Well here's the next chapter of The Guardian. Sorry that it took me so long to update it. I figured it wouldn't take me this long.
I've been a little depressed lately after I came home from work recently to see my dog dead. Not a good day for me. I hope y'all can understand.
A special thanks to Lord Demon for letting use his character Nathan Wellington, I hope I did a good writing out Nathan.
Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 3: Back at Home
Sawtooth Present
"Holy crap dad, Megaloth was a monster." Claudette shouts.
Humphreys nods his head at Claudette and looks at the others. Stinky, Runt, and Kate all have the same stunned expression. Even though Kate has heard the stories about Megaloth she's very surprised.
"How could any wolf be so evil that he'd kill half a pack just to get to one person?" Runt asks.
"And how could he physically do it?" Stinky adds. "We're talking about one wolf going against an entire pack like it was nothing. That is not possible, Garth and Grandma Eve couldn't even do that together."
Humphrey smirks getting a glare from Stinky and Kate. "You have to remember guys that Megaloth was one of the last Guardians. Well last full blood Guardian, other than Draco, though Megaloth's evil didn't exactly make him one. But you see Guardians were incredibly powerful wolves, easily twice the size of Garth. Some had an intense connection to the spirit world, especially Megaloth and Draco, though Megaloth's power came from a dark source."
"If what you say is true dad I'd hate to go against Megaloth." Stinky says.
"I don't care how tough Megaloth is, there's no way he could beat mom."
Kate blushes a little after Claudette praised her. She is proud that Claudette thinks of her so highly, despite having very little knowledge about the Guardians. The pups won't go into detail about the Guardians or their history until they go into alpha or omega school.
"I'm flattered Claudette but even I couldn't beat a Guardian. There's a reason they used to protect other wolves. I've heard stories about it taking an entire wolf pack the size of ours to bring down one Guardian, though that Guardian did have a very strong connection to the spirit world. She was able to do things beyond comprehension."
Runt looks back and forth between his parents. "The way you two talk about the Guardians they might as well be gods."
Humphrey smiles. "Well they were the direct descendants of the wolf god Fenrir. So their power comes from him. Though the story will explain how they became so powerful."
"Then can we please continue the story." Runt groans.
"Alright, then stop asking so many questions. Everything will be explained in time."
Nome 1927
"What is going on down there?"
Jenna jumped at Balto's voice coming up the hill behind her. "Dang it Balto why did you sneak up on me?"
Balto smirked. "Sorry honey, I wasn't even trying to sneak on you."
"Oh great, that must mean I'm getting old if I didn't hear you."
"No I'm just part wolf."
Jenna rolled her eyes then looked down the hill. Balto slowly walked to Jenna's side and looked down the hill at the sight before him. Below Balto and Jenna were a whole team of humans occupying a small beach. In the water was a small boat with the name "Balto" on the side.
From the looks of things the humans were trying to set up what appeared to be a small camp on the beach. So far the humans have set up a few tents and are bringing more equipment on shore. What surprised Balto was that the humans were armed, almost as if they were prepared for attack. Most have hunting rifles or pistols, but a few have submachine guns. Seeing their weapons makes Balto feel uneasy.
Much to Balto and Jenna's surprise the humans had lots of dogs around them, and a couple of wolves. Balto has never seen humans socialize with wolves before, and peacefully as well. The dogs and wolves seemed to be working together with the humans, on whatever it was they were doing.
Balto nearly jumped at the sight of his son Dingo amongst the dogs. His heart jumped thinking that his son was in some kind of danger. But then Balto saw that Dingo actually appeared to be happy. He was playing with the other dogs. Balto felt compelled to go down and say hello to hiss on but eventually changed his mind. He's sure he'll have a chance to some time.
Seeing everything Balto couldn't help but wonder what is going on. They appear to be uploading parts for some kind of machine parts to build. Whatever they plan on building it appeared to that was going to be whenever they were done. Balto immediately didn't trust these humans.
From their position Balto could see one human who was clearing the leader of the group. He assumed it since it was the human giving orders. The human appeared to be possibly ex – military, as the humans call it, Balto hadn't see too many in Alaska. The human was wearing a green army vest with a black sleeve shirt, brown pants, red fingerless gloves, and reading glasses. From where Balto was standing he could see the human had grey hair but couldn't see much else.
"Who is that?" Balto asked.
"He's new the Nome. I've heard Rosie's father call him Nathan Wellington."
"Ok, what is he doing here?"
"I'm not sure, entirely sure. I heard Rosie's father say that he was here because of you."
"Me, what do I got to do with this?" Balto asked.
"I heard him say that he was fascinated by you and wolves, wanting to adopt one of our pups, especially one who looked more like a wolf than a dog."
"Oh then he's about six months too late to adopt Aleu. To think that there actually was a human that wanted to adopt Aleu. But that can't be the only reason he's here."
"Well he told Rosie's father that he also wanted to test something out here. Nathan didn't say what but for now he's just building a camp."
"Well we need to keep an eye on him for now. I don't trust him."
"Let's talk about something else Balto." Jenna said having enough of talking about someone who might even be up to something. "Have you seen Dusty lately?"
"I haven't see her today, why do you ask?"
"Well you know how Dusty gets when Kodi's gone. She hates being alone. The pups don't make it an easier."
Balto couldn't help but smirked. The past two months have been rough for Dusty. Not long after Dusty and Kodi helped Balto rescue the pilot they became mates. Shortly afterwards Dusty discovered she was pregnant. At first Dusty tried to hide it from their leader but that changed when her belly started getting large. She had to stay behind during male runs.
Since Dusty's been pregnant Jenna had been letting her stay near her. Jenna didn't mind letting the husky carrying her grandpups stay in the shed, at least it was warm in there. At least Jenna got to keep an eye on Dusty while Kodi was gone. The only bad thing was Dusty had been experiencing the mood swings lately, and she got really stressed when Kodi was gone.
"Yeah you're tell me Balto. I could use a little break. Maybe you can keep an eye on her for a while."
"Sure I need to spend some time with my daughter in – law."
Jenna smiled as she and Balto headed back to Nome. It was about a five mile hike back home but to them the journey back went by quickly. Jenna spent the whole journey home pressed against Balto's side. Even after being mates for over two years the love between the husky and wolf/dog was still strong and hadn't diminished even a little. Balto was still attracted to Jenna as the day he first met her.
Before either of them knew it Jenna and Balto had made it back to Rosie's house. Years ago Balto would have cautiously approached the house, given that Rosie's father didn't like or trust him. But once Rosie's father realized that Balto wasn't going anywhere, and that he was the father of Jenna's pups, he became less hostile towards him.
"Hello Dusty, we're back." Jenna shouted as she Balto walked into the shed.
Balto walked in behind Jenna to see Dusty lying on her side. Dusty raised her head looking at the old dogs enter. She smiled and wagged her tail, wanting to jump up and run to them, but with the expecting pups, just laid there. Balto smiled seeing Dusty lay there expecting his grandpups.
"Hey Jenna, Balto, I didn't expect to see you today."
Balto smiled. "Of course, I wanted to make sure that you were doing fine. Jenna said you were getting a little crazy with Kodi on his latest mail run."
Dusty glared at Balto. "Jenna told you I was going crazy?"
Jenna shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah it's true. You can be a little crazy when your lonely. But I think it's just the mood swings. I went through the same thing when I was pregnant."
"But not as bad as her." Balto said pointing at Dusty. "I was always there for you. Kodi has to go on mail runs leaving her alone for a couple days at a time. She just needs some company."
"I could use some company right now. It's better than being in the shed by myself." Dusty said.
"Well you got some company for now. Balto will be keeping you company will I run an errand."
"Wait just Balto." Dusty jumped. "I don't think I've never been alone with just Balto."
"It's ok I won't be gone long." Jenna said before turning around and leaving the two dogs alone. "Have fun you two."
Balto and Dusty looked at each other as Jenna left them alone. The shed became eerie silent as neither Balto or Dusty said anything. Neither of them knew what to say. Dusty felt like she was in the presence of a legend. She idolized Balto along with the rest of the sled dog team.
"So how do you do it Balto?" Dusty finally asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how do you do everything you did? Like saving Nome and how you run so fast."
"Oh well, I don't really like to talk about my past. But I will say that I get my speed from my father." Balto answered. "My father was Zeus."
"Wait your father was the Zeus? The famous sled dog that pulled a fully loaded sled loaded with medicine from White Mountain to Nome."
Balto couldn't help but laugh. "Yes that's my father. It took him nearly a week to do it but with his whole team dead after a bear attack but he managed to do it. But he wasn't alone?"
Dusty looked at Balto confused. "What do you mean Zeus wasn't alone? You just said his whole team was killed."
Balto smirked. "He had help from a white wolf named Aniu . . . my mother."
"Your mother, a wolf, helped Zeus carry the supplies?"
"Yes she did. My mother found my father injured and helped him. Zeus explained what he was doing which impressed my mother. She healed him and helped him pull the supplies the rest of the way. But she stopped just before coming over the hill outside of Nome so it wouldn't arouse suspicion." Balto explained. "But they started seeing each other secretly since there was a lot of hatred towards wolves at the time. I was the result."
"Huh that does explain how you were born. Just so you know I don't have a problem with wolf/dogs. I wouldn't have mated with Kodi if I did." Dusty replied. "I heard that Zeus just disappeared one day. No one could find him. Many believed that he had died."
"That's because my father ran away with my mother when he found out she was pregnant. He knew that Aniu couldn't return to his pack if they found out she had pups with a husky. And my father knew that he couldn't remain in Nome if people found out he had pups with a wolf. So they ran away together."
Dusty smiled. "Sounds like true love to me. Zeus sounds like he was willing to give up everything to be with your mother and you. I bet you made a happy family."
Balto lowered his head. "The four of us did. The fondest memory I have from that time is playing with my sister and me wrestling with my father. We lived together as our pack since none would take us."
"You have a sister?" Dusty shouted a little shocked.
"Yes, her name was Anya. She was very stubborn but playful like her mother. But that was long time ago."
"I hate to ask what happened?"
"Hunters, they attacked us we I was separated from my family. My father stayed behind so we could escape. I saw them kill him." Balto answered trying not to shed a tear.
Dusty stood up and placed a paw on Balto's shoulder. "I'm sorry to bring up the memory. You don't have to continue if you don't want to."
"No I want to. Not too many people know my story. Jenna knows and so does Kodi. I told Aleu that night before she took the wolf pack across the river. I've also told my other children." Balto replied. "Though there's really not much to explain after that. The rest of my story you know."
"But what about your mother and sister, what happened to them?"
"I wish I knew what happened to Anya. I haven't seen her in forever. But my mother, I know she's dead. I saw her spirit right after Aleu took her pack across the river."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Dusty said. "But how do you know about Anya?"
"It's hard to explain Dusty. We had a spiritual connection when we were born. I can sense her presence somehow."
"I don't understand, how is that even possible?"
"You don't know anything about the spirit world and I hardly know anything about it too. All I really know is that my mother was a wolf shaman and that there are things that can't be explained."
"Ok, I'll just take your word for it." Dusty said. "Don't you ever want to go looking for her just to see if she's alright?"
"I have every day, but I wouldn't know where to start."
"I'm sure you'll see her again someday." Dusty said laying a paw on Balto's shoulder getting a smile from him. "Whether it's in this life of the next."
The moment was ruined when Balto heard a knock on the door. Thinking it was Jenna Balto walked over and opened the door. Balto jumped back at the sight of a wolf standing at the door. Dusty jumped at the wolf and growled.
"Whoa Dusty, don't attack. He's not an enemy."
Dusty growling bearing her teeth at the wolf who just rolled his eyes at her. "Are you serious Balto, there is a wolf at the door?"
"He's not a threat Dusty. He's from the pack Aleu joined." Balto turned to the wolf despite Dusty still growling. "Did my daughter send you?"
"Yes she did. The name is Elias by the way, your daughter's beta."
Dusty lightened up a little, watching Balto with Elias. "So you're not here to kill us."
Elias shook his head. "No Aleu sent me here to tell you she's in trouble."
Balto, Elias, and Dusty heard someone gasp behind them. Elias turned around to see Jenna standing behind him, frozen in fear for her daughter. Balto's jaw dropped hearing Aleu was in trouble. Even Dusty was stunned.
"What happened, is my daughter ok?" Jenna asked.
"She's fine barely." Elias said getting gasps from Balto, Jenna, and Dusty. "The pack was attacked and a lot of wolves are dead, including Aleu's mate."
"Wait, you mean my daughter has a mate?" Jenna screamed.
Elias rubbed the back of his head getting glares from Jenna and Balto. "Uh yeah, she had a mate, he gave his life so the pack could get away. He didn't want to lose Aleu and/or their pups."
"You mean we're grandparents?" Balto gasped.
"Yes, to two pups, their names are Sasha and Samuel." Elias replied. "You'll might be seeing them real soon?"
"What do you mean we'll see them soon?" Jenna shouted. "I'm trying to wrap my mind around Aleu having pups and a mate."
"They're nearby, in a cave a few miles outside of this village. Aleu sent me here to bring you to her."
"Wait, how we know this isn't a trap?" Jenna shouted at Elias. "I don't know this wolf."
"I do, he was with Aleu's pack when they crossed the river. He was one of the first to follow her." Balto said trying to comfort Jenna then turned back towards Elias. "Before I come with you I need to know what happened."
Elias nodded. "The pack was attacked by a giant wolf named Megaloth."
Dusty froze hearing Elias mention Megaloth. "Megaloth, I've heard rumors on him during my travels with the mail team. Rumor has it he's twice as big as any wolf you've ever seen. I heard he killed an entire wolf pack just for the fun of it. If Aleu's pack crossed him then there's a reason to worry."
Balto turned to Elias. "If that's true then take us to Aleu as quickly as possible."
"Of course Balto, just follow me I'll take you too her as quickly as possible. Just be careful, Aleu is pretty shaken up after losing her mate."
"Hey this is my daughter we're talking about. I'll go to her even if she's in the middle of hell." Jenna shouted and turned to Dusty. "Are you going to be ok here by yourself."
"I'll be perfectly fine. Go and find Aleu. She needs you more than I do." Dusty said."
Balto and Jenna nodded at Dusty before turning and following Elias. The three of them run as fast as they could to Aleu. Elias was faster than Balto thought that not quite as fast as he was. Both had to slow down so Jenna could keep up. But at the moment the only thing on both Balto and Jenna's mind was finding Aleu.
X
Alaskan Wilderness
"We're here."
The raven flew down into a clearing becoming Aniu when it landed. A moment later Draco appeared out of the woods and walked up next to Aniu. Aniu's heart raced at the sight before her. Bodies of wolves laid out before her.
"Oh no, we're too late." Aniu gasped.
Draco walked from body to body checking them. The sight of the dead made him gag bringing back bad memories. If Draco didn't know what Megaloth was capable of he'd be wondering someone could do such a thing.
"I don't think so. I don't sense her body amongst the dead."
Aniu relaxed a little hearing that. For a moment she suspected her granddaughter might be dead. The only thing that unnerves Aniu was her family in danger. As Aniu moved around she started picking up a familiar scent.
"I think I got Aleu's scent but I can't tell where she's gone."
Draco looked at Aniu a little worried. She's never had trouble tracking anyone before. Perhaps something really was going down in the spirit world. Despite Aniu's inability to sense Aleu's trail Draco could.
"I think she went back west. I can smell what's left of the pack with her. I wonder why she would head west, there's nothing there by the ocean."
"No she's heading home."
Draco look at Aniu confused. "Why would Aleu head home?"
"It's the one place she feels safe."
"It won't be safe for long." A dark voice shouted behind them.
Aniu and Draco turned around to see a dark wolf glaring at them from on top a hill. From the clearing Draco and Aniu could tell that the wolf was about the same size and looked very similar to Draco except he had black fur. Even from where they were Draco could see a newly formed scar on the wolf's face, teeth marks ran down his cheek across his eye.
"Megaloth." Draco growled his fur standing up and ears darting back.
"Ah if it isn't little Draco come to take revenge." Megaloth mocked Draco. "The cute defenseless little pup is all grown up."
"And seeking revenge for what you did. I've been waiting three long years to rip your eyes out and shove them down your throat so you can see me rip your carcass open."
Aniu took a step back from Draco. She's never seen him this mad before, even after she rescued him. Apparently being in Megaloth's presence set Draco off. Megaloth on the other hand laughed at Draco's threat as he made his way down the hill.
"Well that is some threat. Sounds like something I'd say. I'd like to see you go through with it."
Aniu laid a paw on Draco's shoulder. "Don't Draco he wants you to fight him."
"But I can take him." Draco growled as he looked at Aniu. "I can kill him now and Aleu will be safe."
"Draco don't, you kill Megaloth now and Fenrir will just find someone else." Aniu shouted and turned to Megaloth. "Why do you want my granddaughter?"
"I don't, Aleu is just another screw and kill to me, or she will be. Besides I just follow Fenrir's orders."
"Then what does Fenrir want with Aleu." Draco growled getting tired of his brother's stubbornness.
"You'll just have to figure it out for yourself. But believe me there is more than one way for Fenrir to escape his imprisonment."
Aniu looked at Draco with concern. She could see that Draco was fighting the urge to lunge at Megaloth, which was exactly what he wanted Draco to do. Even after training for Draco for three years his rage still appeared to be uncontrollable.
Aniu tried to bring Draco back under control. "Draco remember you're to protect Aleu not to fight this monster."
"That's not why I'm growling." Draco looked at Aniu annoyed. "We're not alone out here."
Aniu was stunned at Draco's words. She didn't realize that Draco would be growling at anything other than Draco. Apparently her training really did work, somehow Draco was able to resist the urge to attack Megaloth.
Aniu took a sniff of the air and shivers when she smells multiple wolves around them. At first Aniu thought that the wolves were with them but she could sense something different about them. There was something evil with them.
A moment later Aniu saw a large pack of wolves appearing all around her and Draco. Draco and Aniu stood back to back as the wolves surrounded them. As the wolves got closer Draco and Aniu saw their eyes were all glowing red.
"I never imagined you'd find one wolves dumb enough to follow you."
A large wolf, still smaller than Draco walked up towards him, his eyes were the only ones that were not glowing. "You can't imagine the power Fenrir gives to those who follow him willingly."
Aniu smirked. "Of course you'd follow him Niju. You just like the idea of killing Aleu after what she did to you."
Megaloth growled and approached Aniu and Draco. "As much as I enjoy our little reunion Draco I have to say that it has to end. I can't have you to running around causing problems for me."
Aniu suddenly felt worried for Draco. Since she was a spirit the wolves couldn't hurt her, but Draco was a different story. Megaloth alone would be a nearly impossible opponent for Draco to defeat on his own. Throw in a dozen plus wolves and he's in a no win situation.
Draco leaned in close to Aniu and whispered. "It's ok, I have Aleu's scent. I can track her easily from here. I just need for you to distract them so I can find her."
"Don't worry I got the perfect distraction."
Aniu charged forward towards Megaloth. She broke through the wolves easily sending a couple flying back. Niju jumped in Aniu's path only to get slammed out the way like a rag doll.
Megaloth smirked. "Really the great Aniu is going to attack me."
"Nope just trying to distract you."
A bright light suddenly surrounds Aniu blinding Megaloth and the others. Megaloth covered his good eye just as Aniu slammed into him. The blow made Megaloth jump back knocking the wind out of him.
"Dang for a spirit Aniu packs one heck of a punch." Megaloth groaned rubbing his chest.
Megaloth growled as he opened his eyes expecting to see Aniu standing ready to attack only to see no one there. No sign, track, or scent of her. Megaloth growled knowing Aniu had disappeared.
"I figured she'd run from a fight." Megaloth growled. "But I know Draco will put up a fight.
Megaloth gasped as he found Draco gone
"Where is he?" Megaloth shouted to the pack getting blank stares from all of them.
Megaloth growled making his way to the center as his pack. The wolves backed off in fear as Megaloth walked through them. He took a sniff hoping to discover Draco's scent. Megaloth couldn't even find a trace of Draco, almost as if he was there. Rage built inside Megaloth to the point where he felt like he was about to explode.
"YOU'D BETTER RUN DRACO, FIND ALEU AS FAST AS YOU CAN. I'LL FIIND YOU SOON AND DESTROY EVERYTHING YOU AND HER CARE ABOUT."
Draco stopped to rest thinking he was a safe distance only to hear Megaloth's threat. Even though Draco was nearly a mile away he could hear Megaloth screaming in the distance. Draco rolled his eyes in annoyance, just glad to get away in one piece.
Draco had to stop the rest, he'd never ran so fast in his life. He wasn't running out of fear but instead for Aleu, even though Draco hasn't met her before. If Megaloth wanted Aleu it was more important to run now and fight later than to die fighting an entire pack and Megaloth. Draco knew that eventually he'd get his chance at Megaloth.
Aleu's scent, despite being a day old Draco could smell it her trail as if she had just been there a few minutes ago. Given the recent snow fall the previous night and dozens of other scents most wolves would have considerable difficulty tracking Aleu. But Draco knew Megaloth, like him, would have no trouble tracking her.
Draco took off running at a slow pace following Aleu's scent closely. It wouldn't be long before Megaloth found Aleu's scent. He kept at a jogging pace hoping to find her within a day or two, though Draco knew it was highly unlikely, if Aleu was running from Megaloth.
"I gave you a good head start Draco. They'll spend a long time searching for you." Aniu's voice echoed in Draco's head as he ran.
"Thanks Aniu, I owe you one for that."
"Just be careful, remember you're on your own for now, until you find Aleu."
"I'll be quick. I got her scent so it won't take me long to find her."
"Good luck Draco. Please keep my granddaughter safe."
To be continued.
So strange humans have arrived in Nome and are up to something. Balto and Jenna are trying to take care of a pregnant Dusty. A wolf named Elias has shown up telling Balto and Jenna that their daughter is in trouble. Will Aleu be alright when Balto and Jenna get there? What about Draco, can he find Aleu before Megaloth does.
Hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review as any help to improve the story will be appreciated.
If anyone has any questions, please either PM me or leave a review and I will answer as best I can.
This is John Storm signing off, Stay Frosty ya'll
