Balto
A New Threat (Part 10)
Grant's eyes flickered open, and he groggily scanned at his surroundings.
''What the hell...?''
It took him a few seconds to realise that he was still in the vets, and he could tell from the splitting pain in his head that he had been knocked unconscious. And he knew by whom.
''Pally, you just made your very last mistake!'' he snarled, staggering to his feet. He noticed the blood staining his fur, as well as the small puddle on the floor. Instinctively, he reached for his throat. His paw came away stained crimson.
''Damn it!'' he pulled his bandanna down over his wounds, and scanned round. Approaching footsteps caught his attention. His lips stretched into a vicious smirk.
''Looks like I won't be leaving empty pawed!'' he thought, quickly hiding himself in the shadows of the corridor.
A few seconds later, raised voices echoed through the corridor.
''...and I'm telling you Stacy that Chester is not gonna stand for this!'' Lances infuriated voice reverberated down the corridor.
''Well it was hardly my fault Lance!'' Stacy snapped back. Grant smirked within the darkness.
''I like a girl with attitude!'' he whispered, stifling a laugh.
''I'm not saying it was! But Stacy, we let them get away!'' Lances voice came out as a weary sigh.
''I know, but we could hardly have guessed that they'd chuck themselves out of a window could we?'' Stacy replied. Lance let out a faint chuckle.
''No, no I guess we couldn't. Well, looks like we're all finished in here then''
''How many did we get?'' Stacy asked. Grant perked his ears up.
''Three dead. Vlad, Nick and Renard. But we've not found Grant yet'' Lance answered. Grant snarled.
''And you ain't gonna either Lancey boy!'' he whispered, fighting the urge to shout out. He had another plan in mind.
''I'll take one last look around. You report to Chester'' Stacy said. Grant's smirk widened.
Lance's voice took on a hint of urgency ''I don't think you should Stacy. One of those...monsters could be hiding up there, just waiting to...'' he didn't need to say anything else.
''I know, but I didn't come here just to sit around while others are suffering. I'll be fine. Now go''
Lance didn't speak for a few seconds, obviously mulling it over.
''Okay. But...do me a favour? Be careful, okay?''
''I will'' Stacy replied. A second later, faint paw steps informed Grant that Lance had left.
''Bingo!'' he licked his lips, his eyes glistening in the darkness.
Stacy's approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor. Grant sniggered.
''In about three seconds, she will have realised...'' he sang, creeping further into the shadows.
Stacy's face came into view, her eyes scanning round in urgency. She approached Grant's hideaway.
''And, she's gonna be...'' he sniggered, raising his paw.
Stacy stopped, as if she sensed something was wrong. She looked round, but saw nothing.
''Wait'll you see...'' Grant's eyes burned through the shadows.
Stacy took a nervous step forwards, her eyes frantically looking round.
''She's gonna be...'' Grant reared himself up.
Before Stacy could take another step, she felt Grant's weight impact with her. Her legs buckled, and she hit the floor hard. She opened her muzzle to cry out to Lance, but the pressure of Grant's grip cut off the air to her windpipe.
''Surprised'' he sniggered.
At the entrance to the vets, Chester glared at Lance.
''Escaped? You let them escape? What is the matter with you Lance?'' his voice came out colder than the snow underfoot.
''I...well...we couldn't expect them to...jump out of the window could we?'' Lance stuttered.
Chester sneered ''Couldn't have expected? Rule number one Lance, is always expect the unexpected! Now, how many did we take out?''
Lance compossed himself ''We've found three dead Chester. Vlad, Nick and Renard''
Chester raisd an eyebrow ''Renard? Not Krest as well?''
Lance shook his head ''No. We found him dead in one of the baths. Drowned, but none of us did it''
Chester looked round at the other team members ''Who took out Renard?''
None of them answered, as Dingo pushed his way through ''I did'' he glared at Chester.
''You kiddo? You took him out? My my, you really are more than you seem!'' Chester smirked. Dingo leered at him.
'' Don't congratualte me! I didn't want to do it, but when someone's trying to kill me what choice do I have?''
Chester laughed ''You have no choice. You did a great job kid''
Dingo turned away from the black husky. Chester turned back to Lance.
''Where's Stacy? I want a word with her about your incompetence!''
Lance paused before answering ''She's...she's having a last look round inside Chester''
Chester's eyes widened ''What? Who authorised that?''
Lance gulped ''I...I couldn't talk her out of it'' he stammered.
Chester glared at him, then turned to the rest of the team ''Gareth, you come with me. The rest of you, stay here until I return''
Chester turned back to Lance ''You come too. And if she's hurt...I'll make you regret it!''
All three dogs bolted back into the vets. Kodi turned to Dingo in puzzlement.
''Who is that guy anyway?''he asked. Dingo sighed.
''Dad's worst enemy''
Chester looked round frantically, as Lance and Gareth peered into the open offices. Suddenly, Lance let out a cry of revulsion.
''Chester! Come look at this''
Chester and Gareth padded up to where Lance was standing, and peered inside. On the floor, blood trickling from the deep gash in his head, was Max. Beside him, the heavy shotgun glistened up at them, the barrel stained crimson. Chester turned away in disgust.
''Close the door. Give him some...decency''
Lance shut the door carefully, fire burning in his eyes ''I'll kill them for this! Those vicious...evil...'' he shook his head, unable to continue.
Chester nodded grimly ''I guarantee, we will''
''LANCE!'' the shriek cut through the silence like a knife. Chester's head snapped up.
''Stacy! Come on!''
All three dogs bolted up the stairs, and frantically searched each room in turn. There was no sign of Stacy.
''Stacy? Stacy where are you?'' Chester called out, his voice coming out as a panicked yell.
''Chester! Chester help! Grant...'' Stacy's voice was cut off abruptly. Chester glared down the corridor.
''Grant! If you touch her I'll kill you! Grant!''
Barely controlling himself, Chester span round a corner, and came face to face with a familiar grinning face.
''Chester! Glad you finally showed up!'' Grant smirked. He was stood behind Stacy, his paws gripped firmly round her neck. Stacy's terrified eyes pleaded with Chester.
''Grant! If you hurt her I'll...'' Chester took a step forwards, his lips curling revealing his sharp teeth.
''Ah ah! Take one more step and I'll snap her pretty little neck like a twig! And don't think that I won't!'' Grant's voice came out as icy as an Alaskan wind.
Chester looked at Grant, red hot hatred boiling his blood. He noticed that Grant was bleeding from the neck, his white fur turning a dark crimson. He suppressed a satisfied smirk.
''Who did the number on you Grant? I'll have to congratulate him!'' the husky sneered, amused at Grant's leering expression.
''Find it funny do you Chester? Well, let me give you something else to laugh about!'''
Without warning, Grant dug his claws into Stacy's exposed neck. Blood began to trickle out of the puncture wounds and drip onto the floor. Chester snarled, though it sounded closer to a roar.
''Take one more step and I'll finish the job! You hear me Chester?'' Grant growled, releasing his grip. Stacy panted for breath, her face stained with tears.
Chester held himself back, using every bit of will power he possessed. Grant leered at him.
''Good. Now, let's get down to business. As you can see, I have the clear advantage. If you try to stop my escape, I'll show Stacy here a whole new meaning to the word...pain'' Grant flashed a manic smirk.
Chester felt his resistance crumbling, but he managed to restrain himself ''Just like you did to my daughter? Just like you did to Trix?'' he growled, rage clouding his mind.
Grant stared at him in disbelief, before collapsing into a fit of laughter ''Oh my God...you have got to be...the dumbest mutt...I have ever...'' he couldn't continue, uncontrollable giggles escaping his mouth.
Chester shook in anger ''You think what you did is funny? You-murdered-my-daughter!'' he snarled, his teeth tightly clamped shut.
Grant compossed himself, the occassional giggle still escaping his mouth ''No, no it's not that Chester! What's so funny is...you haven't got a clue have you?''
Chester leered at him ''What do you mean?''
Grant's smirk widened ''Tell me, is Gareth around by any chance?''
Chester stared at Grant in bewildement. A terrified whimper behind him caught his attention, and he spun round just as Gareth tried to slip back round the corner.
''Gareth? What are you doing?'' Chester stared at his brother, and was stunned at the sheer terror on his face.
Grant suppressed further laughter ''Oh this is too good to miss! I'm sorry Gareth, but you've outlived your usefullness'' he glared at Gareth who shrank back.
Chester took a step closer towards Gareth ''What is he talking about? Gareth?''
Gareth was shaking, his eyes wide in panic. He was beyond himself with fear.
''You see Chester,'' Grant continued, a sick grin plastered on his face. ''Back in Anchorage, you already know that I was the one who blurted out your information about where we were hiding, correct?''
Chester reluctantly turned away from his terrified brother, and faced Grant ''Yes, I know that. What exactly are you getting at?'' he demanded.
Grant cocked an eyebrow ''I didn't kill Trix Chester. You might not believe me, but it's true''
''Liar!'' Chester snarled, wanting nothing more than to wipe the smirk off Grant's face.
Grant frowned ''Listen to what I have to say or...'' he tightened his hold on Stacy, who cried out in pain. Chester snarled.
''Let her go you animal!''
Grant smirked, and loosened his grip ''Now be a good little doggy...and listen''
Chester snarled in frustration, then nodded in understanding. Grant beamed.
''As I was saying Chester, I didn't kill Trix. Oh I wanted too, more than anything else in the world, but I didn't. But I know who did, and so does he''
Chester stared uneasily at Grant, and realised he was staring at Gareth. He turned round to face his brother, who was sweating profusely, his eyes wide.
''I see your brother understands what I'm talking about. Oh, he knows all right!'' Grant smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Chester stared at Gareth ''Gareth? What...?'' the first seeds of doubt began to form in his head.
Gareths eye's stared at him pleadingly ''Chester...I didn't...I'm so sorry...please...'' he began to shake, struggling to remain on his feet.
Grant laughed ''Chester your dear brother here is the one you should blame for what happened to Trix. Your own sick, perverted brother who fawned after her, and didn't take too kindly when she rejecting him! But who can blame her, she had me!''
Before Gareth could react, Chester had thrown himself upon him, forcing him to the floor. Gareth stared up in a blind panic.
''Chester! Chester please! I...I didn't mean to...'' his voice was cut off by Chester's heavy paw on his throat.
''Murderer! Lying, filthy murderer!'' Chester snarled, his jaws tightening round Gareth's throat. Gareth tried to yell out, but his voice failed as Chester sank his teeth into his throat.
Stacy turned away in Grant's grip as Gareth's scream turned into a wet gurgling, and then fell silent. After a few seconds, Chester dropped Gareth's lifeless body to the floor and turned back to Grant.
Grant stared at Chester wide-eyed ''You know, I could have been lying!'' he smirked.
Chester shook his head ''After that performance?''
Grant nodded ''Good point. Oh, before I forget, it wasn't Balto who attacked him. It was me. Keeping with his side of the bargain and all that'' he smirked.
Chester leered at him ''Grant, you are without a doubt the most evil creature to ever walk this earth. But, I doubt even you would stoop to the evils which my brother committed''
Grant nodded ''True. So, back to the more pressing issue. Are you gonna let me go?'' he ruffled his paws around Stacy's neck, who shivered.
Chester hesitated, then nodded in reluctance ''Let her go, and...I'll let you go''
''Chester...!'' Lance began, but Chester cut him off with a glare.
''That is my decision! He gave me the real identity of my daughters killer...so I owe him a debt''
''How noble of you Chester'' Grant smirked. Chester glared at him.
''This is but a one off debt of thanks Grant! Should our paths cross again...I shan't hesitate in killing you''
''And I the same Chester. But, I thank you!'' With a single movement, Grant shoved Stacy into Lance's waiting grasp and vaulted onto the windowsill.
''And Chester? Should you see Balto, tell him I said hi!'' with a final laugh, Grant disappeared out into the snow.
With a reluctant sigh, Chester turned away from the window and looked at Stacy who was hugging Lance tightly.
''Are you okay Stacy?'' he asked nervously. She only nodded, crying softly in Lance's fur.
He smiled faintly, which quickly vanished as he looked upon Gareth's bleeding form, and realisation came to him.
''Oh my God! What have I done?''
Lance stared at him ''What are you talking about Chester?''
The husky stared at him ''I thought...he said Balto...and I didn't...the toxin! I didn't tell them about the toxin!''
Lance stared at him in bewildement ''Chester it's too late! There's no way it could...''
Chester cut him off ''There's every chance! I made a mistake, and I owe it to his family that I right it! Come on!''
Chester bolted away down the corridor, a reluctant Lance and Stacy following slowly behind.
In the factory, Carver was pacing around frantically. Fitz glared at him.
''Okay, okay. Thing's didn't go exactly to plan''Carver said. Fitz scoffed.
''Didn't go exactly to plan? It was a bleeding shambles Carver! We lost Vlad, Nick and Renard in one fell swoop, and Grant and Jack are missing! You all but crippled us, and all because of your wolfy little friend!''
Carver glared at him ''Okay! So it went completely down the tube! But I seem to remember you telling me that you ran from Balto, instead of trying to subdue him! Now, how is that my fault hmm?''
Fitz snarled ''This whole plan of yours has finished us Carver!''
''That's Mr. Carver to you Fitz!'' Carver leered at the pup.
''Sod it! Your not fit to lead us Carver! Tonight just proved that!''
Carver felt the urge to belt Fitz round the hed, but he resisted ''I-am-still-in-charge-Fitz! So what I say still goes!'' he growled through gritted teeth.
''But for how much longer?'' Fitz leered at him.
A potential bloodbath was interupted as Karla padded up to Carver defensively.
''How dare you talk to my Carvy in that way you foul little mutt!'' she glared at Fitz.
Carver visibly flinched ''Karla, would you be so kind as to removing yourself from my sight? Now!''
Karla stared at him, making the sadest eyes she could ''But Carver baby, I want to be with you. I'm your girl''
He glared at her ''My girl? My girl? You really think that I would waste my time on a bit of fluff like you? God, I would rather run away with my mother than own some fawning little creep like you!''
She stepped back, stunned ''But...Carvy...''
He raised a paw ''My name is Carver! Not Carvy and not Carver baby! Get it? Got it? Good!''
Karla's eyes filled with tears, but her eye were not filled with sadness. They were filled with rage. Her eyes burned holes in his head.
''So, your just gonna push me aside? Throw me away like an old bit of cloth?'' she snarled, her voice as sharp as needles.
''That's the idea'' Carver muttered, turning away from her. She stepped in front of him.
''You can't throw me away Carver! I won't let you!''
He sighed, then swung his paw at the side of her head. It impacted, sending her sprawling to the floor.
''Now, do I have to repeat myself?'' he stared down at her in disgust.
She spat blood, and leered at him ''You mangy...flea bitten fa...'' she stopped ehrself in mid sentence.
His head snapped up, his heckles rising ''What did you say?'' he snarled.
She shook her head and staggered to her feet '''You heard me! Your not good enough for me you mutt!'' she screamed.
Carver stood still for a few seconds, his face unreadable. Then, without warning, he lunged for her throat.
Kalra's scream caught in her throat as he bit down, blood flowing over his muzzle. He held her in that position until he felt her neck bones crack then he dropped her to the floor. Sighing, he turned to Fitz, who's face was plastered with a smirk.
''She never could take a hint could she?'' the pup smirked. Carver returned the gesture.
''Women! I can't be doing with them!''
A sudden noise caught their attention, and a second later Jack emerged out of the shadows, Dusty in his grasp.
''Let me go you creep!'' she snarled, struggling to get loose. She stopped struggling as Carver padded over, his muzzle drenched in blood.
Jack smirked ''Mr Carver, look what I brought you!''
Carver frowned ''Jack, I've already gotten rid of one girl. What makes you think I'd want another hmm?'' he leered at Dusty, revulsion on his face.
Jack's smile broardened ''Ah but she's more than just some female! She's...Kodi's girl''
Carver stared at Jack open mouthed, before a savage grin plastered itself on his face ''Kodi's girl you say? Well, it looks like tonigh wasn't so bad after all!''
He lifted Dusty's face up with his paw and stared into her eyes. Dusty looked away, unable to hold his gaze.
''Tell me my dear, what's your name hmm?''
She glared at him ''Get lost you creep! Don't you dare get any idea's!''
Carver laughed 'Oh don't flatter yourself! I ain't interested in you. I'm interested in your little lover boy''
Dusty snarled at him ''Don't you dare hurt Kodi!'' she struggled to get loose from Jack's grasp.
''I've got a score to settle with him, and your the key to my whole plan! Now, I'll ask you once more. What's your name?'' Carver smirked, baring his teeth.
Fitz padded over ''Wow! What a piece? Can I have her?'' he looked up at Carver, who shook his head.
''Maybe later. For now, keep an eye on her. Make sure she isn't...tempted to escape hmm?''
Fitz smirked ''You got it!'' he leered at Dusty, who shrank back in Jack's grasp.
''Jack, let her go''
Jack released his grip, and Dusty found herself unceremoniously dumped onto the floor. Jack looked to Carver.
''The truck?''
Carver nodded ''The truck''
Jack nodded, then disappeared back into the shadows. Carver leered down at Dusty.
''Welcome to my humble aboad!''
Jenna lay huddled in Dingo's fur as she looked on at the vets. A few more bodies had been brought out, each time she felt sick to her stomach, and prayed that none of them were Balto.
Dingo shook his head ''This is bad. I don't know where he is''
Kodi looked at him ''And if that Chester guy gets his paws on him...'' he didn't need to finish.
Jenna suddenly looked up ''I'm going after him''
Dingo and Kodi stared at her open mouthed. Dingo shook his head.
''No, Mum you can't. It isn't...''
''Safe?'', she cut him off. ''I know that, but what I do know is this. I love your father with all my heart, and I will not stand back whilst he is out there suffering! Rabies or not!''
Kodi lay a paw on her shoulder ''Mum, Dingo is right. It isn't safe for you to go out there''
Jenna shook her head ''I don't care. He needs me, and I need him. He came to my rescue before, and now I have to return the favour''
Before either son could stop her, Jenna took off down the street. Soon, she disappeared out of sight. Dingo snarled in frustration.
Kodi looked at him ''She's right you know. Dad would have helped us no matter what the risk''
Dingo stared at him ''I know but...but this is different. She's putting herself at risk, and I...I don't know what to do''
Kodi placed his paw on his brothers shoulder ''We pray. That's what we do Dingo. We pray''
Kodi looked up just as a frantic Chester ran out of the vets and padded up to them.
''Oh thank God I caught you...'' the rest of his speech was cut short as Dingo barrelled into him and pinned him to the floor.
''Hey...kid what are you doing?'' the husky struggled under Dingo's weight.
''Because of you, our mother has gone out looking for our Dad! And she might not come back again!'' Dingo snarled, pressing Chester into the snow.
''Kid...listen. I've...I've got an idea that could help!'' Chester stuttered. Dingo stared at him, and relaxed his grip.
''What idea?'' he asked as he climbed off of Chester. The husky staggered to his feet.
''Listen, I haven't told you the whole truth. The thing is...your Dad didn't attack my brother. He was completely innocent once again. That's why...I didn't tell you about the toxin''
''Toxin?'' Kodi snapped, sizing up to Chester.
Dingo glared at the husky ''You mean to tell me you had a cure for my Dad the whole time? And you didn't tell us?'' Dingo resisted the urge to go for Chester's neck.
The husky looked to the floor ''I made a mistake. But, I want to make ammends. When we were in Anchorage, the humans created a toxin that could fight the rabid infection. Now, this is important. It's crucial that we catch your Dad tonight, before the infection takes full effect. Tomorrow will be too late''
Dingo and Kodi just stared at Chester. The husky looked at them wih deep sadness.
''For what it's worth, I'm sorry I put you and your mother through so much pain. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness''
''You help save our Dad, and you'll have deserved that forgiveness'' Kodi looked at Chester.
''But if we're too late...we'll make you pay'' Dingo added. Chester nodded in understanding.
''Thank you. Now, let's get to work! Lance!''
Lance padded up to the group.
''Get the rest of the team ready, and bring the sled. We're going after them''
Lance nodded, then ran up to the rest of the team to relay the order. Chester looked up at the moon
''I just hope I'm not too late''
Ten minutes later, the team were racing across the frozen plains, Kodi and Dingo making up the vacant places of the sled. They were tracking 'The Packs' scent, and it was strong.
Suddenly, Lance barked for them to stop, which they reluctantly did. Chester looked at him.
''What is it Lance? Why did we stop?''
Lance gestured to the left ''The scent splits off down there Chester. They must have split up''
Chester nodded ''Okay. Right, we need to do the same then''
He looked back at the rest of the team ''Lance, you take four guys and go to the left. The rest of us will carry on with the sled''
Kodi faced Chester ''We're staying with you Chester. You've got the toxin after all''
Chester nodded ''Of course'' he turned to Stacy. ''And your staying too Stacy. I won't have you risked again, okay?''
She smiled and nuzzled him ''Fine by me''
He smiled faintly, then turned to Lance and the others who had uncoupled themselves from the sled ''Take heed. Don't take any unneccessary risks. Understood?''
They nodded. A second later, with Lance at the head, they took off to the left. Chester looked back at the rest of the dogs still coupled to the sled.
''Okay guys, lets move!''
Pulling that little bit harder, the sled team sped off through the night.
Jenna was scared. All around her, the forest seemed to enclose around her, cutting off any possible escape route should she have turned back. But she had no intention of doing that.
She had picked up Balto's scent a while back, and she was silently following it. She knew deep down what she would probably find at the end of the scent, and she was mentally preparing herself for the worst.
''Balto. I hope your okay''
As she pushe dher way through a low overhanging branch, the scent faded. She looked up concerned, scanning around at her surroundings. She could sense something. A presence.
She wasn't alone.
A faint sniggering caught her attention. She perked her ears up, and heard it again. Closer.
For a split second she thought about turning back. But she had come too far. She couldn't go back now.
Taking a deep breath, Jenna pushed herself forward.
Soon, she found herself in an enclosed circle of snow, tree's penning her in from all sides. She looked round from left to right, but saw nothing.
But she knew she wasn't alone.
A rustling to the right caused her to spin round. What she saw caused her to gasp out loud.
''Why Jenna! What an unexpected pleasure!'' Balto sniggered.
Chester, Dingo and Kodi looked up at the factory. They had followed 'The Packs' scent all the way, and it was obvious that they had found their hiding place. But Kodi had picked up another scent, an all too familiar one.
''She's in there. Dusty...'' Kodi had to be held back by Chester and Dingo.
''You go in there al guns blazing you'll be dead in seconds! We need to get in there without them realising it'' the husky said. Kodi sighed and allowed himself to be pushed back.
Dingo turned to Chester ''How many of them are there still? Just in case we miss one''
''I'm not sure. We counted three dead at the vets, but I can't be sure...''
Dingo grunted ''Fat lot of good that is!''
Chester ignored this comment, as his eyes suddenly rested on a possible entrance.
''Look! There's a window over there. If we could force it open, we could get in without them realising it. Come on'' Chester took a step forward, but Dingo held him back.
''What about the sled?''
Chester looked concerned for a second, then turned to Stacy ''You stay here with the sled. If you see or hear anything, I want you to run. You understand? Run and don't look back''
Stacy nodded, then nuzzled him ''Good luck''
He smiled warmly, then turned towards the factory with Dingo and Kodi behind.
Meanwhile, Lance's team had come across their target.
After tracking the scent for several minutes, they had finally come to a stop near an old fish refinery. Parked outside was a truck, and it was here that Jack was working.
''Hey, I don't know about you but I've seen enough freaking snow to last me a lifetime!'' he sniggered, staring inside the truck at the assorted crates. Each one was labelled ''Fairbanks Dock''.
Unbeknownst to the German shepherd, Lance had managed to silently creep up on him from behind. While Jack's attention was focussed on the truck, Lance took his chance.
With a surge of energy, Lance barrelled onto Jack's bac, bringing the German shepherd down. Before he could react, Lance clamped hold of Jack's neck, taking care not to sink his teeth in. With a quick twist, Lance felt Jack's neck give way, and the German shepherd slumped to the floor. Staggering to his feet, Lance peered at the truck.
''Looks like you won't be heading for Fairbanks any time soon!''
Jenna stepped back as Balto loomed out of the darkness. A sick grin was plastered across his face, and his eyes were glazed.
''Hi sweetie! Did you miss me?' he sniggered, taking a step forwards.
Jenna shrunk back, terrified at the gleam in Balto's eyes ''It isn't like him. He looks...evil''
Balto raised his eyebrows at Jenna's expression ''Jenna? Jenna, why are you looking at me like that? Don't like the new me?'' his smirk widened.
Jenna struggled for words ''Balto...please...I love you...'' she stuttered.
''And I love you. That's why...we have to be together. And you may hate me for this...but in time you'll understand that it was the only way'' he took another step forwards, his eyes twinkling.
Jenna forced back the urge to cry. She couldn't take in Balto's new appearance. The way he was smiling at her...it terrified her.
She backed up ''What...what do you mean Balto?''
He chortled ''Don't you see Jenna? It was fate that this happened. Just like when me and you met. And you can't fight fate, which is why I have to do what needs to be done''
Jenna's jaw quivered, failing to hold back the tears ''Balto...please...'' she looked at him pleadingly.
Balto frowned ''We have to be together. Forever. I promise it'll only hurt for a short time Jenna, then we can start again. We can be...happy'' he smirked.
Jenna backed up as far as she could go, as Balto loomed up to her.
''Don't fight it Jenna. Embrace it!'' he reared himself up.
Jenna did the only thing she could do. Shutting her eyes, she slashed blindly at Balto, who let out a yelp of surprise. She opened one eye.
Balto watched as tiny beads of blood slowly welled up and dripped down his cheek where Jenna had caught him. He looked at her, and the full force of what she had done sunk in.
''I'm...sorry Balto'' she sobbed, unable to tear her eyes off him.
For a brief second, Balto stared at her in shock, his eyes full of sadness. Then, his features set, and his eyes pierced at her.
''Now that's really clever Jenna'' he snarled, wiping the blood off his cheek. Jenna shrank back at his gaze.
He sighed, forcing down an impulse to strike her down ''I'll tell you what. I'll give you a five second start. Then, I'm coming after you. Are you ready?''
Jenna stood dumbfounded, unable to let his words sink in.
''One'' he started to count. Jenna backed away.
''Two''
Tears pouring down her muzzle, Jenna turned and ran into the foliage. Balto smirked.
''Five. Ready or not Jenna...here I come''
With a laugh, Balto tore after her.
In the factory, Dingo and Kodi stared around at their surroundings as Chester led the way. All around them, the shadows clung to the walls, hiding their occupants. Chester suddenly froze. Dingo and Kodi looked up.
There on the top gantry, a wicked smirk plastered across his face, was Carver. At his sides were Fitz and Theo, and in his grasp was Dusty.
''Welcome to my nightmare gentlemen!'' Carver smirked, as Theo and Fitz descended the stairs in front of them. Kodi squared up to Carver, his eyes ablaze.
''Let her go!''
Carver smirked, his grip on Dusty tightening ''Fraid not Kodi. You see, if I did that then I'd lose my bargaining chip. And that would be pointless wouldn't it?'' he smirked.
Kodi snarled ''If you hurt her...''
''Oh don't make idol threats! Your not up to challenging me! Not in that cast!'' Carver laughed. Kodi stared down at the cast in disgust.
''Kodi my friend you've caused me a hell of a lot of trouble! First, you were rude to me when I offered your mother help. Then, you took out poor Sanchez! Is it any wonder that I don't trust you?''
Kodi resisted the urge to charge at Carver, as Fitz and Theo began circling round him and Chester.
''What's more, your brother killed Renard! And I'm afraid to say, his brother isn't too happy with that'' Carver grinned.
Kodi snarled ''Where's my Dad you creep?''
Carver sniggered ''Oh, he's around. In fact, I believe he's getting reaquainted with your mother!''
Kodi struggled to hold down the boiling anger that clouded his mind.