Carol of the Wolf
[The scene opens with a shot of the clock tower as it chimes nine 'o clock before panning out to the snowy landscape surrounding it. In wintertime, the snow and ice can prove contentious for some people, some people are particularly disdainful of the cold brew that comes each year…however, there are some who are accustomed to the cold…to some, it's second nature…in one particular case; it's Balto's time to shine. The wolfdog in question is shown walking through the forest, gazing up at the snowy trees and the mountains in the distance]
Balto: [sighs contentedly] Nothing quite like it…
[The wolfdog carries on through his route, taking in the winter wonderland before him. While the city is busy with all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, Balto finds himself enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest. To him; this is a special place all year round, but during winter, there's something about it that feels…magical. Eventually, Balto comes across a tall pine standing in the middle of the forest, stretching high into the air]
Balto: Well, aren't you a fine sight? I know to some you'd look better trimmed with decorations on, but, something about just snow and needles on pines is so…beautiful.
[As Balto continues to look up at the tall tree, it transitions to a scene of him walking across the street back home to his apartment, Charlotte and Bunnie passing by in the opposite direction, when he hears voices coming from the distance]
?: And is it gonna be a big tree?
?: Oh yeah, real tall, the biggest one you've ever seen.
Balto: Huh?
[Balto quietly sidles up behind a fence to overhear what appears to be Top Cat and Benny talking to one another]
Top Cat: From what I've heard, they've been scouting for a tree like that, apparently, it's the tallest one in the forest.
Benny: Woah, imagine how it'll look right in the center a' town hall.
Top Cat: I imagine it'll be a sight for the ages, we never cheap out on our trees.
[Balto is shown looking a little bit anxious at what's been said and quietly walks away so as not to be spotted]
Balto: They can't be talking about…that tree, right…?
[Later on, the scene transitions once more to Balto approaching his apartment, but as he enters the key, he overhears more voices passing by to his right]
Stella: Well, if what I've been hearing is true, then this just might top last year's gala.
Bloom: Perhaps I'll bring some of my own decorations to add to it, this is sure to be a big tree.
[Now Balto is feeling a little more uneasy as he walks inside]
Balto: But…that tree…I've heard it's one of the oldest ones on the island…what'll happen to it after Christmas…?
[Balto shudders at the thought, while the idea of a tall and proud pine in the middle of the center of town has been commonplace every year, this time, Balto is feeling incredibly hesitant to agree with the idea. As he walks inside his room, he looks over at a painting of an Alaskan landscape at night…the stars twinkling above the snowy pines and mountains…something clicks inside Balto's head as if an idea came to him]
Balto: Maybe…I wonder if…
[The scene transitions to Evergreen Station where several people are standing by for other services; Velma, Tina, Loopy, Tod, Scar, Cruella, Brisby, and Mao Mao, while a whole group is chatting about the upcoming tree trimming; Top Cat, Benny, Bloom, Stella, Yogi, Elsa, Anna, Jenna, Tramp, Buster, Steele, Kaltag, Nikki, and Star]
Tramp: And so I was thinking there'd be this big silver ball I'd put on…
Anna: Oh, I got this great set of marionettes that'll look nice…
Stella: So I said, file out the cabinet, pick out the one that's most stunning…
Star: Oh, oh, I got this set of bells from a harness, I think they'll go well with-
[At that moment, Hiro pulls into the station ready to take everyone to the forest. Everyone settles down to get ready to board…well, mostly everyone]
Star: -of course, I just really like the sound of-GEH!
[Kaltag instinctively bonks Star on the head, causing him to make a derp face. Suddenly, Balto skids in, stopping just next to Tramp]
Tramp: Oh, you came in fast, hotshot.
Balto: Yeah, I just wanted to get everyone's attention before setting off.
Bloom: Oh, what about?
Balto: Well, it's actually regarding the tree. See, the one I've been hearing about, it's the tall one, right in the center, correct?
Top Cat: Huh, you'd think he was eavesdropping.
Balto: Weeeeeeell, I kinda was.
Tramp: Hmmmmm, so he's got a side for gossip, knew I liked you for a reason.
Buster: [to Steele] That's not all he likes him for, I'm sure.
Tramp: Oh, jealousy, I hear?
Jenna: AHEM! Balto, you were saying?
Balto: Um, right. Well, I was thinking…why cut down that tree? I mean, from what I've heard, it's a relic of this island, to the forest even.
Kaltag: A tree's a tree, ain't it? Everyone uses pines to decorate, I'm sure you'd know that.
Nikki: Didn't take 'im for a tree hugger.
[Nikki snickers at his own pun while Kaltag shares a bemused expression]
Steele: And the award for 'worst pun' goes to…
Kaltag: Besides, there's that whole thing about tradition and all dat stuff.
Steele: I really, really hate to admit it…coming from him-
Kaltag: COUGHfuckyouCOUGH!
Steele: -bitch, but speaking clearly, even I know the tree trimming's always got a large tree for the town square.
Nikki: First smart thing he's said in a while.
[Kaltag and Nikki snicker loudly while Steele gives them both a look of deepest loathing]
Steele: You both best hold your breath, cuz I'm about to fill it with-
Elsa: AHEM! Can we please keep the language down?
Buster: Besides…[in a voice only Steele can hear]...I wanna dish out what you're serving in bitch mode.
Steele: Well…AHEM, anyway, you had any suggestions, wolfy?
Balto: Well, if no one else is going to interrupt me…please? Okay; I was thinking, instead of in the town square, we host the tree trimming in the forest.
[At the mention of this, murmurs begin to filter through the crowd]
Yogi: Ah, but the tree trimmin's always held in town square, it's tradition.
Anna: A little bit short notice, don't ya' think?
Balto: Decorating the tree is the tradition, if we hold it in the forest, we won't have to bother cutting the tree down, we can just deck it out then and there.
Elsa: Well, it doesn't sound too bad of an idea, we decorate pine trees anyway, so we'd just be going to one that's still standing.
Yogi: Yeah, but what's everyone else gonna think; it's kinda sudden.
Elsa: Well, perhaps we could gather everyone in the forest so no one gets left out.
Anna: Yeah…plus, it'll be just like we always do, only in a new spot.
Jenna: Another thing; we could always reuse the tree if we wanted…hmmhmm, lookit you, once again with the smart ideas.
Balto: [blushes] Awwwww, well, it's just a knack.
[Steele looks away, slightly envious, though not in the context that one might think. Kaltag slides up next to him, looking rather smug]
Steele: What?
Kaltag: Oh, are you upset he's not giving you any attention?
Steele: I'm going to stop you right there.
Nikki: Why, jealous?
Kaltag and Nikki: Oooooooooooh.
[The two are suddenly backhanded by Buster, much to their surprise]
Kaltag: DOH!
Nikki: OH!
Star: …I've wanted to do that for ages.
Kaltag: Star?
Star: Yes?
Kaltag: Oh, nothing, just wait…
Buster: Consider that an early Christmas gift from me to you…and cuz you'll owe me for it. [winks]
Balto: Right, shall we get going?
Buster: Well, it's betta' than sitting around here doin' nothing.
[Steele looks over at Balto and Jenna boarding at the same time and pursues his lips]
Steele: [sighs] God, I can't be serious…
[The group climbs aboard Hiro's coaches and the big engine sets off. It transitions to a shot of Donald and Douglas clearing the line, back to back with a workers' coach in between their tenders, before panning into the forest as the group makes their way through it. However, as luck would have it, the weather has begun to turn for the worse. The wind has picked up and snow begins to whip about]
Anna: Brrrrrrrrrrrrr…Elsa, tell me you're not flustered…
Elsa: I'm not…[shuts her eyes as a gush of wind blows in her face]...this is just a normal cold front…
Tramp: [rubs his arms] Well, isn't this…convenient…?
Balto: [sighs] I hope this isn't detracting for any of you…
Kaltag: Oh nooooo, definitely not freezin' back here…
Balto: [under his breath] Hopefully this'll pass soon…
[Unfortunately, luck appears to be against Balto as the wind suddenly blows a mighty gush, sending snow wisping all around]
Balto: OH!
Steele: What the hell?!
Top Cat: Wha-I can't see!
Bloom: Hey! Where are-!
Anna: Elsa! Where are you?!
Elsa: I'm over…!
[The snow queen concentrates as she raises her arms up and pushes away the swirling snow]
Elsa: Ah, that's better.
[Anna wipes off some snow stuck to her face]
Anna: PHOO! Ooooh, boy, that was something! I…what happened to everyone?
Elsa: Huh?
[Elsa looks back and then to the front, Anna is the only other person next to her, everyone else has seemingly vanished]
Elsa: Strange, they must have gotten separated in that wind…where did they go…?
[As the shot pans out from the two sisters, it cuts to a pile of snow…which suddenly gains a pair of eyes…and then a sneeze]
?: ACHOO!
[The pile reveals Star, bits of snow still stuck on him]
Star: What the…where am I?
[Something muffles from underneath Star]
?: MHMHMHMMMMHMHMH!
Star: What?
[The purple canine stands up and then begins to dig away at the snow, revealing a set of blue ears and then a face]
Benny: PHHT! Thanks fa' that…
Star: Wait, Benny? How did you end up here?
Benny: I could ask you the same thing, one minute it was all white, then the next, this happened.
Star: Ah…what do we do?
Benny: I dunno, try ta' find our way back? TC usually thinks of that stuff for me.
Star: Oooooooh, I don't know where we are…
Benny: Maybe if we go straight, we might find the way out?
Star: Well, it's worth a try…
[As the two pans over from Benny and Star, it cuts to two voices arguing behind a tree]
Top Cat: I say, this way will get us back!
Kaltag: And I say; you're an idiot! I've dealt with this kinda stuff before, this way is the correct route!
Top Cat: Oh, and whatta' ya' gonna use, my backside for navigation? From what I've heard, you already follow another man's ass.
Kaltag: Shut the fuck up! That was ages ago and wasn't even like that!
Top Cat: You keep telling yourself that.
Kaltag: Ya' know, one of us happens to be the athlete here, and since there's no one around, how about I give that mouth a' yours a workout?
Top Cat: I'm sure you'd rather work yourself out tryna' tackle me, besides, aren't my guide to getting back?
Kaltag: [sighs] Why do I always end up with jackasses?
Top Cat: Pot, kettle, black much?
[The scene cuts to two pairs of feet walking through the snow, before revealing the full picture of Nikki and Stella with the former leading and the latter trailing]
Stella: Isn't this just my luck, dragged out into the middle of the forest, become lost, and now walking with a stranger.
Nikki: Hey, I have a name, ya' know.
Stella: Well, I don't see you often, so call me ignorant of not realizing.
Nikki: Hmph, with that outfit, there's no way you ain't Stella.
Stella: Oh, how drool, and I suppose you're Nikki?
Nikki: So she does think.
Stella: Of course I do, if anything, I should be asking if you do the same.
Nikki: Well, ain't you a sharp tongue?
Stella: Gets me through a lot, I've been known to leave people speechless.
Nikki: Now if only you could pick up the pace back there.
Stella: OH! I…[under her breath]...Magic Winx, Lovix.
[Something flashes behind Nikki, he turns around, only to see Stella no longer behind him]
Nikki: What the-GEH!
Stella: Miss me?
[Stella is now in front of Nikki, donning her Lovix form]
Stella: Now then, since I'm the one with wings, I'll be taking the lead.
[Stella flutters up into the air, only to find the wind pushing against her]
Stella: OH!
[The wind pushes the Fairy of the Sun and Moon back down into the snow with a THUMP]
Stella: OOF!
Nikki: What was that you were sayin' about leading?
Stella: [cleans herself up] Fine…walking is fine…
[Stella tries to play it off in a dignified manner as she walks past the canine. The scene then cuts to Buster and Bloom standing opposite sides of a tree]
Buster: I say we take the route through the bushes.
Bloom: I think going along the river's a safer bet, because it's easier to find a trail back.
Buster: Yeah, except one little problem with that; I don't see a river anywhere.
Bloom: Well, I'm sure it's around here somewhere, maybe if I just fly up, I can spot it, maybe even another way out.
Buster: In this wind? You'll be lucky not ta' fall outta the sky.
Bloom: Excuse me, I happen to the Fairy of the Dragon Flame.
Buster: Oh, don't we know it? I'm pretty sure it's been drilled into our heads at this point.
Bloom: Okay then, if you know the way back, you lead.
Buster: Hmm, smart girl, this way.
[Buster begins his way through the bushes as Bloom follows on, spotting a bit of mistletoe hanging on a branch]
Bloom: Hmm…
[The scene cuts to Yogi pushing away a set of brambles in his path]
Yogi: OH! AH! AHEM! This way, I'm sure of it.
[Tramp is seen following on, looking less than certain about the bruin's intentions]
Tramp: Ya' know, for a 'smarter than the average bear', you have a weird sense a' navigation.
Yogi: I'm sure this is the right way, otherwise I wouldn't be the one leading us.
Tramp: You're only leading because you're in front a' me, if anything, I could prolly give us a better shot at getting outta here.
Yogi: Oh, and how so?
Tramp: Well, it's rather simple, I happen to be more on the clever side…more so than you anyway.
Yogi: Excuse me, I happen to be quite crafty myself.
Tramp: Yeeeeeeeeah, sure.
Yogi: I don't see you making any suggestions, so I'm gonna lead us otherwise.
Tramp: HMMHMM, oooooh, honey, you just take a backseat and let me lead the way.
[Tramp walks ahead of Yogi, leaving the brown bear speechless]
Yogi: I-HEY, wait up!
[The scene cuts to Steele looking from behind a tree as if to observe something]
Steele: Damn, now I know I've not been in this neck a' the woods…
?: I guess that makes two of us.
Steele: Huh? Who…ooooh…
[Jenna is revealed to be standing several feet away from the Malamute]
Jenna: Yeah, I wouldn't exactly call this the best meeting spot myself, yet here we are…
Steele: Suppose it's just my luck, isn't it?
Jenna: I imagine you know the way back, based on instinct?
Steele: I'm not gonna be that cruel.
Jenna: You know, you were looking uneasy back there.
Steele: What are you talking about, I always look like this.
Jenna: Nnnnno, what you look like is more akin to a pompous grin, with an aura that says "I'm better than everyone."
Steele: So what, you're a mind reader or something?
Jenna: When you've been around someone long enough, you pick up on a few things…especially when they're a common occurrence.
Steele: [sighs] I knew I'd get the short end of the stick…
Jenna: Well, consider yourself lucky, what you might think isn't there.
Steele: What do you-
Jenna: I know you've been looking at me and Balto.
Steele: …Well, who cares about-
Jenna: You clearly do.
Steele: Okay, so what if I do? What's it matter?
Jenna: Because I'm telling you, the longer you hold out, the more you're gonna lose it. Don't worry, it's nothing between us.
Steele: …Let's get moving, shall we?
[Steele instinctively begins to lead the way as Jenna follows behind him, before transitioning to Balto walking through the trees, all on his lonesome]
Balto: So much for a change…[sighs]...of course, have an idea like this, what could possibly go wrong if you don't account for the weather? Now I can't even find anyone…suppose they're just as lost as I am…or maybe they've all gone home…
[Balto stops walking and props himself up against a tree without a second thought]
…I don't understand, it was supposed to be a straight shot, a new way to have fun…was that too much to ask…apparently so, look at me, alone in this cold space, I might as well be back at Nome…
[Balto suddenly presses his paws to the snow]
Balto: Oh, stop being so dramatic, they'd hardly hold it against you, they're not vindictive like that…then again, I did spoil the fun…no, I didn't, the weather did…oh look, blaming something that can't even talk back, when did I stoop so low…[sighs]...perhaps it's best I just try and find my way back home, maybe I'll call in hiberation till spring…
[As Balto stands up, he looks up briefly to see the tree he's standing under…before he pauses]
Balto: Wait a minute…this looks familiar…
[The shot pans out to reveal Balto is standing right under the tallest pine itself]
Balto: Oh…I did find it…now if only…wait…maybe everyone can still find it…maybe if I just…
[Balto takes a step back, takes a deep breath…and lets out a howl that echos across the forest, the snow being carried on it. Elsa and Anna are shown walking through the trees when they catch the sound]
Anna: Hold on, is that…howling?
Elsa: Yes…and it sounds distinctive…let me try something…
[The scene cuts to Star and Benny walking along their route]
Benny: So after we returned the gem ta' the museum, we managed ta' get ourselves a handsome deal on them pizzas, hehe, ta' think it's cuz I feel asleep in the wrong place at the right time.
Star: Wow, that's crazy, you've got a fair share of stories to tell, don't you?
Benny: Yeah, well, what I've seen prolly ain't like nothing you've seen.
Star: Yeah…ya' know, it's kinda nice to talk with someone who 'gets me', or just anyone who isn't part of my group.
Benny: You seem like a nice enough guy, perhaps we could meet up some time.
Star: I wouldn't mind-
[At that moment, the two hear a howl, followed by a blue spark igniting in the sky]
Benny: Hold on, is that…?
Star: I think…we should go, hurry!
[Star runs after the flare, Benny following on from behind. The scene cuts back to Balto as he listens back to his own howl and the snow swirling about like tails in the sky, illuminated by the blue sparkles falling down. He gives another howl that echoes around, this time with more confidence. Soon enough, anyone who hears the howl or the flare begins to walk in its direction. Steele and Jenna in particular are driven towards the echo through the trees and sky, all while Elsa and Anna are the first to find Balto under the tree]
Anna: Oh, thank goodness!
Elsa: I must say, clever using natural instinct to your advantage.
Balto: Oh, well, ya' know, kinda embraced a bit of lupine spirit, you could say.
[Steele and Jenna are next to come across the group, followed by Benny and Star, then Top Cat and Kaltag, Buster and Bloom, Tramp and Yogi, and finally Stella and Nikki]
Anna: Well, I see some people had a bit of an adventure.
Top Cat: Nope…it was nothing…
Kaltag: Yep, we did…nothing…
Tramp: That's the last time I trust a bear with naviga…
Buster: You starin' at somethin'?
Tramp: [points up] Oh, you'll see.
Buster: [looks up to see a piece of mistletoe on his head] How did…[looks back to see Bloom with an innocent expression]...gee, I wonda' how that got there.
Stella: [to Bloom] Did you…
Bloom: Maybe.
Stella: Crafty.
Buster: Hmmmm…then again, I could use this for something.
Balto: Well, now that we're all here…first, I'd like to apologize that this went…haywire…
Jenna: It wasn't really your fault, the weather just went crazy and we ended up splitting, at least we're here now.
Steele: Yeah…this the tree?
Balto: Yeah…
[Everyone takes a moment to behold the tall pine's majesty…it truly is a fine sight to behold]
Steele: Well…I can see why you wouldn't want it cut down…
Tramp: Yeah…I reckon with a bit of touchin' up, it'll look perfect for when we light it up.
Elsa: I'll start us off…
[With a light wave of her hand, Elsa crafts a set of artificial snowflakes to be wrapped around the tree]
Top Cat: [whistles] Not bad…
Buster: Yeah, I dig.
[Eventually, the decorations on the tree increase before it's a beautiful display of all sorts of ornaments and lights strone around it. Evening has fallen and everyone has gathered under the tree for the light show to commence, even those who were seen earlier have joined to see the spectacle, including a few additions as Nick, Judy, Moe, Copper, Marceline, and Princess Bubblegum. Steele is a few feet away from Balto, but with a slight nudge from Buster, gets closer to the wolfdog]
Balto: Oh..hello…
Steele: Heeeey…not a bad change, I must say…
Balto: Yeah, I knew at least some people would like it…glad to see I've impressed the big man himself.
Steele: Aaaaaah, cheeky…
[While the lights commence and everyone is shown in awe at the spectale, Balto is shown leaning slightly closer to Steele, who doesn't recoil at the gesture…the two stand in silence for a few seconds]
Steele: …Ya' know, I'm open…
Balto: Oh…well, consider me free…
[The shot pans out to what appears to be Tramp and Buster watching in approval as the spectacle continues from the pan out]
Character Guide:
Balto, Steele, Jenna, Kaltag, Star, Nikki - Balto (1995)
Tramp, Buster - Lady and the Tramp (1955)/Scamp's Adventure (2001)
Elsa, Anna - Frozen (2013)
Top Cat, Benny - Top Cat
Bloom, Stella - Winx Club
Yogi Bear - The Yogi Bear Show
Bunnie Rabbot - Sonic the Hedgehog
Charlotte - Making Fiends
Cruella De Vil - 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Elizabeth Brisby - The Secret of NIMF (1982)
Loopy De Loop - Loopy De Loop
Mao Mao - Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
Marceline, Princess Bubblegum - Adventure Time
Moe - The Bad Guys (2022)
Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps - Zootopia (2016)
Scar - The Lion King (1994)
Tina Russo - Looney Tunes/The Looney Tunes Show
Tod, Copper - The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Velma Dinkley - Scooby-Doo
Donald, Douglas, Hiro - Thomas and Friends