly, uncomfortably, Stormrunner approached to a respectful distance, keeping an eye on the embattled pair. He hated to see this kind of bloodshed, but knew that trying to stop it would just prolong the inevitable between the two. Just as he had to fight Megatron to sort out their differences, so too did these two need to use fang and claw to end their dispute.

Megatron

Megatron Refused to loose, if he lost he would go and he knew his uncles would still join him. But just like Storm didn't believe they needed two alphas they did not need two beta's. He had honestly allowed blackout to share it cause he knew he'd eventually challenge Storm. Which he may still do potentionally one more time but not atleast for a while. Right now it was about Putting blackout as a subordinate. IT was the only way he could stay. He had instinctivly clutched his tail under him to protect his privet area from any potential bites his brother may throw there. When his brother didn't budge from the shoulder shove he aimed to grab his scruff. With his teeth in blackouts scruff he thrashd hard.

Blackouthe snarled as his brothers teeth bite into his scruff and he is shook like a ragdoll. He shoved up into his brothers bite both to throw his brother off and to lessen the pain. He aims his own teeth for his brothers leg. Hoping to maim him enough to win this fight. Like Meg he was dominant he wouldn't sit well being unranked. He did love his family but he felt so happy to at home being a beta it suit him well for Meg to try to throw him out of it angered him.

Stormrunner

Stormrunner continued to watch the fight with a critical eye. Megs was going at it hard, and even though their own fight had concluded just a few days prior, the sheer voracity and strength he was throwing into this one was impressive. He almost felt bad for Blackout, but then his littermate didn't seem to be holding much back either. Just to make it clear he would not interfere, the alpha eased back onto his haunches as he continued watching the duel.

Meg

The fight continued well into the early afternoon when he finally pinned his younger brother. He let him go before moving away to groom himself not wanting to argue with blackout

Blackout growled as he lost. He glared before moving away from the pack. He may not be as dominant as meg but he had lived for being beta now he was nothing. His ears were back. He wouldn't leave the pack but he had no want to be near them as just another subordinate.

Stormrunner

He'd waited until the fight was finished and both parties went their separate ways before making any move himself. He figured Blackout would need some time to cool down from his loss, so it was Megatron that the alpha slowly approached. "Megs." He woofed lightly as he padded forth, carrying his tail loose and free to signal that there was no need for posturing right now. "How are you holding up?" Gold-rimmed eyes that had watched the fight unfold now swept over the various points where he'd seen his littermate's fang seek a hold on Megs, wanting to make sure that none of the injuries were too serious.

Stormrunner tilted a pale gray aud to the side, listening to the faint rustle of twigs and crunch of snow as Blackout disappeared in the distant. He noted the direction, and made a mental note to send Hawk or Crow that way, to make sure the other was doing okay as well.

Meg

He did hate to do it but it was the only compromise his wolf could settle for. He did know that blackout wouldn't leave it. He sat down his shoulder being the worst of injuries. When storm approached part of him was still unsatisfied. But he bit it back. **I'll be fine** he said

Blackout moved to the far south of the territory where most didn't come. His tail still in beta since no one could see it. He laid down. What was his purpose now. He was worthless just another subordinate.

Stormrunner, Iopa, & Hawk

Storm knew without having to ask that this victory was a bittersweet one for his elder kin, and that's half the reason he carried himself neutrally right now. Moving up beside Megatron, he reached a twitching nose forward, directing it for the bloodied shoulder that appeared to be the worst of the wounds received. He sent his tongue out gingerly, to clean away some of the blood and straighten up the tattered, disheveled fur around it. It was his way of trying to help mend some of the strive that had blossomed between them, and to help sooth wounds both physical and emotional.

"If you need a few days off from hunts and patrols, you can rest near the dens." He offered, even though he figured Meg's resilience and pride couldn't bare such things. Storm himself was still feeling a little sore in the neck from their own tussle as it was. Trying to keep the mood light, the alpha switched gears a little and offered a compliment, "That was one hell of a fight, you know."

----

Out on a patrol themselves, Hawk had inadvertently crossed into Blackout's path. He stopped short when he spotted his cousin, and briefly explained to the cinnamon-tinged that had been loping after him, "That's Blackout. He and my cousin Megatron are the betas."

"Oh?" Iopa remarked curiously, not realizing the two had been co-sharing the title, and weren't actually mates. The new pack member had yet to learn that everyone else in the Aspen Grove was related to one another in some way. "He looks injured."

Hawk's ears went back, "Sometimes he and Megs scuffle... just hang back here a moment, okay? I'll go talk to him." Leaving Iopa standing near the mossy base of an old birch tree, Hawk started forward with a light bark to catch his cousin's attention. "Blackie! You and Megs get into a scuffle again?" Had he known it had been more than a scuffle, and that Blackout had lost the fight, Hawk would have been much more careful in his approach.

Megatron

Megatron let his brother clean his shoulder. **A fight that will happen again**

Blackout sat down his ear flicked as Hawk came over cursing as he let his tail drop. It was the one difference between him and meg even though it pissed him off to do it he did. ** Scruffle I wish . He kicked me out from my position. No good two timing piece of shit** he said

Stormrunner, Iopa, & Hawk

Stormrunner knew Megatron's words to be true, so he said nothing at first, and continued to clean the wounded shoulder. After a moment or two of this, the alpha drew his head back and looked to his brother, "I know I can't stop you two from fighting, it's just the way things are. But words can be just as effective as fangs, sometimes." He doubted they would settled their hierarchy dispute over words, but if could prevent just one or two physical fights, it was worth a shot.

---

Hawk had been surprised to see the tail go down, though it soon made sense as Blackout bitterly explained the reason for his battered state. "Ooof, man... I'm sorry to hear that." His auds briefly pinned back in expression of his sympathy before edging forward again, "I know he and Storm got into a few days ago, I guess it's not too surprising." He wouldn't join Blackout in trash-talking his other cousin, but he did offer some hope, "Look at it this way though, Megs is getting up there in years. I'm sure if you work on your strength and bide your time a bit, you'll be able to reclaim the title before too long. Maybe a few months, or by next spring?" Hawk himself had no current ambition for the title, being happy where he was as a subordinate, and with his own dad and uncles being as old as they were, none of them posed any real challenge to the position either.

"Oh! I almost forgot-" Hawk turned to look over his shoulder, using his muzzle to point to the pale cinnamon-tan she-wolf sitting daintily a few dozen yards from them. "I don't think you've met Iopa yet? Storm invited her to the pack just the other day."

Blackout

He snorted at hawks words ** there going to be many fights till I get it back. ** He said with a snort ** till then I'll just keep to myself** he had no real intentions of submitting to megs. He had agreed to share beta to prevent fighting. He glanced at the female. Something else he wanted was a mate. ** Pleasure** he said sitting down and grooming himself. He didn't care how dangerous it could be on his own. But he was far from okay with being a subordinate. He wouldn't even join the pack in eatting because he'd try to eat when megs did.

Megatron snorted ** and you think blackout will listen. He may not leave the territory or show his continue dominance like me but I guarantee you till he ready to challenge again we won't see him**

Stormrunner, Iopa, & Hawk

"I can keep you company." Hawk offered, not liking the idea of one pack member secluding themselves away from the others, and wanting to help out until the beta issue was officially settled. "Maybe help you train a bit too, to get stronger? Now that the weather's getting nicer, we can explore along the mountains and such." His tail began to wag at the idea, excited to get back out into the Valley once some of the treacherous snow began to melt some more. Stormrunner was normally his companion in such affairs, but since becoming alpha, Storm had less time than he used to.

Iopa had dipped her muzzle to Blackout in greeting, flashing a polite smile. "I'll let you two catch up, I'm going to scout the rest of the perimeter. Pleasure to meet you, Blackout." The pale sable wolf turned from the two, and was soon disappearing into the underbrush.

"You never know if you don't try." Stormrunner explained, "Sometimes being in a leadership position demands more than just aggression and fighting to maintain it, you've got to look at all your options." Sure, he knew talking alone wouldn't settle the dispute between two wolves that were so highly dominant aggressive, but at the very least he didn't want either of them fighting so much that one or the other suffered a major injury, or disrupted the pack. "I won't get involved in your fight unless it becomes a pack issue, I just don't like to see either of my brothers hurt."

Megatron

Mega did wonder if Storm assumed he wouldn't challenge him again. He would atleast one more time but he wasn't sure when. Probably a few months down the road. Words may work with Some Storm but not me when I really want something and the same goes for Blackout I know him well enough that he will listen but still chose to challenge me because its the position he feels is his. Its in his nature to be beta as mine is Alpha A little hint that he would try again.

Blackout wouldn't mind the company from time to time. Im choosing to stay away because I refuse to accept being Subordinate Was his only words of warning. He Knew Hawk would never challenge him but he wanted him to know he may have his tail from time to time in beta Position.

Stormrunner & Hawk

Stormrunner knew Megs would be a constant threat to his leadership, at least until age slowed him enough to make the effort futile, like it finally had to their father. He wasn't fond of the ceaseless aggression and anger, but it was just one part of the mantle he was burdened to carry as an alpha, and was resolved to deal with it when the time came.

For now, at least, Megatron's sights were on the beta title, and Storm could contend with that easily enough. "Whatever position you hold, try to think of your family, too. If you're to be my beta, I need your help to keep the pack safe and well fed, I can't have you constantly distracted by Blackout or exhausted from fighting." He said this in an attempt to shift Meg's mind away from combat, and towards something a little more productive. "With spring coming, we'll have to be shifting our hunting strategies, and I need you at the top of your game."

For Hawk, there was little desire to climb the ranks of hierarchy in the pack, and he didn't care if Blackout held his tail high or low in his presence. His drive was to support his family however they needed it, and right now Blackie seemed more in need of his time, "That might be a good idea to avoid Megs for a bit." The wolf agreed, his banner low and relaxed, "Well, if you ever want to get out of the packlands for a bit, just let me know. I'm always itching to do some exploring."

Megs

Megs wanted to growl at Storm I know my duties stormHe said. His tail flicked. I've been alive long enough that i know how to hunt in every seasonHe said with a snort.

Blackout snorted. Which means staying away from the packHe said. His tail flicked. Sure

Stormrunners & Others

"Take a deep breath, Megs." Storm commented, not really saying it as a suggestion so much as he was trying to get Megatron to recognize his attitude was starting to spiral again. "If you're going to be in a high position, you've got to be able handle your anger and frustration, or it's going to rub off on the rest of the pack." His tones remained light and positive, trying to be helpful to Megs rather than scolding or chiding. "It might help if you put your mind on other things for a bit?"

Far from the alpha and beta, Hawk was having a little more success with his cousin, "Where do you wanna go? Like I said, we could explore the mountains, or there are some places in the lower Valley I've never really been to?"

Meg

He wasn't even talking with the anger before. what anger storm? I'm not angry. I'm acting fine but if storm kept at it he was bound to get angry again for sure

Blackout atleast with the others can ignore what happened the southern valley he said

Stormrunner & Hawk

"I see the tension you carry, and I didn't miss those snorts." Stormrunner tried for a chuckle, brushing off these things as lightly as he could so that his brother's anger wouldn't be provoked further. "Why don't you go clear your head with a patrol around the borders, if you're feeling up to it? I'll call the pack for a hunt tonight, and we can scope the local moose population. They'll be dropping calves before too long."

"Sure, that sounds good. You want to lead?" Hawk was more than happy to follow after, and hopefully that a trip so far south would give Blackout and Megatron some time to cool down from their fight. It wouldn't only be a brief pause in their tension he knew, but even a little break would do them both some good.

Megatron

His tension for the most part had faded about 10 minutes ago the snorts were in response to Storms word. Part of him did want to challenge him again but he was in no condition to. rightHe said now turning to do that.

Blackout turned and led hawk south.

Stormrunner & Hawk

He was relieved to note that Megatron had indeed reigned in his hot temper and now found some level of calm. Stormrunner knew it wouldn't last, but at least for this moment in time, there was some semblance of peace between them. "Safe travels, brother." He bid his elder sibling, watching him turn away before he headed off in a different direction. He would seek out Hawk, not realizing that his cousin had already found and spoke with the defeated Blackout.

Hawk happily followed after Blackout.