Authors Note:
Hey guys and girls, I'm sorry i have taken longer than usual to post a new chapter. But as you know, thanksgiving was near and I had to do some traveling to celebrate it with my family. Plus I just got COD: Ghosts and BF4 during the black Friday sale and OMG are those to games freaking awesome. So that's what has been delaying me. Anyway's i hope you enjoy this chapter. Also, whenever you get the chance, post a review. It helps to know if i'm doing something right or wrong. Thanks and enjoy.
Jasper Park Canada Thursday March 20 2011 12:00am
Unaware that their worst nightmare had found out about their most secret possession, the Western and Eastern packs were pretty quiet and peaceful…for now. Residents from both sides weren't too fond of having dogs as part of their packs, even if it was temporary. The wolves always knew better to avoid dogs at all cost, since they have a connection with humans. And since humans are the most dangerous creatures on Earth (according to them), it only made more sense to worry about their new visitors.
Hutch and Can-do tried to complain to their leader that Balto and his three pals were not safe and could attract unwanted humans. However, Winston dismissed their statements, saying that it was not likely they would attract their worst enemy if they fell from the sky, which was something that was unheard of.
The artifact was buried so that the Northern/Southern pack wouldn't get their paws on it, yet everyone still felt insecure. Everyone had gone back to their normal routines, but they were still cautious of the dogs in their own territory. Kate and Lilly were drinking water in a nearby pond.
"Kate, can I ask you something?", the white wolf asked.
Her sister stopped drinking and turned to face her sister, eager to her question. "Yea sure. What is it?", she asked.
Lilly sat down before speaking up, "Well it's about those dogs we brought in. Do you think it's a good idea that dad let them live here?", Lilly questioned.
"What do you mean?", Kate asked, cocking her head.
"Kate, you and I both know that wolves in general have had bad experiences with dogs before. Hell, I heard a wolf pack near Alaska almost got into a war with them", Lilly explained.
"What are you getting at Lilly?", the tan she-wolf asked, still confused.
"I'm saying, I don't trust any of them, and that they should probably find themselves a human town or something", Lilly suggested.
Kate sighed in return. She was hoping her little sister wouldn't get involved in this affair. Her father was already holding a meeting of what to do with both the strangers and the device. "Lilly, the nearest town is at least 78 miles from this pack. They would never make it. And besides, they look friendly enough", Kate persuaded.
"That's what they want you to think. Next thing you know they'll get the humans on us again, and you'll end up somewhere father than Idaho", the white wolf argued.
Kate wiped her face with her paw in slight frustration. She looked up at the sky in deep thought. She looked back at her sister moments later "Listen. Dad's gonna have a meeting with the local Beta's and Delta's later today. We're gonna discuss those dogs future there, and since I'm going to be the future alpha of this pack, I'm required to go there. But right now you shouldn't be worrying about those things, Lilly", Kate said.
"But I do worry, Kate. I almost lost you before because you were kidnapped by those humans", Lilly replied in an innocent voice.
Kate smiled warmly before leaning towards her sister and nuzzling her. "Thanks, Lilly. That means a lot" Kate said.
Lilly nodded her head. Kate then began to walk away from the pond and to her father's den, leaving Lilly by herself. The white wolf looked around for anything to keep her distracted. Her ears perked up when she heard some bushed rustle. On closer inspection, she saw it was a turtle minding its own business. A mischievous idea popped into the wolfs head, and she began to chase the animal.
((((()))))
The sun was at its peak and the meeting was about to begin. Kate didn't want to be late to her first meeting, and she assumed it was an important one. It was customary for her to attend it since she would soon become the next alpha of the Western pack. To say she was nervous was perfectly normal.
Many of the local wolves were talking among themselves. She overheard one group say the word "dog", assuming that they were talking about Balto and his friends. She shook her head and continued towards her parents den, where the meeting would take place.
While walking to her destination, she noticed a familiar brown wolf-dog walking with one of his friends (Nikki). The hybrid noticed Kate and waved at her, smiling. She did the same but tried to walk away from them as fast as possible. She got some weird looks from the two canines, but ignored them otherwise.
Kate climbed her way onto the alpha's den. She breathed one last time before entering, expecting to see the other members invited. However, no one was there expect her parents, who noticed her come in seconds later.
"Kate! You made it, and just in time", her father joked. The she-wolf just rolled her eyes. "Couldn't afford to be late. Oh by the way, I have something to ask you", she said,
"What is it?", her father asked.
"Well you see, I think Lilly has been getting more involved in the packs affair lately, and she's not like that usually. She expressed her opinion about Balto and his pals", Kate explained.
"She must be maturing", Winston muttered to his mate.
"What did she say?", Eve asked.
Kate looked back for a second before answering, "She said she doesn't trust them, and that they will attract the humans to our location", Kate whispered.
Winston wrapped his paw around his chin in thought. "Well part of what we will discuss today is about them. We need to know if they really are worthy of becoming a member to our pack. Even if it's temporary the rules still apply", Winston explained.
"You mean they have to go though some test?", Kate questioned.
"The basic ones, yes", the alpha wolf answered.
Seconds later, the three wolves heard some pawsteps closing in towards them. Seven wolves appeared before the family, including Hutch and Can-do. The rest were three delta's and two betas (excluding Hutch and Can-do who were both beta's). Presumably the group was here for the meeting. Winston got up to greet the group.
"Thank you all for joining us", Winston greeted. The seven wolves all bowed their heads in return, a sign of respect shown from all wolves towards the alpha. Everyone took their seats, with Winston, Eve, and Kate being in front of the group. Winston cleared his throat before beginning to speak.
"Gentlemen. As you all know, we have new members in our pack, and those same members are dogs. Usually we would shoo them away and such, but with these it's an exception" Winston began. "Tony, the leader of the Eastern pack, informed me saying that they teleported unto our land. This must mean they came from somewhere else, and even maybe from a different time period", the alpha explained.
"I bet the artifact had something to do with it", suggested one of the deltas.
"I agree. They must have found their own artifact, and when they awakened it, it must have caused ours to activate as well. They act like teleports, which is why there are two of these relics around the globe", Winston said.
"So what exactly are we here for?", Can-do asked, a hint of impatience in his voice.
"We need to find out if these dogs are worthy of fully becoming a member to my pack. My daughter here thinks these dogs could be a threat to us", Winston explained, then pointing his head towards Kate. That's when Kate stepped up to say her part.
"I believe these newcomers could attract unwanted humans to our territory. I assume that right now, if they are owned by humans, then those humans are looking for them. It could be possible that those humans are hunters. This could also mean those dogs are undercover operatives, but this is all just assumptions, so don't take my word for it", Kate announced, right before sitting back down, finishing her little speech.
"Thank you, Kate. Now what do you all think we should do? There is no right or wrong answer", Winston asked the wolves.
"We should interrogate them", one beta suggested.
"Or we can send some of our scouts to track their every move and word", Hutch said.
"Maybe we should warn them of the consequences of being undercover spies", another wolf exclaimed.
Winston heard all of the suggestions. He nodded his head to signal the poll to stop. "I think our best bet is to send two of our best scouts to spy on the group. Now one more thing we should discuss is the artifact and…Blaze", Winston forced out slowly.
In return several wolfs whispered and murmured to each other of what their leader had just said. They were hoping things would not come to this. "Don't tell me what happened yesterday night attracted the attention of…", Can-do began but was cut off.
"Yes. It is likely they found out about the artifact. If they saw the affects, Blaze will no doubt want it for himself to rule all of Jasper. And we all know he's a ruthless, evil wolf. He does not know what he is toying with", Winston explained seriously.
"Should we prepare our army?", another delta asked.
Eve shook her head at Winston. "No, I think that would arouse more suspicion. If they found out about the artifact, it had to have been a drone. That means there is still more out there in the skies somewhere, surveying our territory", Winston explained. Several of the wolves growled lowly in anger. They weren't too fond of having a human made weapon spying on their own land. Eve was next to speak up.
"The artifact is buried, but it could be possible if the Northern/Southern pack invades us, they will ask questions. Your job is to lie to them. You can say the relic was destroyed on activation, while one of you sits on top of the burial site", Eve suggested.
"Do that smoothly, and we will avoid a war with the most dangerous pack in Jasper Park. For now, just be aware of your surroundings", Winston ordered. Everyone nodded their heads. "You may all head out now", Winston dismissed.
The seven wolves got up to leave the den, but not before shaking the alphas paw. Once they were out of sight, Winston sighed and turned back to his mate and daughter. They both looked at him, waiting for his comment.
"Well that went well", Winston said smiling.
"What now?", Kate asked, swaying her tail.
"Now we…", the grey wolfs voice was cut off by a beeping sound. His ears perked up at the frequent high pitched sound and followed it. "Wait here", Winston ordered.
The elderly wolf stepped out of the comfort of his den. There was a small rock near the opening of the den where the same beeping sound was coming from. Winston walked towards it to see a familiar device. Humans call them phones, which were some sort of communication device. It can extend for hundreds of miles while keeping a good connection. It was decided that only an alpha was allowed to have and use this device. It was also noted that it should only be used for emergencies or urgent times. The only person that could call Winston was Tony, so he already knew who it was.
The grey wolf pressed a button before speaking on the phone that was engraved to the rock. "What is it, Tony?", asked Winston.
"My own set of newcomers want to see Balto. Don't ask how I got them, all I will say is that second meteor was actually them", Tony said hastily.
'Who exactly wants to see Balto, and for what?", asked Winston.
"It's a red furred husky named Kodiak. Balto is his father and I promised him I would take him to see the guy", Tony explained.
Winston sighed, "Tony, you need to tell me this stuff ahead of time. You can't just start making plans without notifying me", the wolf replied annoyed.
"Better late than never, brother. Now, can he come or not?", asked Tony impatiently.
Winston thought for a moment, and then answered, "Yes he can. I will inform Balto about this. We will meet at the border", Winston said, before hanging up.
Meanwhile, Kate had her head peaking out near the entrance of the den. She overheard her father's conversation with Tony. Normally she was more mature than to just spy on her father like that, but he has been keeping things behind her back lately. Luckily, it was nothing important, at least for her. She quickly walked back to where she was sitting down earlier. Her mother must have not cared what she just did since she saw the whole thing and didn't say a word.
"What did he want now?", Eve asked annoyed.
"Looks like Tony got his set of dogs. Ours and his are related. He said one of them wants to see Balto", Winston explained.
"I got a brief look at the group, if I remember correctly", Kate commented.
There was a moment of silence afterwards. "Well, I think I should go find Balto", Winston said, before exiting his den, leaving the two females alone.
The grey elderly wolf was outside admiring the view his den gave him since it was on top of a rather large rocky hill. Most of the wolves were doing their usual routine; eating leftovers, visiting friends, going among their duties and such. Winston eyes caught something that held his attention. A familiar brown scruffy dog roaming around the territory. The wolf quickly identified him as being Balto, and headed straight for him.
((((()))))
Jasper Park Canada Thursday March 20 2011 12:37am
Kodi had just gotten up from his first slumber in Jasper. He slept surprisingly well despite all the strange chain of events that happened the day before. He noticed that Dusty had gotten up earlier, while Ralph and Kirby were still snoozing off. He had what was left of caribou as breakfast, since that's what all wolves pretty much eat. Luckily, he was already use to it.
He hadn't forgotten about seeing his father today, but he also wanted to apologize to Dusty as well, provided she's in a talking mood. His first order of business was to find out where the female husky went. He searched high and low with no success.
C'mon Dust where did you go, the red furred husky thought. He noticed a small stream leading further out into the woods, and decided to follow it. He kept walking in whatever direction the stream went. Sure enough, he saw a familiar dog. Dusty was drinking water, and she didn't seem to notice Kodi what so ever. The red furred husky cautiously approached the pissed off female before speaking.
"Hey.. Uh, Dusty, hehe. I didn't know you like to drink stream water", Kodi said awkwardly. Dusty didn't reply, and acted as if he wasn't even there. Kodi then decided it was no time to playing jokes.
"Hey, you okay?", Kodi asked, approaching the female husky. Surprisingly, she actually answered back. "Doing fabulous, thanks for asking", she replied sarcastically.
Kodi knew she wasn't alright. He was actually surprised he was still alive. "Listen Dust. I know what I did, and I know why you're mad at me. But look… can we…".
"If you came here to say you're sorry, than do yourself a favor, and burn in hell", Dusty sneered coldly, before walking away from the red and white husky. However, Kodi wasn't gonna let her go away clean that easily and began to follow her.
"Dusty, c'mon, you can't just hold a grudge against me like that!" Kodi complained.
"The hell I can!", Dusty shouted back. At this point Kodi had caught up with his angry friend.
"Why are you making such a big deal outta this?", Kodi asked, confused.
"Because this isn't the first time you don't listen to your friends!", Dusty shouted after turning to face Kodi with a furious expression on her face. Kodi took a step back, shocked at her sudden outburst.
"Back during that bush plane incident, you decided to go after that pilot alone, even after we told you how dangerous it was without a team. Look what almost happened to your father that day", Dusty explained. Kodi, however, had a counter for that too.
"First of all, you guys didn't want to go with me because you called that pilot "the enemy", Kodi said, making a quotation sign with his fingers. "Now what you need to understand is that I am a creature, and every living creature on this planet is gonna screw up. I know you're mad because I didn't listen to you", Kodi explained. Dusty just continued to walk, still fuming in anger.
"Look at the situation we are in Kodiak! Were in the middle of the woods with a bunch of wolves who can eat us at any time, my owners aren't here which means I have to resort to eating dead animals for lunch, you father is missing and probably got dragged into this mess as well, were about to cause these wolf packs to go into war with some other wolf packs that they don't like, and it's all because you wouldn't listen to some logical advice!", Dusty finished, breathing hard.
"I never wanted you to be dragged in this mess. But right now, if we don't cooperate with each other, things can take a turn for the worse. We all make mistakes Dust, but just do me a favor, and let go of the grudge", Kodi pleaded. Dusty still had an angry expression on her face. The two dogs were pretty much face to face.
"You forgive me?", Kodi asked.
Dusty hesitated before answering. He did have a point that working together will get them out of this mess, and Kodi was one of the greatest friends she had ever had. They have been friends since they were 3 month old pups. She couldn't just turn cold on him now. After all, they have been though similar conflicts like this before. She eventually sighed and spoke up. "Okay, Kodi. I'll let you slide on this one", the grey-velvet husky said quietly.
Kodi felt a wave of relief wash over him. His best friend wasn't going to kill him today. He grinned widely in return.
"But you better listen to me next time when it comes to our own safety… Or else", Dusty said threatenly. Kodi just shook the threat off as a joke. "Yea yea I get it. Now c'mon. We need to go see Tony", Kodi said, as the two walked back to the feeding grounds.
"What for?", Dusty asked.
"It's about my dad", Kodi replied, causing his friends eyes to widen in shock.
((((()))))
Kodiak was glad that Dusty had accepted his apology, since she can be very stubborn when it comes to forgiveness. The red furred husky thought he had a stronger bond with the female than his two other male friends: Ralph and Kirby.
Kodi wanted to make sure Tony kept his promise he made last night about escorting him to his father. He had been anxious all day, and the suspense was killing him. He decided that Ralph and Kirby should tag along too, so he told them to follow him and Dusty to the alpha's den.
The four had finally made it (after half an hour of getting lost) to the den and noticed Tony speaking with a random wolf, presumably his servant or guard or whatever. Kodi stepped up, causing the two wolfs to notice him and his friends.
"Can I help you guys?", Tony asked, raising one of his eyebrows.
"You said you were gonna take me to my father", Kodi reminded.
Tony chuckled. "Don't worry kid. I haven't forgotten. In fact I just called Winston telling him about you and your connection with Balto. He'll allow you to meet up with your dad, okay?", the red furred wolf explained.
Kodi nodded, relived that the wolf was true to his word. "Just give me a moment and we'll be on our way", Tony said. The wolf began walking out the den but stopped when he noticed the three other dogs in front of him. "I'm guessing you guys are tagging along too?", he asked.
Ralph, Kirby and Dusty all nodded simultaneously. "We're friends of Balto, and I would like to see if he's okay", Dusty explained.
Tony just nodded before walking out of his den. Kodi was not far behind him, along with his three other friends and that other wolf. Ralph noticed the wolf was armed when he picked up his pace to catch up with Tony, but didn't make a big deal out of it.
Tony had instructed five of his guards to accompany him on their way to the border, along with his son Garth. Once that was done, the group then headed out towards the border.
"Winston, this is Tony. We're bringing Kodiak to you. Make sure you have the package when we arrive at the border of our two territories" Tony said on one of his walkie talkies he was carrying.
((((()))))
Winston was headed straight to Balto to inform him about his son, that is, if he had not been interrupted. His walkie talkie went off and he heard a familiar voice.
Winston, this is Tony. We're bringing Kodiak to you. Make sure you have the package when we arrive at the border of our two territories, said Tony on the radio.
The grey wolf picked up the device and pressed a button, before putting it near his mouth. "Copy that. He's here right now, out", Winston said.
The alpha wolf looked up to see the half-breed roaming around, getting use to his new surroundings. He seemed harmless enough, but his daughter had made a good point about these dogs being spies. He began to approach the wolf-dog, who noticed him soon after.
"Morning", Winston greeted.
"Oh, good morning, sir. Is there anything wrong?" Balto asked.
Winston sighed heavily, prepared to give the hybrid some big-ass news. "It's your son", the grey alpha wolf said slowly.
Balto just cocked his head, confused. "I have three sir, which one are you…"
"Kodiak. He's on the east side of Jasper. Tony has him there", Winston explained, cutting him off mid sentence.
At this Balto had a wide range of emotions going through him at once, primarily shock, worry, disbelief, and dumbfounded all at once. How did his son wind up in Canada? It may have not been Jenna, but Kodi was still part of his family, and he needed to see him right now.
"Is he alright?! Tell me he's not hurt! I gotta find him right now!?", Balto panicked, catching the grey wolf in front of him by surprise.
"Calm down", Winston instructed, raising one of his paws. "He is being escorted to the border, a river that separates my territory from Tony's. I'll take you there now if that's what you want", Winston suggested.
At this Balto grinned widely, before running up to the alpha and shaking his paw frantically. "Oh thank you so much sir! You really have no idea how much that means to me!", the wolf-dog said quickly.
"Uh …yea…you're…welcome", Winston said, backing up two steps while being shocked at the wolf-dogs behavior. But then if he had been in the paws of the hybrid, he would have acted the same way if one of his daughters was in distress.
"I'll go get some of my men to come with us", Winston said, before walking off, leaving the hybrid to get Kaltag, Nikki and Star.
Balto quickly started searching for his three friends as fast as he could. He was hardly paying attention that he accidently bumped into two wolves, but he threw in a quick apology before continuing his search. He sniffed the ground so much that his face was almost full of dirt. When he did find his three friends, he couldn't get his words to come out faster.
"GUYS! GUYS! You'll never guess what happened!", Balto panted, getting a lot of weird looks from his three friends.
"What? Did a she-wolf try to hit on you?", Kaltag joked, causing Nikki and Star to laugh.
"My son, Kodi. He's here, and he's still alive!", Balto yelled out.
The three sled dogs eyes widened as soon as they heard Balto's comment. Nikki and Star may have not been so shocked, but Kaltag was a whole different story. He had known Kodi for some time, ever since he was a small pup. The little husky would always rant about him wanting to be a sled dog. When he was old enough, Kaltag got to train the husky, starting with the basics. Unfortunately Kodi got another teacher when he was ready for more advanced classes.
"Wait..how the hell did Kodi get in this mess?", Kaltag asked, dumbfounded.
"Who cares!? Winston is getting his escorts ready. We'll be going to that river that divides the Western and Eastern territories. That's where Kodi will be. Now let's go, we ain't getting any younger!" Balto commanded.
The three huskies obliged and followed Balto to wherever Winston went to. With Balto sniffing out the alpha's scent, they didn't take long to find the grey wolf. The group found the wolf already with his own set of escorts. Once everyone was ready to go, they all went straight for the border.
((((()))))
Jasper Park Canada Thursday March 20, 2011 12:45am
As excited as he was, Kodi wasn't so sure what his father's reaction would be if he found out he was the cause of this big mess. Keeping his trap shut was probably the best route to go. He didn't need to get on somebody's bad side again.
The walk was longer than it should have been, in Kodi's opinion at least. He really wished everyone could pick up the pace. It was only six guards escorting the alpha really. The sight of tree after tree and rocks was really driving the red and white husky crazy. The silence was too much for Kodi, so he decided to chat with Ralph, who was right next to him.
"Hey, you think my dad will ever figure out that I caused all this to happen?", Kodi asked.
Ralph just shrugged his shoulders, "don't know man. Why you ask?", he wondered.
"Oh, just asking", Kodi lied. He walked over a fallen log. "My god this suspense is killing me", Kodi retorted.
The group continued to walk and walk…slowly. Kodi wondered how they can be so silent for long periods of time. The red furred dog stepped on a branch, causing it to make a crack sound. Two of the guards misintercepted the sound when a couple of birds flew away at the sound. The raised their rifles at the trees, suspicious.
"Calm down, it's just wildlife", Tony commanded.
After 5 agonizing minutes later, the canines made it to the border, the place Tony chose to meet up with Winston and his own group. All the wolves sat down, just staring at the bushes on the other side of the river where Winston would be popping out. Kodi and his friends sat down a couple pawsteps away from the wolves, all waiting for one dog only; Balto.
It was pretty silent, except for the chirping of birds, the rustle of the trees, and the sound of the flowing water in the river. By now Kodi wasn't the only one impatient for his father's arrival. Tony was tapping his tail against the ground, a sign that he was becoming impatience. His son was slowly falling asleep in the process.
Just when everyone was about to lose their minds, Tony, Garth and the six wolves ears perked up at the sound of some bushes rustling in front of them. Everyone looked in front of them to see Winston and three of his own guards armed with what appeared to be AK47s, some with reflex sights and such.
"Winston! Glad you could make it. I was worried your age was getting the best of you", Tony joked.
"At least my spine is still in good condition", Winston shot back, lightning the mood.
Kodi, however, was not in the same joking mood that the two alphas were sharing. He decided to step up in front of the grey wolf, but not too much to cross the river. He didn't see his father anywhere, and he felt like he'd been set up. But before he could say anything, Winston took notice of the husky.
"Ah, you must be the Kodiak Tony has told me about. You're here for your father, right?", Winston asked. Kodi nodded his head in response.
The grey alpha wolf nodded his head, understanding. "Bring him out!", shouted Winston. As soon as Kodi heard the command, he heard more bushes move around near him. He first saw two more armed wolves step out of the bushes.
Then…Balto stepped out right behind the two guards.
Kodi's tail was wagging at 1,000 miles an hour at the sight of his father. His fur looked more rustled than ever, and he even looked more wolf than dog for the first time. He barely noticed that the hybrid was also accompanied by his three sled dog friends. With an explosion of energy, the red furred dog leaped over the river and ran to his father as fast as he could.
"DAD!", Kodi shouted.
The wolf-dog smiled widely as he saw his son run up to him. He had never been more relived in his life. He may have not known how he got to Canada, but at least he was safe and sound.
"Kodi", he whispered to himself.
The red furred husky almost knocked the wind out of his father, all while nuzzling him non-stop, missing the feel of his warm fur against his own. Balto was literally crying tears of joy, hugging his son as tightly as he could.
Tony and Winston saw everything unfold. Tony had never seen a warmer sight. In fact, he thought it could have melted the coldest of hearts. Winston had a knowing expression on his face. He understood what Balto was going through. After hearing that his son was trapped in someone else's pack, it only made sense to freak out. It's what a good parent does.
Kaltag, Nikki and Star had to fight back tears of their own when they saw how much affection Kodi unleashed when he saw his father for the first time in a long time. Nikki noticed Ralph, Kirby and Dusty sitting down on the other side of the border. "Ey, look over dere", Nikki pointed out to Kaltag, making him notice the three huskies.
Ralph, Kirby and Dusty were just as relived as Kodi was when they saw Balto walk out of the bushes in one piece. And although they didn't show the affection Kodi was at the moment, they all still felt what their friend was feeling. Kirby noticed Nikki point at them.
"Hey, isn't that that one dog that ran during the serum run", Kirby asked to Ralph.
"Yea. I've seen him a couple times before. What about him?", the grey husky questioned.
"He's pointing at us. You think he's talking crap about us", Kirby asked, suspicious.
Ralph just chuckled before answering, "Relax man. I don't think their one of those stuck up dogs", Ralph replied.
After five minutes later, Kodi finally stopped nuzzling his father and looked him in his bright yellow eyes.
"I'd thought they hurt you", Kodi whispered, a tear rolling down his eye.
"It's okay. I'm here now", the wolf-dog comforted, before pulling his son into a hug. "I'm here", he whispered again.
Unfortunately the touching moment had to come to an end, like all good things. Winston took some steps towards the father and son. He cleared his throat, catching the two dog's attention.
"Um… I'm sorry to interrupt, but we do need to decide if you would like to be with your father here, at my pack", Winston offered.
Kodi immediately came up with an answer so after, "yea. I'd want nothing more", he replied, smiling back at his father, who grinned in return.
Winston nodded his head. The father and son were about to make their way back to the territory, but Kodi had one last question he had to ask his friends.
"Hey, you guys wanna come with us?", Kodi asked.
"Nah, I'm all good over here. They have good food here anyways", Ralph shouted, with Kirby agreeing with him.
Dusty however, had different plans. She walked towards the river and jumped over, landing on the western side of Jasper. "I'll come with you" she said. Kodi grinned, thankful that at least one of his friends would join him. Good thing he won't be bored anytime soon.
Winston approached Tony right after everything had settled down. "Thank you for allowing that kid to reunite with his father. It's very noble of you Tony", Winston said. He could tell that Tony was not use to these types of conversations. He and Winston would always argue about something, so they really didn't show their friendship as much.
"Yea right. The kids got one hell of a bond with his dad…just like mine", Tony replied, gazing at Garth who was talking with some of the escorts.
Everyone was now going their separate ways. There were things that had to be done, like the upcoming hunt. However, Winston and his group, along with Kodi, Dusty, and Balto, heard a strange sound coming from the distance. It sounded very strange to the three dogs, like a deep whooshing sound. However, Balto noticed that Winston and his crew had heard it before, since they were all tense and cautious.
Winston would know that sound anywhere. He rarely heard it in these parts, but he has heard it enough times to identify what it was. It was the sound of the spinning blades of a helicopter, getting close to their positions. The wolves on the other side of the river (the Eastern pack and Ralph and Kirby), weren't as fast. But they heard the sound as soon as they saw their fellow pack mates on the other side of the river tense up and wary.
As the heli loomed close to all the wolves (and dogs), it was close enough to see what it was clearly. The helicopter turned out to be a UH-60 Blackhawk, although no one actually knew that, especially Balto Kodi, Dusty, Ralph and Kirby, who have never even seen a heli before.
"What the hell is that thing", Kodi asked.
"I've never seen anything like it", Balto mused.
"You think that's another one of those human flying machines?", Dusty questioned to Kodi, who only shrugged his shoulders. They have seen a bushplane, but this was totally alien to them. They freaked out even more when the saw the aircraft hover in place, preparing to land in Tony's territory.
"It's landing in our territory!", shouted one of Tony's escorts, since it was too loud to speak normally. The blades of the helicopter and all the debris and wind were making it hard to communicate.
That can't be a human piloting that chopper. There's only one other person who would have the nerve to land in unauthorized territory like that, Winston thought. He looked at Tony for a second, then back at the helicopter that was lowering unto the ground.
"We should go investigate! I'll go with you, Tony!", Winston shouted to the red furred wolf. Tony nodded his head before dashing off to the landing site, telling everyone on his side to follow him.
"C'mon lets go. We'll assist him when we get there. Move!", Winston commanded to his guards, who jumped over the river and followed Tony and his pack, right before Winston did the same. Balto saw everything unfold so fast. He figured whatever that thing was; it wouldn't be safe for Kodi or Dusty. He didn't need his son or his friends to be in danger…again.
"You two head back towards Winston's territory. Go to the main area, it's where most of the locals are", the hybrid ordered. The two nodded their heads and scurried off. Balto then followed Winston and the others, who had a good lead already.
((((()))))
Jasper Park Canada Thursday March 20, 2011 1:05pm.
Tony, Winston, and a bunch of armed wolfs were pursuing the landing site of the helicopter. They all had to know who or what was crazy enough to land in wolf territory. Balto caught up with the giant group, but was panting hard, due to having to run a lot faster than all the wolves just to catch up with them.
There were a lot of alpha guards (wolves whose duty is to protect the pack's alpha) armed and ready for anything. So if the helicopter or anybody in it did posses as a threat, they would be ready. Everyone kept running for 55 more meters until they saw the giant helicopter. Balto was astonished at the machine. He never seen anything so advanced in his life, although the others weren't as surprised. The blades were still spinning wildly, but the engine had been cut off, so there was not as much noise as last time. Still, no one saw the pilot.
Several wolves aimed their rifles at the chopper when they saw movement inside. Three armed wolves (each with an M4A1) stepped out of the chopper, before one more came out. The last wolf was not known to Balto or to any of the other wolves from the Eastern or Western pack, but Tony and Winston knew this certain creature in an instant.
Blaze. Winston muttered to himself. He thought he cut off all relation with him and his pack. But it seemed he was not done, and both Tony and Winston knew what he came for. The two alphas looked at each other nervously.
"Winston, Tony…It's been way too damn long…Hasn't it?", the dark furred wolf chuckled.
Tony didn't know what to respond with, since he was shocked and scared at the sight of the wolf. He knew that this guy was crazy and cold-blooded, and would do anything to rule the four wolf packs of Jasper Park.
"I don't know what you're doing here, or what you want, but it better be good, because you got some nerve to just land your machines onto our territory without permission", Winston growled.
Blaze just chuckled more in response. "I see you haven't changed a bit, have you, Winnie?", Blaze taunted. Winnie was a nickname he uses to call Winston all the time, and boy would it aggravate him. But now it was Tony's turn to speak.
"If you're here for the device, then you're outta luck. It was destroyed upon activation" Tony lied, causing some of the wolves on Blazes side to growl demonically.
"And even if it wasn't destroyed…we wouldn't give it to you", Tony finished. However, Blaze wasn't buying it. He had already sent a drone out for a testing flight, and it actually found Garth and Humphrey burying the artifact in front of his eyes.
"I think not. One of my drones caught two of your wolves burying the thing. So looks like you got caught red handed", Blaze mocked.
"Oh, so now you're sending drones to spy on our own territory. I say you've gotten crazier over the years!", Winston snapped. Blaze only rolled his eyes. One of his wolves decided to stand up for his leader.
"Hey we were just te…"
"Can it!", Winston cut off harshly. This caused the three wolves to become even angrier. They looked like they could rip someone's heart out in a few seconds. The wolves from the West and East cocked their rifles as a warning not to get any closer.
Meanwhile, Balto was (once again) confused as all hell. Apparently Winston knew this Blaze guy. Their rivalry kinda reminded him of his own rivalry with Steele. What he also found strange, was the weapons all the wolves had. He knew they were guns, but they were shaped weird, and some had things on top of the rifle where you aim down the sights. They looked like guns from the future. He just hoped, him being a pacifist and all, that things did not turn bloody.
"Enough!", shouted Blaze. "I want you three to search for the artifact", Blaze commanded to his three armed wolves. They only took two steps before they heard a dozen rifles being cocked again.
"Listen to me, Blaze, and listen very closely", Winston whispered to his worst enemy. "You're outnumbered, and outgunned, so I think it's best you leave right now, and never come back. And I'm saying this in the nicest way possible", Winston said, eye to eye with the black furred wolf.
They both had an eerie stare down, before Blaze backed away. "In the chopper", he muttered to his squad. The three wolves obeyed, but the other Eastern and Western wolves aimed their guns wherever the three wolves went. They had to be sure they weren't going to sneak attack them. Blaze entered the cockpit of the Blackhawk and began to take off. The blades began to pick up speed, kicking around leaves and dust all over the place.
The heli then began to lift itself off the ground and hover in place. Everyone covered their faces at all the debris. After a few more seconds the helicopter began to fly away. Everyone breathed a sigh a relief. No one was hurt during the tensest moment in their lives.
Tony and Winston shook paws, glad that they stood up for one another. Balto was glad that everyone on both sides was safe and sound. Just as everyone was about to go their separate ways, an ear piercing bang rang across the valley. A second later, a wolf from the Western pack fell to the ground, with a bullet wound to his chest, blood oozing though his fur and unto the ground.
"MARKSMEN! SCATTER!", yelled Winston. Everyone separated and tried to find whatever suitable cover their was. Rocks, trees, tall grass and such. Balto took cover behind a boulder, while Tony and Winston too cover in their own separate tree. Another bang was shot. Causing birds to fly away in terror.
Balto's ears were ringing loudly. He had heard gunshots go off before, especially from hunting rifles, but this one was just powerful. It took a while before his hearing could come back.
"Where the hell did that come from?", one of the Eastern wolves whispered to his packmate.
"I don't know, man. But I know that guy's going to have a bad day once my sights are on him", the other wolf replied.
Tony face palmed himself, already knowing why there was a sniper trying to kill his own packmates. "Damn. That marksman must have been sent from Blaze. I knew the bastard would do something like this", Tony said angrily. Winston nodded his head in agreement.
"This must've been his plan B. Either way, we have to kill that guy" Winston suggested. He peeked at his surroundings, but was suppressed back in cover when the sniper fired another shot at him. 'You three, suppress the sniper, while you two take him out", Winston ordered some of his guards.
One of the western wolves peeked his head out on purpose. The sniper fired at him but missed, revealing his position. Three other wolves began to fire their AK-47's at the sniper, causing him to stop aiming down and seek cover. Two eastern pack wolves ran up to more cover, closer to the sniper. They waited for the sniper to expose himself again. One of them saw the scope glint and fired three shots at it. There was a distant groan, and the wolves saw a body fall down to the ground.
Balto was amazed at how many bullets theses guns can spit out. Usually almost every single gun the humans had in Nome fired a single shot before having to manually chamber the next bullet. So many strange things have happened today, and the wolf-dog was beginning to wonder if he really was in 1930.
"It's clear!", shouted one of the western wolves. Everyone stepped out of their hiding place and observed the one wolf that was shot. There was blood all around his body and he wasn't even breathing.
"That young kid didn't make it", Tony said sorrowly. Two Eastern wolves began to pick up and take his body away, where it will be buried later. Balto was just as sentimental as the red furred alpha. He was hoping things wouldn't come to this. And something in his gut was telling him it was going to get a whole lot worse.
"Everyone, back to the territory. We have much to discuss", Winston announced. All the western pack wolves obliged and headed towards the border again. There was an eerie ambience around the forest, and Winston could feel it. The alpha shook it off and decided to go back to his den for yet another meeting. Only this time, he knew how things were going to turn out.