Balto
A New Threat (Part 11)
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. Taking a quick glance to the left, he noticed something.
Dingo was missing.
Kodi felt a chill creep down his spine, as he looked from left to right, searching for Dingo whilst making sure he didn't draw attention to himself.
Carver grinned evilly ''You know? Maybe your mother will see reason and join our happy little family. But I doubt it!''
Kodi suddenly spotted something in the darkness behind Carver. Several ropes hung down from the ceiling, and something had just moved. He resisted the urge to smile.
''So Kodi, what's it gonna be? I shall kill you anyway, but if you want your little girlfriend here to live...kneel before me'' Carver laughed, a noise devoid of all humour and emotion.
Kodi glared at Carver, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth ''Hey Carver! Do you want to know where Dingo is?''
Carver's smile vanished, and he leered at Kodi ''Where is he?'' his eyes shifted to the sides.
''He's...right behind you'' Kodi grinned.
Before Carver could react, Dingo barelled out of the shadows and impacted with Carver. The black dog released his grip on Dusty, and lunged at Dingo.
''Kodi!'' Dusty cried out, starting to pad down the stairs. Kodi looked up at her.
''Dusty, stay there!'' he shouted, as Fitz and Theo reared up at him and Chester.
Dusty froze, as Kodi and Chester tensed up. As the adrenaline kicked in, Kodi leered at Fitz.
''Your dead mutt!'' the pup growled, froth fizzing round his lips.
Fitz leapt at Kodi, and he had no choice but to to meet the attack, as Chester and Theo squared up to each other.
Kodi struck out with all his strength, landing several decisive hits on Fitz whilst avoiding the pups jaws. He fought like the wind, blocking Fitz's strikes whilst jabbing here and there. Without warning, Fitz caught him round the muzzle, disoriantating him for a split second. It was enough time for Fitz to strike out for his neck, whick Kodi just managed to avoid. Nearby, he could here Chester and Theo fighting for their very lives.
Fitz suddenly lunged at him, jaws open. Kodi span to the side, dodging the attack and managing to pin Fitz round the back. With all his weight behind it, Kodi forced the pup down onto the floor and held him down. Gasping for breath, Kodi shut his eyes as he did what needed to be done. With one sharp twist, Fitz went limp.
Panting, Kodi opened one eye cautiously. Next to him, a similarly out of breath Chester grinned at him, Theo's lifeless body lying on the floor.
''You okay kid?'' the husky asked, wincing in pain from a deep cut above his eye. Kodi nodded, forcing a smile.
''Yeah, I'm okay. You?''
''Fine, just a bit...out of breath'' Chester panted.
Kodi smiled, but it quickly vanished as a loud clanging sound caught his attention. Spinning round, he looked up at the gantry where Dingo and Carver were still fighting.
Digno stared into Carver's eyes, the puppy blue eyes now wide with rage. He struggled for breath as Carver gripped his throat.
''Too bad Dingo. I kind of liked you'' Carver snarled, his claws digging into Dingo's neck. Dingo felt blood start to trickle down his neck, and looked round frantically for a way out.
And that's when he saw the ropes.
Tensing himself up, a plan quickly forming in his head, Dingo pushed forward with all his might. Taken by surprise, Carver was thrown backwards, colliding into the hanging ropes and impacting with the solid metal barrier of the gantry. The air knocked out of him, he collapsed to the floor. The ropes became tangled round his legs and neck as he struggles to get back up. Dingo padded up to the struggling dog, his eyes as hard as flint.
''I've got enough friends Carver'' he snarled. Grabbing Carver by the neck, he forced him up against the barrier until he was half-way off it. With one final shove, Carver was sent toppling over the barrier, the ropes wound tightly round his neck. A second later, the rope went taught. Dingo looked over the barrier, and watched as Carver struggled to untangle himself, blood seeping from his neck as the ropes cut into it. Dingo turned away as a wet gurgling escaped Carver's mouth, and the dog went limp.
Resisting the urge to throw up, Dingo slowly padded down the stairs. Below, Kodi and Dusty were snuggled in each other's arms, and Chester looked at him approvingly.
''Well done kiddo. You took out Carver''
Dingo shook his head, wincing as the puncture marks in his neck flared up ''I didn't have a choice. If there was any other way...''
Chester lay a paw on his shoulder ''I know. Believe me Dingo, I know''
Dingo smiled faintly, then looked up as a barking sound caught his attention. A few seconds later, Lance and Stacy charged into the factory.
''Chester! Chester we've...'' Lance paused as his eyes rested on the bodies of Theo and Fitz. ''What...what the hell?''
Chester smiled ''It's over Lance. 'The Pack' is no more! We won!''
Lance stared at him quizzically ''What about Grant and Krest?''
Chester's smile vanished, and he looked round frantically, his nose in the air.
Suddenly, a low sniggering caught everyone's attention. Looking up at the top window, their eye's resting on the grinning face of a red and white husky.
''You think this is over? It'll never be over!'' Krest snarled, tears trickling down his face. His eyes rested on Dingo.
''You...you killed my brother. I...will...kill...you!''
With a snarl, Krest leapt off the window and launched himself at Dingo, who turned away at the very last second. Completely taken by surprise, Krest lost his footing and went careening across the floor towards the solid concrete wall. With a dull crack, he impacted with it, and went limp.
Dingo pulled himself off the floor, and turned to Chester ''Now is it over?''
Chester looked grimly at Krest's body, then forced a smile ''Yes''
Lance cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him ''We found Jack up near the refinery. Looks like they were gonna hitch a ride on atruck leaving for Fairbanks. We took him out''
Chester nodded in understanding ''Is the sled okay Stacy?'' he turned to the female husky.
''Yes, and we've picked up Balto and Jenna's scent'' her face set hard. ''We have to go now Chester''
Cester nodded, then turned to Dingo and Kodi ''Okay guys, we're gonna help your Dad. Come on!''
With a last look round, Chester padded out of the factory with Lance and Stacy. Dingo looked back at Kodi and Dusty.
''You two stay here. You've had a hard night. I'll help find Dad''
Kodi just nodded, Dusty wrapped in his arms. With a final nod, Dingo padded after the sled team. Kodi looked on.
''Be careful Dingo'' he whispered.
Jenna pumped herself as fast as she could, her paws cutting through the snow. Behind her, she could hear Balto's ragged breath ever catching up to her. Jenna knew that she had to get away, but she could all ready feel fatigue setting in.
''Jenna! You can't run from me! Stop wasting time!'' Balto called out, his voice coming out as a low taunt.
Jenna heaved in breath, her chest burning each time she did so. She ran on and on, not knowing where she was or what direction she was taking, She just had to keep running.
Finally, she balted into a clearing. There in front of her was a fallen tree, it's trunk partially hollowed. Without thinking twice, Jenna jumped inside, and hid herself within. She gasped for breath, her throat and chest burning, as she looked out into the snow.
A few seconds later, Balto emerged into the clearing. His eyes were bloodshot and wide, and his chest was heaving. He looked round, his teeth bared.
''Jenna? Come out, come out wherever you are!'' he sniggered, his muzzle high in the air as he tried to pick up her scent. Jenna ducked lower into her hiding place as Balto approached.
''I know your here Jenna! Stop wasting both our time and come out! Now!'' he snarled, his paws digging into the snow.
Jenna felt the tears running down her face. This wasn't the Balto she had fallen in love with. This...thing wasn't Balto anymore.
She let out a gasp as Balto let out a growl, his eyes burning ''All right Jenna! I'm gonna count to three! And if your not out here by the time I finish...I'll drag you out myself!''
Jenna began to shake as Balto's piercing glare passed over her hiding place.
''One!'' he started counting, taking a step forwards in her direction. Jenna began to shake harder.
''Two!'' Balto snarled, his eyes scanning round murderously. He was so close to where she was, she could feel the heat radiating from his fur.
Without warning, he shoved his head inside the tree trunk, and smirked at what he saw ''Three''
He grabbed her bandanna with his teeth and dragged her out of the tree trunk, before depositting her onto the snow. She looked up at him, her entire body shaking.
''Balto...please...don't...'' she stammered. Balto smirked.
''It's okay Jenna. Now we can be together again. And we'll never be apart again''
She whimpered as he nuzzled her gently ''It'll all be over soon. Promise''
Jenna shut her eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain.
''Stop!'' a voice commanded, and then she heard Balto yelp out in surprise as something lunged at him. Forcing herself to open her eyes, Jenna gasped as she saw Dingo holding Balto down.
Balto struggled under Dingo's weight, his muzzle clamped shut by his sons paws. Dingo looked down at him with pleading eyes.
''Dad, please stop. This has gone on too long. We want to help you''
Balto struggled, trying to shake his muzzle loose from Dingo's grasp. Then, something clicked in his head. He opened his eyes and looked into Dingo's face. His eyes brimmed over with tears, and he nodded slowly.
Dingo smiled faintly ''It's gonna be okay Dad. I promise''
Balto just nodded, a soft whineing escaping his throat. He looked back at Jenna, who stared at him with tears trickling down her muzzle.
''Balto? Balto...I still love you'' she whispered, bending down and nuzzling his soft fur. Balto gapsed as a sharp pain drilled through his head, but he managed to hold the urge back.
A moment later, Lance and Chester entered the clearing, the sled dragging behind them. As soon as they were unstrapped, they turned to the sled and together, they pulled a flat crate off the back. With a combination of claws and teeth, they broke it open. Balto looked up at Dingo with concern.
''It'll be okay Dad. They're gonna help you'' he said, trying to put Balto at ease. Balto gulped, and turned to Jenna. She licked his muzzle, calming him down.
From inside the crate, Chester and Lance pulled out aneedle filledwith clear liquid. Clutching it in his teeth, Chester padded up to Dingo.
''This needs to be administered into his bloodstream. The only way we can do that is if we...inject it'' he glanced nervously at Balto.
Dingo sighed ''Okay. I'll hold him down, you position it, and Lance...you push down the plunger''
Balto began to squirm as Lance padded over, staring at the needle point as Chester positioned it near his leg. He looked at Jenna pleadingly, whimpering softly.
She nuzzled him ''It's okay Balto. I'm...I'm here''
While his attention was turned, Chester positioned the needle using both paws near Balto's leg. With a single nod, he motioned for Dingo to hold Balto down firmly as Lance lay a paw on the needle plunger.
Dingo stared into Balto's eyes ''This'll hurt for a second Dad, but that's all''
Wiith one sharp movement, Lance pushed down on the plunger, injecting the fluid into Balto's leg. Balto growled and squirmed to get lose as Dingo held him down. Jenna backed away slightly, but as she looked down at Balto's struggling form her emotions kicked into overgear. As Balto continued to struggle, she nuzzled him and licked his face.
''I'm here Balto. It's okay, I'm here for you'' she soothed, nuzzling his warm fur.
When the needle was empty, Chester carefully removed it from Balto's legs and applied pressure to stop the bleeding. Balto breathed heavily, as his eyes started to flicker. He suddenly felt extremely tired, and all he wanted to do...was sleep.
Jenna continued to nuzzle him softly as Balto drifted off to sleep. Dingo released his grip on Balto's muzzle and turned to Chester.
''We'll take him back to our house. Help me lift him onto the sled''
With the combined effort of both dogs, Balto was lifted onto the sled. Dingo grasped the tarpaulin with his teeth and covered his sleeping form with it. Jenna looked on with concern.
Chester padded over to her, a warm smile on his face ''He'll be okay. The toxin will work through his system and he should be up again in a few days. But he'll need to take it easy for a while''
Jenna smiled despite the tears slowly trickling down her muzzle ''I can handle that''
To Chester's surprise, she leaned forwards and kissed him ''Thank you''
He smiled in shock, a faint blush coming over his cheeks ''It was...it was my pleasure'' he said.
Smiling, Jenna padded over to the sled and climbed up. She lay down besides Balto and snuggled up to him. A few moments later, Chester, Lance and Dingo were harnessed to the sled, and together they started the long trek back to Nome.
One week later, Jenna got up out of the bed she and Balto had been sharing, letting him sleep. She looked down at him, and couldn't resist the urge to gently nuzzle him. His eyes flickered open.
''Morning Jen. Sleep well?''
She smiled ''Very well. You?''
He let out a yawn ''Okay I guess'' with a stretch, he got out of the bed and nuzzled her affectionately.
In the last week, the drug Chester had given Balto had slowly but surely fought the rabid infection. Balto had remained asleep for the best part of two days, to the continuous worry of Jenna despite Chester's reassurances. When he had finally woken up, she couldn't stop herself from hugging him tightly. He was her Balto again.
Since then, Balto had been taking it easy at Jenna's. Despite his protests, Dingo and Kodi had refused point blank to allow him to start flying again for at least another week. He had finally seen reason, and decided that spending another week in Jenna's company wasn't so bad.
''So, what do you want to do today?'' he inquired.
''Oh, I don't know. Say, Balto?''
''Hmm?'' he perked his head up.
''You know that, with all that happened last week, we didn't get a chance to celebrate our anniversary'' she smiled at him.
''Yes?'' he returned the smile.
''Well, how about we celebrate it today instead?'' she kissed him on the cheek.
''Sounds good to me'' he smiled, nuzzling her fur.
Jenna smiled, and drew in to kiss him.
''Happy anniversary Balto''
As the snow began to fall lightly amongst the foliage, a silent figure passed by a weather beaten sign. Turning to glance at it, the bandanna cladded figure smirked.
''Until we meet again Balto, I bid you...adiou'' Grant chuckled, before continuing on through the gathering mist.
THE END