Chapter 4: Bitter Rivals And A New Friend
They directed their attention in the direction of the mysterious voice, and took a good look at the owner of it. There, lo and behold, was Togo, who was glaring at Steele and the rest of his gang, who cowered at the intense look, while the Malamute donned on a scowl at his rival.
"Stay out of this, Newbie…" He growled. "This has nothing to do with you."
"And leave them at your so-called 'mercy'?" Togo pressed on, hitching his head to the Dalmatian/Wolfdog pair plus Goose. "I don't think so."
Both Balto and Pongo were astonished! This Husky was defending them! Two Canines who are complete strangers to him. But, why would he be defending them? Shouldn't he be giving them a wide berth like the rest of the town?
Steele growled even lower as his lour got deeper.
"So, you're just gonna stand up for these lowlifes?" He scowled. "You really have poor judgment of who you should defend."
"They're not lowlifes. They are fellow Canines just like us." Togo chastised the Malamute. "You're the one who has poor judgment of others, and the only lowlife around here is YOU."
Kaltag, Nikki, and Star were flabbergasted at the insult that was directed towards their leader, who in turn was dumbfounded at the Husky's comeback, while both Balto and Pongo were trying hard not to laugh at Steele's ridiculous, gaping expression.
"Gee…" Nikki muttered. "That Togo's got some guts."
"Yeah…" Kaltag agreed, before he began rambling again. "That was the most insulting, the most disrespectful, the most offensive-"
"He got belittled…" Star cut off Kaltag once again.
The Golden Husky glanced at Star in annoyance, and gave him a swift elbow jab into his stomach this time, knocking the Lavender Husky's breath out of him.
Steele was now on the brink of erupting in pure rage over the insultful remark.
"You got some NERVE to call me that!" The Malamute snarled, baring teeth. "You sure have big talk for someone who's just a mere Rookie! I would've won!"
"That was me going easy on you…" Togo told Steele firmly. "If I had geared into my full stamina, I would've won the race a long time ago."
This fueled the Malamute's fury.
"Are you saying you're faster than me?!" Steele barked fiercely. "You're just spouting lies! Besides, you weren't that fast! You could've lost that race anyways!"
"Wanna bet?" Togo mocked. "We can have a rematch right here, right now. Then, we'll see who's the liar."
Steele made an intimidating step towards Togo, intending to get a rise out of the Husky. Togo just stood his ground, his fierce, yet patient gaze never leaving the Malamute.
Both Balto and Pongo looked to Togo, then to Steele, nervously, yet curiously watching to see who would strike first, while Boris hid himself back into the aluminum roasting pan, not wanting to be involved in the dogfight that was seemily going to start.
But, after a long, intense standoff, Steele let out an annoyed huff, and looked over to his three followers.
"C'mon…" He whinged, hinting his cronies to follow him. "Let's not waste any more time with this chump."
The three Dogs trailed along behind their leader, shrinking at the stern stare Togo gave them. Steele glowered one more time at both Pongo and Balto, then at Togo, who returned it with fire burning in his own icy-blue eyes.
Steele just snubbed him as he and the trio tailing him passed him by, while the Huskies and Akita-Chow nervously did their best to not acknowledge Togo's presence and harsh stare.
After the four bullies had left, Togo directed his attention to his audience, who were silent the whole way through the confrontation. He smiled at them before speaking to them.
"You three Okay?" He asked politely. The trio snapped out of their trance, before each of them found their voice.
"Y-yeah… we're alright. Thank you." Balto replied, stuttering a bit. Pongo, in an instant, jumped into conversation, his tail wagging rapidly.
"THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!" Pongo excitedly launched into a long-winded conversation, and started asking in a rapid-fire speed that it was almost impossible to catch what he was saying.
"YOU WERE REALLY TOUGH JUST NOW!" The Dalmatian began rattling on. "HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO STAND UP TO HIM? COULD YOU TEACH ME TO DO THAT?"
"Pongo! Settle down…" Balto lightly chastised with a chuckle. "Sorry about that."
"That's alright." Togo replied wholeheartedly. "Anyways, let's introduce ourselves properly."
Balto nodded understandingly.
"The name's Togo. Your's?"
"I'm Balto." The Wolfdog started. "And this is my Brother, Pongo…"
"How do you do?" Pongo bowed.
"Likewise." Togo responded.
"And our friend, Boris." Balto finished, directing his snout towards the Goose, who had just come out of the abandoned roasting pan, and was dusting himself off.
"Hello." Boris greeted him in a friendly voice.
"Приятно встретить тебя." (Priyatno vstretit' tebya.) * ("Nice to meet you." *) The Husky acknowledged him in Russian.
This instantly caught the Goose by surprise. Even Balto and Pongo were caught off-guard by Togo's ability to speak in a foreign tongue.
"Ты можешь говорить на русском?" (Ty mozhesh' govorit' na russkom?) * ("You can speak Russian?" *) He asked in his native tongue, completely stupefied.
"Да. Я отправился в тур по России всего два года назад." (Da. YA otpravilsya v tur po Rossii vsego dva goda nazad.) * ("Yes. I went on a tour to Russia just about two years ago." *) Togo answered back. "Красивая страна…" (Krasivaya strana…) * ("A beautiful country…" *)
The Goose smiled in agreeance. "да… действительно красиво…" (da ... deystvitel'no krasivo…) * ("Yes… Beautiful indeed…" *) Boris agreed in a sentimental voice.
This interaction between both Goose and Husky made both the Wolfdog and Dalmatian feel warm on the inside. They were happy this Husky was making the Goose feel at home.
Togo looked over the trio, and spoke up.
"C'mon, let's take a stroll. Get to know one another." He suggested.
The surrogate Brothers and their feathered caretaker looked at each other, before they came to the same mindly agreement, and nodded.
"Alright. We accept your invitation." Balto replied with a smile.
Togo grinned back. With that, the newly formed tetrad began to make their way through the alleyway, with Togo starting to strike up a conversation with the trio.
And soon, the group of four were chatting away with one another as if they were old friends, and had known each other for a lifetime.
(V)
Meanwhile, Steele and the rest of his buddies were still lumbered by Togo's words and fervid gaze. Steele was still grumbling about being stood up by the Husky, while Nikki, Kaltag, and Star were very clouded with their emotions.
They didn't necessarily hate Togo, thinking he was a great Dog to hang around with, but Steele seemed to be the most popular of the Dogs in town, having run with him on the team for three years, and they did not want to get on the Malamute's bad side if it meant their lives.
"That Mutt… Steele spat lowly. "Who does that rookie think he is? Insulting me like that… He's messed with the wrong Dog to mock… He's lucky I showed him mercy, or I would have torn him apart then 'n' there…"
"Yeah…" Nikki replied hesitantly, yet convincingly supportive. "He's got no idea what he's talking about. 'Ey Kaltag?"
"Darn right…" Kaltag responded in an instant, and started listing off a bunch of synonyms to describe Steele. "You're the greatest, the most fabulous, the most stellar-"
"You're the Top Dog!" Star chimed in, severing Kaltag's sung praises once again.
Kaltag growled at the frail-looking Husky, who gulped and covered his head, fearing he'd get another thwack on the head. At first nothing happened, much to Star's confusion.
He looked over at Kaltag, who was giving him a fake smile, before he felt the golden Husky's fist smash into his chin, causing him to be dazed, before he slumped back into the snow with a 'splat'.
Steele just let out an amused snort.
"I'm off, Fellas." He announced with a confident smirk. "I've got a date to catch."
The Malamute then went through an opening through a wooden fence, to see if he could catch up with Jenna.
But when Steele was out of sight and earshot, his 'so-called' cronies began badmouthing him.
"That ungrateful, monotonous bighead…" Nikki quoted in disgust.
"You've got that right." Kaltag agreed, launching into a long-winded insult spree. "He's the most malicious, disgusting, obnoxious, revolting, repulsive-"
"He's no lap Dog." Star said simply, who had just lifted his head from the snow.
Kaltag glared yet again, and had raised his fist over Star's head, but the Lavender Husky stopped him for some reason.
"Allow me." Star then lifted his own fist above his own head, and bashed himself, causing himself to go loopy-eyed, before passing out by landing on his back with his legs in the air.
Kaltag looked dumbfounded as he turned to Nikki, who in turn just shrugged.
(V)
In the meantime, Togo was still having a conversation with his three new friends, usually changing from Balto, to Pongo, and Boris, as they roamed down a bare street.
Togo had shared some stories he had with Boris about his tour in Russia in 1996.
He told him about the places he visited while he was there, and individuals that he met, both Dogs and Humans. Boris was latching onto every word the Husky said.
Currently, Togo was telling Boris a few Russian Jokes he had heard on his tour from some Dogs he met in the Goose's homeland.
"He said I want you to build three swimming pools…" Togo told the joke. "One with cold water, one with warm water, and one without any water."
Boris was genuinely confused. He had never heard of this joke before because he had lived in England since he was 6 years old after arriving in the country in 1979.
"Why would the third one not have any water?" The Goose asked.
"Cuz' some of my friends can't swim." Togo quipped good-humoredly.
Then Boris instantly got the joke, and bowled over laughing, with Togo joining in the laughter.
Both Pongo and Balto smiled warmly at the scene.
"Seems they're getting along very nicely." Pongo said to Balto.
"I couldn't agree with you more." Balto responded.
But at the same time, they both had something on their minds. Something relating to their status around the townspeople of London.
"Why did you stand up for us?" The Wolfdog asked hesitantly, getting an eyebrow raise from the Husky. "I thought everyone around here would give us a blind eye."
This caught Togo completely off-guard. "What makes you say that?" He replied in confusion.
"Well, everyone usually stays away from us…" Balto filled in downcastedly.
Togo was beyond flabbergasted.
"What??? Why on Earth would they avoid you two?" He said incredulously. "You and your Brother are the nicest Dogs I've ever met in my entire life."
Balto gave him a sad smile.
"We appreciate it…" He replied, still despondent. "Unfortunately, everyone around here thinks that we might bite, both Humans and Dogs…"
Togo could not believe what he was hearing. "That's ridiculous!" The Husky answered in disbelief. "What's wrong with getting an inch closer to you two?"
This time, Pongo interjected. "Well, in my case, since I don't have a collar, I'm instantly labeled as a stray." The Dalmatian indicated downheartedly. "And from what I could gather from the experiences of other Dogs we've met during our lifetime, Humans don't naturally trust a Dog with no collar…"
"What's wrong with having no collar?" Togo replied. I've met a bunch of dogs that had no collars around their neck. I mean, I don't have a collar on right now, and nobody seems to have a problem with that…"
"That's because they have owners that trust them, especially you, and I believe some of those People must have met you on a daily basis, including the other dogs." Pongo pointed out, before he continued with melancholy. "Most of the Dogs around town that have made advances towards me either came to heckle me, flaunting their superiority of having owners, while People just clear away as I walk down the streets."
This shocked Togo to no end. This revelation made him feel disgusted by the treatment this young Dog received from other Canines. If he ever met the very Dogs that mocked this Dalmatian, he'd give them a big wake up call… the hard way.
"I think both the people and Dogs around here should learn to wake up, and take a second look." Togo quoted. "You're a bright kid, and others should see that."
Pongo instantly brightened up from Togo's pep-talk.
"Well, Pongo…" The Husky began. "You seem like a tough Dog, even strong enough to pull a sled or two. How old are you?"
Pongo flushed at Togo's praise before he answered with complete honesty. "13 years old."
"13???" Togo responded dumbfoundedly. He could've sworn the Dalmatian was 16!
Both Balto and Pongo chuckled at his reaction and response.
"That's basically the reaction I get every time I give anyone my true age." Pongo tittered. "Admittedly, I do look more mature than I actually am."
Togo also chuckled. "So, what do you do to gain such a physique?"
"Private training, and lots of exercise." Pongo proclaimed confidently.
Balto smiled at Pongo and Togo's bonding, but it instantly faded as he remembered what breed he was.
"Thank you…" He responded, while donning a fake smile to hide his discomfiture. Togo saw through this little act.
"Hey, what's the matter?" The Husky asked with concern evident in his voice. "Why put on a mask to hide your pain?"
Balto was completely caught off guard with Togo's sharp wit, and poetic phrasing. He instantly shook off his shock to answer.
"Well… It relates to the reason why everyone here steers clear from me…" He started with discomfort before continuing. "Promise you won't see me as different from the rest."
"See you as different?" Togo parroted dumbfoundedly. "What's wrong with being different? It's something that makes you very special."
Balto was silent for a moment. He felt a wing on his shoulder and turned his attention to Boris, who had an expression that conveyed 'Are you OK with this?' to him.
The Wolfdog only nodded, and looked at Pongo, who had an 'Are you sure?' look within his eyes. Balto just silently mouthed 'Yes, I'm sure.' to his Dalmatian Brother, then giving Togo his undivided attention.
Balto took a deep breath, and spoke. "The reason why people and Dogs mainly avoid me…" He began hesitantly. "It's because I'm…"
Balto became quiet before looking at Togo who was waiting patiently for an answer. He sighed, and decided to bite the bullet. "…Part Wolf…"
Togo didn't say anything, which made Balto feel anxious about what the Husky would think of him now. Pongo and Boris were also worried about what they expected Togo would say next.
"So?" Togo finally said, catching the trio off guard with his response. "That doesn't matter to me."
"Y-you don't care that I'm…" Balto asked perplexedly.
"Part Wolf?" Togo finished before he continued. "That's a heritage you should be proud of. We Dogs were all Wolves a long time ago, so we gotta start somewhere. I mean, I've always been interested and fascinated by our ancestry and our ancestors to know where all of us descended from."
That seemed to lift Balto's spirit up, gaining a smile from it.
"Even though we've just met, we already know you are the most kindest, down-to-Earth fellow we've ever known." Balto chuckled.
"Much obliged." Togo responded kindly.
Balto grinned even more, though for a brief moment until it instantly disappeared. "But…" Balto replied sadly. "It seems everyone here always forgets that, unfortunately… both Dogs and Humans alike…"
This made Togo fall into silence. He really didn't like seeing Balto this way. It seems most Dogs always take their heritage for granted, which did not sit well with him.
Also, why can't the townspeople around see this kind-hearted Canine for who he is on the inside, and not to judge him because of what he is.
Heck, if he could have the ability to Humans, he would have chastised both parties and tell them to give Balto a chance, and to get to know him more.
But, it seems that would take some time to achieve, not in the communication aspect, but to gain everybody's trust and support.
He then directed his attention to Balto, and gave him a supportive smile.
"Hey…" Togo remarked fondly. "You now have me as a friend. So, that's a start. If You, Pongo, or Boris need someone to talk to, I'll be willing to listen to you."
Balto was instantly touched by Togo's counseling, and glanced at Boris and Pongo, who were also smiling at Togo's guidance, before he gave his focus back to the Husky.
"You're too kind, you know…" Balto replied soft-heartedly. Togo only smiled back.
"By the way, why are you especially interested in Wolves? No offense." Balto both asked and clarified.
"None taken." Togo reassured him. "Also, I've met and connected with a lot of purebred Wolves during my travels, as well as Wolfdogs, Saarloos and Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs to be exact. They're the most Earthly, and wisest breeds I've ever met."
This made Balto give off an even brighter smile as all four continued to stroll down the empty boulevard. Right from the get-go, he, Pongo, and Boris all knew that Togo was going to be a great friend.
(V)
Another chapter finally wrapped up. Sorry it took me a while to write this. A small note for everyone, ever since Disney's release of "Togo", some of you may think I might be ripping off the film, but I like to point out that this story acknowledges both Togo and Balto, and does not exclude one over the other. The Russian joke that Togo told Boris in this chapter is an actual Russian joke that was created in the 1990s after the Soviet Union fell. Forgive me if I offended anyone, or that the joke was lame to some.
