Greeting yall!
Part 6 is here! So lets light this candle!
Balto
A New Threat (Part 6)
Balto stared wide eyed at the grinning face in front of him. He realised it was this dog that was clamping his muzzle shut, preventing him from shouting out for help. He tried to struggle lose, but to no ovail.
''Don't bother squirming pal, it ain't gonna work'' the white dog smirked.
Balto stopped struggling. The white dog nodded.
''Good boy. Now, lets get you out of this snow aye?''
Balto felt himself being lifted up by the three other dogs, and he found himself being half carried, half dragged into a nearby alley.
''All right guys, let him go'' the white dog announced to the others, and Balto went slack. The white dog however kept a firm grip on Balto's muzzle.
''Now I'm gonna let go, and your gonna be quiet. Okay?''
Balto nodded. The white dog released his grip on his muzzle. Balto staggered to his feet.
''Who...who are you?'' Balto asked, glaring at the dog.
''I'm Grant. And I don't need telling to know who you are Balto!'' Grant smirked.
Balto snarled. Grant raised an eyebrow.
''Hey, don't get any ideas now!'' Grant gestured to the other dogs, who encirled Balto.
''Balto, allow me to introduce Fitz, Krest and Renard'' Grant gestured to each dog in turn.
Balto leered at The Brothers Grim ''So, your the Brothers Grim''
Krest nodded his head, a sickly grin on his face ''Sorry we couldn't meet you Balto, but our boss wanted to meet you himself''
''Looks like he did a good number on you didn't he?'' Renard smirked, gesturing to the bite mark on Balto's leg.
Balto growled, but stopped as a stab of pain coarsed througgh his head. Wincing, he shook his head to clear it.
Grant smirked ''Oh yeah, he's on his way''
''What...what do you mean? What's happening to me?'' Balto stuttered, waves of pain shooting through his body. He was finding it difficult staying on his feet.
''Ah, well, do you want the short answer or the long one?'' Grant asked.
Fitz prodded him ''Grant, don't tease him'' the pup smirked.
Grant nodded ''Ok, Balto...you've been initiated''
Balto stared at Grant ''Initiated? I don't understand''
''Mm hmm, they all say that. To put it bluntly Balto, you are now in the early stages of...'' he paused.
Balto looked up ''Early stages of what? Tell me!'' he gasped as another stab of pain wracked through his head.
Krest tutted '''He's not very bright is he?''
Renard sniggered ''Someone please fill him in''
Grant nodded ''Balto, you are...rabid''
Balto stared in disbelief at Grant ''What?'' he stammered.
''You-are-rabid'' Fitz said in an aggravated tone.
Balto shook his head ''No! No, your lying! I can't...'' he couldn't continue. He felt his legs buckle, and he fell to the floor in disbelief.
''I hate it when they do this'' Krest muttered.
Balto's eyes filled with tears as realisation came to him. The attack in the factory, the white froth around 'Drakes' muzzle, the searing pain. It all made sense. Images of Jenna flashed before his eyes, as he realised that he would never be able to see her again. He bowed his head and sobbed.
Fitz mocked puking ''Urgh, I can't be doing with this soppyness! I thought Carver said he was a tough guy?''
Grant smirked ''Hey, give him a day and then we'll see'
Just then, Balto lifted up his head. His mind clouded over with a rage he had never felt before in his life. A low growl emitted from his mouth, and he tensed himself up ready to pounce.
Grant looked up in alarm ''Woah! Get a hold of him quick!''
Before Balto could react, Krest and Renard grabbed him around the waist and forced him onto the floor, with Fitz glamping his muzzle shut. Balto struggled as hard as he could, but he couldn't get loose. Grant leered down at him.
''Pally, you growl at me again and it'll be the last thing you ever do!''
Balto continued struggling, but he eventually went limp, tears trickling down his face.
''Good lad. See, when you cooperate things go a lot smoother'' Grant smiled.
Balto felt sick. He was rabid, and that meant it wasn't safe for him to ever see Jenna again. Or his family. He remembered how he had snapped when he had seen 'Drake', and he shivered.
''I could have easily attacked Jenna as well'' he thought.
Balto dropped his head and let the tears flow.
A sudden noise caught Grants attention. He and Fitz padded towards the street and looked out whilst Krest and Renard held down Balto.
They spotted two dogs coming down from the other direction. One of them looked familiar.
''Well...well...well. Look who's here'' Grant smirked. Fitz turned back to the Brothers Grim still holding Balto down.
''Keep him here until I give the signal. I've got an important little errand to do''
''Whats that then?'' Krest asked.
Fitz smirked ''A certain red and white husky is gonna pay for what he did to Sanchez''
Balto's eyes flew open at this comment. Red and white husky? Kodi? Dingo?
He struggled to free himself, taking the other dogs by surprise. Balto managed to free his muzzle.
''Kodi! Dingo! Get out of here!'' he shouted at the top of his voice. Then there was a sharp pain to the back of his head, and everything went black.
''Stupid mutt!'' Renard snarled, as Fitz padded out of the alley.
Dingo stopped walking and looked around urgently.
''Whats the matter Dingo?'' Doc asked. Dingo looked puzzled.
''Didn't you hear something? Like someone shouting my name?''
Doc shook his head ''Must have been the wind. Come on, your mother will be getting worried''
''Good evening gents!'' a voice caught their attention. Dingo looked around, and his eyes came to rest on a small grey dog.
''Oh, hi. Sorry, was that your shouting I heard just then?'' Dingo asked the new arrival.
Fitz looked puzzled ''Shouting? Nah, wasn't me pal. Must have been the wind''
''That's what I said Dingo'' Doc replied.
''Oh, that reminds me! I was wondering if you guys would be able to help me out?'' Fitz asked.
''What with?'' Dingo replied.
Fitz smiled ''I was wondering if you'd seen a buddy of mine? Tall, black and white fur? Wearing a collar?''
''Sounds like Carver'' Dingo replied.
''You know him then?''
''Yeah, he's over at our place. We were just on our way over there''
''Great! Mind if I tag along?''
''Ah, I'm not so sure about that'' Doc muttered, frowning at Fitz.
Fitz smiled sheepishly ''Hey, I aint gonna bite!''
Dingo looked at Doc ''Doc, he's a friend of Carvers''
''I know that, but need I remind you about the current situation?''
''Oh, so now you don't trust anyone? Is that it?'' Dingo frowned.
''Oh don't be ridiculous Dingo! I'm just trying to take things carefully thats all!'' Doc replied.
''He knows Carver. He described him, so he's obviously no stranger. Besides, he's just a pup!''
''Ah guys? Sorry, but it is getting kinda late'' Fitz cut in.
''Fine. We'll take him to the house. Then, we're going straight to the mill! I'm already late enough as it is!'' Doc said.
Dingo looked at Fitz ''Sorry, I didn't catch your name?''
Fitz smiled ''It's Fitz. And you are?''
''Dingo''
''Oh, your Balto's kid aren't you?''
Dingo frowned ''Not anymore I'm not''
He slunk away down the street. Fitz smirked.
''Indeed. Not for much longer anyway''
Fitz looked back at the alley, and raised a paw. Then he padded away after Dingo and Doc.
Back in the alley, Krest and Renard dragged an unconscious Balto into the shadows, with Grant in tow.
Jenna was still at the window, awaiting Dingo's return. She was getting worried.
''How long have they been gone?''
Carver padded upto her ''About five minutes. Jenna, they're fine. There's no point in you working yourself into a state''
Jenna could only nod, her gaze never leaving the window. A movement outside caught her eye. She bolted for the door and opened it, before running out into the street. She spotted Dingo and Doc, and a small dog that she didn't recognise approaching the house. She ran upto them.
''Dingo! Oh sweety I was so worried!'' she nuzzled him
Dingo smiled ''Mum, I was gone for like five minutes!''
''I know, but I was worried''
She turned her attention to the dog she didn't recognise.
''Hello, who are you?'' she asked.
Fitz stared at her.
''Blimey! She is hot!'' he thought, his mind going into overload. He had to force himself from jumping for her throat right there and then.
''Mum, this is Fitz. He said he's a friend of Carvers'' Dingo replied.
''Oh I see'' Jenna said. There was something about Fitz that unnerved her. Something in the way he was looking at her.
''Fitz!'' a voice called out. Jenna turned round as Carver padded out of the house and upto Fitz.
''How have you been my boy?'' Carver asked.
''Not too bad actually. Lucky I bumped into Dingo here. Blimey, what happened to you?'' Fitz stared wide-eyed at the injuries on Carvers face.
''Long story...'' Carver began.
''Which unfortunately will have to wait'' Doc interupted ''We have to go to the mill at once. Everyone is waiting''
Jenna looked at Dingo ''Did you get him there all right?''
Dingo nodded ''Yeah. We'll go see him later okay?''
''Yes'' Jenna replied.
Doc cleared his throat ''Come along now, we can't keep them waiting!''
''We'll catch you guys up'' Carver said.
''Are you sure?'' Doc replied.
''Hey, we're big dogs! We can look after ourselves!'' Fitz smiled.
''Just don't be long'' Doc warned, before padding away towards the mill.
Carver smiled at Jenna ''See you later Jenna''
Jenna nodded, smiling, then padded after Doc with Dingo in tow.
Carver looked at Fitz ''Did you...make him comfortable?''
Fitz smirked ''He's quite a handful. Your gonna have a hard time with him!''
Carver laughed ''Oh I think it'll be worth it in the end''
''By the way, that kid you were talking to. Was he the one who...?'' Fitz drew a paw across his throat.
Carver shook his head ''No. We'll deal with him later. I've got plans for that vets'' he cracked a grin.
''Come along then Fitz. Musn't keep them all waiting!''
''Perish the thought Mr Carver sir!'' Fitz chuckled.
Both dogs padded away down the street.
When Balto regained consciousness, his vision wouldn't focus. He noticed that he was covered in a thin blanket, and he shook it off him. Sluggishly, he tried to get to his feet, but only managed to lift his front legs up off the floor. He shook his head to try to clear his vision, then scanned round at his surroundings.
He recognised it immediately. He was back in the factory.
''Well, it's about time you woke up pally!''
Balto turned round to the source of the voice. He could make out Grants blurry outline further away from him.
Grant cautiously padded over ''Hey? Is it okay if I come over, or will you rip my ears off?'' he smirked.
Balto just shook his head. He didn't have the strength even to growl.
Grant lay down beside him. He flexed his neck until there was a crack.
''Hey, sorry I had to whack you across the head. But your big mouth could have gotten us caught! And that would never do!'' he chuckled.
Balto let out a sigh and lay his head down on his paws. A single tear trickled down his muzzle.
''Oh, giving me the silent treatment are we? Thats a new one! Usually they all have questions!'' Grant chortled as he stood back up and padded in front of Balto.
''There's no point just laying around pally. Come on, ask me a question. Uncle Grants here to answer!''
Balto lifted his head up ''Am I going to die?'' he whispered.
''Hey, we all die Balto. But there's no point living if you can't feel alive! I'll give you a couple of years yet'' Grant smiled.
Balto let out a sob ''Jenna''
Grant raised his eyebrows ''Oh don't start! For the love of God don't get soppy! I can't be doing with that! But I know who is'' he smirked and padded over to the far side of the lower floor.
''Oh Karla! Guess who's here?''
Balto snapped awake at the sound of the malamutes name. He glared as Karla padded out of the shadows and into his eyeline.
Grant sniggered ''I believe you two already know each other?''
Balto snarled, and tried to get to his feet. But he didn't have the strength. Karla raised an eyebrow slyly.
''Whats the matter Balto? Have you fallen out with me already?'' she smiled slyly.
''You framed me! You accused me of...'' Balto couldn't even say the word.
Grant shook his head ''No no, it wasn't her idea Balto''
Karla huffed ''I wouldn't touch a mangy mutt like you with a ten foot pole, so don't kid yourself!''
Grant smirked ''But who would you touch with a ten foot pole Karla? As if I didn't already know''
Karla smiled dreamily ''There's only one dog for me. My Carvy''
Grant scoffed ''Yeah, shame he doesn't feel the same way love!''
Karla scowled ''He will! He's just a hard nut to crack thats all! You'll see!''
Grant snorted ''You just keep telling yourself that Karla, and maybe you'll startbelieving it yourself''
Karla huffed, causing Grant to convulse into laughter.
Grant noticed Balto's confused expression, and padded upto him, though keeping a distance.
''She keeps believing that Mr Carver is going to sweep her off her feet. Daft girls only fooling herself''
''I heard that you mutt!'' Karla yelled.
Balto glared at Grant ''What is this all about anyway? Where do I fit into all this?''
Grant smirked ''Oh your very special Balto. Mr Carver has taken a shine to you''
Balto frowned in puzzlement ''Who's Mr Carver?''
''You might know him as Drake'' Grant replied.
Balto growled at the mention of the name. Grant tutted.
''Ah ah! That's not very nice is it? You should be grateful''
''Grateful?'' Balto spat out the word, his eyes burning holes in Grants head.
''Yep. He could have just killed you. The others would have, so count yourself lucky!''
Balto was at a loss for words. Nothing Grant was saying made any sense. Had Carver targeted him solely? Why?
Grant seemed to read his mind ''We came here especially for you Balto. All the way from Anchorage''
Balto reacted at the mention of Anchorage. Was it possible that he was talking to one of the dogs responsible?
''But I...they said it was wolves''
Grant shook his head ''Nope. Just us domesticates having a bit of fun! At least we were until they started shooting at us that is!''
Balto took all this in. The rumours about Anchorage had been that itwasa pack of wolves who had attacked the town, not dogs. Then again, the rumours had been sketchy, but one thing was now perfectly clear. The rumours about rabies were true.
Balto's thoughts were cut short as he realised something. There had been four dogs who had pounced him, but only three had drug him to the factory. Where was the fourth one?
''Where's Fitz?'' Balto snarled, catching Grant by surprise.
''Fitz? Oh, he's...around''
Grant was taken aback as Balto's paw closed round his throat ''Where is he? What have you done with my son?'' he snarled, tightening his grip.
Grant glared at him ''You think...you can threaten me? Red Grant? Your out of your mind pally!'' he struggled for breath.
Balto sensed a presense behind him, and then felt hot breath on his shoulder.
''Let him go!'' Renard snarled.
Balto snarled frustratedly, before releasing his grip. Grant coughed raggedly, then leered at Balto.
''You just don't get it do you? Maybe when the conditions set it you'll realise who your dealing with!''
Grant gripped Balto's muzzle ''We can play with you gently, or we can bend you until you break! Either way, you will see it our way!''
Grant shoved Balto to the floor and padded away muttering under his breath.
''Oh dear, you've upset him now'' Krest padded out of the darkness.
''You know, if Mr Carver wasn't so keen on you Balto, you wouldn't be in one piece!'' Renard snarled, inches away from Balto's face.
''Now now Renard! The poor guys had a shock, and he's confused. Besides, Mr Carver wouldn't be happy if you hurt him now would he?''
Renard glared at Balto, who flinched back ''Just don't get any ideas!'' he growled, before padding over to Krest.
''You have a rest Balto. I promise you, by tomorrow night you'll look back at this and laugh! That is, if you remember!'' Krest chuckled, before he and Renard padded outside.
Balto realised he was sweating profusely. His head ached and he felt nauseaus. He lay his head down on the floor, and closed his eyes.
Before he fell asleep, he muttered a single word.
''Jenna''
At the mill, Doc was summing up his speech to the congregaion of dogs.
''As you will all understand, it is imperative that we all take measures to ensure we remain safe. That is why, from now on, no one will walk the streets in groups no smaller than three. Also, if necessary, refrain from walking the streets at night. It is important you all heed to these precautions. The threat of attack is very great, as I have already told you four bodies have been found around Nome. We have no suspects at the moment, so be on your guard at all times''
The congregation began murmuring amongst each other.
''This is dreadful! Four bodies!''
''I'm not leaving the house under any circumstances, and I mean it!''
''I heard Jenna's son was involved in one of the attacks''
''Dingo?''
''No, Kodi''
''Mm hmm, I heard the exact same thing''
Jenna meanwhile was seating near the back of the mill, with Dingo at her side. Near the door, Carver and Fitz were stood. Over the murmuring crowd, their voices were muffled.
''Nothing like a bit of hysteria to heat things up!'' Fitz smirked.
''Don't smirk! Thats the last thing we need, you blowing our cover!'' Carver reprimanded the pup.
When the meeting was over, and most of the congregation had left, Carver padded upto Jenna and Dingo.
''Jenna, I thank you for your wonderful hospitality''
''Are you leaving?'' she asked.
Carver shook his head ''No, but I'll be spending the night at my friends place tonight. Maybe you could give me that tour of Nome tomorrow?'' he smiled.
Jenna smiled ''Maybe''
She and Dingo padded out of the mill, leaving Carver alone.
''And in the mean time, Balto and I will be getting to know each other'' he sniggered.
A commotion outside caught his attention, and he peaked outside through the gap in the door. Fitz noticed.
''What is it?''
''Come here and look for yourself!'' Carver snapped.
Fitz glanced outside, and gasped.
''Oh...no'' Fitz muttered. Carver snarled.
''Chester'' they muttered in unison.
Outside the mill, a sled had come to a halt. There were at least ten dogs, each wearing harnasses, strapped to the front of the sled. The lead dog was a black husky with piercing grey eyes. Behind the sled, two men hopped off and unstrapped the dogs.
Carver looked away from the door, his face a mask of rage ''How did he find us? Tell me!" he snapped at Fitz.
The little pup looked scared out of his mind ''He must have...tracked us''
Carver glared at him ''And how could he track us over three hundred miles from Anchorage?''
Fitz gulped ''He must have picked up our scent somehow''
Carver suddenly creased his face up ''Oh no! Renard!''
''You what?'' Fitz aksed, puzzlement etched on his face.
''He must have tracked the scent of blood! I knew it was too much of a risk bringing him along! Not after having his paw all but shot off! That scent must have carried for miles!''
A loud barking caught everyone still in the millby suurprise.
''Whats going on out there?'' Doc called out from the podium.
As if to answer his question, the doors suddenly flew open as the sled team marched inside led by the black husky.
''What is the meaning of this?'' Doc asked, stepping down from the podium as the lead dog padded upto him.
''Are you in charge here?'' the husky asked. Doc was taken aback by the fierce expression on his face.
''Yes...yes I am'' he replied.
''Good. We need to talk'' the husky said, gesturing to the podium. Doc stepped back up.
''Who are you?'' he asked.
''I'm Chester, lead dog of the Anchorage team''
''Anchorage?''
''We've got a problem, and I think you know what I'm talking about''
Doc nodded ''You mean the murders?''
''Exactly. We've been tracking the culprits all the way from Anchorage. How many victims have there been?''
''Four'' Doc replied.
''There'll be many more unless we can stop them. My boys are distributing posters bearing the faces of the culprits''
As if on cue, Doc was handed a poster by one of the sled dogs. On it were the faces of eleven dogs, a name under each one.
''These are the dogs that attacked Anchorage. They need to be found at once'' Chester pointed to each picture in turn.
''Drake, the ring leader. Fitz, Krest, Renard, Sanchez, Karla...''
''Karla?'' Doc cut him off. Chester glared at him.
''Don't interupt! This is important! I'll ask you whether you've seen them or not when I'm finished!''
He stabbed at the poster ''Jack, Theo, Nick, Vladimir, and Grant'' he spat out the last name.
Doc stared open mouthed at the picture of Karla. There was no mistaking it. Balto was innocent all along.
''I've seen her. She was in here yesterday, accusing one of our citizens of adultery! Oh, if I'd of known...''
''You've seen her? Your sure?''
Doc nodded ''Positive. There's no mistaking...'' he stopped. His eyes focussed on the first two pictures. One was a black dog with a white chest and paws, with puppy blue eyes. The other was a small grey dog little more than a pup. He knew them.
''Oh my good lord!'' he stuttered.
''What?'' Chester barked.
''Him, and him! Their at Jenna's! Oh God...!'' Doc bolted for the door.
''Hey! Come back here!'' Chester called out as Doc bolted out into the street.
In an alleyway opposite the mill, several dogs were huddled.
''This is bad, this is very very bad!'' Fitz stuttered.
''He'll kill us! He'll tear us apart!'' Nick gulped.
''After what Grant did to his daughter...'' Theo stammered.
''Shut up the lot of you! Let me think!'' Carver snapped.
Jack padded upto him ''Sir, I think I have a suggestion''
''What?'' Carver snarled.
''Well, you told us that Kodi was in the vets after his encounter with Sanchez right?''
Carver nodded. Jack suddenly broke into a grin.
''Well, what if instead of it being a surprise attack as planned before, we announce it? We could lure Chester and his team in and...'' Jack drew his paw over his throat.
Carver broke into a vicious smirk ''Perfect! My boy, you are a genius!'' he laughed.
Jack sniggered ''Plus, we could get your protege involved as well!''
Carver sniggered ''I love you, you sick puppy!'' Carver pulled Jack into a bear hug.
''Boys! Back to the factory! We've got a plan to work out!''
As the other dogs bolted into the shadows, Carver looked back at the mill with a vicious grin.
''We've got you now Chester. You just wait and see!''
Clamping one of the posters in his mouth, Carver bolted into the shadows.
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
Theo: Steven Webber
Jack: Charlie Sheen
Nick: Dom De Luise
Chester: Tommy Lee Jones
Kaltag: Danny Mann
Star: Robbie Rist
Doc: John Cleese