Kodi and Dusty.

Both dogs were running, using their training, they traversed the riverbank perfectly, and at a pretty high speed without the weight of a sled or other dogs to hold them back. Kodi's bite wound was no more, nothing more than a scar that his fur covered up anyway. Dusty was still a bit focused by his earlier reactions, as far as she could tell, Kodi was in fact "checking her out", when he was supposed to be with Siku. Choosing to follow her moral code, she would try not to do anything that would ruin Kodi and Siku. She would always love Kodi, but as another wolf dog came into her heart that she was never getting, she'd probably just settle and go out with Kirby or something...

The storm picked up without as much as a warning. Rolling thunder and lightning came with it, but it didn't affect the two, as much as the rain failed to slow them. It was early morning... Maybe 4 or 5 AM, at this point.

"We're almost there! Just 5 miles west!" Kodi said between labored panting.
"Good. What's the big rush for anyway?" Dusty yelled ahead.

Kodi kept running for a few seconds, then dug his paws into the ground, stopping in a quick way, and causing Dusty to run ahead a bit before stopping herself, and turning back.

"I suppose I could explain, but we still need to get home quickly."
"Okay."

Dusty sat in front of Kodi, listening to his every word as he explained what happened to the town in the past few days. He left out a few parts, mostly ones related to Siku for obvious reasons, and even more concerning Balto losing his mind and killing off Drago. He had his reasons for not telling her of that event, but there wasn't anything stopping Balto himself or anyone else in town for that matter, from telling her.

"Oh no... Rosie? I'm so sorry..." Dusty said as she lowered her head.
"There was nothing anyone could do..."

Kodi looked behind him at the dark forest, it felt like an escape, like he could just run through the woods and forget everything that had happened.

"Man... The town falls apart as soon as I leave, huh?" Dusty said with an awkward laugh.

Kodi didn't laugh.

As soon as Kodi walked off, Dusty followed and they continued their run home, and just five minutes later, they arrived at Nome. Almost at the same time, both said "home at last" to some extent. The rains had flooded the frozen river basin and made this way impossible to reach the town. Kodi peered into the town, trying to make out anything through the wall of rain, and to his surprise, he recognized his brother and sister via their same fur coloring. He barked happily, hoping to get their attention, but then something else was seen and caused him to change into a face of terror.

"What's wrong Kodi?" Dusty asked, trying to see what he was looking at but failing.

Kodi saw five dark figures around his siblings, all of them lying down. And then, what could be seen in the reflection in the town's lights, were twenty or so wolves walking over a hill, coming from Balto's boat.

"What the hell happened to the sentries..." Kodi said.

Without being able to cross the dangerously overflowed river, he quickly ran along it, reaching the forest. The sight caught him off guard and he nearly fell into the river. All three dogs who were manning this sentry point nearest the town of Nome, were dead and horribly disfigured. One was hanging off of a tree branch, suggesting the he was thrown up onto the branch, either before or after he was killed could not be figured out. Kodi ran back to meet Dusty before she caught sight if the bodies.

"It was nothing; we need to get across this river!" Kodi yelled back.

Dusty seemed to be either stupid or overly-determined to reach the town, because she jumped... into the river and tried to swim the fifty feet across. As soon as she hit the water, she went under, and didn't come up until she was a whole 20 feet down river.

"Dusty! What the hell?" Kodi yelled and jumped in after her.

Both dogs quickly found it nearly impossible to move about in the river. It was deeper on the side away from Nome, which created a strong current that pulled everything away. This made it hard to swim against the current, and across to the other side of the river. They were at the outside of the river, which was shaped like a crescent moon at this point, the strong current pulling them out to sea.

"Ko-" Dusty yelled but was cut off by going under water.
"Dusty!" Kodi yelled after her.

The roaring thunder seemed to synchronize with Kodi's movements, trying his best to swim with the current to reach dusty who was further downstream. It was out of pure luck that the river seemed to pick up now, and threw the two into the harbor. As soon as they reached the open water of the ocean beyond them, they found that it was only knee deep as the thirty foot river opened up into a somewhat shallow basin.

Kodi looked at Dusty for a split second, and then ran off, splashing water with him as he jumped like a fox trying to reach Balto's boat in time. As soon as Kodi reached the beach, calls could be heard in the forest around them. Howling, secret signals that the wolves used to communicate. It seemed to surround the two, except for the open ocean behind them, and seemed to center on one point. Balto's boat.

"Dusty hurry! We have to-" Kodi stopped mid-sentence as he looked to his left.
"Oh shit..."

He was being chased.

Two wolves were now following him, but instead of fear, Kodi expressed a smile on his face.

"It's a race you want, come get it!" He said.

The beach leading from Balto's boat, the four miles around that led to the town dock, was a very familiar route for Kodi. All of the Sled team used this track to race each other, with Kodi winning almost every time, and was what lead him to become lead dog after beating Kirby on this very path. Kodi looked at Dusty one more time, glad that she was not a stupid one, and had fallen low to the water in order to avoid being seen. He smiled at the two wolves then took off. Using his training, he quickly gained a head on the wolves, their speed matching his, but they were nearly 50 meters behind. Kodi laughed a bit now as the half way marker was passed by him, now, nearly 75 meters ahead of the wolves. Kodi decided he'd lead them into town, and hopefully find others that can help kill his tail. He reached the town port just 10 minutes later, and jumped onto it. Even taking the time to sit down and yawn as the ever-so persistent wolves caught up to him. Quickly breaking off and sprinting down the wet dock all the way into town, Kodi found himself still enjoying this. He'd have trouble fighting though, and probably couldn't do it alone, but as a runner, he had the advantage here.

A new plan arose, after he remembered his last encounter with wolves.

"They do not tire easily... But they try brute force to win their fights..." He thought.

Instantly, he broke right, down an alleyway that he knew nobody would be in. It was a dead end, but he knew this already. He patiently sat and watched as the two wolves came to a slide and crashed into the right wall of the alleyway, before straightening up and walking towards him. He never broke his stance as he stared the wolves down.

"This ends now!" Kodi roared.
"These wolves are exhausted already! This should be a piece of cake" kodi thought.

He was right, luckily for him, these wolves had just finished a fourty mile trek, had to help Nehalem for the past 24 hours, and were without sleep for even longer. Then they had to sprint chase him 6 miles into town. On the other hand, Kodi was a trained sled dog, capable of running 100 miles without rest, and constantly had to run 8-12 hours without stopping. He was not even fazed by the run, and was ready to fight.

"WELL?! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?" Kodi screamed at the top of his lungs, the downpour made it a bit harder to hear.

The winds did not help either, but chose to assist Kodi in other ways. Kodi noticed something was off, because the wind changed direction completely, and only seemed to come into effect at this point, right now, where they were.

The two wolves began growling, and barred their teeth, ready to strike. But before either of them even moved, they were instantly killed...

By a fallen telegraph pole.

The winds had knocked the 4 ton, 50 foot tall wooden pole to land directly on their heads, killing them instantly while their back legs still stood for a few short moments. As soon as the dust, snow and ice settled, Kodi still had his mouth open.

"Oops" a voice said in the back of his head.
"Aniu... No way!" Kodi replied with a smile, but he did not get a reply.

Kodi still stood there as a few others now came to meet him.

Kaltag was the first.

"Kodi my boy! You're alive! Your parents would be-" Kaltag froze at the sight before him, the two wolves that were crushed under a pole with their tails and bind ends still standing.

"Whoa? They're... Dead!"
"Don't worry about it. They're wolves..." Kodi said with a smug look.
"Wolves... Are there more?"
"Yes. I've got to warn Doc, they are here!"
"Son... Go tell your dad. Doc is no longer in charge..."
"What happened?"
"No time right now, hurry! Follow me!" Kaltag said as he ran off.

The two quickly reached Town Hall where nearly every do was present. Even more amazing, was the fact that some humans in town sat around too, wondering why the hell all of their dogs centered around Balto. The early morning sun shone on Balto, only, as he was sat atop a higher ridge.

"This is incredible! The dogs seem to be having a meeting or something." Dr. Osnik said to his wife next to him.
"All centered around that good dog Balto, eh?"
"Can't say I blame them. I'd follow Balto too." Dr. Osnik replied.
"Haha, you would follow a dog..." His wife teased.
"Look, we don't give dogs enough credit. They are the most intelligent creatures after Humans. They've passed tests that dolphins and even chimpanzees can't pass."
"I would know. Some of these tests I've administered myself." He added.

Kodi and Kaltag quickly came around as Balto was already talking to the crowd. Kodi smiled as he saw that Jenna already caught onto him, and was running through the crowd to greet him.

"Kodi? Oh I've been so worried! Please tell me you aren't hurt?" Jenna said. She examined Kodi all over, surprisingly, completely missing the bite wound going across his chest. She may have already known by now, and were searching for any other injuries.
"I'm fine mom. Where's Siku?"
"Oh... She slept with us at the boat last night, but I haven't seen her since we woke up... Oddly enough, Steele is missing too."
"Great... Now all my mind can think of is kicking Steeles ass..."
"Still can't get used to him being a good guy huh?"
"I guess not."
"Hey... Kaltag?" Kodi said now to Kaltag, who was already walking off.
"I found Dusty..."
"Please... Don't tell me. I can't..." Kaltag said already prepared to run off.
"No, no. She's fine! But... The wolves from earlier we got separated. She's by Balto's..."
"Damnit..."
"What's wrong?" Kaltag asked.
"When will it end! Mom!"

He turned back to Jenna now.

"The wolves have taken Dingo and Saba from dads boat..."
"What?!" Jenna said.

She seemed to nearly faint already, but shook her head and called Balto from talking to another dog.

Balto nodded to the dog in respect, then ran off to Jenna.

"What- Kodi! Haha! I told you he'd be fine! No son of mine goes down easily."
"Dad... The wolves have taken your other son... And Saba..."

Balto's smile faded, and he did not say anything.

"Dad?"

He turned now, facing the other dogs.

"Son, you're a leader... I want you to keep order." Balto said as he walked off down an alleyway.
"What the hell? Balto!" Kaltag chased after him.
"What was that all about?" Kodi asked.
"He's dealt with so much... He... I can't handle much more of this... He wants you to be a leader Kodi. Go up there and address the town." Jenna said as she watched Kaltag run off after her husband.
"I can't. I… I don't know anything!" Kodi said as he turned to a few dogs.

They were waiting for him to say something. Anything.

Balto was running down an alleyway, the last of such in this town, with kaltag following close behind.

"Balto! Balto, wait!" Kaltag yelled.

Balto growled in frustration, but dug his paws into the snow and stopped.

"Kaltag, to back got the town. They need you."
"No. Where are you going?"

Balto was a bit mad for good reason, but he won't take it out on the dog that was trying to help.

"Nehalem... That's the guy's name. The leader of this pack of wolves... That asshole has affected every member of my family now... They've taken Saba and Dingo."

"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to get my kids back... It's me they want... I'm going alone."
"Wait... What do you mean it's you they want?" Kaltag asked.
"Well... Last night I had a dream, I met Nehalem... He said if I turn myself over..."
"To hell with that! We will fight! And I am going with you to save your children."
"Kaltag... Don't make me force you to stay..." Balto said with a growl.
"Jeez man, I only want to help..."
"I know you do. But going with me won't help. You need to stay here."

Kaltag growled back in frustration, but respected Balto too much to argue.

"Kodi said he's found Dusty but she was lost-"

Kaltag was cut off by screams from the town.

Balto ran first, with kaltag right behind, they quickly reached town hall and the scene before them was as confusing as it was terrible. Balto quickly grabbed hold of Jenna and Kodi and brought them to a nearby house.

"I am NOT going to let anything happen to you." He said.

Kaltag followed, and kept watch as Balto broke into a nearby house.

Luckily, it was abandoned. He broke through and quickly dragged his two family members into the house. Kaltag was growling at another wolf that had not seen him yet, and Balto quickly dragged kaltag in by his neck, then closed the door, locking it behind him. Luckily the wolf did not notice either of them.

"Oh no... It's happening!" Kaltag pointed out the obvious.

Balto looked out the window, at least 10 wolves could be seen, teeth shown, and growling like thunder. A few had already began to attack, but so far nobody was killed... Balto wanted to keep it that way.

"Okay. You're safe here. Kaltag... I am trusting you, please, stay here with Jenna and Kodi."
"Of course Balto." Kaltag said.
"Dad I'm coming with you." Kodi said.
"Like hell you are!" Balto snapped back.
"Look... I'm not a kid anymore. Dusty, Siku, my brother and sister are out there. I have to do something."
"God damnit Kodi why do you have to be so stubborn..."
"I take after you, remember?" Kodi said.
"Those same words... Your sister Aleu said to me..." Balto thought for a second as Kodi looked at his mom. "Fine, but stay close."
"Be careful baby..." Jenna said as she kissed Kodi on the muzzle.

Balto and Kodi walked to the door, and after Balto checked, he confirmed that the coast was clear. They both took in the scene before them.

Down the Main st. to the east, was nearly completely blockaded by the wolves, who used their numbers to an advantage. On the west front, a good amount of dogs stood their ground, growling, teeth shown, fighting stance, and ready to give it their all to protect the lives they've lived. It was going to be a bloodbath, and Balto knew it.

Balto was about to step out, before he realized Kaltag had pulled him back.

"Balto, what about my daughter…"

Balto looked at Kaltag, a flat expression on his face, but then he looked at Kodi, and how he felt when his son was in danger. Regardless, Kodi was the only one who could help Kaltag reach Dusty, and Balto would have it that way. It would allow him to leave without the risk of Kodi or Kaltag following.

"Of course. Kodi, you go with him. Take him to Dusty, keep low and avoid the wolves. They won't break off their plan to chase two dogs." Balto explained.

Kodi nodded to his father, listening to the goal, now he had to think of a path to that goal. Kodi had speed, he was a sled dog… And so was Kaltag once upon a time.

"Kaltag, I hope you aren't rusty from your old sled team years. I've got a plan." Kodi said.

All eyes were on him, Balto and Jenna more out of pride, and Kaltag waiting for the signal to go.

Balto opened the door and poked his head out before looking both ways. He expected the wolves to attack, but… There they were, just standing there. The dogs from across the street stared them down, four members of the current sled team stood point, ready to give up their lives to protect the innocent.

Balto looked around for the humans, who at this point were just as useless as the dogs were. Useless, when unarmed.

Balto stepped one paw out onto the porch and looked around the otherside of the door. It was the town sheriff and two other humans! Sherriff Marcus was armed with a magnum, and to his left and right were others from the police force. They had hunting rifles, loaded, aimed and ready to fire as well. They had crouched down behind a few crates as if this was a standoff between humans, but it was not though; and they had failed to take into account the sheer intelligence of the enemy. While all of Nome's potential "army" were focused on a blockade of ten wolves who weren't even attacking, they were flanked from a nearby alleyway by another group of wolves.

Balto closed the door just in time to see a wolf jump onto a human, no doubt ready to rip his face off. A gunshot was heard, but whether or not it hit the wolf was unknown.

"Well?" Kaltag asked.

Balto ignored him and stared at the ground, his eyes darting back and forth as he tried to think of a plan, anything, he could do before more lives were lost. Then, Nehalem's deal entered his though Without warning, Balto straightened up, stood tall, and walked towards the door. Kodi and Jenna watched him in confusion, but Kaltag knew already what he was doing.

"Wait, Balto, no no no what the-"

Balto growled and snapped at Kaltag's face, missing him by just an inch. Balto quickly slipped out the door and closed it shut, locking it behind him.

"Balto what are you! Kaltag what is he doing!?"
"He's… Stupid! Just stupid! He thinks if he gives himself up they'll stop the attack!"
"No! Hell no!" Jenna said.

If her use of a curse word didn't surprise Kaltag and Kodi enough, her next action would have theoretically knocked their socks off. She began to destroy the door, pounding at it, throwing her entire weight at it, and eventually, breaking it wide open.

Jenna sprinted out, a whole 10 feet before she took in her surroundings. Balto was sitting down, calm as ever, at the end of the stairs, the dogs were growling still, but none of them were injured, and the wolves stood their ground. The humans had successfully fought off the wolves that attacked at their side, but at the loss of one shooter. A third man joined them from his nearby house. His wife, and 5 year old son stood at the window, watching the scene.

"Marcus have you ever seen anything like this?"

Sherif Marcus lived and worked in Nome for over twenty years, and usually his gun would be aimed at a potential criminal, rather than a pack of seemingly sentient wolves attacking the town.

"Can't say I have, it's almost as if these wolves are organized."
"Organized?"
"Look at them, they're doing exactly what a good criminal would do, try and distract the towns forces so their other team can flank us."
"Should we open fire?"
"Patience son, patience." Marcus said calmly.

At this point the dogs grew frustrated. It's been almost a full minute now and neither side had made any progress. The wolves already tried to attack their left flank but failed, so what were they waiting for?

Nehalem

Just as the humans and dogs of Nome took half a step towards relaxing, a long howl was heard from the distance. It started as a single howl before growing, being joined by many wolves from outside, and around the city. The dogs lowered their ears out of pure fear, and the wolves did not move.

Balto looked around, confused, because these howls were coming from everywhere. Every direction he pointed his ears, a source could be heard. This was impossible is Steele's word was accurate, and that Nehalem only had thirty or so wolves under his command.

"It's a trick." Balto said.
"What?" Jenna asked.
"Nehalem, he thinks-"

"OPEN FIRE!" Marcus yelled out.

The wolves quickly closed the gap, and the dogs did the same. The battle roared on, one by one, each found their opponent. Growls, barks, whines, and cries of agony instantly filled the air. Balto watched one dog get his arms ripped off quicker than any dog could bite. He then watched another dog simply knocked aside by a wolf and did not move again. The wolves fought, and they fought hard, biting into whatever they could get their teeth on, ripping skin from bone, blood, covering their faces as they marched on. Numbers were in their favor, having lost only 3 wolves so far – counting the two Kodi killed off – versus nearly half of the canine population wiped out from a single blow. The runner Balto recognized as being on his son's sled team, was a smart one, he quickly took his training into account and ran like hell.

Now it was the humans turn.

Marcus aimed down sight, and shot, shot, shot. Hitting wolves like they were sitting ducks. His first shot landed a wolf right between the eyes as the wolf continued running a short while afterwards. The second man armed with a hunting rifle shot a wolf in the torso, only to be surprised when the wolf continued attacking. Marcus registered another affective shot on a wolf who was just inches from killing another dog. Marcus was furious, but he did not let down. The wolves focused on him now, seeing him as the biggest threat, and four of them decided to try and take down the man with the firesticks. Not going to happen. Marcus quickly reloaded his magnum using a little invention he thought of on his own, and within seconds, had six more bullets ready to fire.

BANG, BANG, BANG.

All it took. That was all that stopped them. The four wolves were taken down with only three shots.

The remaining two wolves retreated now, running out of Nome with their tails between their legs, and a whiney-howling noise to go with it.

Yeah, fighting scenes aren't my fortΘ…