our territory, scouting round for intruders. Then, I heard a rifle click. Before I could react, I heard the bullet. Bang!"
Saba flinched in terror. Grant chuckled.
"The bullet passed through my neck, into my face, under my eye, and out of the back of my head. The results of which you can plainly see for yourself. I should have died that day, but luck was on my side. Ironic don't you think? I lost my looks, and yet I've never felt better in my life!"
Grant laughed again. Saba cast a pleading look in Chris's direction, but he refused to meet her gaze.
"Saba, that incident changed my life! I know my purpose now!" Grant grinned, one side of his face frozen in a permanent smirk. "I am The Bad Wolf, the wolf who devours all others. Where I tread I leave nothing but dust, and darkness. And the heavens shall split, and the world plunged into shadow. And evil shall reign supreme"
Saba shuddered. Dingo had told her the prophecy of The Bad Wolf after his meeting with Tanner, but she hadn't taken any notice. Until now.
A thought suddenly sparked through her head "Where's Dingo? What have you done to him?" she snarled. Grant patted her leg.
"Don't worry your pretty little head. He's in... safe hands. But now...about that offer?"
Saba recoiled back as Grant leaned towards her, forcing down the blind terror that pulsed through her veins as his teeth came close to her neck.
"Erm...sir?" Chris said. Grant looked up.
"What is it Chris? Can't you see I'm busy?" he snarled.
"I can see that sir, but the clan is assembled outside awaiting your orders" Chris replied. Grant sighed.
"Your absolutely right Chris. I wasn't thinking clearly. The important thing here is to inform the clan of what is about to happen. And that's just what I'm going to do"
Grant span round and leered at Saba "And when I get back, I'm going to fold your four ways...and leave you for a chew toy"
Sniggering, Grant turned round and padded out of the alcove. Chris looked at Saba with sadness in his eyes.
"Saba, I..." he began.
Saba spat on him "Just leave Chris. You've said and done enough already!"
Chris opened his mouth as if to say something, then shook his head and padded out of the alcove. Saba sank to the floor, and sobbed.
-------------------------------------------------
"Hi Chester" Aleu said as the husky padded up to her accompanied by Sirius.
Chester bowed "Aleu, it is my great honor to protect you in these troubled times"
Aleu smiled "Chester, you don't have to bow before me. You’re a friend of my father's, and any friend of his is a friend of mine"
Chester got up and grinned "Thank you. I'm just not used to your customs that's all. All of this is new to me"
Aleu nodded "We're not completely different. And it is I who am honored to have you on the security team Chester. I know I'm safe with you in charge"
Chester smiled "Thank you Aleu"
Aleu watched as Chester padded out of the chamber, and then nuzzled Sirius "You picked a good team"
Sirius chuckled "I had nothing to do with it. I just said 'Go', when the fights started"
Aleu laughed "Still, you picked Chris yourself. I like him, and I know Saba does as well"
Sirius nodded "By the way, have you seen him around at all? Only, he didn't meet the others as I requested"
Aleu shook her head "No, I haven't seen him at all. Maybe he's out with Saba"
"Maybe, but I'll need to have a word with him about keeping fixed schedules" Sirius replied.
Their conversation was cut short as Lance barged into the chamber "Aleu, I need to speak with you!" he panted.
"What is it Lance? What's wrong?" Aleu asked.
"I saw Chris and another wolf talking in the forest. He's planning to kill you Aleu"
"What!?" Sirius exclaimed.
"He's a member of the other clan, I heard him gloating about getting on the team so it would be easier to get to you. I think...I think he got Saba" Lance choked.
Aleu gasped "Does my mother and father know?"
Lance shook his head "I didn't get the chance. I tried to tell her but...she didn't believe me"
Sirius turned to Aleu "Aleu, he knows the secret routes round the cave. If he strikes during the fighting, I won't be able to help you"
Aleu frowned "Sirius, I can look after myself"
"But Aleu..." Sirius began. Aleu cut him off.
"I'll be okay. You just keep your mind focused on the fighting, and keeping this clan safe"
Sirius nodded, and then turned to Lance "Come on, we'd best break the news to Balto and Jenna"
Aleu watched them go, before laying down on the floor with her eyes closed.
"Aniu, give me strength"
-------------------------------------------------
Kodi opened his eyes slowly. He felt groggy, and as his vision cleared he could make a familiar face looking down at him.
"Dad?" he croaked.
"Kodi, thank God! I thought..." Balto couldn't bring himself to utter the rest of his sentence.
Kodi chuckled faintly "I'm fine Dad"
He looked up, wincing slightly from the tingling sensation in his frozen limbs "Where am I? How did I get here?"
"Jaxx and Tanner found you. You were almost frozen before they got you back to the cave" Balto replied.
"Cave? What cave?" Kodi asked. Balto smiled.
"Kodi, this is Aleu's cave"
Kodi looked up sharply "Aleu? She's back?" he broke into a smile when Balto nodded.
"She's the Alpha of over three hundred wolves. This is the cave" Balto said. Kodi beamed.
"Wow. Three hundred wolves huh?"
Balto chuckled "How are you feeling?"
"Just a little tender I guess. How long was I out?"
"A couple of hours. We didn't think you were ever going to wake up" Balto looked at his son sadly. Kodi smiled.
"Hey, I'm still here aren't I?"
Balto chuckled "Your mother was worried sick. She'll be happy to see you. And Aleu"
Kodi nodded "I'd like to see them"
Balto suddenly frowned "What were you doing out here anyway?"
Kodi sighed "I...I went out looking for the wolves who attacked Dusty. They tried to kill her again, and I just couldn't let them get away and try again. I guess I failed, huh?"
Balto smiled "Actually Kodi, she's in good hands"
Kodi looked at his father quizzically "What do you mean?"
Balto turned to face the other side of the chamber. Kodi followed his train of sight, and gasped in shock at the smiling figure before his eyes.
"Dusty!?"
Dusty padded over with some difficulty and nuzzled him "Hey Kodi, glad you're awake"
Kodi pulled back from her touch "Dusty...what the...why are you...?"
Dusty smiled "You didn't think I'd just let you go out alone did you?"
Kodi frowned "Dusty, what the hell were you thinking!? Look at you! You're in no state to be here!"
"Kodi," Dusty said. "I'm not an invalid. And I'd be damned if I let you go out against those guys alone. You wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for Kirby and Ralph, so I couldn't let you risk your life again!"
Kodi sighed "Dusty, I understand. But you could have hurt yourself, or even gotten yourself killed. You're not in the condition to defend yourself, let alone go against those guys again"
Dusty frowned "So you're saying you'd rather I'd let you of been killed? That you'd rather of been ripped apart by wolves?"
"Yes!" Kodi yelled. Dusty sighed, and then scowled at him.
"Kodi, like it or not I'm here. And if you don't like that, then you can stuff it!"
Kodi watched as she padded out of the chamber, and he growled to himself in frustration. Balto moved over to him.
"You okay Kodi?" he asked. Kodi sighed.
"I just want her to be safe. And I can't even do that can I?"
Balto nodded, and then noticed Sirius and Lance pad into the chamber, somber expressions on they're faces.
"Balto," Sirius said. "We need to talk to you. It's about Saba"
-------------------------------------------------
At that moment, Grant was stood before the entire Zanik clan, Heller and Chris at his side. The wolves cheered as he padded forwards.
"Brothers and sisters, the time has come when we take what is rightfully ours from the grasp of Aleu!"
The wolves cheering increased. Grant smirked.
"As your leader, I have watched you grow not only in number, but also in strength. I have seen this clan as the only rightful rulers of this region, and it is my honor to lead you to victory!"
Heller stepped forwards to Grant's side "Grant, it is our honor to follow you in this glorious conflict sir. We are truly privileged"
Grant laid a paw on Heller's shoulder "Heller. You...are my number one...guy"
There was more cheering from the wolves gathered. Grant turned back to face them.
"And now, we move out! To our destiny!"
The wolves cheering grew to an ear splitting roar as the crowd began to disperse. Grant turned to Heller.
"Take Zao and Whistler. I'll meet you at the cave. Take out anyone you wish, but...leave Aleu and Balto to me"
Heller nodded, and then padded away down the ledge.
5874 visits
Report this fanfic 
But
I still like this fanfic; write on Balto 123!
