Greetings yall! Joe Stalin here with part 3 of 'Balto: A New Threat'. We've already met premier villains Fitz and 'Red' Grant, and now I'll introduce you to the other villains of the story- The Brothers Grim. Be afraid. Be very afraid! Also, things will start to become difficult for our hero! But I aint gonna say how!
Anyway, enough talk! Enough hype! Lets do this thing!
Balto
A New Threat (Part 3)
Balto woke up the next morning. He sighed and stretched, shaking the sleep out of his system. He opened his eyes, and started.
''Where am I?'' he muttered, before realisation came to him. He smiled and shook his head.
''I was worried for a moment there!'' he chuckled. He then remembered Karla, and he padded over to the other side of the barn.
''Karla? Are you there?''
There was no sign of the malamute. Balto sighed, then smiled faintly.
''I must have really disappointed her!'' he laughed, then he noticed something.
The tightness round his neck wasn't there. When he looked down, Jenna's bandanna was missing. Balto frowned.
''Where's it gone?'' he muttered. He began searching the barn for the red bandanna, but no matter where he looked he came up empty pawed.
''Was I wearing it last night?'' he thought, then shook his head ''Of course I was, I remember!''
He had one last look round, but found nothing. He sighed.
''Jenna is going to kill me for this'' he sighed, before padding over to the door. He had a quick look round outside for the bandanna, without success.
''Great. Just what I need first thing in the morning!'' he muttered, before starting off for home.
Suddenly, two dogs walked in front of him, blocking his way.
''Excuse me, but your in my way'' Balto said.
''Mr Balto, we're here to escort you to the old mill for your trial'' one of the dogs replied.
Balto was taken aback ''Trial? What for?''
''Adultery sir. If you'd care to follow us''
Balto was stunned ''Look, you must have the wrong guy. I mean, I...''
''Save it for the judge sir'' the other dog snarled, shoving Balto forward.
Jenna had been awake for at least half an hour, and was thinking about visiting Kodi and Dusty. Despite his promise the night before, Carver was still asleep in the house. Jenna had smiled.
''Poor guy'' she had thought, remembering the events of last night with amusement. Kaltag, although still slightly miffed, was in much better spirits.
''Good morning Jenna. Well, looks like the weather has cleared up'' he had told her.
''Yes. How's the leg?'' she asked, forcing down a laugh.
Kaltag chuckled ''Not too bad now. Listen, I want to apologise for what I said last night. I didn't mean it''
Jenna gave him a look.
Kaltag smiled sheepishly '''Well, most of it anyway''
Jenna tutted, then padded outside. Though the snow was significantly deeper, the storm had cleared up completely, and the town sparkled in the morning sunshine.
She had just been about to set off whenDingocae padding upto the house. Jenna smiled and walked over.
''Hi sweety. How are you?'' she smiled.
''I'm fine. Is dad around?'' Dingo asked.
Jenna shook her head ''He went on a mail trip last night. But he'll be back by tomorrow evening. Come on in, there's someone I'd like you to meet''
She padded inside, Dingo in tow. Carver looked up from where he was lying.
''Oh, good morning Jenna. Sorry did I oversleep?''
Jenna smiled and nodded ''Fraid so. This is my son Dingo''
Carver smiled ''Nice to meet you Dingo. Pardon me for not introducing myself. I'm Carver''
''Nice to meet you. I'm not sure I've seen you around before'' Dingo replied.
''I just got in. Actually made an aquaintance of young Kaltag over there'' Carver laughed.
Kaltag scoffed ''He all but crippled me last night, clumsy git''
Jenna gave him a look. Dingo laughed.
''Sounds like you two are the best of friends already! My dad'll like you Carver. I'll introduce you when he gets back''
''Thank you my boy, thats very kind of you! I've heard a lot of things about your dad, I'm just dying to meet him!'' Carver smiled.
Dingo nodded ''He's a great guy. But don't tell him I said that!'' he chuckled.
''Perish the thought! He's a fine dog your dad, real fine dog'' Carver replied.
Jenna found this choice of words a little odd, but she didn't say anything.
''So, are you here long Carver?'' Dingo asked. Carver shrugged.
''Depends. Usually I drift around from place to place. If I like where I am, I stay. If I don't, I leave''
''And what do you think of Nome so far?'' Jenna asked.
Carver smiled ''I like it. I'd love to see more of it''
''Well, we can give yo a tour sometime if you like'' Jenna replied. Carver beamed.
''Thank you so much! I like Nome even more!'' he laughed.
Jenna smiled ''Well, I'll leave yo boys to get better aquainted'' she said, before padding outside.
Carver smiled at Dingo ''Tell me Dingo, got a girlfriend?''
Dingo shook his head. Carvers smile faded.
''Oh, boyfriend perhaps?''
Dingo was stunned ''No! That...thats just wrong!'' he stuttered. Carver laughed.
''Believe me kid. When you've been round as much as I have, you find that stuff like that isn't as rare as you may think!'' he chuckled.
Dingo cringed ''Yuck! Thats messed up''
Carver smiled ''Sorry. So your available I gather?''
Dingo nodded ''Yep. I'm just biding my time, waiting for the right girl to come by''
Carver chuckled ''Believe me Dingo. You'll be waiting a long time sticking around for Miss Right. If you like a girl, you've gotta go for it. After all, you only get one chance at life''
Dingo nodded. He was beginning to like Carver.
Jenna was just about to start off for a walk, whenKodi came hurrying upto the house, a concerned look on his face. Jenna padded over.
''Kodi, are you okay sweetie? Whats wrong?'' she asked as he came to a stop.
''Ah...Mum, I...I've been asked to uh...escort you to the ah...old mill'' he stuttered.
''Why?'' she asked.Kodi gulped.
''Well uh...somethings come up...concerning...Dad''
''What? Whats happened? Is he okay?'' she asked, slightly alarmed.
Koditook a deep breath ''He's fine, for now. Believe me Mum, this is difficult for me. I was just as shocked as everyone''
''Kodi, tell me whats happened!'' she put a paw on his shoulder.Kodi looked down.
''I've been told to escort you to the mill. Give you some...support. Beleive me Mum, I can't believe it''
Jenna was really alarmed now, and confused.
''Support for what?Kodi, your not making any sense!''
''Whats going on Mum?'' a voice asked. Jenna turned round, and saw Dingo pad out of the house with Kaltag and Carver behind.
''Something about your father. Kodi, tell me whats going on'' Jenna glared atKodi, who shook his head sadly.
''It's better if Doc tells you Mum. I've just been sent to escort you there, but I'll tell you all I can'' he smiled slightly, and gestured down the road.
Jenna turned to the group on the porch, a pleading and confused look on her face. Dingo padded over.
''I'll come with you Mum. Whatever it is, I'm sure everything'll be allright'' he lay a paw on her shoulder.
Jenna nodded and turned to her other son ''Lead the way Kodi''
As the group made off towards the mill, Kaltag and Carver looked at each other, wide eyed.
''Somethings wrong. This doesn't look right'' Kaltag said, stepping off the porch.
''What do you mean?'' Carver asked.
''Come on. We'd better see this for ourselves'' Kaltage replied.
Together, they made their way towards the mill.
Meanwhile, in the old mill all the dogs of Nome, most of them bleary eyed and yawning, were gathered inside awaiting Jenna's arrival. All were talking excitedly about the purpose of the early morning emergency.
''I can't beleive it''
''Never thought I'd see the day''
''I'm shocked. I can't understand it''
''Mm hmm, I can't either''
Doc walked upto the platform that was standing in for a stage, and suddenly it got very quiet. Doc stood up.
''Thank you all for coming at such short notice, but what we are gathered here for is most urgent. You all know why you have been asked to come here today''
The buzzing began again, as many dogs began whispering to one another. Doc cleared his throat.
''Thank you everyone. As I was saying, this is a very delicate situation, and one that must be treated with dignity. I'm sure you all understand that...''
He was cut short as the door opened, and Balto padded in escorted by his two guards. He walked over to the front of the stage and sat down, confusion on his face.
Doc looked down at Balto.
''Balto, do you know why you have been brought before this congregation?''
Balto shook his head ''I don't know. I really don't know''
The whispering escalted.
''He's got a nerve. Pretending he doesn't know whats going on''
''Mm hmm, I hear that''
They were silenced as the doors opened again, and Jenna padded in accompanied by Dingo and Kodi. She walked upto the front of the platform and sat down,both sonsat her side. There were tears in her eyes, andKodi lay an affectionate paw on her shoulder.Dingo glared at Balto, who recoiled slightly.
Doc smiled sympathetically ''Has Kodi told you the purpose of todays meeting Jenna?''
Jenna looked up ''Most of it, but I'm still confused. I don't know...I can't...'' she couldn't continue. She glanced at Balto for a brief second, before collapsing into tears.
Doc nodded ''I understand. Karla would you care to take the stand?''
The whispering started up again, as a female malamute padded over to the platform. She was crying, and around her neck was a familiar bandanna. Doc looked sympathetically at her.
''My dear, would you care to make your statement to those here?''
Karla nodded, tears brimming her eyes ''Well...last night, during the storm...I was lost, trying to look for shelter...I couldn't find anythign in the snow, and then...Balto walked over and said he knew a place where I could stay for the night...I was really grateful, and he escorted me to this barn. Well, a few minutes later...he came up to me...and told me that I owed him for his help. I didn't want to do it, but he told me...'' she broke down in tears. ''I'm sorry. Afterwards, he gave me this bandanna and told me...not to tell anyone. But I couldn't...I'm sorry Balto'' she hung her head.
Balto stood up ''Doc, she's lying! Everything she's said is a lie! Please...''
Doc cut him off sharply ''Balto, remain silent or I will hold you in contempt!''
Balto shook his head in disbelief, and sat back down. Doc cleared his throat.
''Thank you Karla. You may step down''
Karla slowly stepped down from the platform, and padded over to Jenna. Removing the bandanna from her neck, she passed it to Jenna.
''I am so sorry...for all of this'' she said, before walking out of the mill.
Doc looked at Balto ''Balto, have you anything to say to this court?''
Balto sighed and stood up ''Doc, what Karla said is a lie. I know I don't have any proof, and I'm sure mst of you have already passed sentence. But I'm telling the truth. I wouuld never do anything to hurt Jenna, especially this. She means everything to me''
He turned to Jenna, tears beginning to form in his eyes ''Jen, I would never hurt you. You know that. You know me, and you know how much you mean to me. I love you''
Jenna sobbed and buried her face in Kodi's chest. Dingo turned away.
Doc sighed ''Is that all?''
Balto nodded ''Yes''
''Then I will now retire to make my decision. Excuse me'' Doc walked off the platform, and left the mill.
Balto hung his head ''She has to beleive me. She has to'' he thought.
When Doc returned to the mill an hour and a half later, everyone held their breath for his decision. It hadn't been an easy one.
''Ladies and gentlemen, would you please rise?''
The assembled stood up.
''This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make, for reasons you all know. Balto is one of out most distinguished citizens, maybe the most. He has always been there for us, even when we wrongly turned him away. That is why it was so hard to come to this decision''
Doc sighed, and turned to Balto.
''Balto, on the charge of adultery against Jenna, I find you ...guilty as charged''
The whispers started up again in full. Balto shut his eyes.
''No! This isn't happening''
Doc continued ''It is therefore the decision of this court that you be forbidden from coming within three hundred feet of Jenna or her house. I would like to point out that this is not a banishment. You are free to remain in Nome if you so wish, but failure to heed to this courts decision will be met with severe consequences''
Doc turned to the congregation ''This court is adjourned''
Doc stepped down from the platform as the mill began to empty, and padded over to Jenna.
''I'm so sorry for all of this Jenna. Please accept my apoligise''
Kodi shook his head ''There's no need for you to be sorry Doc''
''Yeah, it's him who should be sorry'' Dingo snarled.
Doc took one last look at Jenna, then padded away. Jenna sobbed into Kodi's fur.
''It's okay mum. We'll take care of you'' he soothed her.
''No...it'll never be allright! Never again!'' Jenna sobbed.
Dingo growled ''Wait till I get my hands on him...'' Kodi cut him off.
''Leave it Dingo! He's not worth it!'' he said, taking a quick glance at Balto, who slowly slinked out of the mill.
Outside the mill, two dogs looked on as a dejected Balto slipped out of the mill and padded away. One was a young grey dog, little more than a year old. The other was a larger sleek dog with white fur. Both were grinning like maniacs.
''Looks like things went according to plan then, aye Grant?'' the young pup sniggered.
''Indeed it did Fitz. She did one hell of a job!'' the other dog laughed.
Fitz suddenly noticed a small dog padding away from the mill ''Is that him?''
Grant noticed ''Yep, thats him''
''Should we...pull him?'' Fitz asked, as the dog took a corner and disappeared out of sight.
''No. The Brothers Grim will sort him out'' Grant smirked.
Fitz laughed, and shivered.
''Those guys give me the creeps!'' the pup laughed.
''Same here. But they do one hell of a job!'' Grant replied.
Both dogs jumped down from their vantage point, and disappered behind the mill, laughing all the time.
From the top of a barn, two shadowy figures looked down at the broken body of a brown husky in the snow.
''If the good lord had wanted dogs to fly...'' one said.
''Then he would have given them wings'' the other finished the sentence.
Both figures laughed, which cut short as one of them spotted something.
''Lo and behold, our target arrives!'' the first figure drolled.
''Then lets get to work!'' the other replied.
Silently, both figures dropped from their vantage point, and took off in pursuit.
Star was beside himself with shock. He had just witnessed Balto receive a guilty verdict for adultery! Never before had it cropped into his head that Balto would be capable of such a thing. But the evidence was clear.
''How could he? Why would he do something like that to Jenna?'' he thought. But no matter how many times he asked himself these questions, no answer came up.
Something suddenl caught his eye. A flash of red, just at the side of his vision. It seemed familiar to him.
''Whos there? Kodi? Dingo? Is that you?'' he cried out. There was no answer.
''I must be seeing things!'' he muttered, and turned to leave. Suddenly, he spotted it again. The same flash of red, this time closer.
''Hello? Kodi is that you? I thought you with Jenna!'' Star spoke out. Then he heard something. Rustling, close by to where he was standing. He backed up nervously.
''This...this isn't a joke guys. Come on out'' he stuttered.
A face popped out of the foliage, taking Star completely by surprise. It wasn't Kodi or Dingo, but the likeness was uncanny.
''Who...who are you?'' Star stuttered, picking himself up from where he had stumbled.
''The real question here is...who are you?'' the dog smirked, fully emerging from the foliage. He was red and white, just like Kodi and Dingo, and his eyes were a dull red. His voice was slightly high, which unnerved Star.
''Im S...S..Star. And who are you?'' Star spluttered, unable to get over the new dogs resemblance to his friends.
''Well S...S...Star, there's someone here who wants to talk to you'' the dog smiled, revealing his sharp teeth.
''Oh yeah? Who...who's that then?'' Star stuttered, looking around nervously.
''Me'' came a growl, causing Star to jump in surprise.
From the foliage, another dog padded out and walked over to the first dog. At first, Star thought, they were identical to each other. But then with a jolt, Star noticed something that froze his blood.
The new dogs front left paw was all but missing, a bloodly mess of tissue and bone in it's place. What was more, half the dogs face was twisted by a vicious scar that went from the top of his left eye and down to his neck. Star shivered.
''Who...who...who are you?'' he shuddered as they both took a step forward.
''I'm Krest'' the first dog introduced himself.
''And I'm Renard'' the scarred dog replied. His voice sounded like sandpaper, completely the opposite of Krest's lighter tones.
''But together, we're The Brothers Grim'' Krest smirked.
''Aka, your worst nightmare mutt!''Renard growled, revealing teeth that were obscenely sharp.
''What...what do you want with me?'' Star shivered, unable to take his eyes off Renard.
''We have a proposition for you S...S...Star'' Krest grinned, and padded upto Star who recoiled back.
''Your scared now, just you wait until I'm finished with you!'' Renard snarled, and took a step towards Star.
''Renard, not now. Have some sense of control'' Krest tutted. Renard leered at him, before breaking into a smile.
''A proposition? How do you mean?'' Star nervously asked. He was sweating now, tiny drops dripping down his muzzle.
''Your a friend of Balto's aren't you?'' Krest drolled. Star nodded, but didn't speak.
''Good. Well, next time you see him, tell him to meet us at the old factory on the outskirts of town at midnight tomorrow. There's a good boy'' Krest patted Star on the head, then gestured to Renard, who smiled viciously.
''Tell him that and that alone! And if you tell him who we are, or warn him in any way, then we'll hunt you down mutt!'' Renard snarled, baring his teeth.
Krest nodded ''Believe me, it's not a good idea to get on our wrong sides. That is unless you have a death wish'' Krest grinned.
Star gulped, unable to stop shaking.
''So my dear little pup, do we have a deal?'' Krest cocked his head to the side, his smile never wavering.
Star nodded. Both dogs smiled.
''Good boy. Now run along now. Enjoy the rest of your day. And don't forget what my dear brother told you!'' Krest laughed, and padded back into the foliage.
Renard smirked ''Remember, if you warn him you die. And thats not an idol threat'' he growled.
Star nodded, and took of as fast as his legs would allow him. Krest stepped out of the foliage and padded over to Renards side.
''Will he do it?'' he asked. Renard nodded.
''If he knows whats good for him'' he chuckled.
Krest smiled ''Come on then, lets go have some fun''
Together, both brothers vanished back into the foliage, leaving no trace as to their presense.