Balto
A New Threat (Part 2)
''Well hi there! I'm Carver'' he smiled and winked at Jenna. Kaltag snorted.
''First he cripples me, now he's flirting with you! He is the sleaziest...'' Jenna cut him off.
''Nice to meet you Carver. I'm Jenna'' Carver nodded his head in recognition.
''Thank you. It's nice to finally meet someone who's glad to see me. I'm new here, and I don't know my way around yet'' Carver smiled in embarrassment. Jenna laughed.
''Well from the sounds of it you certainly know how to make an entrance!''
Carver laughed and padded over to Kaltag.
''Hey buddy, hows the leg?''
Kaltag raised an eyebrow ''It was fine when I left the house this evening, but thank you for asking!''
''So, what exactly happened here? I assume that it was an accident then, and not deliberate?''
Carver raised his eyebrows ''Why should it be deliberate? I've only just arrived here, hardly enough time to warrent a grudge is it?'' he chuckled.
''I had only just turned up here, and I was looking for shelter before the storm hit. I wasn't looking where I was going, and I...came into contact with Kaltag here. He went flying, and I have a severe headache!'' he sighed and laughed.
Jenna laughed ''Oh dear, so it wasn't the thing you expected to happen as soon as you turned up here was it?''
Carver smiled sheepishly ''Most certainly not! I usually hit it off with most people, but that was a bit too literal for my liking! Anyway, I helped escort him over here before the storm hit. It was the least I could do, with it being my fault and everything''
Kaltag huffed ''Thats putting it mildly!''
Jenna padded over to him ''Kaltag don't you think your being a bit rude? After all, he did help you over here before the storm broke out. You could at least show him that your grateful''
Kaltag sighed '''Okay okay. Thank you very much for your help Carver. Okay Jenna?''
Jenna sighed as Kaltag turned back to the fire. She turned to face Carver, who had a puzzled look on his face.
''Are you alright?'' she asked.
''Jenna...now where have I heard that name before? Jenna...Jen...oh of course! Your Balto's mate aren't you?''
Jenna smiled ''Yes I am. How did you know that?'' she asked, already knowing the answer.
''How could I not know it? Everyone in Alaska has heard about Balto! He's famous for what he did here! I'm telling you, people will be talking about it for years to come you mark my words Jenna!'' Carver beamed.
Jenna laughed ''He was really brave. But talk to him about it, and he'd just tell you that he was only doing what had to be done, and anyone else would have done it in his position''
Carver shook his head ''Then he's too modest. Believe me, what he did was no mere feat! I wouldn't be surprised if they unveiled a statue in his honour! Can you imagine that?'' he laughed.
Jenna giggled ''I can't see that happening myself. But everyone is grateful for what he did, especially me''
Carver nodded ''By the way, where is the man himself? I'd very much like to meet him''
''Oh he left for a mail trip a few minutes before you arrived. He should be back by tomorrow'' she said.
Carver raised an eyebrow and gestured at the door ''In this weather? Blimey, he's keen isn't he?''
Jenna paused ''He'll be okay. He left before it started snowing, so he'll be all right. It's our anniversary this week''
''Congrats. I'd have brought a gift if I'd known'' Carver smiled.
Jenna couldn't help looking at Carvers nametag. The name read 'Drake'. Carver noticed.
''Old name. Never really cared for it myself, but I can't throw it away. Too many happy memories''
He sighed, then looked at Jenna.
''Right then, I'd best be leaving. I've intruded on you time enough already'' he turned to leave.
''Wait a minute Carver, why don't you stay here tonight? It's snowing really hard out there, and you've said yourself you have nowhere to stay'' Jenna said.
Carver smiled ''Thank you Jenna, but I'll be okay. Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude''
''Don't be silly. Please, I'd hate the thought of you freezing out there with nowhere to go. Please?''
Carver sighed, and smiled ''Okay, you've guilted me into it. But just for tonight. Tomorrow I'm out of here, snowing or not!''
''Thank the lord for that'' Kaltag muttered. Jenna shot him a look. Carver noticed.
''Oh he's just sore at the moment. Believe me, its the least I deserve after what I did to him''
''Don't put yourself down. It was an accident, and he has no right to say those things'' Jenna said.
Carver smiled ''Your very sweet Jenna. I hope Balto knows how lucky he is''
Jenna laughed ''Oh stop, your embarrassing me!''
Carver chuckled ''Sorry''
''Don't be. Your a very nice guy Carver'' Jenna said, smiling at him.
Carver winked ''Thank you. Well then, I'd best get my head down now otherwise I'll never sleep. Goodnight Jenna''
''Goodnight'' she said as Carver padded away towards the wall. She sighed, and looked at the billowing scene at the window.
''Goodnight Balto''
Karla
Balto was walking through the streets of Nome, a smile spread across his face.
He had made it to the shed, but had then been told that the storm was worsening, and they wouldn't be pulling out this week, due to the extra snow. Balto was delighted. He hadn't wanted to go in the first place, and now he could surprise Jenna with his return.
At least, he would have done if it hadn't of started snowing. He knew that he wouldn't make it back to Jenna tonight, so he was looking for shelter for the night. He was wearing the red bandanna Jenna gave him every time he went out on a trip. It was sized for Jenna though, so it fitted rather tightly on him. He smiled. It was a nice gesture. He didn't really need it, but it reminded him of her.
He paused for a moment, and then continued walking.
''Excuse me?''
He heard a voice behind him, and he turned round. There was a white female malamute standing there, concern evident on her face.
''Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost, and I don't know where I can get out of this blizzard. Can you help please?'' she asked.
Balto smiled ''I'd be glad to. Actually I know just the place, I was on my way there. Come on, I'll show you''
They walked on for a while, until a large shed appeared through the swirling haze. Balto turned back to the female.
''Here we are. It's not much, but it'll do for tonight''
She smiled ''Oh thank you. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't of shown up''
Balto smiled as they reached the barn ''No problem at all. Happy to help''
She beamed at him as he pushed open the door and stepped inside ''Your face is really familiar. Have we met before?''
Balto shook his head ''I don't think so''
''No no, I have seen you before. But where...oh! Your Balto!'' she gasped.
Balto rolled his eyes and chuckled ''I was when I last checked''
She laughed ''I can't believe it! Everyone I talk to has heard about you. Your famous! ''
Balto sighed ''Anyone else in my place would have done the same thing. I don't know why you guys make a big deal out of me''
She moved closer to him ''And so modest. You really are like they say. I'm Karla by the way''
He nodded ''Nice to meet you Karla. Have you been in Nome long?''
'No, I've only just got here really. I can't tell you how scared I was when it started snowing like it did. Thank you'' she smiled.
''My pleasure. Are you here on your own?''
She sighed ''Fraid so. Just poor little me all alone in a big city''
Balto laughed ''Nome isn't really that big. I could show you around some time if you like. Introduce you to a few people maybe?''
''Oh that would be wonderful. You really are kind'' she smiled, and batted her eyes.
Balto smiled, slightly embarrassed ''Right then, best get my head down for the night''
''So soon? I thought we could talk a bit more. I've got so many questions'' she moved closer to him.
''Ah, sorry Karla. But I've got to get up early tomorrow. Big day''
''Whats so special about tomorrow?'' Karla asked.
''I'm going to surprise Jenna. I was supposed to be going on a trip today and...''
She cut him off ''Who's Jenna?''
Balto was slightly put off ''She's my mate''
Karla sighed ''Oh, your taken''
Balto laughed ''Fraid so. It's our anniversary this week, so I want to surprise her''
Karla took a step closer ''Do you enjoy your relationship?''
Balto backed up slightly ''Of course I do. She's the most important thing in my life''
Karla sighed and turned away ''Why is it always the cute ones who are spoken for?''
She walked off to the other side of the barn, and disappeared into the shadows.
Balto sighed and lay down ''Cute, but just a little too forward'' he muttered. He closed his eyes, and drifted into sleep.
The Attacks
Hex had finally found a good place to stay for the night, an old barn on the outskirts of Nome. He'd had a hard time finding anything in the swirling white, but now he had the opportunity to get his head down. For the night at least.
''About time some good luck came my way''
His stomach growled as he padded inside.
''Nothing out of the ordinary there then'' he snarled. He hadn't eaten in over a week, and it was beginning to show. His skin was becoming loose from his body, and his whole demeanor was haggard and unkept.
He sighed and flopped down on the floor, his eyes becoming heavy with tiredness. He might find something to eat tomorrow, maybe out of a trash can or from begging.
''Well, at least it can't get any worse'' he muttered, and closed his eyes.
A scratching at the door snapped him out of his dreamlike stupor.
''You have got to be joking!'' Hex muttered, slowly getting to his feet and yawning. The scratching intensified, irritating him.
''Ok ok, hold on a minute!'' he snapped. He pushed open the door, and surprised at what he saw.
There was a young grey dog on the other side of the door. Judging by his height, he couldn't have been more than a year old. Despite the biting cold, he wasn't shivering.
The pup frowned ''Got any room?''
Hex stuttered a little ''I'm sorry?''
The pup sighed and glared at Hex ''Have-you-got-any-room?'' he put an emphasis on each word, speaking it slowly and clearly.
Hex stared at the pup ''Yeah, sure. Come on in''
The young dog padded inside, and shook of the snow that had accumulated on his fur. Hex closed the door and padded up beside the pup, who was looking round the barn with distaste.
''Not bad. I suppose it'll do'' the pup flexed and turned to face Hex.
Hex frowned ''It aint exactly the nicest place in town, but its good enough for me. You shouldn't be so picky''
There was something about the pup that unnerved Hex. Something in his eyes made Hex feel agitated. He snapped out of it. He was only a pup. Why should he be afraid?
Hex smiled ''So, whats your name little guy?''
The pup cocked his head to the side ''Fitz. You?''
''I'm Hex. So, are you here on your own? Where are you parents?'' he smiled. He was beginning to like having someone to talk to. He wasn't really used to it.
''Yes, I'm on my own. You the same?''the pup, Fitz,answered, taking a step closer.
Hex sighed ''Sadly. I've only been here a few days. I'm not much of a social guy, so I don't know anyone''
Fitz cocked an eyebrow ''So your a stray?''
Hex nodded ''Yep. Still, its not so bad. I've been a stray since I left Anchorage a few weeks ago''
''Your from Anchorage? So am I. Were you there long?'' Fitz asked.
''I was there for about a year. I left before the attack thankfully. Pretty scary stuff was happening up there. I could sense it'' Hex said, forcing down a shiver.
Fitz frowned ''How do you mean?''
''It was just the atmosphere, I didn't like it. Like everyone was tense, waiting for something to happen. Were you there when it happened?'' Hex asked.
Fitz smirked, but it wasn't a friendly smile. It made Hex shiver. He hoped Fitz didn't notice.
''Did...have you been here long Fitz?'' Hex asked, trying to change the subject. Fitz looked at him, grinning.
''Just got here. So let me get this straight. Your a stray, with no owners, no friends or family? No one to look after you, and no one to care?'' Fitz grinned and stepped towards Hex.
Hex backed up ''What are you getting at?''
Fitz continued to advance on Hex ''Your all alone here Hex. As you said yourself, no one knows you in this town. No one would notice if you suddenly...disappeared without a trace, would they?'' he sniggered.
Hex backed up as far as he could go before he made contact with the wall.
''Lo..lo..look Fitz. M...maybe you should..g...go. Your starting to creep me...out'' Hex stuttered.
''Whats the matter Hex? Scared of me? Believe me, you should'' Fitz sniggered, his eyes blazing.
Hex gulped ''Look pup, I don't want to hurt you so don't..p..p..push me, okay?''
''You should have stayed in Anchorage Hex'' Fitz leered at Hex, baring his teeth as he advanced.
Hex glanced at the door. If he could just make it he could...
Fitz noticed ''Please. You wouldn't even get half way'' he smirked.
Hex growled ''Who are you anyway? Don't you threaten me pup''
Fitz stopped, and smiled ''Haven't you ever heard the saying Hex? Never underestimate the little guy''
Hex made a break for the door, but Fitz caught him round the neck. Hex tried to shake him off, but Fitz clamped his jaws shut. Hard. Hex felt the blood seaping from the wound, staining his fur. Fitz began to shake his head side to side, tearing the wound open further. Hex felt his legs give way, and he collapsed to the floor.
The last thing Hex saw was Fitz's blood stained leering at him, then everything went black.
''Stupid mongrel'' Fitz sniggered, blood and froth oozing from his mouth.
He turned and walked towards the door ''First kill of the week. Wasn't too bad'' he sniggered, opening the door and disappearing back into the swirling white.
Grant was looking for something, but the blizzard was preventing him from seeing anything but a white blizzard. He shook his head, clearing the snow from his eyes and white fur, and struggled on.
He was getting frustrated, then suddenly he spotted something. He gasped.
There in front of him was a yellow dog. She was one of the most beautiful dogs Grant had ever seen in his life. He smiled and padded over to her. She was alone.
''Well hi there. And whats your name?'' Grant smiled.
She looked down at the ground, obviously embarrassed ''I'm Sasha''
Grant smiled ''Nice to meet you Sasha. Are you alone by any chance?''
Sasha nodded ''Yep. Just me, at least it was until...you showed up'' she blushed.
''Well, I'd hate to see a beautiful lady such as yourself alone in this weather. Have you got anywhere to stay for the night?''
''Yes I do. There's an old shed a little further down. I was just on my way there'' she smiled.
Grant moved closer ''Mind if I escort you there?''
Sasha turned away, an embarrassed smile on her face ''I don't know. We've only just met, and I don't even know your name'
Grant hit himself over the head playfully ''Where are my manners? It's Grant''
Sasha smiled ''Thats a nice name'' she looked down at the floor again, blushing.
Grant stepped closer ''Not as nice as yours Sasha. Shall we?''
Sasha giggled ''Okay''
The two of them started walking down the street, hampered slightly by the thick falling snow. Finally, they reached the shed.
Sasha opened the door and padded inside. Grant stepped in and closed the door. Sasha smiled as he padded up to her.
''Have...have you been in Nome long Grant?''
Grant shook his head ''Only just arrived. But I'm liking the looks of it already'' he smiled, causing Sasha to blush.
''Stop, your embarrassing me'' she giggled and turned away from him.
''Make me''
Sasha stopped laughing and looked at Grant. His tone of voice had changed completely, and it had frightened her.
''I'm sorry?'' she asked nervously, sensing the change of temper in the room.
Grant grinned ''I said...make me'' he snarled, walking towards her.
Sasha was afraid. Grant had changed completely. The smile that had drawn her in had changed to a maddened smirk. She backed away.
''Where are you going Sasha?'' Grant snarled, advancing on her.
''Please Grant, your...your scaring me'' Sasha stuttered.
Grant sniggered ''Am I? Whats the matter Sasha, I thought you liked me?'' Grant snarled, baring his teeth.
''Please...please don't...'' Sasha sobbed, unsure what to do. There was nowhere to run.
''I hate it when women cry. Here, let me help'' Grant smirked, raising his paw and in one swift move smacked the side of her head.
Sasha cried out as she fell to the floor. The side of her head was wracked with pain and her vision was blurred. Grant stood over her.
''Oh, did that hurt Sasha? How about this?'' He sank his teeth into her front paw and bit down hard. Sasha screamed. Blood seeped from the wound, staining Grants fur from white to red.
''Grant please! Your hurting me!'' Sasha sobbed. Grant pinned her shoulders to the floor.
''Don't beg love. Your embarrassing yourself'' Grant sniggered, and placed his jaws over her neck. In one swift execution, he bit down, crushing her windpipe and feeling the blood ooze and flow over his muzzle.
After a few seconds, he dropped her lifeless body to the floor. He swigged the blood inside his mouth and spat it out, along with a frothy white substance, onto the floor.
''Don't feel bad love. I enjoyed your company. But it'll take more than that to impress Red Grant!'' he sniggered.
Calmly, he turned and left the shed, his laughter dimmed out by the swirling wind.
NOTE: The characters Carver, Karla, Fitz, Sasha, Grant, and the events of this story are copyright 2005 by Matt Robinson. The other characters are copyright by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.
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