Setting: Fall afternoon in the woods
Killian
From the moment he and his siblings could walk, their mother had been very clear on the rules. No going outside of the boundaries. Don't talk to strangers. And most importantly of all, don't bring anyone near the den. He was willing to obey these rules, all except for one.
Don't leave the boundaries of the nursing den.
This rule was an opportunity, a chance to show the rest of them how brave he was, more than willing to leave the safely of the den, willing to break the rules. Though of course he wouldn't approach someone he didn't know, because he knew that would be dangerous. His goal was only to show the others that he would do what they would not. To show them that he was different. All he had to do was sneak away and get a head start before anyone noticed he was gone.
Confident in his thoughts, he crept to the mouth of the den while mother was occupied with the others, and bolted off into the brush that was closest to him the moment opportunity arises, never stoping until he felt he had put enough distance between himself and their home.
At this point he continued on, knowing he was close to the end because he had explored it earlier, and it wasn't long before the unfamiliar trees lay ahead, the corners of his mouth curled upward in a sly grin. He was almost there.
The pups that Alcatraz sired in his second litter varied greatly from the first. He had thought fatherhood would be easier the second time, but due to the differences it turned out to be almost as challenging, in some cases even more so.
But there was one little pup whose tricks reminded him of his older brother, Lazarus. Killian was a wanderer, always eager to get out and explore. For that Alcatraz was glad to have the experience. Especially now as he saw a blur of dark brown-black fur streak from the den and dive into the bushes. The pup did not see his father as he sat guard in the shadows of the undergrowth beside the den. Alcatraz got to his paws, his yellow eyes glinting impatiently, and he padded quietly after the pup.
Killian had made it a decent distance and quickly, Alcatraz was even a bit impressed. But also even more eager to catch his son before he got himself into whatever misadventures he had planned today. He broke into a trot when he noticed the pup making his way toward the dark shadows of the forest. He stopped before he reached his son. “Killian.” he barked, a stern frown in his face and his pale yellow eyes boring into the young male, demanding an explanation.
He froze in his tracks when he heard a booming voice from behind, all of his muscles tensing, even his jaw bone poked out. He’d been caught! Worst of all it was father, he must have been following him the whole time. He would have much preferred being caught by mother, since she was much more patient than Father. How stupid it was of him not to check the outside of the den for his father like he did the others on the inside. He would never hear the end of the mistake from his siblings.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment he turned around to face the demanding stare of his father. ”I-I was-”What? Trying to show them he was brave? That he different? There were no excuses, he had been caught red handed, but he would not be ashamed. Doing his best to size up to his father, Killian marched over to him.
”I was going to go past the boundaries, just to look. He didn't have to say he wasn't going to talk to anyone, father should know he wasn't completely reckless. He may be troublesome, but he was careful in what he did.
”I’m not sorry.”
Alcatraz fixed his son with a stern gaze as the young pup stalked right over to him, insisting with defiance what his intensions were and that he was not sorry. “You should be sorry,” Alcatraz growled, “But not for leaving the boundaries. For leaving alone. It’s a dangerous forest, and I am happy to escort you wherever it is you’d like to look.” The large difference between Lazarus and Killian was that Lazarus would get caught and that would be the end of it. He would slink back to the den obediently, even if just to take off again at the next chance. But Killian was braver, and bolder. He had something to prove. It reminded Alcatraz of himself as a pup more than any of his children ever had before. But that was what scared him the most.
His words surprised the boy. Well, at least the last ones did, and under different circumstances, he probably would have appreciated the gesture. But his father had everything wrong. And while he didn't mind spending time with his dad, he wanted his father to know his true intentions. ”I didn't want to explore today.” I wanted to break the rules...
If he had went with someone else, what would that have proved? Nothing at all. And what would be the fun of it? Nothing at all. He would have just been bossed around like he did back at the den.
Killian waited for his father to answer, wondering how he would react to his rebellious actions. Feeling sorry for nothing except for failing to be stealthy enough.
Alcatraz’s pale yellow eyes looked strictly down at Killian, “If you didn’t want to explore, then what are you doing out here?” he asked. Why else would a pup want to escape? Perhaps it was a call for attention? Or was there something else out in the forest that drew the young pup outward, something interesting he had seen or someone or thing he had met that he wanted to see again?
There was a brief moment of silence as the pup fumbled for words that fell dead on his tongue. How easy it would be just to let loose and free the dark thoughts that have rooted themselves in his young mind. To tell his father of this unsettling feeling, this feeling of being nothing, a nobody. To explain his desperate attempt to prove he can be more than nothing, and do something his siblings wouldn’t.
Though another part of him liked the light that sparked when he left the den. It was bright, and it was warm, but it wasn’t the sweet soft kind of feeling. No, it burned like fire. It sprouted a sense of rebellion like a blossom growing from the core of his heart. It was a way to be different…
It was too late to turn back now, anyways. The roots were already too deep, and besides, he liked this fire better.
”I wanted to break the rules, and go out there were I’m not supposed to. I’m not scared like the others, I’m not like them at all”
Alcatraz frowned when Killian finally said his answer. Well, at least his son was honest. And that made the dark male’s anger die down a bit. He understood Killian now, or at least why he had acted that way. He didn’t like it, but at least he knew. Killian wanted to prove he was brave, he wanted to show the world he was worth something, and he saw the other wolves like his brothers as just one in a pack of many, and wanted to prove that he was an individual. Or so that is how Alcatraz interpreted his motivations.
“Alright,” Alcatraz said with a small sigh. How was best to handle this…. “Let’s go for a walk.” he said, in a tone that was not unkind yet did not leave room for disobedience in its firmness, “I believe you are ready to learn a few things.” He was careful with how he chose his words, to try and appeal to Killian’s eager nature.
Killian sulked a bit as his Father proposed that they go for a walk, but he didn't object, he was curious to hear what his father had to say despite the fact whether he liked it or not. "Okay..." he mumbled, and followed his Father at his feet avoiding his stern, yellow eyes.
He waited for Father to start talking, dragging his feet along in the dust while his eyes peeked a glance back into the forbidden terrain behind as it called his name. He had been so close, and now he was going to get a lecture that would mean nothing...Or so he thought.
His eyes darted about, no longer recognizing the terrain ahead. Often he went out to explore, but of course he hadn't tried to see it all. He went as far as what interest him, and he had never been interested in this area before...But now curiosity itched him. Where was father taking him?
His questioned challenged Killian's memory. "Yeah... He started, thinking over his words carefully. "We have them because they keep us safe... And keep us in order or else we'd all break into chaos, right? But I don't need them, not all of them anyways. Some are dumb I think, put there because some stupid wolf wasn't thinking about the problems and dangers."
Alcatraz nodded. At least Killian knew the reason there were rules. Though to think they didn’t apply to him? That was the problem, “Yes, stupid wolves. A pup like you, alive for mere months, treading an unfamiliar forest full of traps and creatures you don’t even know exist, with no guide or supervision, surely you couldn’t possibly be one of those stupid wolves who doesn’t consider problems or dangers,” the Warden replied bitingly.
He let out a sigh, regaining some patience again, “Do you have any ideas where I could be taking you?”
The boy couldn’t help but glare at his father as he shot hot words at him. It make his insides scream with frustration. I am carful! He wanted to shout. He may not be perfect at it, but at least he was aware! Besides, the reason he left the den in the first place held way more value than just thinking he was smarter than the others. That’s not why, Father!
But he didn’t shout any of those things, because if he did, Father would just try to teach him a lesson about it or something like that, and he didn’t want to learn from it, he just wanted to keep the reasons and feelings to himself. Father didn’t need to know that he felt like a nobody and needed someone to see his bravery. In his head it made sense, but he didn’t know how to explain it in words without sounding stupid. At least Father recognized he wanted to break the rules, just for slightly different reasons.
He felt the heat of his anger ease off slowly as did his father’s. It didn’t matter anyways, did it? His father was spending time with him after all, wasn’t that something? Who knows, maybe if he stopped being so negative about being caught and scolded, something fun could come out of this little adventure. The dark pup turn his head and looked around, not a thing was familiar. ”No, I don't.” He said.
Alcatraz could feel his son’s anger, but Killian did not reply. Alcatraz couldn’t help but doubt that Killian would heed his words, but still he was happy for the dark pup’s silence. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could go on arguing without smacking sense into the boy. He glanced at the pup with pale yellow eyes as Killian looked around, stoic though the anger had since left them. ‘My job is to keep you alive. Why must you insist on making that so difficult?’ he thought to himself in exasperation.
He looked back forward as they continued to walk, scenting the air. It was tinged faintly with meat. And crow. “There is an important job to be done. The pack made a kill yesterday, and your mother needs the meat,” Alcatraz explained, “it’s likely the crows have descended upon it by now. I need some help chasing them off the kill. If you think you are up for the challenge.” Alcatraz had to be careful when picking out a task to offer Killian. It could not be a dangerous one, but it could not be child’s play either. Crows would be no real threat to a pup Killian’s size, especially not when his massive father was looming nearby. But chasing crows is a huge leap from chasing bugs and songbirds, which were likely Killian’s only experiences so far (though Alcatraz had to reluctantly admit that he didn’t know for sure, since it was difficult to tell if Killian could have done some exploring when the Warden was not nearby to catch him). Crows were much larger, they were loud, and they made quite a fuss when they flapped for the air. It would scare many pups, but what about Killian?
He listened to his father as he explained their mission as he could smell the corpse as they neared it. He pictured himself chasing off the birds that would be there, the loud black ones he had seen ever so often, their black bodies standing out in the sky or in the trees that were growing bare without their leaves. He had never gotten to one up close, but he had chased smaller birds before. He never caught one of course, but still. Once he and Hawthorn chased a mouse too, and that was fun. Plus he doubted the others have been given such an important task before father had assigned it to him, it was great! ”Sure.” He said, trying not to sound too eager as he bounced around on his paws.
Soon the kill came into view as he leaped ahead, but as he got closer he stopped short in his steps, his breath getting caught in his throat as the black birds ahead of him pranced about on top of the meal that wasn't meant for them. One flicked its head to stare at him with a beady, black eye, and he couldn't help but imagine it's talons sinking themselves into his flesh and carrying him away for its own personal meal.
Caw! He flinched as the noise pierced his ears.
He forced the growing lump in his throat back down. They’re just stupid birds… He thought and slowly creeped on, rolling his shoulders to shake out the previous stiffness that had taken hold on his joints. Soon he would be bigger than these scavengers. They couldn't hurt him, because he would eat them!
Springing forward he raced forward and the crows scattered, spitting caws and frantically flapping their wings to get out of the way of the little creature that had rudely interrupted the meal they believed they deserved. He barked and growled as he ran further on, feeling satisfaction of getting rid of the birds for father, but when he turned around the smile was wiped right off his little face. The birds just flew right back to feast.
Annoyed, Killian charged once more, scattering them again, but every time he made one go away, another would appear. Frustrated he kept battling the birds.
Alcatraz watched as his son accepted the task. He could tell his excitement, despite his cool answer. The Warden had to trot to keep up as Killian suddenly plunged forward toward the squawking birds, but stopped just as quick as the young male hesitated. That comforted the Alpha Male. Killian was bold… but still he took care.
Finally he changed. Alcatraz kept a distance behind him, close enough to take quick action if necessary, otherwise he would let Killian do the work. The pup did a great job, barking and making a racket that sent the crows winging away. But he was soon to find out how stubborn the black birds could be. He was getting frustrated, Alcatraz could tell, and the crows were toying with the pup.
“You must catch one, and kill it! Defend our food!” Alcatraz barked, getting to his paws and springing forward as Killian chased the crows. The huge Alpha lunged, swiping a paw at a crow as it tried to escape, hitting it smack on the head and sending it stunned to the ground in front of his son, “Kill it, Killian!” he ordered. Perhaps most fathers wouldn’t advise their pup to attack a crow that was very near their size, but Alcatraz was a bit harsher than that. If Killian was quick he may be able to dispatch the crow before it recovered. If not, well, sometimes a few scratches were good to bring home, as a prize or a lesson, whatever the young wolf wanted to see in them.
The boy stared in horror as his father brought the bird down in a single swipe. Kill it? How would he kill it? He didn't even know how to catch one, much less kill one! And why kill it, all life was to be respected wasn't it? That's what he'd been taught, anyways. Wasn't killing something to prove a point wrong? But maybe the crow would serve a meal to someone as well, so it wouldn't be wrong, right?
He wasn't prepared for these turn of events, and so he hesitated too long.
The bird shot up and furiously struck the first thing it came into contact with; Killian. Its beak came up and pecked his upper lip and a talon raked itself across his chest before taking flight away from them. Yelping he ran underneath Alcatraz seeking protection, his stubby tail tucked under his body. His chest was on fire, and he could taste blood inside of his mouth. No real harm was done, just scratches, but it was the first real pain he had ever felt. He'd never even tasted his own blood before, it was warm and irony as it spilled onto his tongue.
There was a moment of silence as he gathered his thoughts. His eyes started to tear up and his breaths grew deeper, and he felt angry. Angry at that stupid bird, and angry at himself for not being able to kill it, angry that his father unfairly put him in that situation in the first place, and most of all, angry that he was crying like a baby. He wanted to run out and kill the rest of them right then and there.
But he didn't, because in that split second he sprang from the shelter of his father's mass and started back in the direction they came from, not bothering to look back because hot tears were falling faster now, and he couldn't stop them. He was such a failure, and he was sick of it. He wanted to shout something out, but no words came, so in their place aroused a scream of anger and pain as he marched blindly on away from Alcatraz and the carcass and the rest of the stupid crows that wouldn't shut up.
Alcatraz blinked in shock as Killian stared at the bird. He imagined Killian enjoying this kind of challenge, the opportunity to defend the pack’s kill and do useful work, all while staying relatively safe. But it appeared he had overestimated the skills of a pup his age, and given his son a bit too much than he was ready for, and the poor pup had no idea what to do with the crow as it came toward him. With a few pecks and claws it sprang back into the sky and took off.
The other crows dispersed now, the commotion enough to discourage them from swooping in while the large wolf was around. Alcatraz looked down at Killian as he hid beneath him, blood swelling from the little cuts on his face, “Buck up, son! Everything is scary the first time. Now hold still...” Alcatraz leaned his head down to examine the scratches on his son’s fur, but before he could do anything else Killian took off, racing away back toward the den.
Alcatraz turned, blinking in shock, and then followed, flattening his ears at his son’s frustrated scream, “Killian, wait,” he trotted to try and catch up to him. Perhaps he really had overwhelmed him. Now the big wolf felt anxious. Killian was not the most stable of the pups. He feared the damage he could have done, and now he felt almost desperate to repair it however he could. “Stop, Killian, let me look at you,” he said, catching up to him.
He shot around to face his father in a fury. "Leave me alone!" He shouted as he heard Alcatraz catch up, the tears falling faster now. He didn't want any help, he didn't want anyone right now, not even Mama, he just wanted to be alone.
"It was just a stupid bird! I'm fine!" He spat with a sniffle, golden eyes ablaze with anger and pain, his maw hurt worse than his chest, shooting pain into his nose every time he moved his lips to utter a word.
He was about loose it, but the frantic look on his fathers face suddenly worried him. His rage gone like a wave going back out to sea after crashing upon a beach. He was acting ridiculous, like the little child he didn't want to be. It wasn't Father's fault the bird hurt him, it was his own for not taking action.
"I'm sorry, Father." He said quietly, hot, angry eyes becoming heavy with sadness.
Alcatraz stopped as Killian did, his yellow eyes wide as he tried to fathom this explosive reaction. Never had he been faced with any situation like this before. Alcatraz had always been a rather rough father, but had he gone too far this time?
It didn’t take long for Killian’s anger to be replaced with despair. Alcatraz felt his heart ache. His son’s pain was his fault. He padded to Killian’s side and sat down beside him, lowering his head to be even with the young male. Alcatraz’s pride didn’t often let him apologize, but when he was a father with his cubs he found it easier to face his own shortcomings. If Killian saw pride overpowering right in his own father, he would only reinforce his own flaws in his son. “No. I’m sorry.” the big wolf said, “I put too much on you too quickly,” he dropped his pale yellow eyes for a moment. He could tell how upset Killian was, but he didn’t want him to walk away from this in such sadness. He looked back up at him, “but think of what you’ve done. You faced countless enemies, all loud and scary, all bigger than you. You were very brave,”he explained, and leaned forward to gently lick around the cuts on his son’s face and chest to clean it of the blood, “and look… we did it, we scared the crows away,” he gestured behind them to where the kill lay without a single bird. They perched up in the trees, clearly spooked at the close call one of their flock had just encountered, waiting for the wolves to leave before continuing their feast.
He rubbed his eye with a pale paw as his father lowered his head so that they could both be at eye level. His lip and chest still hurt, but the pain had minimized to a stinging sensation. He couldn't tell if it was because he was just getting used to it, or if it was because the time was passing and because the blood stopped falling, feeling satisfied that it poured enough out to start healing the little sctraches.
At first his eyes were clouded with doubt as his father apologized, taking the blame Killian had already claimed as his own. He probably could have killed the bird, because now he could think of ways to kill it. Like attacking the head and neck area. He just couldn't think of those ideas fast enough. His brothers probably could have though, they were all so good at everything.
But the next couple words lit up his eyes a bit, his insides warming up at his fathers touch. "You really mean that?" He asked, a smile creeping onto his face as his gaze settled on the birds in the trees, all blinking silently as their heads would twitch side to side. Was he really brave when he rushed to scare them away? He decided he most definitely was.
"Well, what are we waiting for then?" He asked, standing up. He wanted to get the meat and leave before the birds came back down. He didn't really want to deal with them again, nor did he want to go back home just yet. He started towards the carcass again, ignoring his stinging cuts. He had to make this trip worth making.
Alcatraz grinned as Killian finally seemed to brighten, “I sure do. If you don’t believe me, ask them.” he flicked his tail to the crows as he saw Killian’s eyes finding the black shadows in the trees.
Luckily the cuts seemed to have stopped bleeding by now. Not looking forward to explaining this to Athena,he reflected suddenly. Eh, it builds character! He had had plenty of run ins with less than friendly creatures in his youth. At least he hadn’t sent the boy after a porcupine… heh, that hadn’t gone well when he had tried it. He straightened as Killian did, ready to go. “Yes, let’s get that meat and get home. I hope this was enough adventure for one day!”
Don't leave the boundaries of the nursing den.
This rule was an opportunity, a chance to show the rest of them how brave he was, more than willing to leave the safely of the den, willing to break the rules. Though of course he wouldn't approach someone he didn't know, because he knew that would be dangerous. His goal was only to show the others that he would do what they would not. To show them that he was different. All he had to do was sneak away and get a head start before anyone noticed he was gone.
Confident in his thoughts, he crept to the mouth of the den while mother was occupied with the others, and bolted off into the brush that was closest to him the moment opportunity arises, never stoping until he felt he had put enough distance between himself and their home.
At this point he continued on, knowing he was close to the end because he had explored it earlier, and it wasn't long before the unfamiliar trees lay ahead, the corners of his mouth curled upward in a sly grin. He was almost there.
But there was one little pup whose tricks reminded him of his older brother, Lazarus. Killian was a wanderer, always eager to get out and explore. For that Alcatraz was glad to have the experience. Especially now as he saw a blur of dark brown-black fur streak from the den and dive into the bushes. The pup did not see his father as he sat guard in the shadows of the undergrowth beside the den. Alcatraz got to his paws, his yellow eyes glinting impatiently, and he padded quietly after the pup.
Killian had made it a decent distance and quickly, Alcatraz was even a bit impressed. But also even more eager to catch his son before he got himself into whatever misadventures he had planned today. He broke into a trot when he noticed the pup making his way toward the dark shadows of the forest. He stopped before he reached his son. “Killian.” he barked, a stern frown in his face and his pale yellow eyes boring into the young male, demanding an explanation.
Killian
He froze in his tracks when he heard a booming voice from behind, all of his muscles tensing, even his jaw bone poked out. He’d been caught! Worst of all it was father, he must have been following him the whole time. He would have much preferred being caught by mother, since she was much more patient than Father. How stupid it was of him not to check the outside of the den for his father like he did the others on the inside. He would never hear the end of the mistake from his siblings.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment he turned around to face the demanding stare of his father. ”I-I was-”What? Trying to show them he was brave? That he different? There were no excuses, he had been caught red handed, but he would not be ashamed. Doing his best to size up to his father, Killian marched over to him.
”I was going to go past the boundaries, just to look. He didn't have to say he wasn't going to talk to anyone, father should know he wasn't completely reckless. He may be troublesome, but he was careful in what he did.
”I’m not sorry.”
Alcatraz fixed his son with a stern gaze as the young pup stalked right over to him, insisting with defiance what his intensions were and that he was not sorry. “You should be sorry,” Alcatraz growled, “But not for leaving the boundaries. For leaving alone. It’s a dangerous forest, and I am happy to escort you wherever it is you’d like to look.” The large difference between Lazarus and Killian was that Lazarus would get caught and that would be the end of it. He would slink back to the den obediently, even if just to take off again at the next chance. But Killian was braver, and bolder. He had something to prove. It reminded Alcatraz of himself as a pup more than any of his children ever had before. But that was what scared him the most.
Killian
His words surprised the boy. Well, at least the last ones did, and under different circumstances, he probably would have appreciated the gesture. But his father had everything wrong. And while he didn't mind spending time with his dad, he wanted his father to know his true intentions. ”I didn't want to explore today.” I wanted to break the rules...
If he had went with someone else, what would that have proved? Nothing at all. And what would be the fun of it? Nothing at all. He would have just been bossed around like he did back at the den.
Killian waited for his father to answer, wondering how he would react to his rebellious actions. Feeling sorry for nothing except for failing to be stealthy enough.
Alcatraz’s pale yellow eyes looked strictly down at Killian, “If you didn’t want to explore, then what are you doing out here?” he asked. Why else would a pup want to escape? Perhaps it was a call for attention? Or was there something else out in the forest that drew the young pup outward, something interesting he had seen or someone or thing he had met that he wanted to see again?
Killian
There was a brief moment of silence as the pup fumbled for words that fell dead on his tongue. How easy it would be just to let loose and free the dark thoughts that have rooted themselves in his young mind. To tell his father of this unsettling feeling, this feeling of being nothing, a nobody. To explain his desperate attempt to prove he can be more than nothing, and do something his siblings wouldn’t.
Though another part of him liked the light that sparked when he left the den. It was bright, and it was warm, but it wasn’t the sweet soft kind of feeling. No, it burned like fire. It sprouted a sense of rebellion like a blossom growing from the core of his heart. It was a way to be different…
It was too late to turn back now, anyways. The roots were already too deep, and besides, he liked this fire better.
”I wanted to break the rules, and go out there were I’m not supposed to. I’m not scared like the others, I’m not like them at all”
Alcatraz frowned when Killian finally said his answer. Well, at least his son was honest. And that made the dark male’s anger die down a bit. He understood Killian now, or at least why he had acted that way. He didn’t like it, but at least he knew. Killian wanted to prove he was brave, he wanted to show the world he was worth something, and he saw the other wolves like his brothers as just one in a pack of many, and wanted to prove that he was an individual. Or so that is how Alcatraz interpreted his motivations.
“Alright,” Alcatraz said with a small sigh. How was best to handle this…. “Let’s go for a walk.” he said, in a tone that was not unkind yet did not leave room for disobedience in its firmness, “I believe you are ready to learn a few things.” He was careful with how he chose his words, to try and appeal to Killian’s eager nature.
Killian
Killian sulked a bit as his Father proposed that they go for a walk, but he didn't object, he was curious to hear what his father had to say despite the fact whether he liked it or not. "Okay..." he mumbled, and followed his Father at his feet avoiding his stern, yellow eyes.
He waited for Father to start talking, dragging his feet along in the dust while his eyes peeked a glance back into the forbidden terrain behind as it called his name. He had been so close, and now he was going to get a lecture that would mean nothing...Or so he thought.
Alcatraz was glad that his son didn’t protest as they headed back toward the den. Though he soon shifted the direction elsewhere into the forest, knowing that Killian wouldn’t want to go back. He didn’t know where Killian had been, but perhaps this path would be new to him. Finally he spoke, “I understand that instead of seeing rules as something to follow, you see them as something to break. Do you know why we have rules at all?” he glanced down at Killian. He was heading toward a particular part of the territory. If the path now was familiar to Killian soon it would not be.
Killian
His eyes darted about, no longer recognizing the terrain ahead. Often he went out to explore, but of course he hadn't tried to see it all. He went as far as what interest him, and he had never been interested in this area before...But now curiosity itched him. Where was father taking him?
His questioned challenged Killian's memory. "Yeah... He started, thinking over his words carefully. "We have them because they keep us safe... And keep us in order or else we'd all break into chaos, right? But I don't need them, not all of them anyways. Some are dumb I think, put there because some stupid wolf wasn't thinking about the problems and dangers."
Alcatraz nodded. At least Killian knew the reason there were rules. Though to think they didn’t apply to him? That was the problem, “Yes, stupid wolves. A pup like you, alive for mere months, treading an unfamiliar forest full of traps and creatures you don’t even know exist, with no guide or supervision, surely you couldn’t possibly be one of those stupid wolves who doesn’t consider problems or dangers,” the Warden replied bitingly.
He let out a sigh, regaining some patience again, “Do you have any ideas where I could be taking you?”
Killian
The boy couldn’t help but glare at his father as he shot hot words at him. It make his insides scream with frustration. I am carful! He wanted to shout. He may not be perfect at it, but at least he was aware! Besides, the reason he left the den in the first place held way more value than just thinking he was smarter than the others. That’s not why, Father!
But he didn’t shout any of those things, because if he did, Father would just try to teach him a lesson about it or something like that, and he didn’t want to learn from it, he just wanted to keep the reasons and feelings to himself. Father didn’t need to know that he felt like a nobody and needed someone to see his bravery. In his head it made sense, but he didn’t know how to explain it in words without sounding stupid. At least Father recognized he wanted to break the rules, just for slightly different reasons.
He felt the heat of his anger ease off slowly as did his father’s. It didn’t matter anyways, did it? His father was spending time with him after all, wasn’t that something? Who knows, maybe if he stopped being so negative about being caught and scolded, something fun could come out of this little adventure. The dark pup turn his head and looked around, not a thing was familiar. ”No, I don't.” He said.
Alcatraz could feel his son’s anger, but Killian did not reply. Alcatraz couldn’t help but doubt that Killian would heed his words, but still he was happy for the dark pup’s silence. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could go on arguing without smacking sense into the boy. He glanced at the pup with pale yellow eyes as Killian looked around, stoic though the anger had since left them. ‘My job is to keep you alive. Why must you insist on making that so difficult?’ he thought to himself in exasperation.
He looked back forward as they continued to walk, scenting the air. It was tinged faintly with meat. And crow. “There is an important job to be done. The pack made a kill yesterday, and your mother needs the meat,” Alcatraz explained, “it’s likely the crows have descended upon it by now. I need some help chasing them off the kill. If you think you are up for the challenge.” Alcatraz had to be careful when picking out a task to offer Killian. It could not be a dangerous one, but it could not be child’s play either. Crows would be no real threat to a pup Killian’s size, especially not when his massive father was looming nearby. But chasing crows is a huge leap from chasing bugs and songbirds, which were likely Killian’s only experiences so far (though Alcatraz had to reluctantly admit that he didn’t know for sure, since it was difficult to tell if Killian could have done some exploring when the Warden was not nearby to catch him). Crows were much larger, they were loud, and they made quite a fuss when they flapped for the air. It would scare many pups, but what about Killian?
Killian
He listened to his father as he explained their mission as he could smell the corpse as they neared it. He pictured himself chasing off the birds that would be there, the loud black ones he had seen ever so often, their black bodies standing out in the sky or in the trees that were growing bare without their leaves. He had never gotten to one up close, but he had chased smaller birds before. He never caught one of course, but still. Once he and Hawthorn chased a mouse too, and that was fun. Plus he doubted the others have been given such an important task before father had assigned it to him, it was great! ”Sure.” He said, trying not to sound too eager as he bounced around on his paws.
Soon the kill came into view as he leaped ahead, but as he got closer he stopped short in his steps, his breath getting caught in his throat as the black birds ahead of him pranced about on top of the meal that wasn't meant for them. One flicked its head to stare at him with a beady, black eye, and he couldn't help but imagine it's talons sinking themselves into his flesh and carrying him away for its own personal meal.
Caw! He flinched as the noise pierced his ears.
He forced the growing lump in his throat back down. They’re just stupid birds… He thought and slowly creeped on, rolling his shoulders to shake out the previous stiffness that had taken hold on his joints. Soon he would be bigger than these scavengers. They couldn't hurt him, because he would eat them!
Springing forward he raced forward and the crows scattered, spitting caws and frantically flapping their wings to get out of the way of the little creature that had rudely interrupted the meal they believed they deserved. He barked and growled as he ran further on, feeling satisfaction of getting rid of the birds for father, but when he turned around the smile was wiped right off his little face. The birds just flew right back to feast.
Annoyed, Killian charged once more, scattering them again, but every time he made one go away, another would appear. Frustrated he kept battling the birds.
Alcatraz watched as his son accepted the task. He could tell his excitement, despite his cool answer. The Warden had to trot to keep up as Killian suddenly plunged forward toward the squawking birds, but stopped just as quick as the young male hesitated. That comforted the Alpha Male. Killian was bold… but still he took care.
Finally he changed. Alcatraz kept a distance behind him, close enough to take quick action if necessary, otherwise he would let Killian do the work. The pup did a great job, barking and making a racket that sent the crows winging away. But he was soon to find out how stubborn the black birds could be. He was getting frustrated, Alcatraz could tell, and the crows were toying with the pup.
“You must catch one, and kill it! Defend our food!” Alcatraz barked, getting to his paws and springing forward as Killian chased the crows. The huge Alpha lunged, swiping a paw at a crow as it tried to escape, hitting it smack on the head and sending it stunned to the ground in front of his son, “Kill it, Killian!” he ordered. Perhaps most fathers wouldn’t advise their pup to attack a crow that was very near their size, but Alcatraz was a bit harsher than that. If Killian was quick he may be able to dispatch the crow before it recovered. If not, well, sometimes a few scratches were good to bring home, as a prize or a lesson, whatever the young wolf wanted to see in them.
Killian
The boy stared in horror as his father brought the bird down in a single swipe. Kill it? How would he kill it? He didn't even know how to catch one, much less kill one! And why kill it, all life was to be respected wasn't it? That's what he'd been taught, anyways. Wasn't killing something to prove a point wrong? But maybe the crow would serve a meal to someone as well, so it wouldn't be wrong, right?
He wasn't prepared for these turn of events, and so he hesitated too long.
The bird shot up and furiously struck the first thing it came into contact with; Killian. Its beak came up and pecked his upper lip and a talon raked itself across his chest before taking flight away from them. Yelping he ran underneath Alcatraz seeking protection, his stubby tail tucked under his body. His chest was on fire, and he could taste blood inside of his mouth. No real harm was done, just scratches, but it was the first real pain he had ever felt. He'd never even tasted his own blood before, it was warm and irony as it spilled onto his tongue.
There was a moment of silence as he gathered his thoughts. His eyes started to tear up and his breaths grew deeper, and he felt angry. Angry at that stupid bird, and angry at himself for not being able to kill it, angry that his father unfairly put him in that situation in the first place, and most of all, angry that he was crying like a baby. He wanted to run out and kill the rest of them right then and there.
But he didn't, because in that split second he sprang from the shelter of his father's mass and started back in the direction they came from, not bothering to look back because hot tears were falling faster now, and he couldn't stop them. He was such a failure, and he was sick of it. He wanted to shout something out, but no words came, so in their place aroused a scream of anger and pain as he marched blindly on away from Alcatraz and the carcass and the rest of the stupid crows that wouldn't shut up.
Alcatraz blinked in shock as Killian stared at the bird. He imagined Killian enjoying this kind of challenge, the opportunity to defend the pack’s kill and do useful work, all while staying relatively safe. But it appeared he had overestimated the skills of a pup his age, and given his son a bit too much than he was ready for, and the poor pup had no idea what to do with the crow as it came toward him. With a few pecks and claws it sprang back into the sky and took off.
The other crows dispersed now, the commotion enough to discourage them from swooping in while the large wolf was around. Alcatraz looked down at Killian as he hid beneath him, blood swelling from the little cuts on his face, “Buck up, son! Everything is scary the first time. Now hold still...” Alcatraz leaned his head down to examine the scratches on his son’s fur, but before he could do anything else Killian took off, racing away back toward the den.
Alcatraz turned, blinking in shock, and then followed, flattening his ears at his son’s frustrated scream, “Killian, wait,” he trotted to try and catch up to him. Perhaps he really had overwhelmed him. Now the big wolf felt anxious. Killian was not the most stable of the pups. He feared the damage he could have done, and now he felt almost desperate to repair it however he could. “Stop, Killian, let me look at you,” he said, catching up to him.
Killian
He shot around to face his father in a fury. "Leave me alone!" He shouted as he heard Alcatraz catch up, the tears falling faster now. He didn't want any help, he didn't want anyone right now, not even Mama, he just wanted to be alone.
"It was just a stupid bird! I'm fine!" He spat with a sniffle, golden eyes ablaze with anger and pain, his maw hurt worse than his chest, shooting pain into his nose every time he moved his lips to utter a word.
He was about loose it, but the frantic look on his fathers face suddenly worried him. His rage gone like a wave going back out to sea after crashing upon a beach. He was acting ridiculous, like the little child he didn't want to be. It wasn't Father's fault the bird hurt him, it was his own for not taking action.
"I'm sorry, Father." He said quietly, hot, angry eyes becoming heavy with sadness.
Alcatraz stopped as Killian did, his yellow eyes wide as he tried to fathom this explosive reaction. Never had he been faced with any situation like this before. Alcatraz had always been a rather rough father, but had he gone too far this time?
It didn’t take long for Killian’s anger to be replaced with despair. Alcatraz felt his heart ache. His son’s pain was his fault. He padded to Killian’s side and sat down beside him, lowering his head to be even with the young male. Alcatraz’s pride didn’t often let him apologize, but when he was a father with his cubs he found it easier to face his own shortcomings. If Killian saw pride overpowering right in his own father, he would only reinforce his own flaws in his son. “No. I’m sorry.” the big wolf said, “I put too much on you too quickly,” he dropped his pale yellow eyes for a moment. He could tell how upset Killian was, but he didn’t want him to walk away from this in such sadness. He looked back up at him, “but think of what you’ve done. You faced countless enemies, all loud and scary, all bigger than you. You were very brave,”he explained, and leaned forward to gently lick around the cuts on his son’s face and chest to clean it of the blood, “and look… we did it, we scared the crows away,” he gestured behind them to where the kill lay without a single bird. They perched up in the trees, clearly spooked at the close call one of their flock had just encountered, waiting for the wolves to leave before continuing their feast.
Killian
He rubbed his eye with a pale paw as his father lowered his head so that they could both be at eye level. His lip and chest still hurt, but the pain had minimized to a stinging sensation. He couldn't tell if it was because he was just getting used to it, or if it was because the time was passing and because the blood stopped falling, feeling satisfied that it poured enough out to start healing the little sctraches.
At first his eyes were clouded with doubt as his father apologized, taking the blame Killian had already claimed as his own. He probably could have killed the bird, because now he could think of ways to kill it. Like attacking the head and neck area. He just couldn't think of those ideas fast enough. His brothers probably could have though, they were all so good at everything.
But the next couple words lit up his eyes a bit, his insides warming up at his fathers touch. "You really mean that?" He asked, a smile creeping onto his face as his gaze settled on the birds in the trees, all blinking silently as their heads would twitch side to side. Was he really brave when he rushed to scare them away? He decided he most definitely was.
"Well, what are we waiting for then?" He asked, standing up. He wanted to get the meat and leave before the birds came back down. He didn't really want to deal with them again, nor did he want to go back home just yet. He started towards the carcass again, ignoring his stinging cuts. He had to make this trip worth making.
Luckily the cuts seemed to have stopped bleeding by now. Not looking forward to explaining this to Athena,he reflected suddenly. Eh, it builds character! He had had plenty of run ins with less than friendly creatures in his youth. At least he hadn’t sent the boy after a porcupine… heh, that hadn’t gone well when he had tried it. He straightened as Killian did, ready to go. “Yes, let’s get that meat and get home. I hope this was enough adventure for one day!”
Created at simplydevio.us
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