Greetings yall! Joe Stalin here with Part 4 of 'A New Threat'! I'd like to thank those who have reviewed the story so far, and to all those who have taken the time to read it!
We've met some of the mainfigures of 'The Pack'and now it's time to meet the ring leader! And there are more bad puppy's to come, so watch this space! Things go from bad to worse for Balto in this chapter, as things are set up for the later stages of the story!
But enough talk! Lets do this!-
Balto
A New Threat (Part 4)
''Please tell me this is a dream! Please tell me that I'll wake up and none of this is real!'' Jenna sobbed.
Kodi sighed ''I wish I could Mum. I really do''
Dingo shook his head ''How could he? Did we mean nothing to him?''
Kaltag lay a paw on his shoulder ''Don't worry. Everything will sort itself out. You'll see''
Dingo scowled ''Everything has been sorted out! You heard what Doc said!''
Kaltag shook his head ''There has to be a mistake. I know Balto, and he would never do something like this''
Kodi sighed ''I wish I could believe you Kaltag''
Carver padded over to Jenna ''If there's anything I can do Jenna, I'd be more than happy to...''
Kodi cut him off sharply ''Thanks all the same, but this is a family matter. I'm sure you understand'' he padded upto Jenna protectively.
Carver looked hurt ''I was just putting myself forward thats all''
''We appreciate it, but as I said this is a family matter. And your not family'' Kodi replied firmly.
Carver opened his mouth to speak, then shook his head and slunk outside.
Dingo frowned ''Kodi, he was just trying to help. There was no need to say that''
''Dingo, we don't even know him, and he doesn't know us. This has nothing to do with him'' Kodi said.
''Maybe not. But right now Mum needs all the support she can get''
Jenna stifled a sob''Boys stop fighting! Please, I can't handle this right now''
Kodi looked at the floor ''Sorry Mum. I'm just thinking of you''
Jenna nodded ''I know you are, and I know your mad. But don't take it out on other people''
Kodi nodded ''Okay''
Dingo padded outside.
Kaltag cleared his throat ''Right then, I'd best be off. My legs feeling better, and Tricksy will probably be wondering where I've been...''
Kodi nodded ''I'll escort you home pal. I insist''
Kaltag smiled ''Thank you Kodi'' he padded over to Jenna.
''Everything will be allright. You'll see'' He lay a paw on her shoulder briefly, then padded outside.
Kodi turned Jenna ''I'll be back in a minute. Will you be okay?''
Jenna nodded ''I'll be fine. Just don't be long''
Kodi nodded, then turned and followed Kaltag outside. Jenna sighed and lay down on the floor, tears beginning to trickle down her face.
''I...I still love you Balto. But I can't...how could you?''
Dingo quietly padded inside. Jenna looked up, quickly brushing away her tears.
''Whats wrong sweety?'' she asked.
Dingo frowned ''Carvers gone. I caught him before he left, and he said he was going to find...him''
Jenna straightened up ''He has? Why?''
Dingo shook his head ''He said that he was going to get to the bottom of all this. I told him to stay but...''
He sighed, then frowned ''Kodi shouldn't have said those things to him. He wouldn't have gone otherwise''
Jenna nuzzled him ''Maybe he'll have some luck''
Dingo shook his head ''Then again, maybe its for the best. I liked Carver, but...right now I'm not in the trusting mood''
He paused ''I mean...I know I should hate Dad...but...I mean...I can't...'' he couldn't continue.
Jenna licked his muzzle ''It's okay honey. We'll get through this''
Dingo's ears drooped ''How could he Mum? Why would he deliberately hurt us like this?''
Jenna shook her head ''I don't know. But...it'll be allright. I...I know it will''
Dingo nuzzled her back ''I hope so Mum. I really hope so''
Balto meanwhile had made his way to the outskirts of town.
''How has all this happened? How am I going to live like this?''
He sighed, holding back fresh tears. Shaking his head, he kept walking through the deep snow. Jenna was gone, Kodi and Dingo hated him, and the whole of Nome thought he was a liar. And he hadn't even done anything!
He thought back to that night in the barn, trying to figure out if he could have actually done what he had been accused of. But he could think of nothing.
''Why would she do this? I don't even know her!'' he thought. He had never met Karla before in his life, and he'd only spoken to her for a few minutes. What could he possibly have done?
He stopped and shook his head.
''What does it matter? No one believes me anyway. What would be the point of going back?'' he thought.
He was just about to slink away when he heard a commotion behind him. Turning round, he saw Star bounding up after him, a fearful look on his face.
Concerned, Balto padded upto him ''Star? Star are you okay?''
Star remained silent as he tried to catch his breath. When he had stopped panting he looked up at Balto. The fear in his eyes took Balto completely back.
''Whats is it Star? Tell me whats wrong''
Star gulped ''I...I have something to tell you Balto. A message...really urgent'' Star wiped the sweat that had accumulated on his brow.
Balto frowned ''A message? From who?''
Star shook his head ''I can't tell you. They told me...they told me to tell you to go to the old saw mill and...and...'' Star shook his head, trying to remember what else he had been told to say.
Balto padded closer and lay a paw on Stars shoulder ''Star, its okay. Just tell me whats wrong''
Star shivered ''They said...they said they'd kill me if I told you anymore. God, I was so scared. I thought...I thought they'd kill me''
''Who? Who threatened you? Maybe I can help'' Balto said.
Star kept shivering ''No, you can't. Balto, you don't know these guys! They're...evil''
Balto looked Star directly in the eyes ''Who were they? Trust me Star, I won't let anyone hurt you''
Star smiled reassuringly ''Thanks Balto'' he gulped and shook his head.
Balto smiled ''It's okay pal. Now, who were these guys?''
Star sighed ''They pulled me when I left the mill. I thought...I thought I saw Kodi, and I was surprised that he wasn't with Jenna after...well, you know''
Balto sighed. Star noticed.
''Balto, I know your innocent. I know you'd never do anything like that''
Balto smiled faintly ''Thanks Star. Now, carry on with your story''
''Oh, right! Anyway, I followed this guy into a clearing and I lost him. Then, they surprised me'' he shivered.
''God Balto! One of them...he was so scary! He really wanted to kill me right there and then. But...the other one stopped him'' he stuttered.
Balto nodded ''And then what?''
''He...they told me to find you, and tell you to go to the old factory. Then I ran'' he sighed.
Balto frowned ''And you've never seen these two guys before?''
Star shook his head ''Never. Believe me Balto, I would remember them if I had''
''What do they look like?'' Balto asked.
Star shivered ''They look exactly like Kodi and Dingo! The resemblancewas unbelievable!''
Balto nodded ''Okay, so they told you to tell me that. Did they tell you why?''
''No. Your not going there are you?'' Star asked, concern in his eyes.
''Of course. If thats what they told you, then thats what I'm going to do'' Balto replied.
''You can't! Balto, these guys are insane! They'll kill you if you go!''
''Star, you said it yourself. If I don't go, they'll come looking for you. And I couldn't live with myself if that happened''
''Balto...please'' Star begged.
Balto smiled faintly ''Just tell me what they're called, then go home Star''
Star opened his mouth to argue, then sighed and looked down defeated ''They said they were called Krest and Renard...The Brothers Grim''
Balto chuckled ''From the sounds of it, grim is the right word!''
Star shook his head ''Be careful Balto. Please?''
Balto nodded ''I'll do my best''
Balto turned to leave, then turned round ''Star? Would you do me a favour?''
Star nodded ''Sure Balto. What is it?''
Balto paused ''When you see Jenna tell her...tell her I love her. Okay?''
''Of course pal. I'll tell her that''
Balto smiled ''Thanks Star. Now go home''
Star nodded, then padded off. Balto frowned.
''Okay Grim Brothers. Here I come'' he said as he padded on through the snow.
While all this was going on, Kodi was making his way back home. Trotting his way through back streets, he inspected several alleyways as he passed the hardware shop. For some reason he couldn't explain, he was on his guard. Something didn't feel right about the quiet stillness. It was as if he was being watched.
A sudden clattering close by caught his attention. He span round, and stared at a pair of amber eyes gleaming through the darkness. Kodi tensed up, ready to pounce at the right moment.
''Who's there? Show yourself!'' he commanded.
The shadowy figure sniggered. Kodi bared his teeth, and the laughter stopped.
''I said show yourself!'' Kodi growled.
The figure glared at Kodi ''And why should I do that?'' it answered coolly. From its voice, Kodi could tell that whatever it was it was male.
''Because I said. Now, are you going to show yourself?'' Kodi growled determidly, but took a step back despite himself.
The figure made a little chuckle ''Not necessarily. But I'll humour you''
The figure stepped out of the shadows. Kodi took another cautionary step back.
What Kodi saw was a scruffy dog, or so he guessed was a dog. His fur was of a light brown, and his amber eyes bored into Kodi's.
The dog gave a crooked half smile ''Satisfied?''
Kodi couldn't help but let his jaw drop a little at the sight of the dog. He was skinnier than Kodi could have imagined a dog to be, and he was wearing a worn leather collar, the gold tag twinkling in the light. Kodi couldn't make out the name inscribed. The dog noticed.
''Nosy aren't we? The names Sanchez, not that it'll be of any use to you husky!'' he sniggered.
For the first time, Kodi noticed the frothy substance fizzing around Sanchez's lips. Kodi gulped, and glanced sideways.
Sanchez took a step forward ''Now, you wouldn't be thinking of leaving this poor hungry mutt alone would you?'' he drolled, raising his muzzle with a blood lined smile.
Kodi gulped at the crazed look on Sanchez's face, staggering back so sharply he tripped over his back legs. Sanchez snarled, revealing his glistening sharp teeth.
''Don't even think about it! No one ever escapes Sanchez! Just ask the flea bag I finished off before!'' he laughed, rearing up ready to pounce.
Barely controlling himself, Kodi looked frantically from left to right, hoping to spot someone. But he saw no one.
Sanchez sniggered, before suddenly springing at Kodi with fire in his eyes. Reacting, Kodi back-pedalled and took off as fast as he could. With an unearthly snarl, Sanchez bolted after him.
Kodi ran until his joints ached, all the while hearing his pursuers ragged breathing behind him. He soon forgot where he was going, as he took a sharp right into an alleyway nearly tripping over a discarded trash can. Looking back, he saw Sanchez vault the obstacle without breaking stride.
Kodi's throat burned with every hoarse breath he took, as he sought desperately for a hiding place or a means of defense. Suddenly, he spotted an open door. Without hesitation, Kodi bolted inside and kicked the door shut with his back leg. A split second later, a dull crack informed him that Sanchez had made contact with the door.
Panting for breath, Kodi scanned around. He was inside the hardware store, tools littered the counter and were displayed on the walls. Further down a corridor, a flight of concrete stairs descended into a basement.
A sharp thud caught Kodi's attention. The door gave an ominous lurch, as Sanchez rammed himself against it. Kodi backed away warily, as the door gave one final lurch as the hinges gave way. The wooden door came crashing to the floor, narrowly missing striking Kodi on the head. Sanchez's hoarse breathing echoed in Kodi's ears, as he padded slowly into the room.
Sanchez glared at Kodi, who shrank back. The dogs eyes might as well have been ablaze.
''You are more trouble than your worth Kodi my friend!'' he snarled, as he walked upto Kodi.
Kodi shivered ''How...how do you know my name?'' he stuttered.
Sanchez smirked ''I've got good contacts''
Kodi took a step back. Sanchez suddenly shot at him, and rammed into his side. Kodi staggered backwards, as Sanchez launched himself at him, and landed on top of Kodi. Sanchez snarled and snapped at Kodi's face. Kodi rolled to the side, surprising Sanchez who tripped over and hit the floor.
Kodi rolled over and began to run towards the stairs. Sanchez ran after him and jumped, landing on Kodi's back. Kodi's front legs slid out from underneath him, and both dogs were sent careering down the stairs. Kodi's vision blurred as he tumbled, as the concrete stairs cut his skin, before he came to a sudden stop at the bottom, a sickening crack echoing through his head.
Shakily getting to his feet, Kodi felt soft fur under his paws. When his vision cleared, he realised he was leaning on top of Sanchez. The dog lay motionless, his head at an odd angle. Kodi realised that his neck must have been broken in the fall.
Kodi flinched as a sharp pain went up his leg. Tucking it up next to his side, he staggered back up the stairs leaving Sanchez's lifeless body on the cold concrete.
As Kodi padded his way out into the street, unbeknowst to him a female malamute silently padded into the shop.
In the shadows, two figures looked on from an alleyway opposite the store. One was a small grey dog, the other was a larger dog with white fur. Both bore the same surprised expression.
''He's still alive? I thought Sanchez would finish him!'' Fitz spoke out.
Grant shook his head ''I think the opposite is true''
Both fell silent as Karla padded out of the shop and into the alleyway.
''Well?'' Fitz asked.
Karla shook her head ''He's dead. His necks been broken''
''How is that possible? Sanchez never misses a target!'' Fitz replied.
''Looks like he missed this one'' Karla muttered.
Grant grimaced '''I knew something like this would happen! Things were going way too smoothly!''
''Cool it Grant, we'll get him for it!'' Fitz replied, murder in his eyes.
Grant sighed ''The boss is not gonna like this!And I'm not gonna be the one who breaks the news to him!''
''No need. I saw it for myself''
The three dogs span round in alarm. A shadowy figure padded up to them.
''So, Sanchez is dead? What a pity, he was such a good dog''
Grant gulped '''You...you know what this means sir?''
''That we're down to nine'' Fitz put in.
''Is there a problem with that?''
Fitz took a step forwards ''We already lost five guys in Anchorage, now we've lost Sanchez. We've not got enough guys for the job!''
''Don't worry Fitz my lad! We will soon''
Grant shook his head ''Losing Sanchez is gonna be difficult. Your gonna have a hard time finding someone just as good''
''Oh I think I have. But we're going to have to change tactics''
Fitz raised an eyebrow ''How do you mean?''
''You've all been having fun, but now we're going to have to slow things down a bit. Like you said Fitz we're down to nine, myself not included, so no more taking risks! Am I making myself clear?''
Grant nodded slowly ''Crystal''
Karla smiled a sly grin ''Oh...very clear''
The figure scoffed ''Karla, grow up!''
Karla batted her eyes, before slinking away. Suddenly, two figures padded out of the shadows.
''Did we miss anything?'' Krest drolled.
Fitz scowled ''Sanchez is dead''
Krest raised his eyebrows ''Dead? Oh dear, thats a shame isn't it Renard?''
''Tragic'' Renard replied.
The leader cleared his throat ''As I was saying, no more taking risks. We can't afford to lose anymore guys. You two especially''
Krest beamed ''I'm flattered''
Renard smirked ''Flattery will get you everywhere with us!''
The figure rolled his eyes ''Anyway. Grant and Fitz, when you see them tell the others what I've said. Got it?''
Grant nodded ''Got it''
Grant and Fitz padded away into the shadows, striking up a conversation as they left.
''So, how was your 'date' last night Grant?''
''Ah, Sasha! She was a good one, at least...she was'''
When they had left, the figure turned to the Brothers Grim.
''Did you arrange everything?''
Krest nodded ''We did. He should be on his way now''
''We did a really good job'' Renard beamed.
''I'll bet. Just remember what I told you. Kill yes, but make sure you don't blow your cover''
Both brothers nodded, and slunk off. The figure smirked.
''Now then, I've got an appointment to keep!'' he said, before disappearing down the street.
Balto had made his way to where Star had told him to go. The factory lay abandoned on the outskirts of Nome, and it was here where he was expecting the Brothers Grim. But there was no one else about.
''Hello! Anyone there?'' Balto called out. But no one answered.
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye. Turning his head, he caught sight of something entering the factory. After a slight hesitation, Balto silently padded inside.
A faint dripping sound caught Balto's attention as he padded inside. The building as covered in dust and was ice cold.
''I think it was warmer outside'' Balto thought.
Scanning around, he was unnerved by how thick the shadows were.
''There could be a whole army of them in here and I woudn't know''
He looked up as a single snowflake landed on his nose. He noticed that the roof tiles above him had broken, opening the building up to the elements.
''This place outta be condemned'' he muttered.
''It is'' a voice cut through the darkness.
Balto tensed up ''Who's there? Krest? Renard?''
''Close, but no treat I'm afraid'' the voice replied.
Balto looked to his right, just in time to see a dog pad out of the shadows. He was about Balto's height, with black fur and a white chest and paws. A gold tag illuminated in the dim light.
Balto's eyes narrowed ''Who are you?''
''I'm a big fan of yours Balto. I've been waiting a long time for this moment!'' the dog smiled. Balto squinted at the name engraved on the collar. Drake.
'Drake' noticed ''Now you know my name, and I know yours. So I guess that makes us even!'' he laughed.
Balto bared his teeth ''What do you want?'' he snarled.
''You'' 'Drake' replied, starting to walk in circles around Balto, who had to keep turning to look at him.
''Me?''
''I've been admiring you for a long time Balto. All my guys have. I've met your mate, and I must say I ain't impressed!'' 'Drake' shook his head in disgust.
Balto snarled ''Don't you even talk about her!''
''Why in the name of sanity you've shacked up with that fawning bit of fluff I'll never know!'' 'Drake' drolled.
Balto lunged at 'Drake', who stepped back alarmed, Balto's jaws snapping shut inches from his face.
'Drake' smirked ''Hit a nerve did I?''
Balto bared his teeth, tensing up ready to fight. 'Drake' sniggered.
''You want to fight? Go ahead, lets see what you've got!''
Balto was caught off guard as 'Drake' lunged at him. Balto was knocked backwards as 'Drake' landed on top of him. Balto noticed the white foam bubbling around 'Drakes' lips. Reacting, Baltocrossed his front legs to hold 'Drake' off of him. Reacting, Baltoswiped at 'Drakes'muzzle, using the black dog to yell out in pain and grab his muzzle to stem the bleeding.
In a split second, Balto' got to his feet. Ashe turned to run, 'Drake' launched himself at him, teeth bared.
Balto felt a sharp pain shoot through his back leg, and he yelped in pain. He felt his back legs give way, and went sprawling onto the floor. As he tried to stand up, a searing pain coarsed through his body, causing him to yell out in pain. Balto's vision clouded, and everything went black.
'Drake' staggered to his feet. His muzzle was lacerated and blood was staining his chest a dark crimson.
''Oh, I'm gonna feel that tomorrow!''
He tasted something bitter in his mouth, and he spat out a frothy white substance. Turning around, he smiled and padded upto Balto.
''Until we meet again Balto. And it'll be sooner than you think!''
'Drake' sniggered and padded away, leaving Balto unconscious and bleeding on the floor.
VOICES
Balto: Kevin Bacon
Jenna: Jodi Benson
Carver: Burt Reynolds
Kodi: Sean Astin
Dingo: Michael J. Fox
Fitz: Scott Wolf
'Red' Grant: Billy Joel
Karla: Sheena Easton
Krest: David Tennant
Renard: Robert Carlyle
Sanchez: Jeff Bennett
Kaltag: Danny Mann
Star: Robbie Rist
Doc: John Cleese