Carpus

it was midday, sky clear and breeze cool as it blew through Skull's pelt. he was much more focused on trying to pick up any form of scent that might point him in the direction of possible prey to fully appreciate it though, being the current sole hunter for the small beginnings of the pack. Cancri and Jupiter's pups were born a couple weeks ago, the Beta being busy nursing and watching over them to help out in any major way. Jupiter had mentioned to him a few days ago, when they were the only ones still awake, that the pups weren't what he had hoped they'd be. Skull had tried to reassure him that all pups were like that, but the Alpha still had seemed off that night. Jupiter helped with bringing in food in his own ways, wandering around the territory and bringing back anything he can get his paws on that might help them, but the majority of responsibility for making sure everyone had food in their bellies was laid onto Skull. so far he had come up with nothing, wandering further and further into the surrounding forest in hopes of finding anything, but as time passed and the sun moved from it's position at the top of the sky to drifting closer to the horizon Skull was nearly about to give up and return home empty pawed, no matter how much the idea pained his ego. that was until he caught the scent of a familiar wolf, a scent that belonged to someone he thought he wouldn't have to see again for the rest of his life. it caused his fur to bristle and hackles to raise, a gnawing sense of dread and anger to pulse through him as he realized the scent was fresh, no longer than an hour ago did the creature it belong to pass through the territory. he huffed, and with a shake of his fur began following the trail the scent left behind. by the time he had caught up the sky had dipped below the skyline, bright dots of light and color decorating the sky and the moon lighting his way. he was out of the territory by now, had been for a while, but he was still determined. just to know if it was them. he slowed to a stalk as he grew closer, lowering himself down to hide among the underbrush. the figure of a wolf, form slightly smaller than Skull's, slowly came into view as he crept forward, lips curling back to bear his teeth. he was only a view yards away now, the all too familiar wolf in front of him seemingly distracted by the carcass of an animal they were digging into. Skull continued in advancing, trying to get as close as possible despite the risks, closer and closer. the silhouette paused in their feasting, lifting their head and swiveling their ears in all directions just as Skull was about to pounce, causing him to freeze as to not give away his cover. it didn't matter, however, as the wolf made to leave anyways, quickly stepping away from the carrion they had previously been eating. Skull panicked, not wanting this long trek to have all been for nothing, leaping out from his cover to throw his body weight at the unsuspecting form of his brother, Carpus, from behind, who was thrown to the ground by the force of Skull's attack with a yelp of pain and surprise. Skull's larger form stopped Carpus from leaving the floor despite his best efforts, pushing his paws against the ground to force his back against the older brothers chest and stomach. Carpus suddenly went motionless, inhaling deeply, before growling with distaste as he recognized who it was that had ambushed him. "Skull.." he snarled from below, suddenly jerking his head upwards to snap and bite at Skulls throat and face. Skull snarled, lifting a paw and placing it on the top of Carpus's cranium, shoving it down and pinning him against the ground, effectively immobilizing his head for the time being. the smaller canid thrashed, but quickly stilled when Skull applied extra force to the top of his skull, pressing down on the bones with an unrelenting and painful pressure. Carpus panted, breathing sharp and heavy, teeth bared and similar olive pelt bristling in rage. Skull however was unbothered, simply waiting for his little brother to calm down, or at least get it all out, enough for them to speak. Carpus didn't seem to want to cooperate with this though, as the two remained at square one for multiple minutes, Skull quickly growing impatient at the, unfortunately all too familiar, stubbornness of his sibling. eventually Skull let out a frustrated sigh, Carpus grumbling and growling away from his position on the floor, neither of them having gotten anywhere in each of their own agendas, and Skull finally snapped, "stop it! you know that'll get you nowhere, so stop acting like a pup!" irritation clear in his voice, the phrase was said as if it had been repeated countless times. Carpus huffed from beneath where Skull stood over him, a soft, consistent growl emanating from him. "no." was all that he responded with, tone dripping with smug defiance. but, it was a start. Skull decided to cut straight to the chase, already having wasted enough time on this little adventure, "either you knew you were trespassing on another wolves territory and didn't care, or your nose is broken. which is it?" he prodded, leaning his head down so he was almost even eye level with Carpus while making sure to keep the hold on his head firm. said canid scoffed, rolling his sighs at Skull, "is that what this whole thing is about? you're mad i took a walk through your territory?" The male forced against the ground taunted, a spiteful inflection to his voice that caused Skull's pelt to bristle and lip to curl back to bare his teeth. "Funnily enough, yes. that's exactly what this is about. Now, what made you think it was a good idea to roam through clearly owned territory?" Skull grumbled, to which Carpus glared up at him. "you think i care about that? as yes, of course! i'll just go around this territory even though it'll take me a whole hour to do so! makes complete sense to me, brother" he punctuated his point by sharpening the glare he was sending Skull, causing him to roll his eyes and sigh in response. He released his paw off of Carpus's head, lifting his head up as Carpus pushed himself up and shook out his pelt, eyeing Skull with annoyance in his green eyes the entire him he did so. he spoke up just as Skull moved to leave, having gotten his answers,"So, what are you doing in a pack? If i recall correctly, you told me when we were young that 'I'll never be in a pack! I'll be a lone wolf for the rest of my days!" He teased, lowering his voice and gruffing his tone to mock Skull's voice. Skull froze mid step, forcing back the sigh that desperately wanted to escape as he turned his head back to his brother.