The Time of Wolves 2

Chapter 8: Across the Sea

Far north of the Alaskan tundra, there lies a mountain secluded – devoid of all life, Hallow Mountain. Deep in its depth, within the center, there lies a hollow cave. The wall is covered in the thickest of ice rising from the mountain's peak all the way down to the floor. The only light source is a crack from the tip-top, enough to reflect off the icy walls and illuminate the room like distant star lights. In the center of the room stood a column that held a red gemstone. When the light hits the gem no later than high noon, it will shine a light to thaw out the head of the mountain's one sole occupant, Wendigo.

For one hour, day-after-day, Wendigo's head would be free to look around his lowly prison. Doing nothing but stare around the empty room, looking at nothing in particular. Those pesky wolverines always scare away any potential visitors, ruining any chance for some fun. The boredom he suffered every day would be maddening for most people, but Wendigo was not most people. He was a Great Spirit, the spirit of the white wolf at one point in time. He was long past the need to feel such mortal concerns. However, that didn't mean he was above having wants and desires. A desire for a break from the mundane loneliness of his empty prison. Good thing that he made sure to call for some company. Said company was now there waiting for him to have his one hour per day wake-up.

Yes, Balto and his company were there before him. Well, Balto and Kemo, to be exact, while the young dinosaurs were hiding behind the cave entrance. It matters little, though. Wendigo knew they were there. Besides, Wendigo got what he wanted. Balto was here visiting him in his cell. It was enough for Wendigo to peel his lips back into a crooked yet gleeful smile.

"Finally," Wendigo said with a deep – raspy voice, "You found me." it gave Wendigo so much joy to see Balto's eyes shoot up from those words. Maybe, if he was lucky, he could get those eyes to shoot from their sockets, "What's the matter, Balto, my boy? Wendigo got your tongue?" he laughed, already having the most fun since being imprisoned this damn mountain, "Don't worry. I would never do such a thing, spirit's honor. If such a thing even existed." Wendigo laughed again.

Indeed, Balto was silent. In fact, he was scared stiff. Throughout his life, Balto thought he has seen everything that could instill fear in him: the Horned Sharptooth, drowning, just to name a few. But this was on a whole other level. You know how they say when someone's undressing you with their eyes? Balto felt that as well, except it was more like Wendigo was imagining how Balto would look without his skin. It took every ounce of will power for the wolfdog to not show any signs of fear. Hell, it took a lot to keep him from running out of the cave without looking back.

"Balto?" Kemo came up beside his brother, "Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry," he said in a whisper, "You were right; we shouldn't have come here. I thought we faced the worse this mountain had to offer already, but I had no idea what they were meant to scare away from until now."

"It's too late to go back now." Kemo said softly to calm Balto down, "The best we can do is push forward and not show that he has you rattled. Besides, look at him, his head may be free, but his body is forever trapped behind the ice."

"He is right," Wendigo butted in, "What a shame. I would love to cheer you up with a hug. Show you the meaning of a death grip from one whose already amongst the dead."

Balto ignored Wendigo's blatant attempt to stir a reaction out of him. He took a deep breath and reminded himself why he even came to this mountain in the first place. It was for the kids. They were told that whatever was in the center of the mountain would help get those kids home. As much as Wendigo made his skin crawl, Balto had to do what Kemo said and push forward. Push forward to face this demon to help the kids.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to be rude." Balto chose to approach this civilly, "You seem to know my name, but I'll admit, I'm not familiar with you."

A small cackle could be heard deep within Wendigo's throat as his smile did not waver, "Oh, I'm sure you've heard of me. I've heard of you, son of Aniu. Tell me, do the stories from your little town live up to what you see before you?"

"To be honest, if my brother said is to be believed, they don't do you any justice."

"How flattering," Wendigo snickered.

"Yeah…" Balto desperately wanted to change the subject, "Listen, we need help…"

"Of course you need help," Wendigo interrupts, "What else is to expect from a half-breed and his poor excuse for a wolf brother?" Kemo growled at the insult, "Did I hit a nerve? If I'm upsetting you, you can always run home to your pack… oh wait, I forgot they're all dead, right?"

Kemo's growling grew louder that Balto tried to intervene, "Kemo, calm down. He's just trying to get under your skin."

"Yes, listen to the wolfdog." Wendigo continued to goad the massive wolf, "It's not my fault for what happened, and besides, you can always go back to your old pack. But, then again, that would mean having to face your dear old dad. I wonder, will he be proud of you for finding Balto? However, who would be proud of a son that allowed his mate to be brutally murdered while he took a nap in the snow?"

"I was shot and kicked off a cliff, you son of a bitch!"

Kemo made a lunge for Wendigo's uncovered head, but Balto threw himself into the white wolf's path. For several minutes, Balto was doing his best to retain his brother from attacking the spirit. As of right now, Kemo was nothing more than flying teeth and claws trying ferociously to take on the imprisoned spirit. Calming him down was certainly going to be a chore in itself. Usually, when this happens, Balto would have to wrestle Kemo to the ground until his anger burnt out, but he rather not have to get violent in front of the children.

All the while, Wendigo was laughing at the scene unfolding in front of him. After a few choice words, he managed to flip the dynamic between Balto and Kemo at the beginning of the meeting. Worse was that he was having fun tormenting the two canines with just his words alone. Wendigo took so much joy in this all but confirmed to Balto that this creature was a vile – evil entity. Balto knew that to overcome his twisted sense of entertainment, they need to remain calm and not give in to Wendigo's vile tongue.

"I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun." Wendigo's laughter slowed, "No, wait, I think it was a Tuesday."

In time, Balto managed to get Kemo under control. Luckily he didn't have to resort to wrestling his brother to the ground. Kemo seemed to understand that by not fighting him that Balto was sparing him from embarrassment. After some heated breaths, Kemo walked off in the far end of the cave and sat in quiet dignity, however much he had left after that shameful display. With Kemo sorted out, Balto could now get back to the matter at hand.

"You've had your fun. Now we need to get back to business." Balto said firmly.

Wendigo huffed, "How boring. Fine, little puppy, what are you here to discuss?"

"There's been a situation, and we could use your help to prevent it." Balto explained.

Wendigo's sinister grin suddenly reappeared on his face, "Is that so?" he played it off so coy, "Why, might I ask what your problem is?"

"What does it matter?" Kemo broke his silence.

"It matters a great deal," the spirit spoke, feigning offense, "Depending on the problem, it could be something I can help you with or not. However, if you continue being vague with me, my mind could slip and be of no help to you. Trust me, it's already a tangled web in there."

"Okay, okay, you've made your point," Balto sighed as he had to swallow his pride to get Wendigo's cooperation, "There's been a rift in time. Some friends of mine came through, and they can't get back until they've solves some sort of problem. We were told that you could help figure out what that is."

"Wait. Told?" for once, Wendigo lost his unsettling crooked smile, and it was instead replaced with a disappointing scowl, "Told by whom?"

"A wolf named Nava." Balto said with little concern.

"Nava? Yes, I know the name." Wendigo sat there and thought. Suddenly he came upon a realization before starting to laugh. A laugh so hard it echoed throughout the room that it could be heard from outside through the crack at the mountain's peak. A laugh that sent a chill down Balto's spine; even the children just outside the icy room stepped back in terror, "So that is her game. This is too rich. She hopes introducing us early would change anything."

Balto could barely make out what was being said over the spirit's insane roar of laughter, "What are you talking about?"

"Sorry, I'm sorry," Wendigo's laugh slowed down to a mere snicker, "It's just that I'm so disappointed." more cackles broke through from time to time, "Here I was, going through so much trouble to get you here, but instead you only came because someone told you to. I tell you, if I still had a heart, it would be breaking right now. How could you be so insensitive?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't think you can lie to me!" Wendigo snapped back, "I saw the look in your eyes when I spoke. You know that it was I who has plagued your dreams for the past few days. Haunting your nightmare every time you doze off. All in an attempt to lure you here."

Balto became flustered as Wendigo exposited all this information. He didn't want to look behind him and alert Wendigo of the dinosaurs, but he could imagine they would be rather confused by what the spirit meant. He looked to Kemo for some support but instead had to advert his gaze while his adopted brother stared at him with this unsettling disappointed scowl. Never once was he so glad that Boris wasn't here. That old goose would not only be joining Kemo with his own look of disappointment, but he would also add salt to the wound by saying something along the lines of, 'What did I tell you about dreams meaning something?!'

"Okay, you got me," Balto conceded once again. What choice did he have when Littlefoot and his friends' way home laid with this monster? "Forgive me for offending you. I had no intentions of deceiving you. I promise we'll be out of your hair so long as you help us."

"Oh, no, no, no." Wendigo giggled in delight as an idea formed in his twisted head, "I do deserve compensation for your insult, and only I will choose the payment. I think for spoiling my hard work, I should do the same. Allow me to impart a little secret of my own."

"Okay," Balto sighed, "Let's get this over with."

"I said nothing about telling you, pup!" Wendigo's twisted smile returned as he looked towards the exit, "I'll only tell it to the boy."

Balto didn't need clarification to know who he was referring to, "You must be crazy if you think I'll let you talk to any of those kids."

"I either talk to him, or I don't talk at all!" Wendigo snarled. But to his surprise, Balto stood firm. Staring down the former Great Spirit with such intensity that compared to just one other, "I can see the resemblance between you and Aniu. However, she, as I once was, is a Great Spirits. For us, time is fleeting, practically nonexistent. Unlike you, where time is currently of the essence. Trust me."

Balto didn't want to trust him. He was warned specifically not to do so. But Wendigo was holding him in a bind. Time was running out, and not only with their time talking with Wendigo. But who else knows what the coming disaster the kids were supposed to stop could be? How much longer his mate had before it claimed her. It pained Balto a great deal to continue doing this, but he had to comply with Wendigo if he were going to stop this upcoming threat and return the kids home.

"Littlefoot?" there was a tinge of pain in Balto's voice, "Could... could you come here please."

"Balto, you can't be serious!" Kemo marched over to the wolfdog, "Don't play into this monster's hand!"

"It's alright, Mr. Kemo." Littlefoot walked around the exit's corner, "I'll talk to him."

He was hesitant to do so, but Littlefoot slowly walked further out of the corner and into the area. After dealing with the illusions of being threatened by Sharptooth, Littlefoot thought he was ready for anything this mountain had to throw at him. But this Wendigo, he was something else. Just hearing his voice around the corner was enough to send shivers down the little longneck's spine, and now he just agreed to speak to him face-to-face. Littlefoot was wondering if he was going crazy. However, all Littlefoot had to do was look back to his friends to remind him why he was doing this. He was doing this so that they could be one step closer to going home and be reunited with their families.

The closer he walked towards to imprisoned Wendigo, the more Littlefoot felt his courage begin to falter. He turned to Kemo, who stared daggers at Wendigo while occasionally looking back at Littlefoot in a very protective gesture. Littlefoot then turned to Balto, who gave the young sauropod a sympathetic look that hid within it a silent apology for putting him through this. Littlefoot accepted this with a nod. He knew that Balto wouldn't put him in harm's way. It was one of the reasons Littlefoot looked up to him so much, even if it could be annoying sometimes. In those moments, Littlefoot would see Balto as something more than just a friend, but instead something much greater.

But then there was Wendigo. His blood-red eyes never stopped staring down at him. Never once did his gaze turn away. The whole time it was as if Wendigo was trying to pierce Littlefoot's soul. Then there was that twisted – toothy grin of his. It stretched so wide that it was borderline unnatural, and not to mention the rows of razor-sharp teeth that lined the inside of his mouth. The mere sight of only Wendigo's head was enough to instill fear in the longneck's heart that he couldn't bare going farther beyond where Balto and Kemo stood.

"Closer, child, closer." Wendigo beckoned, "It's alright, I don't bite. At least not today." he laughed maniacally.

Littlefoot was more than reluctant to get any closer to this spirit even if he were bound to the ice wall. But, he felt a paw sit on his shoulder. Littlefoot looked to see that it belonged to Balto. Balto, who, with a soft smile, gave the young dinosaur a reassuring nod to show Littlefoot that he would be safe no matter what. After swallowing the lump in his throat, Littlefoot continued moving closer to the wall. Once there, he thought that the worse was over, but to his dismay, Wendigo gestured for him to come even closer. Knowing what he had to do, Littlefoot stretched his neck out as far as he could to be leveled with Wendigo's head.

To everyone's surprise, Wendigo kept his word and simply talked to Littlefoot. That's all he did, just talk. What they talked about, however, no one could say for certain. Even Balto and Kemo, with their acute hearing, couldn't make out what was being said. It was as if the air around Wendigo and Littlefoot was siphoning any sounds from leaving. All anyone could do was read their emotions. Wendigo had a look of glee on with face as he spoke to Littlefoot. The latter of whose expressions changed from shock and confusion. Wendigo did most of the talking with Littlefoot having only intersecting twice the entire time. It only appeared to be over when Wendigo stopped talking to stare at Balto with his sinister grin.

"That's all I can say," Wendigo addressed Littlefoot even while staring at Balto, "Now, run along, child, and don't forget what we discussed."

Littlefoot sprinted back to Balto and Kemo's side the second he was able. Balto knew that no harm had come to Littlefoot; he was simply spooked for being so close to that spirit. Despite this, Balto was not at all pleased with this turn of events.

"You had your fun, now talk!" Balto demanded, "Why did you threaten my mate?"

"Sorry, I did what?" if Wendigo was genuinely confused, then he didn't show it.

"Don't play dumb, I heard you!" now it was Balto who was becoming agitated just like Kemo, "In my dreams, you said she'll die if I didn't find you. What did you mean by that?"

Again, Wendigo laughed. He laughed almost as hard he did earlier, "Oh, you stupid little puppy. Who said I was talking about your mate?"

"But you said…"

"I said to 'come find me, or she will die,'" Wendigo corrected, "Come on, Balto, think! Put some good use in that little dog brain of yours." Balto was doing exactly that, "There is another female, besides Jenna, that you know of. I believe the last time you saw her was when she was crossing the ocean on a path made from ice."

Balto's eyes shot up once again. There's was no way Wendigo was talking about who he thought he was talking about. It just can't be her, right? It just couldn't be, could it?

"Aleu?"

"Got it on your first try, congratulation." Wendigo's praise was obviously false and filled with condescension, "I'd reward you with dog treats if I had any."

Now, it was Balto's turn to lose his cool. He ran towards the wall and jumped up to his hind legs to meet Wendigo face-to-face, "What's happening? What kind of danger is my daughter in?!"

Wendigo hesitated to speak until he saw something of interest behind the wolfdog, "Would you look at that." Balto looked behind him and saw that the light shining on the gemstone was moving out of range. Looking back at Wendigo, frost was already forming over where the gem's red light faded, "Looks like our time is up. Tell you what, I'll be willing to tell you more if you're here same time tomorrow. But I wonder if your precious baby girl can hold out for that long."

For one final time, Wendigo laughed. He laughed until the light of the gemstone was gone, and his head was once again frozen in the ice. His face was now stuck in that moment of sear malevolent joy. Balto stepped down off of the wall, feeling humiliated by the spirit.

"I can't believe I fell for that!" Balto growled in frustration, "He's been toying with us, stalling this whole time just to tell us at the last possible minute."

Kemo understood why Balto was upset. How could he not with the information provided? Still, as Balto's brother, he knew what he had to do. He walked up to the wolfdog to say, "What's done is done. A wise wolfdog once told me, 'the best we can do is move forward,' and now I'm passing that message back to him." Balto looked up at Kemo, took a deep breath, and nodded to his wolf brother, "We know what's at stake now. The real question is, what's our next move."

"That part's obvious," Balto spoke with newfound determination, "We find Aleu." Balto, Kemo, and Littlefoot all bolted out of the cave and pass the rest of the gang, "Come on, guys! We're leaving!"

Everyone quickly followed after Balto, excited they would all finally leave this dreary place. Thankfully, moving through the tunnels and caverns was made easier without any more illusions getting in their way. However, something ending up being halting them in their tracks. The sounds of someone crying. Moving on the side of caution, the group came to that the one crying was… Boris.

Balto couldn't believe it; he thought only the children were the ones to come into the mountain. How could he be so stupid to not think that Boris would try to follow and stop them? From the looks of things, Boris, like all of them, was ensnared by the curse the wolverines placed inside the mountain. The old goose was on his knees, bawling in his wings. Anxious to help his one and only father figure, Balto went up to Boris to assess the situation.

"Boris, are you okay?" he said.

Boris ceased his crying to look up at the wolfdog, "No, boychik, it's horrible."

"What happened?"

"It's… it's…" Boris had a hard time getting the words out in between sobs, "It's Stella. She… she…"

"What? What is it?

"She left me, Balto!" Boris once again started sobbing melodramatically in his wings, "She left me for another stronger – handsomer goose! Look at them, Balto! Look how much happier they are!" of course, all Balto saw nothing but empty space, "Why!? Oh, what have I done to deserve this!?"

The rest of the gang watched on, and many agreed that Boris was a bit overdramatic. Some of them found it kind of funny to see him act this way. Others who've had it the worst in the mountain, like Cera and Kemo, found it insulting that his vision was tame compared to theirs. Balto couldn't help but feel embarrassed by Boris's melodramatic display. He didn't have time for this and knew of another way to escape the curse.

"Come on, Boris," Balto gently grabbed Boris' wing with his teeth, "We gotta go."

Boris, on the other hand, was not leaving without a fight, "No! We have to stop this!"

"It's not happening." Balto continued to drag Boris out regardless.

"But what about Stella!"

"She's not here."

"Lies! You were in on it together!" It didn't matter what Boris had to say; Balto was already at the mouth of the cave with him in tow, "Stella! Stella!"

Back in Nome, it had been a quiet – peaceful day in the small town. Everyone going about their day without a care in the world. Of course, everything had to come to an end at some point. As day turned to night, many of the townspeople were closing up shop and prepare to hit the sack. Another quiet and uneventful day coming to an end.

For Jenna, her day was rather calm as well. She had a picnic with her human, hung out with a few of her friends, and now she was ending the day off with a stroll around town before heading home. It was as relaxing and uneventful as any dog could ever ask for. There was one thing that hampered it, or lack thereof, to be exact. Balto. How Jenna would've loved to share this day with him, but that was not possible. Balto was away helping a group of young dinosaurs in returning home. Jenna knew she couldn't be too upset with them being gone. After all, it was she who suggested they all go on this journey together. Still, Jenna at least hoped they would be back by now. Something must have happened out there; she just knew it.

"Hey mom?"

Jenna was startled by the sudden appearance of her two other children, Dingo and Saba. She calmed down soon after realizing it was them. Jenna always enjoyed a chance to spend time with her pups.

"Hello, you two," Jenna greeted her children with a warm manner, "I was just taking a stroll around town. Do you both want to accompany me?"

"Actually, mom, somethings been on our mind lately," Dingo asked, which got Jenna's full attention, "It's about dad."

"Yeah, we haven't seen papa all day," Saba interjected, "In fact, he hasn't been in town for the last few days as well."

Jenna knew there would be questions concerning Balto's disappearance. Luckily, she already prepared an alibi for him, "Your father took a hunting trip with Kemo. I'm sorry I didn't tell any of you sooner."

"A hunting trip?" Dingo asked with Jenna nodding in response, "Any idea when he'll be back?"

"Not a clue."

"Maybe we can ask Uncle Boris." Saba suggested.

"He went with him." Jenna was quick to answer.

"But Boris hates hunting." Dingo stared inquisitively.

"Yeah, well…" Jenna fumbled her wording. She didn't prepare for her son and daughter to put her through this line of questioning, "You know how much Boris cares about your father. He just wanted to spend time with him."

"Aww!" Saba whined while stomping her feet, "First, I missed hunting Wendigos with papa and Kodi, and now I also missed a hunt with Uncle Kemo."

"I'm sorry sweaty, but it was so last minute that it was a surprise to me too." Jenna's eyes started shifting to avoid meeting her pup's gaze. She wasn't used to lying so much, "If you excuse me, it's getting late. I should really head home before my humans worry. Love you both, goodnight."

Jenna quickly walked away from her, hopefully, unsuspecting pups. After she left, however, Dingo and Saba stayed where they were. The two eyes where their mother left. Contemplating on the conversation they had with her.

"Did you buy that?" Dingo asked under his breath.

"It did sound convincing… at first." Saba answered.

"Up until the part about Boris," Dingo looked suspiciously at where his mother left, "Told you something fishy was going on."

"I guess," Saba sulked, "Did our mom really just lie to us?"

"I don't know," Dingo sat deep in thought, "Things are not adding up. Kodi visiting dad only miraculously reappear at his owner's house, mom lying to us, and dad's sudden disappearance."

"Kodi's swollen feet."

Dingo was caught off guard by his sister's sudden interruption, "What do you mean?"

"That night we saw mom with Kodi, I noticed that the footprints left by Kodi were bigger and all round with even the toes blending into it." Saba explained, "Honestly, I just thought his feet were sore from all that running on the mail team."

"Saba." Dingo groaned. It was times like this, he envied the human ability to face-palm, "Feet don't grow to abnormal size when they're sore. This isn't a cartoon!"

"Well, I know that now!" Saba exclaimed before suddenly gasping, "Oh my God! What if who we saw mom with wasn't actually Kodi!" silence overcame the area; even Dingo was rendered speechless, "What? You think I'm off base?"

"No, that's actually brilliant. I'm just surprised you're the one who came up with it." Dingo said, which made Saba very proud of herself, or it would until she realized how backhanded that complaint was, "It actually makes sense and would account for Kodi, but that still leaves too many unanswered questions. Saba, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Yes. Our family is replaced by pod people!"

"…What?" was all Dingo could say.

"My boy secretly reads these stories involving space aliens," Saba explained, "You see, a pod person is this huge bean pod that captures people and creates a duplicate of them to…"

"Okay, first of all: I doubt that's what's happening." Dingo had to put a stop to his sister before being dragged down this rabbit hole, "Secondly: how did you even come to that conclusion?"

"Well, it was either that, or our mom is secretly having an affair," Saba exclaimed, "And let's face it, is my explanation really farfetched compared to that?"

"Fair point, but I still would come up with something more plausible than an alien invasion," Dingo shot back, "And lastly: I was thinking that, with Boris gone, we talk to Muk and Luk!"

"Oh… yeah, that makes more sense. Those two are not the best at keeping secrets."

Dingo huffed, "You would know."

"Hey, I was only nine months old at the time!" Saba whined, "How was I supposed to know they would tell everyone about the porcupine that swatted you in your…"

"Can we just go!"

So, they went. Went to the outskirts of the town towards Balto's boat. Hoping that they would receive some answers to their burning questions. Little did they know, those two would end up getting much more than they bargained for.

For the rest of their day, the gang made up of wolves, a goose, and dinosaurs had traveled a great distance since leaving Hallow Mountain. A great relief swelled over the group. The farther they could all get away from that horrid place, and the beast known as Wendigo, the better. Though most of the kids didn't get the chance to see this former Great Spirit up close, like Littlefoot, his voice and laugh haunted their minds. Whenever the children's thoughts drifted back to him, it would send chills through their hearts. Despite her stoic outward appearance, even Cera was also affected by her experience in Hallow Mountain and prayed she would never have to step in those caves ever again.

After this long day of traveling, their destination was in sight. The gang found themselves moving toward a rocky beachside. But, for Balto, this wasn't just any beach. This place was the last place where the wolfdog last saw his daughter, Aleu, before leaving to lead a pack across the ocean. However, with hardly any breaks thanks to Balto's eagerness, everyone was dead tired and begging for some rest after such a long journey. Balto found that he didn't have a choice in the matter. It was already dark, and there was still a vast ocean blocking their path to Aleu. Honestly, he didn't know what to expect. If the kids were meant to be over there, surely something would magically make crossing the ocean easier the second they got there. Either way, Balto couldn't dwell on it as he had tired and hungry kids to tend to. Perhaps tomorrow would present itself with some solution.

That night had to be the best sleep Balto had, had for some time. No longer was there a frightening spirit trying to invade his dreams. Guess visiting Wendigo was good for something. But one other will end up finding that sleep would not stay with him. Littlefoot, he slept fine for the most part, but for reasons he couldn't explain, something compelled him to wake up far earlier than he intended. Our little longneck couldn't help but feel annoyed that he could no longer get back to sleep after waking up. Didn't help when he looked around to see the rest of his friends sleeping peacefully despite him.

Not wanting to just sit around waiting for everyone else, Littlefoot decided it best to take a walk along the beach. Yes, he had promised Balto no more late-night walks, but he'll make sure not to go far, and he needed something to clear his head. As Littlefoot walked, he could at least breathe a sigh of relief that, due to some light piercing the horizon meant that sunrise was not far away. Spared him from having to wait a long period of time for everyone else to wake up. Still, Littlefoot thought about their more recent dilemma. If he remembered Balto's stories, Aleu lived on the other side of this water. How on earth were they going to cross it like her?

"ACK!"

A sudden loud noise caught Littelfoot off guard. Not knowing if it were the sound of a predator, he looked around to find where it came from.

"ACK!"

This time Littlefoot felt something swoop past the top of his head. He shot his head around and found that the source of which was a small flyer. A flyer, slightly bigger than Petrie, hovered in the air before perching itself on the branch of a dying tree. Its body was black as the night sky and possessed a large beak and sharp talons. It actually reminded Littlefoot of Ichy, a shapbreak flyer who once hunted him and his friends with the aid of a bellydragger named Dil. Littlefoot was ready to run back to the safety of his friend until he looked into its eyes. Something about this flyer's eyes felt familiar in some way. The flyer squawked again before swooping off the branch and glide away. For some reason, Littlefoot felt that this flyer wanted him to follow it, so that's what he did. He chased after this mysterious flyer for a moment until it flew out to sea. Littlefoot thought he had only wasted his time, but that was before he realized he was staring up when following the creature. When he looked down, Littlefoot was met with quite a shock.

"Guys!" Littlefoot bolted back to his still sleeping friends, "Wake up! Wake up!"

Slowly, everyone else steered from their sleep. All of them were groggy and not ready to get up so early.

"What is it, Littlefoot?" Balto asked, only half awake.

Cera groaned as she placed her front paws over her face, "Whatever it is, can it wait?"

"Guys, you've got to come see this!"

Littlefoot led them all to see what he had. As expected, everyone stared out into the ocean in awe. Before them, huge chunks of ice had formed in the water. Even more, the ice chunks seem to move against the tides to come together. Coming together so they could form a path that leads to the other side of the ocean. Balto was having flashbacks of the last time he had seen this, back to when he had to say goodbye to his daughter. Ironic that he would see it only meet her again.

"Aright, everyone!" Balto addressed everyone no different than an alpha would address his pack, "This ice path will not stay together for very long. We have to move quickly. Pair up and stay close together." everyone nodded in agreement, "Let's move out!"

Balto led the charge as everyone followed close behind him. The groups were as followed: Balto being at the front with Littlefoot close by his side, Cera with Boris in the middle, and Kemo and Spike at the rear with Ducky and Petrie riding with them. From the start, they were making great strides walking along the ice. Sure, the dinosaurs had trouble without slipping, but that's where their partners came in to steady them back on track. Their pace would have to falter a bit when fog lay further along their path. Here they would need to move slower and cautiously to travel safely. Sure made the silence among them all the more deafening.

"So..." Kemo broke the silence, "Balto, Wendigo mentioned he used to visit you in his dreams. Care to elaborate?"

"I was kind of hoping you forgot that," Balto had a nervous laugh when saying that, "It's true. I've been having bad dreams where I was being haunted by an evil spirit for the past few days."

"What?" Boris was dumbstruck, "Boychik, why did you not tell me about this? You know how I tell you that dreaming the same things mean something."

"Simply Boris, because you'd be saying 'I told you so' like you are right now."

"You guys are crazy," Cera huffed at their conversation, "Dreams are just stupid and filled with things that will never happen."

"After all we've been through in that mountain, you can say that with a straight face?" Kemo asked.

"Yeah, I can." Cera scoffed, "Dreams mean nothing. I feel so lucky that threehorns never get them."

"Short-tempered, arrogant, full of yourself, and now unable to dream are added to the long list of things that make you species unimpressive." Kemo shot back.

"Oh yeah?" Cera wasn't willing to let Kemo have the last word, "Well, I don't think you guys even met a spirit. It was probably some nutjob who got himself stuck to a wall."

"But Cera, you no know that." Petrie said while on Spike's back.

"He sure did sound scary when he was talking," Ducky said, feeling a chill just thinking about it, "Littlefoot, what did he want to talk to you about?"

If they didn't need to be on the move, Littlefoot would've stopped dead in his tracks. Still, there was this lump in his throat before he could answer, "He said it was private. Say, Balto, what about Aleu? You think she'll like us.

Balto was no fool and could tell Littlefoot was desperate to change the subject. Not that he could blame him. Whatever Wendigo had to say to Littlefoot couldn't have good. Best to play along for Littlefoot's sake.

"Are you kidding? I'd be surprised if she didn't." Balto said with a smile, "Trust me, you guys are going to love her."

"Oh, I believe it. Yep, yep, yep!" Ducky said enthusiastically.

"Yeah! Petrie can't wait neither!" the fly cried out.

Like that, Balto smiled at a job well done. He had successfully cleared their minds of Wendigo and think of something more pleasant. Luck seemed to be shining on him because everyone saw a huge landmass off into the distance once they exited the fog. They were almost there. Soon, after so long, Balto would be reunited with his daughter. The only thing that distracted him from that thought was the sound of honking in front of them.

"Balto, what are those?" Littlefoot asked.

Balto saw what was making all that honking, "Those are sea lions."

In front of their path, sea lions were indeed in their way. These seals were currently crossing the ice path and inadvertently blocking the gang from going further. Though most of them swam under the ice path, a good number of them pulled themself on the ice, only move two feet to dive back in.

"I've never seen scaly swimmer walk out of the water before." Ducky watch curiously.

"They're not fish, Ducky. They are mammals like Kemo and myself." the children looked at Balto in confusion, "In this time period, not everything that lives in the water are fish anymore. Some mammals also live down there as well."

"Are they... are they sharpteeth?" Petrie stuttered in fear.

"Don't worry, Petrie. Sea lions mostly eat fish." Balto assured him, "In fact, one of them probably found a school of fish, and they are all racing to be the first to get them."

"Um, Balto," Kemo spoke surprisingly with some worry in his voice, "Those seals are not chasing anything. They're fleeing."

"Fleeing?" now Balto was worried, "Fleeing from what?"

Suddenly, without warning, the ice started jolting violently from under them. The children became scared by the sudden movement while the adults looked around for what was causing the disturbance. Breaching the water came the body of a massive orca launching at one of the seals. Unfortunately, when that orca touched back down into the water, the large splash shook the ice path under the gang's feet. Balto didn't need to be told of the danger that came with being in the crossfires of a predator in the middle of a hunt, especially if that predator was an orca.

"Go! Go!" Balto commanding as they ran for their lives to the other end of the ice path regardless of the seals in their way.

However, the reason that Balto was so anxious made itself know when another orca came out of the water to attack the pod of seals. This one landing dangerously close to them; the shockwaves by its splash slowing them down. Balto was afraid of this. Orcas, or commonly known as killer whales, hunted in groups to take down their prey. The wolves of the ocean are what Balto heard someone call them. Which meant that there were more incoming if they didn't hurry.

They all continued to escape the scene regardless of the chaos going on around them. However, the jostling of the ice was making things difficult. Spike, in particular, was falling behind with Ducky and Petrie in tow. Then, a seal jumped onto the ice, cutting Spike and his two companions off from the other. To make matters worse, an orca breached through the ice below the seal, which caused the chunk Spike was on to break away from everyone else.

Balto stopped running when he heard Ducky's screams. Looking back, he saw Ducky, Petrie, and Spike drifting away on a piece of ice, "Hang in there, guys! Kemo, lead everyone else out of here!"

Kemo did as he was told as Balto ran the other way. The wolfdog dived into the water and began swimming to the three separated kids. It would take some time to reach the three since Balto was far from being the best swimmer. But he made sure to not lose sight of them during the entire swim. Balto could see that Petrie was scrunched up into a ball on the nape of Spike's neck, waiting for it all to be over. Ducky was standing on the ice, comforting Spike. She may be a swimmer, a far better one than Balto, there was no way she was going to abandon her brother like this. That meant that Balto would help Spike swim to the rest of the gang once he reached them. Before he could reach those three, a disoriented seal rose from the water right in front of Balto. In fact, this was the same seal that got in-between Spike and the others earlier who had been throw all this way by the previous orca. A shame Balto didn't know this. If he did, then Balto would've been able to avoid the tail of an orca who flung him and the seal into the air. Balto hit the water with a hard splash. Under the water, he tried to gain his senses before he drowned. Balto had to be quick because an orca was coming right at him, but thankfully, it only took the seal instead and left him alone.

With no threat of orcas coming after him, Balto swam to the surface. After resurfacing, Balto saw that the orca's tail whipping had pushed his three friends further out. Balto swam as fast as he could, but he wasn't fast enough before his friends drifted into a shroud of fog. Even though he continued swimming after them past the fog bank, Balto couldn't find them anywhere. The wolfdog looked all around and still couldn't find them.

"Ducky! Petrie! Spike!" he called out in a desperate chance to find them.

But still, Balto could find them. No answer, no trace, no nothing. Balto didn't know what else to do. You couldn't believe how bad things have gotten, but he had to accept it. That Ducky, Petrie, and Spike were lost at sea, and Balto could do nothing more than float in the water helpless and alone. Alone to molt over his failure.

"No."

End of Chapter 8

A/N: Thus, I end this year with one more chapter. Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a happy year. Here's hoping we can put 2020 as far behind us as possible. Can't wait to read your guy's reviews. Till next time.