Greetings yall! Part 7 is here!
WARNING: This one's a real tear jerker. You have been warned!
Balto
A New Threat (Part 7)
''Fight it! Fight it!''
Balto tossed and turned, his fur damp with sweat, his face a mask of pain. He whispered the same words continuosly-
''Fight it!''
The dog looking down at him tutted under his breath.
''He's fighting it. I gotta give him credit!'' Grant muttered to the silver dog at his side.
''I think Carver is making a mistake with him. There's too much risk involved!'' the dog said, one eye on Balto and the other on Grant.
''Vladimir, you think everything we do is a risk! If we did what you told us all the time we'd have no fun!'' Grant mocked.
Vladimir snorted ''You impertinent mutt! You young ruffians are all the same!''
Grant smirked ''Gramps, lets face it! Your a kill joy!''
''Oh, and I suppose what happened in Anchorage was a big joke was it?'' Vladimir snarled.
Grant sighed ''Hey, that wasn't our fault''
''No, it wasn't our fault! It was yours!'' Vladimir growled.
Grant snarled ''If it was upto you, we would sit in the shadows and do nothing! Your time is over gramps! Let the pro's handle this!''
Both dogs looked down as Balto let out a yelp. Grant leaned down closer.
''He's really fighting it isn't he?'' Grant raised his eyebrows.
Vladimir smirked ''He won't last much longer. No one ever does''
Grant smirked and nodded ''True''
A cough from the other side of the floor caught their attention.
''Guess who's back boys!'' Carver smirked.
Grant and Vladimir moved aside as Carver padded upto them, a sickening grin on his face.
''So, hows our guest?'' he asked, peering down at Balto with fire in his eyes.
Grant huffed ''Fighting us every step of the way!''
Carver smirked ''Good, good! I'd be disappointed if he didn't! This is Balto we're talking about after all!''
''I'm not happy with this Carver. He poses too much of a risk'' Vladimir said.
Carver raised an eyebrow ''Vlad my friend, you know I respect your opinion do I not?''
Vladimir nodded.
''But on this occasion I'm going have to ask you to...keep your mouth shut!'' Carver smirked, then looked down at Balto's fitful form.
''Wake him up. Gently''
Grant raised a paw and nudged Balto. After a few seconds Balto's eyes opened the tiniest bit, and looked up at Carver.
Carver beamed ''Hello Balto! Remember me?''
Doc didn't stop running until he saw Jenna's house appearing out of the darkness. His heart in his throat, he bolted upto the door and banged on it.
''Jenna? Jenna it's Doc! Let me in!'' he shouted.
After a brief pause,for what seemd liked hours to Doc, the door opened and a very surprised Dingo poked his head out.
''Doc? What the hell are you doing here?'' Dingo asked, noting the relieved look on Doc's face.
''Oh thank the lord your all right!'' Doc sighed with relief.
Dingo frowned in puzzlement ''Urm, yeah we're fine. Is there a problem?''
Doc nodded ''A very big one. Where's your mother?''
Dingo gestured inside, then stepped aside as Doc padded in.
''What could be wrong now?'' Dingo muttered.
He was about to follow when there was another scratching at the door.
''Now what?''
Dingo opened the door, only for a black husky to barge his way inside.
''Hey! You can't just walk into other dogs...'' Dingo faltered as Chester leered at him.
''You were saying kid?'' the husky asked, his fierce expression unnerving Dingo.
''Urm...nothing'' Dingo gulped.
''Good. Thats what I thought'' Chester smiled faintly, before padding into the living room.
Doc and Jenna were taken aback by Chesters arrival ''What in heavens name are you doing here?'' Doc asked.
Chester frowned ''You left before I was finished talking to you. I followed you here''
Doc was outraged ''You cannot just barge into other...''
Chester cut him off ''So I've been told already! But this is important!''
Doc fell silent. Chester's eyes fell on Jenna, who looked away unable to hold the huskies fierce gaze.
''I apoligise for the intrution mam, but under the circumstances certain formalities have to be ignored''
''Like manners for example?'' Doc muttered.
''Who are you?'' Jenna asked, feeling slightly unnerved by Chesters fierce manner.
''I'm Chester, lead dog of the Anchorage team. We've been tracking the perpetrators of the attack for a week, and their trail led us to your town''
''Perpetrators? You mean the wolf attack?'' Jenna asked.
''Not wolves, no. Dogs'' Chester replied.
''Dogs? Are you sure?'' Jenna was taken aback. From the rumours she had heard, the viciousness of the attack could only have been perpetrated by wolves.
''Very sure indeed. As I was saying, their trail ends here in this town. It's out job to find them before they kill any more of your citizens'' Chester continued.
''Mum, is everything okay in here?'' Dingo poked his head inside.
Jenna nodded ''Yes, we're fine. I think you've already met Chester'' she smiled faintly.
''Unfortunately'' Dingo frowned. Chester glared at him.
'You wouldn't be saying that if you knew how serious the problem is kiddo! You don't know these guys!''
Doc took a step forward ''Did you...bring the picture?'' he glanced briefly at Jenna.
''Yes. Now, you said that you've seen some of these dogs? I'll need you to give me specific details'' Chester removed the poster from his harnesss and passed it to Doc.
Doc made sure Jenna didn't see the poster, and he and Chester padded to the other side of the room. Dingo padded upto Jenna.
''Who is this guy anyway?''
Jenna shook her head ''I don't know, but maybe he'll help us''
Dingo glanced at Doc and Chester, who were talking in low voices ''He knows something''
''Who? Chester?''
Dingo shook his head ''No, Doc. He showed up here in a blind panic before. What did he say to you?''
''Nothing. He was about to, once he had caught his breath, and then that husky showed up'' Jenna replied.
''I don't like this Mum. I don't like this at all'' Dingo muttered.
On the other side of the room, Doc pointed at the pictures of Carver, Fitz and Karla in turn.
''Your sure it was them you saw?'' Chester asked.
Doc nodded ''Positive. This one, you call him Drake, he was actually staying at this house. And this one, Karla, she accused one of our citizens of adultery''
Chester nodded ''Typical of Karla''
Doc raised an eyebrow ''You know these dogs?''
Chester nodded grimly ''Only too well''
Doc noted that Chester was continually glancing down at the picture labelled 'Grant' with fire in his eyes.
Doc gasped suddenly, taking Chester by surprise.
''Whats wrong with you?'' the husky asked.
''I...I came over here for a reason, but then you showed up and I forgot! Jenna!'' Doc called as he padded upto Jenna and Dingo.
Jenna looked at Doc ''What is it Doc?''
''The reason why I came over...well, one of the reasons. It's about Balto''
Jenna shook her head ''Don't talk about him. Whatever it is I don't want to hear it'' she walked away from him.
''Oh you'll want to hear this Jenna my girl!'' Doc said.
Dingo frowned at Doc ''We don't care. That dog means nothing to us!''
''But...but you don't understand!'' Doc stammered.
''Excuse me! I need a word'' Chester called out as he padded over, the poster attached to his harness.
''Not now, I'm trying to...'' Doc began, but Chester cut him off.
''No time for that! Whatever it is, it can wait!''
Doc sighed in frustration, then padded upto Chester.
''What is it?'' Doc all but snarled.
''Since your in charge of this town, I need to tell you about what we plan to do about this problem''
Doc sighed ''Fine'' he glanced back at Jenna, who was being nuzzled comfortingly by Dingo.
''First of all, we'll need to put a curfew into operation. No exceptions. We'll also need permission to set up patrols around the town, for your citizens protection''
Doc nodded, all the time glancing back at Jenna. He was desperate to tell her about Balto.
''Thirdly, I want a list of dogs who have gone missing in the last few days'' Chester snapped, forcing Doc to look back.
''What is it thats so important that this crucial information is being ignored?'' Chester snarled.
Doc frowned ''That dog I told you about, the one who was accused of adultery by one of your culprits, was a very dear friend of mine. He was also the deeply loved mate and father of those two dogs behind you''
''So what? In case you haven't been listening, we have eleven murderous rabids on the loose, and I'll be damned if...''
''I know! But this is important too!'' Doc snapped.
''It-can-wait!'' Chester snarled through gritted teeth.
Doc sighed in defeat ''Carry on then''
''Good. Now, do I have your permission to put these precausions into operation immediately?''
Doc nodded ''You do what you think is best. As long as you prevent any more deaths, I'll agree''
While this was going on, Jenna was being consoled by Dingo.
''Mum, whatever he has to say it doesn't matter. We're through with him'' Dingo said comfortingly. Jenna had told him about Balto attacking Carver at the meeting, and Dingo was now convinced that he wanted nothing more to do with his father.
Jenna stifled a sob ''It's killing me Dingo, not seeing him. I still love him''
Dingo sighed. He understood his mothers feelings, but at the same time he couldn't understand why she still had feelings for his father after what he had done.
''Mum, he lied to you. He lied about the mail trip, went with someone else behind you back, and then he lied about it in front of the whole town''
''I know, but...I don't know. Part of me wants him back more than anything. But I can't forgive him for what he did''
''And you don't have to Mum. No one is forcing you'' Dingo soothed.
Jenna nodded, tears slowly trickling down her face. Dingo nuzzled her comfortingly.
Just then, Doc and Chester padded over. Dingo noticed the grin on Docs face.
''What are you so happy about?'' Dingo asked, annoyed at Docs cheeriness at such a distressing moment.
''Jenna, I've got something to tell you. And when you've heard what I have to say, you'll understand why I'm smiling'' Doc smiled.
Balto looked into Carvers eyes, his own burning with an intense hatred.
''You...what have done to Jenna?'' he snarled, trying to get to his feet despite the pain.
Carver chuckled ''Oh she's safe. For now at least''
Balto growled ''If you've hurt her...I'll kill you!''
''Don't make idol threats Balto. Your hardly in the condition to make such a threat. Besides, I'd hate for you to get hurt'' Carver smiled.
Balto shuddered. The pain was excruciating, and it coarsed through every part of his body. Even now, he could feel it trickling through his veins, slowly taking over.
Carver leaned down ''Don't worry, the pain won't last for much longer. And then, you'll be free!''
Balto winced as a stab of pain went through his head, blurring his vision ''Free?'' he whispered.
''Yes. We've released you Balto. You finally belong somewhere! It was fate''
''Fate? No...'' Balto stuttered.
Carver nodded ''It was fate that brought us together Balto. From the day you were born, your whole life has been leading upto this moment. You and I, we were meant to meet. You were meant for 'The Pack' Balto''
Balto shook his head ''No! No...no''
''Yes! Balto, you and I have so much in common! Both of us were outsiders, ridiculed by all the others. But fate decided to bring us together, and you can't fight fate! It is inevitable!'' Carvers eyes bored into Balto's.
''I know all about you Balto. Part dog, part wolf. Victimised by everyone, cared for by no one. Oh yes, I know all about you Balto. But now, you finally belong!'' Carver smirked.
Balto's eyes suddenly glazed over for a split second. Carver noticed.
''See? You can't fight it Balto. You can't fight fate''
Balto's eyes flickered, and he slipped back to the floor, his eyes closing. Carver smiled.
''Don't fight it Balto. Embrace it''
Carver lifted his head up and turned to Grant.
''You've got a lot to answer for''
Grant looked at him in puzzlement ''Me?''
Carver leered at him ''One of your old friends has just shown up in town. I think you know who I mean Grant''
Grant smirked ''Chester?''
Carver snarled, wiping the smirk off Grants face ''This isn't a laughing matter Grant! If he finds us, we're finished! And all because you couldn't keep your paws off his daughter!''
Grant shrugged ''Hey, she was hot! You can't blame a dog for noticing''
''But I can blame a dog for killing the daughter of the leader of the Anchorage racing team against orders! And I can blame a dog for making said team leader track us three hundred miles into Nome! Do you realise that the whole team has tracked us here?''
Grants eyes twinkled ''Really? All because of me?''
Grant glared at Grant ''We lost five guys in Anchorage due to your sordid euphoria! And now that Chester the super dog is here, we run the risk of losing everyone!''
Grant frowned ''Look, when I meet a girl I have two thought processes. One side of me wants to meet her and take her on a date. But the other...well, the other wants to rip her apart. And thats what I did''
Carver rolled his eyes in exasperation ''Women!''
Grant smirked ''Speaking of which...''
''Carvy!''
Carver groaned as Karla flung herself at him, licking his muzzle and nuzzling his neck ''Did you miss me Carver baby?''
''Not in the slightest Karla baby'' Carver replied.
Karla smiled ''Oh you! You and your jokes!''
''Who's joking?'' Carver smirked, shoving Karla off of him. The female malamute batted her eyelids at him.
''I love it when you show off your strength Carver!'' she purred.
''Don't tempt me Karla, I'm not in the mood'' Carver muttered.
Karla brushed by him, flicking her tail under his muzzle as she did so. Carver flinched.
Grant looked on in amusement ''She doesn't take a hint does she?''
Carver snarled ''Why don't you make yourself useful and take her on a 'date'?''
Grant shook his head ''Nah, she's not my type. Besides, she's your property''
Carver rolled his eyes, then looked back down at Balto.
''Ah look, he's fallen asleep'' Carver chuckled. Grant leered at Balto.
''You sure? I don't trust this guy, he has a tendancy to snap at you when you least expect it''
Carver snorted ''He's hardly in the condition to put up much of a fight. No, he's still thinking of that insufferable Jenna. Thats the problem''
Grant eyed Carver with a twinkle in his eye ''Should I...''
Carver smirked ''Do what you do best Grant. In fact, I'll come with you. This is something I don't want to miss''
Both dogs padded away out of the factory. After a few seconds, Balto's head snapped up, his eyes blazing. Staggering to his feet despite the pain, he tested his weight on each paw. Satisfied, he silently padded out of the factory, before breaking into a run.
''Hold on Jenna. I'm coming''
Back at the house, Doc had finished telling Jenna the truth about Balto.
''Jenna, he was telling the truth all along. This evidence proves it. And I call myself a judge for ever believing Karla!''
At that moment, all Jenna could do was smile. She was so happy she could hardly stand it.
"I believe you Balto," she thought. "I was stupid not to. I've caused you so much heartache, I just hope you're okay."
Doc saw how happy she was ''See? I told you I'd mak you smile''
Doc was caught off guard as Dingo barrelled into him, and pulled him into a bear hug.
''Hey, easy Dingo! I'm not as young as I used to be!'' Doc stuttered, slightly short of breath.
Dingo laughed out loud ''God, I was so stupid! How could I not belieive him?''
''Hey, that Karla is a pro believe me'' Chester replied.
Dingo padded over to Chester ''Thank you. You've saved our family'' he beamed.
''Hey, no problem kid'' Chester smiled.
His smile vanished, and he padded over to Doc ''Hey, this Balto? When was the last time you all saw him?''
''He came here. He was acting really strangely, and I...told him to leave'' Jenna felt tears come to her eyes as she realised what she had done.
Chesters face went grim, and he padded past Jenna and out of the door without stopping.
''Well...what was all that about?'' Doc asked, puzzlement on his face.
Jenna stifled a sob ''Oh Balto...what have I done?''
Dingo nuzzled her ''It'll be okay, we'll find him. Okay?''
Jenna nodded. Dingo turned to Doc.
''Seeing as how we can't walk alone at night, will you help me find my Dad?''
Doc nodded ''I'd be delighted to. I've got some apologising to do!''
He turned to Jenna ''Will you be okay? I mean, I don't want to leave you on your own considering...''
''I'll be fine Doc. Besides, Balto might come back here. If he does, I want to be here'' Jenna replied.
Doc nodded ''Okay. Come on Dingo''
Dingo looked at Jenna with concern ''Are you sure? I could stay and...''
Jenna shook her head ''Just find him for me Dingo, please?''
Dingo smiled and nuzzled her, then padded out the door behind Doc.
Jenna immediately padded over to the window, and stared out at the frozen landscape.
''Balto, please forgive me'' she whispered.
Jenna was asleep at the window, her frontpaws stillresting on the windowsill. Outside, it had begun to snow lightly, covering the window in a faint frost.
She didn't hear the front door beyond pushed open, nor did she hear the sound of paws clicking on the floor. But she did snap awake at the next sound.
''Hello Jenna''
Jenna's eyes snapped open at the familiar voice. Looking up, she found herself gazing into a pair of cold puppy blue eyes.
''Did you miss me?'' Carver smirked.
Jenna gasped, and shot to her feet. Carver raised a paw.
''Ah ah! I wouldn't if I were you Jenna''
Jenna stared into Carvers blue eyes, the eyes which she had first been attracted towhen she had first met him. Now they were cold and lifeless, and were boring holes in her head.
''What...what have you done with Balto? What have you done to him?'' she stammered.
Carver sniggered ''Nothing. I wouldn't dream of hurting him. He's my protege!''
Jenna backed away as Carver took a step forward. She noticed for the first time the white froth bubbling round his lips, and she shrank back in terror.
''Ah, I wouldn't go too far Jenna. I've brought a friend over''
Jenna screamed as a paw clamped onto her shoulder from behind and span her round.
''Jenna, allow me to introduce Grant. He's been looking forward to...meeting you'' Carver sniggered.
''Too right I have!'' Grant smirked, revealing razor sharp teeth. Jenna pushed him off her, and she staggered back into Carver.
''Nothing personal Jenna, but your in the way. But I promise it'll be quick''
Jenna screamed as Carver shoved her to the floor. She looked up in horror as Grant loomed over her, his jaws dripping froth.
''Grant, you know what to do'' Carver smirked.
Jenna shut her eyes tight as Grants jaws reached for her throat.
''Touch her, and I'll kill you!''
Jenna heard Grant shout out in surprise as something slammed into him. She opened her eyes a fraction, and gasped at who she saw.
''Balto!''
Balto placed himself firmly between Jenna and Grant, who was staggering to his feet. Grant snarled viciously.
''I've had just about enough of you pally!''
Balot bared his teeth, and tensed himself up ready to strike. Grant took a step forward, only for Carver to grab him by the bandanna.
Grant yelped ''What...get off me! I'll kill him!'' he snarled, struggling to get loose.
Carver growled ''Enough! Remember the plan!''
Grant snarled in frustration, as Carver released his bandanna. Grant glared at Balto, who snarled back.
''Come on Grant!'' Carver ordered, walking around Balto and Jenna towards the door.
Grant growled ''This isn't over! I'll get you!'' he leered at Jenna, who shrank back in terror.
''It's okay. Your safe'' Balto reassured her.
Grant padded round Balto and Jenna, his eyes never wading from Balto. With a frustated snarl, Grant walked out of the door.
Balto sighed with relief, then turned to face Jenna.
''Jenna, I know you don't want me here so...''
Balto was surprised when he saw Jenna's face light up. He was even more surprised when she smiled at him.
''She's...smiling?'' he thought.
Balto was taken completely aback as Jenna jumped at him, and the two of them rolled onto the floor.
''Jenna? What...?'' he asked, thoroughly confused.
She laughed, tears streaming down her face, and nuzzled him hard. When she climbed off him, he remained on the floor.
''Jenna, what...I mean...you...?''
''I believe you Balto'' she smiled.
''You...you what?'' he stuttered.
''I believe you''
Balto was at a complete loss for words.
''How?''
''Doc told me. He told me all about the cancelled trip, and the way Karla lied about you. Balto I'm so sorry, can you ever forgive me?'' she let the tears flow down her muzzle.
Balot smiled ''Of course I do''
Jenna buried her face in his warm fur, and he nuzzled her in return.
''How...how did Doc find out?'' he asked, still slightly confused.
''This lead dog, Chester, toldus all about Karla. Her involvement at Anchorage, Carver...'' she mumbled into his fur.
Something pinged in Balto's head, and he quickly straightened up, catching Jenna off guard.
''Balto? What is it?'' she asked, taking a step upto him. Balto stepped back.
''Jenna...stay back. Please, it's not safe''
Jenna was utterly confused. She looked straight into Balto's eyes, and she was shocked at his expression. He had the most heart-wrenching expression she had ever seen, his face contorted in a mixture sorrow, pleading and agony.
''Balto, whats wrong? Please, tell me'' she pleaded, unable to bare theexpression on his face.
Balto closed his eyes ''I can't do this'' he thought.
He sighed ''Jen, I...'' he stopped and hung his head, his eyes still closed.
''How can I tell her? Tell her something...like this?''
Jenna took a step closer, only for Balto to step back.
''Don't Jenna. Please''
Jenna was utterly confused. She didn't know what was wrong with Balto, and she so wanted to hold him and comfort him.
Balto opened his eyes and looked at her, tears trickling down his face.
''Jen...I love you so much...I can't...'' he couldn't continue.
''I love you too Balto. Please, just tell me whats wrong'' Jenna pleaded.
Balto sighed ''Remember...when I told you...that Carver...'' he shook his head.
Jenna shook her head, unable to remember ''Balto, I don't understand...''
Balto began to quiver, tears pouring down his muzzle ''Jenna I'm...''
''Just do it!'' his thoughts screamed at him.
''...rabid'' he whispered, opening his eyes and looking at Jenna.
Jenna didn't move, didn't say anything. Balto watched as a tear slowly trickled down her muzzle as what he had said set in.
''No...no, you can't...please no...'' she took a step back, shock and disbelief on her face.
Balto hung his head ''I'm sorry Jen''
Jenna looked at him ''Carver...bit you?''
Balto nodded ''Yes''
She gulped ''And you have...rabies?''
Balto nodded, unable to do anything else.
Jenna shook her head slowly ''Oh...Balto''
Before he could stop her, Jenna ran up to him and buried her face in his fur, tears streaming down her face.
''Jenna, I...'' he didn't know what to say.
Jenna stared at him hard ''I'm sorry Balto. I'm so sorry'' she nuzzled him and licked his nose.
Balto smiled faintly, but it quickly faded.
''Jenna...I can't stay. It's not safe''
Jenna stifled a sob ''We could get help...help you'' she sobbed, nuzzling his soft fur.
Balto's voice failed.
''I'm sorry Jenna''
Jenna stopped sobbing, and looked up at him ''Where...will you go?''
Balto shook his head ''I don't know. Somewhere where I...can't hurt anyone''
''I haven't got a clue'' he thought.
Jenna looked straight at him, and Balto was surprised at the anger in her eyes.
''I'll kill him! I'll kill him for what he did. For what he...'' she broke down.
Balto nuzzled her ''Please don't Jenna. I don't want you to get hurt. These guys are dangerous''
''I know, but I'll still make them pay!'' she sobbed, nuzzling his neck.
''Promise me Jen...that you won't go after them. Please, promise me?''
Jenna looked deep into his amber eyes, full of such love and agony.
''I know it's hard Jen, but please, promise me?''
Jenna nodded slowly, unable to say anything else. Balto licked the tears off her muzzle.
''I've got to go Jen. But remember...I love you with all my heart'' Balto smiled faintly.
Jenna returned the smile ''And I love you Balto. Always''
She nuzzled him one last, before he slowly padded to the door. He took one last look at her, her eyes full of love, anger and sorrow, before he silently padded outside into the snow.
Further away from the house, two fiery red eyes glared at a pair of bright blue eyes.
''I could have taken her! Him! Why'd you stop me?'' Grant snarled.
Carver smirked ''Because now, we move onto phase two''