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Hello, everyone!
Finally, I have already made 5 stories of what happened to Balto after The Wings of Change. At first, I would like to thank to every writer because when I read the fanfic, I feel like I want to make a great story too like all of you.
And now, I have made this and still to be continued until it reach 50 chapter of New Adventure Series. When it done, I will read the next series of it. I hope you like it. And, I would like your comment too after reading my story.

You should post some of your story here so people can coment on it.

This is basically spam unless you post some of the story, y'know.

Oh, yeah! Thanks for all of you. I will remember that.
And, here...

Balto (New Adventure)
Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Mystery


“I wonder where I will be going now….”
A female wolf was sitting at the edge of cliff, thinking of something that would lead her into the next place. Her white fur was blown gently by the wind and her blue eyes were looking far down to the surroundings, covered with snow.
As far as she could see, the white colour was the dominant than anything else. It created a perfect silent in the forest while the wind kept blowing trees, making a little sounds of it.
But, that silent was disturbed by the sounds of footsteps. It became louder and louder, even it came directly from deep down of the forest to her place. The creature began to show himself to the female wolf who was sitting at there.
“Sorry for keeping you at there…”
A male wolf with silver fur came out from the bush, showing his black eyes to her. He began to walk closer to her, hoping that he could know what she was doing while he went out.
“Is there something that bother you?” he said, “You were so calm back then.”
The female wolf just shook her head and smiled.
“I’m just thinking of where we will be going now,” she replied, “We can’t keep walking everyday.”
“I know, Lani,” he answered, walking into distance, “We just have to walk and find some safe place to rest.”
The female wolf, known as Lani, began to move closer to him, seeking some answer from him.
“Fine, then why you always went to somewhere each time we stopped walking?” she asked. “There must be some reason about it, Alex.”
Alex, the male wolf, began to chuckle for hearing this question.
“I was just walking around,” he answered with smile. “There is nothing to worry about it.”
Lani became confused after heard the answer, but, she knew maybe it was the best that he could give to her.
“So…,” she asked. “Where we will be going now?”
Alex moved closer to the edge of cliff, his eyes were full of determination of one place that they would go.
“Nome…,” he answered with confident, “We will be going to Nome right now.”

Meanwhile at Nome, the storm was coming directly and hit everything in there. Every door was closed and every window was lid down. It looked like there would be no one who was hanging around in the middle of this storm. Still, there was one creature that was in outside now and he was running in full speed to find some shelter nearby. A dog that looked like a wolf was in there, running while searching someplace that he could rest from the rage of storm.
“Balto…,” he thought, “You should come home quickly back then if you didn’t want to get trapped in this storm.”
A wolf – dog, known as the famous Balto, was still running to his boat, a place that he usually stayed and called as home. As far as he kept running and running, the boat then became closer and closer until it was in front of him. Despite on how he looked now by the time snow had buried him, he jumped straight to it and began to walk to the dock, a place that he could rest from it. Unfortunately, there were some uninvited guests at there.
“What the…,” he thought, disbelief on his face, “Who they are? And what they are doing in here?”

What he saw then was a pair of wolves that was laying down in there. One was a male with silver fur and black eyes, and the other was a female with pure white fur. It looked like the female was sleeping now while the other one was still standing there. The male looked deep down on Balto’s eyes.
“Well…, I didn’t mean to disturb you, but…,” he glanced at them, “Could you tell me at least why you are in here?”
The male looked at Balto for a moment, thinking of something.
“So, this is Balto…,” he thought, “The son of Great Aniu.”
There was a moment of silence before the male wolf came to speak up.
“Sorry for disturbing your place…,” he answered gently, “But I and my friend have to find some shelter from the storm.”
“Oh…,” Balto looked surprised at this, “I thought you were intruder because there was no one to visit me, except my family.”
The male wolf began to smile for hearing the reason.
“I understand,” he said, “It was my fault that I come here.”
“No, you just do the right thing,” Balto replied, shaking his head, “Beside, I can spare my room for you two until the storm calm down.”
“Thank you,” he said with smile, “By the way, my name is Alex, and my friend is Lani. Glad to meet you.”
“I’m Balto,” Balto said, “Glad to meet you too, Alex.”

Alex then moved closer to the outside, looking for the storm that became heavier than it was.
“So, why you are in here, near to the town?” he asked, “I thought wolves weren’t accepted in here.”
Balto was trying to smile due to what Alex was talking about.
“Yeah, it was a complicated thing, but…,” he explained, shrugging, “Now, I’m welcomed in here, whether it’s just for some people.”
Alex seemed not surprised by the answer, just remained calm by the time.
“So…,” he started, “Could we stay in here too?”
Balto was startled by the words that flew from Alex, the wolf that he just knew for a little while. He tried to think, hoping that he would find some answer for Alex’s question.
“I don’t know it would be good to you…,” he answered, “Beside, why you want to stay here instead your pack?”
“Because…,” Alex started to answer, “It was complicated to explain right now.”
Balto was a little surprised at his answer, never realizing that he would get a company to share and stay soon.
“Okay, if you say so…,” he said, “But, I must warn you to not come near the human. You know how human still don’t like the wolves.”
“Of course,” Alex answered with smile on his face, “I will stay far from them.”
“And, if you don’t mind…,” he said, laying down,” I want to get a rest now.”
Alex just gave him a smile across of what he said.
Later, they were just waiting until the storm passed down by the time, day became night. And soon without anyone realized, the night became a beautiful morning.

Nome in the morning was so excellent and perfect where many people were hanging around, doing some job or anything else in the middle of society. Soon, it was full of crowd, not the silent that had filled it a little while ago.
Balto, who still didn’t believe of what was happened yesterday, was going to Jenna’s home. Instead of taking an ordinary way, he took a shortcut to avoid a lot of people that walking around. When he reached it, he began barking through the window.
“Balto…,” Jenna said, still yawned from her decent sleep while looking through the window, “Is there something you want to talk?”
“Yeah, of course…,” he answered, looking on Jenna, “I want to hear about your opinion?”
“My opinion?” Jenna looked confused, “Do you have some problem now?”
“Maybe yes…,” he said, “But, maybe not too…”
“Okay,” Jenna finally decided, “Stay there. I will come out now.”

By the time Balto was waiting, Jenna came outside to meet him, revealing her beautiful face.
“So, what’s your problem now?” Jenna asked, “Is it connected to our children?”
“No, Jenna. They are fine,” he answered, “Actually, it’s about someone else.”
“Well…,” Jenna said, trying to think of who Balto was talking about, “I will listen.”
Balto took a deep breath before he continued it.
“Yesterday, when I was coming back to home, I saw two wolves in it,” he explained, “One was a male and the other was a female. They just came there due to the storm and then, the male wolf asked me to stay in there with me. He just said their reason to stay was complicated to explain. So…, what do you think of it?”
Jenna looked surprised at this, and then, she just gave him a smile.
“I will say that…,” she moved closer, nuzzling him, “You are too kind too them. Why you didn’t say no to them?”
“Because…,” he started, “I guess they seemed troubled by the way, and they didn’t look like a bad one.”
Jenna was laughing when she heard that.
“Okay, Balto. I know how you feel,” she said, “Well, you can explain them more to me in the way.”
Balto just smiled. He knew Jenna would understand his feeling, an unexplained thing that only he knew by the instinct.

Back at the boat, Lani began to wake up after having some sleep back then. She opened her eyes slowly, glanced at around to find that she was alone.
“Where is Alex?” she thought, “Why he always go somewhere alone?”
Instead of thinking it, she decided to stand up and went out to get a fresh air in the morning. She slowly walked down from the boat to the land below, raising her head while taking some fresh air as much as she could get.
“I wonder what I will do while…,” she thought, but cut off when she heard something behind her, “What is that?”

Not so far from the boat, some dogs were running forward to the beach. It looked like they were heading the boat.
“Hey, Kodi!” Ralph shouted, “Slow down, it’s still morning, you know.”
“Yeah…,” Dusty added, “What’s the hurry?”
Kodi looked behind him, still running at the distance.
“I just want to talk to my dad,” Kodi shouted, “He must know this good news.”
“Good news?” Kirby looked confused, “It’s just a race for tomorrow. Beside, you haven’t become the winner yet.”
“Oh, yeah,” Kodi said, looking at back, “I will prove it tomorrow. You just wait and see that I will…”
The moment he said, he crashed hardly to something that was blocking in front of his way. He rolled to the side of the boat while the other that he had crashed, rolled and landed at the pile of snow, not so far from Kodi.

“Owww…,” Kodi said in dizzy, “My head is hurt.”
After a while, his friend came to him, checking that everything was fine.
“Kodi,” Ralph said, “What was happened to you?”
“Yeah, I just saw that you crashed something…,” Kirby added, “And then, you are here now.”
“I don’t know,” Kodi answered, still in dizzy, “I didn’t see what it was…. Maybe just a rock.”
“So…,” Dusty started, “Our lead dog seems must pay attention in front of him or he will get stumbled.”
Kirby and Ralph began to laugh. They had to admit that it was true at all.
“Very funny, Dusty,” Kodi said, trying to stand up, “Now, could anyone help me out?”
While they were trying to help Kodi, something that not so far from them was moving slowly, trying to stand up too, just like Kodi did.
“Hey, guys,” Dusty said, looking in the direction, “What is that?”
“What?” Kirby asked, “I don’t see anything.”
“It’s there, Kirby…,” Dusty answered, pointing to it, “There is something moving right behind it.”

True of what Dusty had said, something was moving. It wasn’t clearly what it was until it came and stood up. There, a beautiful white wolf with blue eyes was shaking her head, trying to get a clear vision from the collision before.
“It’s a wolf!” Ralph shouted, “What is she doing here?”
“She is kind of suspicious,” Kodi said, still looking at the female wolf, “Maybe we should ask her.”
Then, they were walking and moving closer to her, seeking some answer of the reason of why she was here.
“Hey, you!” Kodi asked, looking thorough to her, “What are you doing in here?”
“Yeah,” Dusty added, “This isn’t a place for wolves for hanging around.”
The female wolf just remained silent, looking at the other direction in order to find some answer through her mind.
“Excuse me, I’m asking you…,” Kodi said, impatient of the answer, “What are you doing in here?”
“Nothing,” she answered softly, “I was just walking.”
“Just walking?” Ralph asked, disbelief on her answer, “Are you sure? It’s kind of strange that there’s a wolf walking at here.”
The female wolf just glanced around and back, looking to Kodi and his friends.
“So, what if I was…,” she said, “It’s my business anyway.”
“Perhaps…,” Kodi replied, “Or there was something behind it. You even look more suspicious to me now.”
The female wolf, from patient became impatient due to what Kodi had said to her, making her to be such an investigate thing.
“What’s the matter with you?” she snapped back, “Just leave me alone here.”
“I can’t!” Kodi replied, looked angry at her, “You might do something terrible if I just left you here. Beside, I can’t trust the wolves.”
“Oh, yeah! And I can’t trust you too,” she said, gazing sharply to Kodi’s eyes, “Humans and dogs are just the same. They can’t be trusted very well.”

There was a moment of silence until Kodi began to show his teeth, assuming an attacking stance, his friend were just doing the same thing too. While they were ready, the female wolf was just looking them patiently, stood up and remained calm.
“So, this is it…,” she thought, “I must defence myself now.”
By the time she had been thinking, Kodi started to run and leapt to her, using a full power to knock her down. Instead of attacking, she just avoided his attack quickly by moved her body to the right and span around, using her paws to pinned down him. As a result of this, Kodi now was laying on below her while she still stood up and pressed her paws to Kodi’s back so that he couldn’t move.
“Don’t move!” she shouted, forcing his friend to stop, “Or your friend will be in danger.”
His friend by the way, stopped and shocked when they looked at her, beating Kodi easily for less than a second without any fierce fights.
“Hey, let me out of here!” Kodi shouted, struggling to release himself, “You can’t do this to me!”
“Of course, I can!” she said, pinning Kodi back off, “Beside, you attacked me first, didn’t you?”

The situation became complex now, Kodi and his friend were struggling to finish the problem while the female wolf was just wanting to end this pathetic fight. Eyes were gazing eyes, as much as everyone prepared the next move. It clearly became uncontrollable until someone shouted at the distance, far away from them. The voice that would finish it off.
“Stop!” someone shouted from the distance, “Stop this entire nuisance!”
When they all looked at the direction, they were seeing Balto, came down from the hill with Jenna at his side. The female wolf began to release Kodi from her grip, moving back from him.
“What was going on in here?” Balto asked to everyone, “Why you were fighting?”
Kodi started to stand up, glanced at the female wolf and back to his father.
“It was her fault, dad!” Kodi said, pointing to the female wolf, “She did it all.”
“Yeah,” Ralph said, trying to support Kodi, “She was pinning down Kodi and warning us to not get closer.”
“Is that true?” Balto asked, “You did all of it.”
“They were just asking too much. It made me feel uncomfortable,” the female wolf answered, looking to them, “Beside, he attacked me first. I just defence myself by pinning him down.”
“What?” Kodi snapped back, “It was you that…”
“Kodi!” Balto shouted, “Stop it! Just go back to the town and I will explain the entire situation by then.”
“But, dad…,” Kodi pleaded, “She was…”
“Kodi!” Jenna held him off, “You heard your father, now just go back to the town.”
Kodi looked irritated by the words, but finally, he knew he must listen to them.
“Okay,” Kodi said, began to turn around, “Bye dad, mom.”
With it, Kodi and his friend were going far from them, away from the trouble.
“So,” Balto said, taking a deep breath, “At least, nobody hurt.”

Then, the wind began to blow coldly, making them to shiver. They started to go back to Balto’ boat, a place that they could talk and shared everything in their mind, and to get a warm.
“I’m sorry for making such trouble,” the female wolf started, hesitated in her voice, “I was just looking my friend. Maybe, he is somewhere now.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Balto said, started to chuckle, “Kodi always looks like that.”
The female wolf began to smile too, looking around to find something.
“Well, if you don’t mind…,” she said, started walking away, “I’ll leave now.”
“Wait, Lani!” Balto shouted, stopping her, “I thought you were staying here now.”
The female wolf startled by the words. She didn’t know why he had already known her name, and why he thought she would be staying there now.
“What?” Lani replied, looking to Balto, “How do you know my name? And why I have to stay in here?”
“Your friend, Alex,” Balto explained, “He told me everything. He asked me if he and you could stay in here due to complicated reason.”
“Oh…,” Lani said, beginning to understand, “He did it.”
Balto just nodded.
“Thank you very much,” she said, looking at Jenna, “By the way, who is your friend?”
“I’m Jenna,” she said, introducing herself, “I’m Balto’s mate. And you have met Kodi, he is our son.”
“Mate?” Lani looked confused, “I thought dogs and wolves were having some significant different.”
Balto, for hearing this, was just laughing.
“I know that,” he answered, “We have found our similarities too. It’s love.”
“Balto,” Jenna became shy, “You don’t have to tell it.”
“But I did it!” he said, smile on his face.
They began to chuckle and nuzzled, showing that they really loved each other. Lani just stared to them, and then she decided to go out, taking sightseeing.
“Excuse me…,” she said, “If you don’t mind, I want to take a walk, just see the surroundings.”
Balto and Jenna became embarrassed, knowing that they lost themselves in the middle of love.
“Oh, okay,” Balto said, “We will see you later.”
Lani gave a smile then, climbed down and went out once again to the outside.
“Dogs and wolves,” she thought, shaking her head, “So, the world has changed.”

As far as Lani went out, checking around, someone was watching from far away, out of the distance. It was Alex, who was still looking around, examining something while standing at the cliff.
“Looks clear…,” he thought, “I thought they would be here first before me.”
He began to climb down, watching every step he took to get down from the cliff. When a shadow appeared above him in a sudden, he quickly jumped down, glancing at it.
It was a wolf, male with brown fur on all of his body, except black on his four legs. His eyes were black as same as Alex, but in vicious way. Alex himself could tell that this wolf wasn’t an ordinary wolf.
“Don’t be afraid!” the male wolf said, an evil grin on his face, “I’m not too dangerous.”
Alex scanned him, still looking him at the top of the cliff, giving him a summary of who he really was.
“I don’t think so,” Alex replied, beginning to serious, “You look more dangerous than what you had said before.”
“Well…,” he said, beginning to chuckle, “It seems you were cleverer than I thought.”
“So…,” Alex started, “You were sent here to kill him.”
The male wolf just shook his head, pretending it was wrong.
“Don’t say that…,” he said, his eyes became vicious, “I was sent to eliminate, not to kill. Kill is crueler, you know.”
“It’s same,” Alex answered him, “Beside, I can’t let you to do it.”
“Oh, don’t worry…,” he replied, starting to climb down to the place where Alex stood up, “Today isn’t the day. I just spy the situation first.”
Alex still remained calm, not wanting to be distracted by him. There was a moment of silence before the male wolf started to speak again.
“By the way,” he began, positioning himself in attacking stance, “How about do some exercise? I want to know how good you are.”

By the time he said it, he leapt forward to him, lashing a paws without wasting a time. Alex, instead of attacking, he chose to avoid it by jumping back, evading his paws that were so close. Then, he took a chance that his enemy had made, using his own momentum to tackle him, but his enemy was faster too. He blocked the attack just by using his paws.
“Good,” he commented, still in attacking stance, “You were better than I thought. You aren’t an ordinary guardian.”
At the moment, they were still facing each other. Then, he leapt forward again in a sudden. Instead of going straight, he jumped passing Alex to the rock behind him and pushed himself by using his legs, giving him more speed to lash his paws by the momentum.
“What the…,” Alex thought, glancing at him.
He knew he had a less time to avoid this one, so he jumped away from the enemy behind him. Instead of stumbled, they met in the midair. His enemy, by the way, still kept lashing his paws, almost hit Alex on his muzzle. Luckily, Alex spun himself while still in the midair, using his own paws to make a scratch to his enemy face.
Then, all they knew was the situation became silent again. No sound was heard. Still, two wolves were standing from what was happened before, gazing at each other. His enemy face started bleeding a little.
“Interesting,” he said, starting to lick his own face from the blood, “You’re so powerful. I guess this job won’t be an easy one.”
“You have already known that,” Alex said, “Now, leave and never come back!”
“Sorry, I can’t do it,” he replied, “Beside, my job is far from done.”
They still stood up until the attackers turned around, leaving an evil grin and vicious gaze.
“I’ll be back soon,” he said, “Goodbye, Balto’s Guardian.”
Without wasting a time, he quickly ran and disappeared by the time that snow was beginning to fall down. Alex was still thinking about it, that someday he would come back to finish his job.
“Whatever you do…,” he thought, deep in his heart, “I will be right here. I will protect Balto, even I must lost my own life.”
Then, he started to go back, trying to forget of what had happened while still struggling to overcome it.


Balto (New Adventure)
Chapter 2 – Friendship


Far from Nome, at the outskirt, the silent had been converted by the sounds of footsteps. Even it was still early, one creature had waken up from the sleep, walking alone in the middle of empty field. His red and cream fur was blown gently by the wind.
“So, her name is Lani,” Kodi thought, remembering what his father had explained before, “And now, she stays there.”
By the time he was walking, he felt irritated due to what she had done to him, making him looked like a toy. And now, he must accept the fact that she would be always at there, even he wanted to disbelief it.
“She will regret it,” Kodi thought, determination in his mind, “Someday, she will pay it.”
His mind started to shift, but came back to normal when he was at his father’s boat. He climbed up and crept slowly, not wanting to wake up him or her, which that would mean to be a bad news.
“What are you doing in here?” someone asked behind him, “Are you looking for someone?”
Kodi glanced around to find his bad news, Lani, was standing there, giving him a curious expression.
“Oh, no…,” Kodi thought, “Not her again.”

At the moment, Kodi was just staring at her until he began turning around, leaving her alone without any answer. Lani noticed it and started to find out why he just did like that.
“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, “Are you still mad at me?”
Kodi was thinking about it for a moment, and then giving her an unexpected face.
“Of course, I’m mad,” he said, almost shouting to her, “You made me like a fool yesterday.”
“I’m sorry…,” Lani replied, “I didn’t mean to do it.”
“Whatever…,” Kodi said, turning around, “I have my business to do.”
“So…,” Lani said, asking to him, “You forgive me now?”
Kodi then stopped walking down from the boat. He began to think what he should say to her, according of what she asked.
“Of course, not!” he answered.
“What?” she seemed shocked, “I thought you had already forgiven me.”
“No,” he replied, shouting to her, “I’ll never forgive you until you pay it.”
Lani became irritated and annoyed to what he had said, making her more guilty.
“Okay, fine then…,” she snapped back, “Beside, you deserve it because you are so useless.”
“What?” Kodi shouted, glared at her, “Take it back or…”
“Or what?” she cut him off, “Or you will attack me and get pinned down again.”
Kodi became so angry. He bared his teeth to show her that he was serious now. Lani was ready to make a move too, going to teach him some lessons. Before anything happened, someone was approaching, walking towards them.

“Hello, there…,” Alex said to them, not knowing what was happened, “What are you two doing here?”
Both Lani and Kodi looked Alex, hesitated to continue their fight.
“Nothing!” they said in the same time, turning around.
“Huh…?” Alex looked confused.
Both of them began to go away, far from that place, leaving Alex alone in confusion state.
“I wonder…,” Alex thought, looking at them, “What they were doing back then?”

Meanwhile at Nome, Balto was walking with Jenna, doing some sightseeing. Together, they looked like a perfect match, wandering around to show to everyone how strong their love was. A hero and a beautiful one.
“How do you feel it, Balto?” Jenna started, looking at him, “You know, living with Alex and Lani?”
Balto was thinking for a moment, remembering how it felt.
“Good,” he answered, “I mean I can share everything to my own kinds now.”
“So…,” Jenna said, curious on her face, “You mean they are better than Boris.”
“Of course, not,” Balto replied, chuckling, “Boris is the best forever. Beside, he looks like my father.”
“Well, I’m sure of it,” Jenna said, giving him a soft smile, “By the way, how about Kodi? Is he still mad at Lani?”
“I don’t know exactly,” Balto answered, gazing at her, “The last time I saw him, he was still mad to her.”
“He always looks like that,” Jenna said, taking a deep breath before continuing, “Anyway, is there something we can do to solve it?”
“Jenna…,” Balto answered, looking through her eyes, “Let it goes by the time. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“Okay, then…,” Jenna replied, smiling, “I trust you, Balto.”
Balto then began to smile too.

At the moment, they weren’t noticing Kodi who was heading to them until he appeared right in front of them. His face looked sour mixed by angry. Both of his parents thought that he was having a bad day.
“What’s the matter, Kodi?” Jenna asked, “You look so different.”
Kodi just stared to them, not wanting they knew the truth, he tried to smile.
“Oh, nothing,” he answered, “Everything is fine.”
“Are you sure?” Balto asked him again, “You don’t look like that.”
“Dad, I’m fine,” Kodi answered, starting to change the topic, “By the way, I have been looking you. I don’t know you have already been here.”
“Well…,” Balto glanced at him, trying to find some words, “I won’t miss your race, Kodi. You have already known that, have you?”
Kodi started to chuckle, realizing that he had a father who had so much care to him.
“Thank you, dad,” Kodi smiled, “You are the greatest father that I ever had.”
Balto then was laughing while Jenna was smiling to him. They both knew Kodi was so enthusiastic about the race.
“So…,” Balto started, “If you were looking me back then, you sure met Lani, didn’t you?”
Kodi’s face changed when he heard his father said about her, remembering about how irritating she was.
“Dad,” Kodi said, his expression shifted, “I don’t want to talk about her.”
“Why?” Jenna asked, seeking an answer, “You still mad at her?”
“Of course!” Kodi shouted, “Whenever I meet her, I feel so angry. I hate her so much.”
“Kodi!” Jenna warned, gazing at him, “Calm down!”
Kodi then realized he was shouting to them, making both Balto and Jenna felt shocked. He started to calm himself.
“Sorry, mom,” he said, bowing down his head, “I was just angry at her, that’s all.”
Balto and Jenna didn’t know what they should say to him in order to make him become quiet again. It seemed that their words were locked by something.
“Oh, by the way, I must ready to follow the race now. I will see you later,” Kodi started, turning around while walking away, “Bye mom, dad!”
At the moment, there was a silence between them. Still, they didn’t know what they should do to Kodi from his problem.
“Well…,” Balto shrugged, “At least, we know he is still mad.”

“Hey, Kodi! What’s wrong?” Ralph said, looking at him in front of door of the boiler room, “You look awful today.”
True to what Ralph had said, Kodi began to come in where his friend had already been there. He just wanted some refreshment, something that could make him happy again. Hoping it would happen, he chose this place, but still, his face remained.
“Yeah!” Dusty added, “How you can race if your face likes that?”
Kodi started to speak, not wanting his friends began to worry him, and even he knew it, he still must face the problem.
“Nothing,” he replied, “I’m fine. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“I don’t think so,” Kirby said, gazing thorough him, “You have a problem again with her, don’t you?”
“How did you know?” Kodi looked startled, “I mean… it’s true that I have it.”
“So, tell us, Kodi,” Dusty said, trying to get some explanation, “What’s the problem? Is it about yesterday?”
“No, it’s not. It’s a new one,” Kodi explained, “This morning, I almost in quarrel again with her. She told me that I was so useless. I then felt so mad to her…”
“Okay, hold it off!” Dusty cut off, “We got the point.”
There was a moment of silence between them. His friend had expected this that Kodi would easily jump to trouble again.
“So, Kodi,” Kirby started, “Do you want us to help you?”
“Us?” Ralph looked surprised while Dusty and Kirby were gazing at him, making him became hesitated, “Okay, it’s us.”
“No, that’s fine,” Kodi answered, looking to them, “I will solve it alone. If I took my friends with me, she would tease me more.”
“Fine, Kodi,” Dusty replied, starting to change the topic, “By the way, ready for the race? You couldn’t race if you were still like that.”
“Of course, I can,” Kodi answered, his eyes were glimmering, “I can run with any condition.”
“Hey, watch out, Kodi!” Ralph warned, surprised at Kodi’s attitude, “I thought you still had a problem.”
“Never mind…,” Kodi answered, “Race is first, problem at last.”
His friend was smiling and laughing due to him, changed in a sudden. They must admit that he was always attracted when it came out about the race.
“What’s the matter?” Kodi asked, confused of why they were laughing.
“Oh, nothing,” Kirby answered, still laughing, “Now, c’mon. The race is going to start.”
With it, they were running fast through the alley to the main street where the race would be taken. Together, they could feel the hot flowing around in their body, forcing them to push it more and more.

Sometime later, the race was about to begin. With every second passed down, all of dogs became impatient, ready to run with full speed, giving the best for it. Kodi, instead of nervous, he felt so excited. His blood seemed wanting to explode, making him ready for anything.
“Get ready, now!” the man yelled, warning every dog to prepare themselves.
“Kodi!” Dusty called from the start line, “Ready to lose!”
“Kodi, this time…,” Kirby added, trying to support Dusty, “It will be different.”
“Whatever…” Kodi thought, glancing at them.
He had already prepared everything just for this day, the day that was so important. His paws were ready to launch, running and leaving everyone in the dust. As soon as he was ready, the signal was being given.
“This is it…” Kodi thought, full of confident, “I’ll do the best.”
“Go!” the man yelled again, echoing his sound for the signal.
Without wasting a time, Kodi and the others pushed themselves forward, going into the race.

The race was going fierce. During it, Kodi was on the first while Dusty and Kirby were behind him, leaving Ralph and the others. Kodi didn’t notice that Dusty began to catch up until it was too late. Dusty was on the first now.
“What?” Kodi thought, surprised, “How she could do it?”
One by one caught him up until Kodi was on the fourth, with Dusty on the first, Kirby the second, and Ralph the third. He began panicking, as far as they were starting to leave him, he felt he couldn’t win this race.
“Oh, no!” Kodi thought, panicked and confused, “I’m going to lose now.”
His spirit began to disappear in the middle of race, losing his own hope to win. Suddenly, he remembered what his father had said about the race, that he still could become the winner even he was on the last position. Kodi was realized from his frustration. He knew he could do the same thing too like his father had done, giving him a new hope.
“Okay, Kodi!” Kodi thought, still running, “Time to use your head!”
Thinking for a moment, he then smiled upon them who were in front of him. It looked like he had already gotten an idea.
“Now!” Kodi thought, starting to make his plan work out.

Instead of speeding, he shifted his speed into low level, making him vulnerable to be caught up. Slowly, he took the last position, but still keeping the distance with the others.
“Balto, what he is doing?” Jenna asked, watching Kodi from the distance. “Why he is slowing?”
“I’m not sure, Jenna,” Balto answered, glancing at Kodi, then back to her, “But, I’m sure he has a plan.”
True to what Balto had said before, Kodi was sure to have something, hidden in his mind. The finish line was about to appear, but still, Kodi wasn’t going to push forward. It was going to be like that until suddenly, Kodi started run in unexpected speed, chasing the others from behind. The others, by the way, surprised at him that coming quickly to them.
Since Kodi got more energy from the rest on the last position, he sped up, leaving the others behind without glancing back. All the dogs, included Kirby, Ralph, and Dusty, couldn’t after him, losing most of their energy at first. Finally, Kodi was on the first again, making a great distance between them until he felt the finish line.
“Yeah!” he shouted, barking loudly, “I win!”

Pride was felt by Kodi as everyone began to cheer him for winning the race. He seemed wanting to explode into a thousand pieces, happy for doing the best. At the moment, his parents came closer, starting to congratulate him. Kodi, by the way, didn’t notice them due to the cheers that still continued from many people who were standing at the distance.
“Congratulations, son!” Balto said, making him realize from his fantasy, “I proud of you!”
“Oh, dad…,” Kodi looked surprised, “Thank you very much.”
By the time he was nuzzling his father, his friends were heading towards and congratulating him as well as Balto did.
“Hey, Kodi!” Kirby said, “I thought you were lost.”
“Yeah!” Dusty added, “I almost became the winner if you were still on the last position.”
“But you didn’t, did you?” Kodi replied, kidding at her, “I’m the winner now.”
“Okay, enjoy it!” Dusty answered, “But, someday I will beat you.”
“I will be waiting…,” Kodi said, laughing to her.
His friends were laughing too, knowing it wasn’t the matter again because they did the best that they could do. With everything they had done, they felt satisfied.
“Kodi!” Ralph called, ending his laugh, “Do you want your medal? Because if you didn’t want it, I would take it.”
“Of course, I want it!” Kodi answered, excited at this, “That will be my greatest satisfaction.”
With that, Kodi launched himself towards to the place where the medals were given. He was so happy, even he couldn’t hold it for a moment because it was his first medal. The thing that could make him to feel like a real champion.
“Look, Balto!” Jenna started, pointing at Kodi, “It looks like he is so happy.”
Balto just gave a smile upon him.
“Oh, by the way…,” Jenna continued, “I have something for you.”
“For me?” Balto looked surprised, “What is it?”
“Hold on, Balto,” Jenna answered, “I will give it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Why?” Balto asked, couldn’t wait for any longer, “Why not today?”
“Balto…,” Jenna answered him, smiling, “You should be patient. Beside, you will know by the time.”
“Okay, then…,” Balto replied, seemed to be a little disappointed, “At least, you can give me some clues.”
“Oh, Balto…,” Jenna started to chuckle, nuzzling him lovely.

By the time they were talking each other, Kodi and his friends went to the beach, celebrating his victory. They were just playing and playing without paying any attention to the eyes that watching them far from the distance, looking thorough them with joy and sad.
“I wish I could join them,” Lani thought, attracted to play too.
From there, she only could see, staring on how much fun was made with friends around. Sharing everything in the mind, making all of it became easy to face. Unfortunately, Lani only could dream, wishing everything would be different. She took a deep breath before leaving that place.
“You can’t win this one, Kodi!” Ralph said, assuming a position, “I will beat you in this game.”
“Try it!” Kodi replied, challenging Ralph.
By the time he was saying, Ralph moved towards him, trying to pin him down. Two dogs were wrestling now, but instead of hatred, their face was full of joy.
“Hey, that was fun!” Kodi said, stumbled with Ralph while laughing.
“Yeah…,” Ralph replied, laughing with Kodi.
“Okay, stop it!” Dusty commanded, ending their laugh, “Let’s go there!”
Both of them looked of what Dusty had said, a small river that flowing from the top of the cliff. It was looked so beautiful and peace.
“Okay…,” Kodi agreed, “I’m first.”
“Hey, Kodi! Wait!” Kirby shouted, “You can’t just leave without us!”
With that, everyone went off, looking for some beautiful scenery at there. But unfortunately, something important was left behind, abandoned from their attention. Something that was more precious than all of treasures for someone, neglected at the dirt. It was Kodi’s medal.

“Oh, man…,” Kodi thought, frustrated, “Why do I loss it?”
The day had shifted into night and the snow had fallen down from the sky, forcing everyone to stay inside while dark was lurking outside. Kodi, for the moment, had been looking for his medal, searching everywhere he had been, but his search was nothing. His only hope now was a miracle.
“Kodi…,” Dusty started, walking with him and the others, “Don’t be so sad! Tomorrow, we will search again.”
“Yeah, Kodi…,” Kirby added, trying to encourage him, “We will find it.”
Kodi, by the way, knew he mustn’t be sad for all the time. He then was trying to smile, not wanting his friends became sad too.
“Thank you, guys,” he said, smiling, “Now, I need to back home.”
With it, he went off, leaving his friends in silent. He felt he was a looser now, thinking he was so easily loosing something precious. Kept walking, he seemed so depressed until he saw something that made him felt energetic again. It was his medal, hanging around on Lani’s neck at the middle of street.
“How could you?” he looked surprised, then began to suspect Lani, “You stole it, didn’t you?”
“What?” Lani replied, shocked, “You dropped it at the beach, remember?”
Kodi was surprised, not wanting to believe it, but he must admit that she might be right.
“Oh…,” he hesitated, “Thank you…”
“Okay…,” Lani started, turning around, “I will leave now.”
By the time she was leaving, she fell down to the land below, shivering from the cold.
“Hey…,” Kodi startled, “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing…,” Lani answered, struggling to stand up, “I’m just clumsy.”
But, instead of standing, she fell down again, looked so suffered. Kodi could tell that she wasn’t fine by the condition. He began moving closer, checking by using his paws.
“Huh?” Kodi thought, “She is very cold.”
Without wasting a time, Kodi began to help her stood up, leading her to somewhere warm. He just couldn’t leave her there alone.
“Hey, you! C’mon, stand up!” Kodi shouted, helping her, “Don’t sleep at here!”
Lani then opened her eyes slowly, revealing her soft blue eyes. Struggling to her feet, she followed Kodi step by step as snow began to fall down heavier, making them hard to see. Finally, they reached it, an empty boiler room. Without asking much, Lani entered that warm place as Kodi was helping her to walk.
“Thank you…,” Lani said at the moment she was laying down, still shivering.
“It’s okay…,” Kodi replied, joining to lay down beside her, “You need a rest now.”

There was a moment of silence between them. While the wind was blowing hard, they were still steady, making no sounds. Kodi started to look her, resting with closed eyes while still feeling a little cold inside. He looked thorough and knew he must admit that she was so beautiful. Her face was so soft and peace, making Kodi’s heart melting. But, instead of it, he quickly glanced around.
“By the way…,” Kodi started, “Why did you return it? I thought you hate me so much.”
“Your father…,” Lani replied, opening her eyes slowly.
“My father?” Kodi asked, didn’t understand, “What do you mean?”
“Your father told me that it was a precious thing for you,” Lani answered, gazing at him, “He said you had wanted it so much for a long time.”
“Yeah, it means a lot to me,” Kodi chuckled, and then looking at her again, “So, you have been waiting for all the time at there?”
Lani just nodded, smiling to him.
For a moment, they were looking each other, gazing through the eyes.
“Kodi…,” Lani started, glancing around, “I’m sorry for everything. I wasn’t thinking back then.”
“It’s okay, Lani…,” Kodi replied, shrugged, “I wasn’t thinking too.”
“Hey, it’s a first time you call my name,” Lani said, smiling.
“And you too…,” Kodi replied, smiling too.
Together, they spent the time for a night in the boiler room, waiting the snow that still was falling down. Slowly, they were drifted into deep sleep, a long rest for a whole day. However, they didn’t realize something was appeared in their heart. A new friendship was created.

“Wake up…,” Kodi said, “It’s morning.”
Lani slowly opened her eyes, still yawning. It was early, but the sunshine had come through the window, making everything could be seen clearly. She then realized she must leave before the human saw her.
“Thank you…,” Lani replied, walking to the outside, “For waking me up.”
Kodi was just laughing at her.
“By the way, Kodi…,” Lani said before leaving, “You forgive me now?”
“Hmm…,” Kodi thought for a moment, “I forgive you, but just a half.”
“Half?” Lani looked very confused, “What do you mean?”
“I forgive you when we met at first, but…,” Kodi explained, starting to smile, “Not for the second time when you told me that I was so useless.”
“What? That is enough!” Lani seemed irritated, “You must pay for this one.”
“Uh…oh…,” Kodi thought, “Time to run.”
With that, Kodi was beginning to run while Lani was chasing him, feeling irritated to what Kodi had said. Like cat and dog, they were running nowhere, going into any direction. Kodi, instead of panic, he just smiled because he could make her mad too.

Balto (New Adventure)
Chapter 3 – The Blue Bandanna


The wind was blowing slowly as the sun was appearing, penetrating its light to the surroundings. There was nothing to see, except the perfect silent that still ruled. Still, a brown wolf – dog had waken up, welcoming a new day. He walked towards to Jenna’s house, thinking of something.
“I wonder…,” he thought, “What is the present?”
Slowly, he took a step by step, making a soft sound that was echoing the town. He still could remember clearly about yesterday when Jenna had told him that she had had something for him.
“I can’t wait for any longer,” he thought, impatient, “It made me couldn’t sleep well.”
By the time he was thinking, he heard a sound from the distance. Curious of it, he took a look to it. It was Lani who was chasing Kodi, running around at the empty field near the boiler room. Kodi, by the way, just looked like happy, different for Lani that looked like mad at Kodi.
“Maybe, just playing around…,” he thought, continuing to walk.
He kept walking and walking until he reached it, a place that was so familiar to him. He then jumped the crates behind the house one by one to the top, carefully looking his step. And by the time he was at the roof, he called Jenna in a whisper through the window.
“Jenna…,” he whispered, “Jenna…”
Jenna perked her ears. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the direction to find Balto who was standing outside the window.
“Balto, it’s still early…,” she said, “Is there something?”
“Actually…,” Balto hesitated, “I just want to know the present.”
Jenna seemed surprised, knowing she was waken up just because his curiosity. She then smiled upon him, making him felt he was silly.
“I won’t tell you, Balto,” she replied, “It’s not the time.”
“So…,” Balto said, “When is the time?”
“After I have enough sleep…,” Jenna answered, smiling, “And before it, you have to wait.”
“Okay, then…,” Balto replied, yawning, “I will be right here until that happen.”
Jenna was just yawning too, knowing her love was waiting for all the time just to get the present. Instead of thinking it further, she chose to get sleep. Balto, by the way, began to sleep too due to the boringness that had overwhelmed him while Jenna was sleeping. Soon, he was drifted into a deep sleep, a rest that needed by him.

“What’s wrong?” Kodi shouted, looking back at Lani, “Have you given up already?”
Far from where Kodi was, Lani seemed so tired, couldn’t even move again. Her breath became faster, lacking of air and energy. Even she was a wolf, she couldn’t run like Kodi did. She then decided to stop and lay down.
“He has a lot of energy…,” she thought, “I hate I must admit it.”
Kodi, by the way, just looked her, tired of running. He then started to move closer, checking her condition.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m okay,” Lani answered, breathing hard, “I’m just tired.”
Kodi smiled for hearing it, making him proud to be the winner.
“So, maybe you are good in fight, but…,” he explained, gazing and smiling at her, “I’m the best in race.”
“Whatever…,” Lani replied, trying to stand up, “I must back now.”
“Then, I will escort you…,” Kodi said, “You might be lost if you were alone.”
Lani became angry by the time he was saying that, felt like teased.
“I would be fine if I went without you,” she snapped angry, “Beside, I can take care of myself.”
“Hey…,” Kodi snapped back, looking at her, “I was just trying to be nice.”
“I don’t need it,” Lani replied, “Go now! Just leave me alone!”
With it, she began leaving, going back home in order to get some rest. Kodi just stared her, confused at her attitude.
“Fine!” he shouted, “No problem!”
At the moment, Kodi was leaving, doing the same thing like Lani did, back to home. He still didn’t quite understand her, easily distracted and hard to calm down. By the time he was walking away, he thought of something.
“Females…,” Kodi thought deeply, “They sure can’t be predicted.”

Meanwhile at Nome, at Jenna’s house, Balto was still sleeping, dreaming about the surprise. He even couldn’t imagine what it would look like. For a moment, he was still like that until he started to wake up, conscious about the reality.
“Oh…,” he thought, opening his eyes slowly, “I must have been sleeping for all this time.”

True of it, Nome was full by people now. Many of them were busy of doing daily activities. By the time of it, Balto glanced around to see an abundant of people were walking around at the street, and then looking back to Jenna to find she wasn’t there.
“Huh? She isn’t in home,” he thought, “Maybe she was playing with Rosy now.”
He then looked around, trying to find Jenna so that he would know the present. Luckily, he found her quickly beside the crates, resting from playing with her owner.
“Jenna!” he called from the roof, starting to climb down, “Can I know it now?”
“Okay, Balto,” Jenna replied, giving up, “Close your eyes first.”
Balto did what Jenna said to him while she was going somewhere, picking the present. After a while, she came back, bringing something that hidden well in her bandanna.
“Open your eyes now…,” she said, taking out the present, “Here, what do you think about it?”
It was a blue bandanna, having the same size like Jenna’s bandanna. Felt soft like a silk and beautiful. Balto was just in agape, not knowing how to express it.
“Wow…,” he said, looking deeply at the present.
“Try it, Balto,” Jenna said, smiling.
“Huh?” Balto was still in agape, “Oh, yeah. I will.”

Balto then began to bow down, trying to wear it with a little help from Jenna. With it, he started to examine, seeing how he looked like with a new bandanna.
“How do I look?” he asked, smiling at Jenna, “Am I still handsome?”
“Of course, Balto…,” Jenna replied, chuckling and nuzzling him, “By the way, I have to go now. My girl needs me.”
“Again?” Balto asked, giving her a question look, “I thought you had already played with her.”
“You know how the children,” Jenna answered, “They are always attractive.”
Balto just chuckled during it.
“I will see you later,” Jenna said, starting to leave, “By the way, take care of it, Balto.”
With that, Jenna left him, alone with the bandanna. For the moment, he didn’t know what he would do next until he decided to go back home, along with his lovely bandanna.

Walking, he thought how much it meant to him and her as their love had been made from several time ago. Looking to the past, he could remember everything, swirling around in memories. He then didn’t notice that the wind was blowing hard, wiping something to the air.
“My bandanna…,” he thought.
Running in full speed, he began to chase, hoping it wouldn’t fly away from his sight. But, instead of it, the bandanna went away through to the outskirt, towards to the forest. He was tired, exhausted of running. Hoping it hadn’t been lost yet, he decided to follow it even his energy was low.
“Hello, Balto!” Alex shouted from the distance, starting to move closer, “Why you are in a hurry?”
“There is no time to explain it now,” Balto answered, breathing hard, “I must get my bandanna back.”
“Your bandanna?” Alex looked confused, “I thought you didn’t have bandanna.”
“Well, actually I just got it from Jenna,” Balto explained, then realized he must be quick, “Sorry, I have to get going now.”
With that, he launched forward, leaving Alex alone. Instead of watching, Alex chose to follow him. Not just for helping, but for protecting him too from any danger that could appear in a sudden.

“Balto!” he shouted, running beside him, “I will help you!”
Balto was surprised, not knowing Alex was chasing him. He then glanced at him.
“Are you sure?” he shouted back, still running, “I don’t want to trouble you.”
“Two is better than one, isn’t it?” Alex replied.
Balto just smiled, knowing he had such a good friend. Together, they went into wilderness, searching for something.
“So…,” Alex started, looking at Balto who was running beside him, “Why did you loss it?”
“Actually…,” Balto answered, “It just flied away.”
“Oh…,” Alex seemed to know what he meant.
Glancing around, they stopped running. The forest was in front of them, signalling all of creatures to be careful in there.
“Your bandanna…,” Alex asked, “What does it look like?”
“It’s blue,” Balto answered.
“Just that?” Alex asked again.
“I guess so…,” Balto answered, looking at him, “I just remember that.”
“Okay, then…,” Alex said, starting to enter the forest, “Let’s go!”

They began to find it, searching everywhere that might be. While Alex was searching at the small river, Balto was standing near the rock, thinking he had already lost it. He looked around to find there was no sign where it would be. By the time of it, he noticed something familiar, passing in front of him while drifted by the wind.
“Huh? It’s it,” he thought, glancing back.
It was his bandanna, flying away slowly beside him as the wind began to push it further and further.
“I will get it,” he thought, determination on his eyes.
Turning around, he dashed towards the bandanna, not letting it disappeared again for a second time. He sped up, using his speed and agility, passing Alex who was still searching it.
“Balto? Where he is going?” Alex thought, looking at Balto who was running fast, then to the air, “The bandanna.”
By the time he was looking, Balto was still chasing it, almost got it, but still far from him. Then, he decided to jump high through the air to get it. Opening his mouth, he grabbed it by his teeth successfully.
“Yeah, I got it,” he thought, still in the midair.
“Balto!” Alex shouted from the distance, “Watch out!”
Balto didn’t notice that something blocked his way, a big tree in front of him. Before he could react, he hit hard, making him fell down to the valley below him. He kept rolling and rolling, crashing the rock and bush before stopped near the river. Alex just could watch in a horror, hoping he would be fine, but unfortunately, his hope was in vain.
“Oh, no…,” he thought, starting to go down to the valley.

He began walking down, carefully of making his steps. One mistake could bring him on an accident too, and of course, he didn’t want that. When he got down, he was looking Balto, covered with many scratches and wounds, combined with the dirt and bush. After a while, Balto began to move slowly, limited by the wounds.
“Balto, are you alright?” Alex asked, concerning about him, “You look pretty bad.”
“Don’t worry! I’m fine,” Balto answered, “It’s just a scratch. It won’t hurt me bad.”
Watching, Alex could tell that he was right by the time he was standing, not affected by the wounds. Even he worried him, he must admit that he was strong enough to stand up.
“Let me help you…,” he said, helping him to stand up, “Now, we must go back.”
“Okay, but wait a second…,” Balto replied, grabbing his bandanna, “Could you wear it until we get back?”
“Why?” Alex looked confused, “It’s yours. I mean… Why you don’t wear it along?”
“Because…,” Balto started, looking at himself, “I might make it become stained.”
Alex just gave him a smile, knowing what he meant. With all of scratches, the bandanna would be stained by his blood.
“Okay…,” he replied, wearing the bandanna around his neck, “Let’s go home.”

“Well…,” Jenna thought, “Rosy is more energetic now. She almost squeezes me.”
Alone, Jenna was resting, tired from hanging around with Rosy. She had been playing with her for an hour, running and barking every time she was calling her, wasting a lot of energy that dwelled inside. For a moment, she was thinking of Balto, wanting to know what he did along with his bandanna. He began imagining that somehow, Balto enjoyed every moment with it.
“Maybe…,” she thought, smiling, “I should check him.”
With that, she went away from the town to the outskirt, hoping she would find happiness on Balto’s face. Step by step, she became closer to it. When she was there, she climbed out carefully, wanting to surprise him. Instead of surprising him, she was the one who was surprised, shocked to see that Balto was covered with many scratches and wounds. She quickly moved to him, checking his condition.
“Balto…,” Jenna said, starting to worry, “Balto, are you alright?”
“Easy, Jenna,” Balto answered, gazing at her, “I’m alright. It’s just some scratch.”
“It’s not just scratch, Balto,” Jenna replied, concerning about him, “You look terrible.”
Jenna might be right. As much as she could see, his brown fur mixed with blood, making it became red. The scratch itself, even it wasn’t deep, but still, it made him hurt.
“What did happen?” Jenna asked, “Why do you look like this now?”
“Actually…,” Alex interrupted, not letting Jenna jumped straight to the conclusion, “It because his bandanna.”
Jenna, who was at the first didn’t notice Alex in there, looked surprised. She really wasn’t paying attention at around, just focusing at Balto.
“His bandanna?” she looked confused, “How could be?”
“He was chasing his bandanna back then,” Alex explained, “When it went to the forest, he kept looking until he got it, but…” Alex then stopped, hesitated of continuing it.
“Then, what?” Jenna asked, wanting to know everything.
“He fell down to the valley,” Alex answered, “He hit some rocks and bushes at there.”
Jenna gasped after he finished the story. Now, she even was more afraid, concerning about what Balto did back then. There was a moment of silence before Alex started to speak.
“Well, I must go now,” Alex said, “I need to find Lani. Bye Balto, Jenna.”
With that reason, he began leaving them, alone so that they could talk each other freely. And without his present in there, he knew that they could understand each other well too.

“So…,” Balto started, “Is there anything you want to talk?”
“Absolutely, yes,” Jenna answered, looking how bad he was now, “First, how could you loss it?”
“Well, a few minutes after you left, I was going back home, and then…,” Balto explained, glancing around, “The wind just blew it, so I gave a chase.”
He was stopping for a moment, not knowing how to explain it more accurately.
“I’m sorry, Jenna,” he said, looking at the ground, “I couldn’t take care it well.”
For a while, Jenna was still in silent, looking at him until she began smiling, tears on her eyes.
“Balto…,” she said finally, nuzzling him, “Why did you do that? You could make yourself in danger.”
“But…,” Balto replied, “I thought you said that I should take care of it, so I guessed you would be mad at me if I lost it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Jenna replied, patting his head, “You are more important than anything to me. I would prefer let it go to loss you.”
Balto smiled, knowing she cared so much to him, making him like a little pup.
“So, where is the bandanna?” Jenna asked, laying down beside him, “Did you get it?”
“Of course…,” Balto answered, smiling to her, “I wouldn’t chase it if I knew I wouldn’t get it.”
Jenna chuckled for hearing it, making a sense of it. While Jenna was laying down, Balto was starting to stand up, looking to the cabin. He walked in slowly, grabbing his bandanna by his teeth. Walking out, he showed to Jenna that he still kept the present.

“Look!” he said, still grabbing it, “I still keep it safely.”
“Okay, then…,” Jenna said, standing up, “Now, give it to me!”
“Huh?” Balto looked confused, “Why?”
“Just give it to me, Balto!” Jenna commanded, gazing at him seriously.
“Alright,” Balto replied, giving the bandanna to Jenna.
Jenna then was wearing it, making sure that blue bandanna was on her neck, mixing with her red bandanna.
“Alright…,” she started, “From now, I will keep it until I’m sure you won’t make yourself in danger for a second time.”
Balto was surprised, not expecting this would happen to him. It was his bandanna, and he even hadn’t worn it for one day. Now, it was removed easily from him.
“But, Jenna…,” he started, pleading to her, “That isn’t fair.”
“No complain, Balto,” Jenna replied, gazing down at him, “I will make sure you won’t do anything stupid again.”
“But…,” Balto pleaded again, but Jenna’s paws had already closed his mouth.
“Be quiet…,” Jenna said, forcing him to lay down, “You must rest now.”
Balto, at the time of this, couldn’t do anything. With Jenna at around, his move might be limited due of his condition. Even it was just a scratch, she still worried him much, not wanting him to be hurt more. Now, he could only sleep, trying to forget everything as much as he wanted it was just a dream. Slowly, he was drifted into a deep sleep and everything he could see now was just black.

Later, tomorrow, Balto woke up as the sunshine began to touch him, right on his eyes. He opened his eyes slowly, looking at the shiny thing that had waken him up. Standing, he yawned for once before he went out, looking for a new day.
“Wow…,” he thought, “I must have been sleeping for a day.”
He remembered back, looking to the past. It was still afternoon yesterday, and then, he slept until he woke up on a new day.
“I wonder what Jenna did yesterday,” he thought, glancing around, “Was she always in here while I was sleeping?”
The question was just swirling around his head, making him became more confused. As much as he wanted the answer, he started walking towards Nome, seeking some fun from there. By the time of it, someone called him, a familiar voice that he knew very well.
“Balto…,” Jenna called softly from behind him, “Where are you going?”
“Me?” Balto seemed surprised, not knowing how he would answer it, “I… I was just going around, taking some fresh air.”
“Don’t lie to me, Balto,” Jenna replied, “I know you want to go to the town.”
“Huh?” Balto thought, “How did she know?”
Jenna just smiled, knowing she had already figured it out, making Balto fell in silent.
“C’mon, Balto,” Jenna started, smiling, “You need to go back.”
Before he could say something, Jenna had already led him back to the boat, making sure he wouldn’t hurt himself for a second time. Balto, by the way, knew this would happen after what he did before, she would be more careful than she was.

“Balto, you aren’t supposed to go out,” Jenna started, worrying his condition, “Your wounds haven’t been recovered yet.”
“But, I can’t keep staying in here,” Balto replied, “It’s so boring.”
Jenna then laughed, realizing he needed some excitement at outside. Just looking him, she knew he lived among the adventure.
“Okay…,” she said, smiling, “I will be with you for all this day. Is it still boring?”
“Umm…,” Balto was thinking for a moment, looking at her, “Not exactly.”
“Good,” Jenna said, chuckling while patting Balto’s head, “Now, I will take care of you, my little pup.”
“Hey…,” Balto replied, backing away, “I’m not a little pup.”
They began laughing, felt so contented with each other present in there. Later, they were laying down, gazing at each other deeply as the sun became high, shining its ray to everything.

“Umm…, Jenna,” Balto started, calling her softly.
“Yes…,” Jenna replied, starting to look him.
“About yesterday…,” Balto said, trying to remember, “Were you always in here while I was sleeping?”
“Yeah…,” Jenna answered, “At least, I was staying here until night. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” Balto replied, looking at the other direction, “I just want to know.”
“I know what you mean…,” Jenna said, nudging him, “You thought I was just kidding when I told I would always watch you.”
Balto lost his words for hearing it, making his face in agape while Jenna was just laughing at him. He still couldn’t figure out why Jenna always understood well, better than him. Getting rid his thought, he began focused on something.
“Well, by the way…,” he started, thinking about his words carefully, “Where is my bandanna now?”
“Balto…,” Jenna smiled, surprised at his question, “You never give up, don’t you?”
“Of course, I don’t…,” Balto replied, smiling back.
“Okay, then…,” Jenna said, giving up, “Let’s make a deal! I would give it back if you were completely recovered.”
“But, I have been already recovered now,” Balto said, jumping in front of Jenna, “See?”
Jenna just looked at him, knowing his wounds still could be seen clearly, even it was just a tiny red line that spreading across his back. However, Jenna’s decision still remained steady, not giving it back until she was sure of his condition. Still, Balto made it hard to her, always pleading every time he got a chance.
“Don’t argue with me, Balto…,” Jenna warned him, “Or I won’t give it back.”
Balto gulped, realizing that Jenna was serious in her statement, making Balto to be like a little pup again, sitting and waiting for his recovery.
“Alright…,” he replied back, laying down in front of her, “I will be a good little pup.”
“What?” Jenna seemed surprised, laughing at him, “You said before that you weren’t a little pup.”
“I have changed,” Balto said, smiling and laughing with Jenna.
“And why you have changed in a sudden?” Jenna asked, gazing him with smile.
“To get my bandanna back,” Balto answered simply.
“Oh, Balto…,” Jenna replied, nuzzling him happily.
Together, they were having a good time later, enjoying every moment they had while taking care for each other. Still, their love was the one thing that had made them like that, forgetting anything around as long as they felt complete. But then, they weren’t paying attention to someone who was watching them from far away at the forest, covered by the shadow of the trees. Seeing them, he then left with a smirk on his face, and instead remained there, he stepped back, entering the forest with full of mystery behind him. Even his fur was blown gently by the wind, still, his face looked so evil, more than anyone could imagine.


Balto (New Adventure)
Chapter 4 – First Strike


Walking among the trees, a brown wolf was looking through many bushes to the quiet town, surrounded by the fallen snow. Even the forest was silent at night, his evil grin made a significant difference, making a scary feeling. Slowly, his grin then faded away, hearing a sound behind him.
“Is everything has been prepared?” he asked, still looking forward.
By the time he was speaking, three black wolves appeared from the shadow of the trees, camouflaging with the night. They began moving closer to him.
“Of course…,” one of them answered, “Everything has been prepared.”
“Good…,” he replied, “Now, we just have to wait.”
“And…,” another black wolf said, moving forward, “When we will attack?”
“Later…,” he answered, looking to the sky, “I will give a signal, and then, you can attack as much as you want.”
There was a moment of silence before he turned around, facing them.
“Just focus on Balto,” he continued, “I will handle his guardian.”
With that, all of them scattered away, going to the different direction. They were running and running until disappeared through the darkness, leaving no sound. Again, the night seemed to be quiet.
“Soon…,” he thought deeply, “Soon, you will be finished.”
As he was thinking back, the past came to his mind, a few days ago when it happened. He still could feel the scratch on his face, four red lines across his fur. He began touching it with his paws. He could remember it completely, still fresh on his mind. But, instead of thinking further, he stepped back, leaving that place with an evil grin.
Slowly, he disappeared into the darkness, through the deep of the forest. The sounds of his steps began fading away, missing from the surroundings. But still, his evil laugh could be heard, even it echoed around it.

“Hey, Jenna…,” Balto called, looking at her, “Thanks for giving it back.”
“It’s alright,” Jenna replied, “Anyway, it’s yours.”
“I guess so,” Balto smiled.
Jenna smiled back, reminding her how though he was to get his bandanna back. She knew every detail of it, from the accident until the promise they had made. Everything was caused by that bandanna.
“Let’s go meet Kodi!” Jenna started, trying to get out from the conversation, “I’m sure he wants to see us.”
“Yeah…,” Balto replied, “He hasn’t seen my bandanna, right?”
“Balto…,” Jenna sighed, “We just come to greet him, not to hold a show.”
“Oh, okay…,” Balto replied, smiling, “I understand.”
They began walking, heading to the boiler room. Even the day became afternoon now, still, some people were doing his job, opening their stores in order to get some money.
“Even we just greet him…,” Balto started, still walking, “He surely will see it, right?”
Jenna just gave him a smile.
“You never change,” she replied, nuzzling him.
While they were talking each other, both of them didn’t realize they had already at there, the boiler room. Noticing the crowd of dogs, they started to worry, afraid of something bad had happened. Whether it was true or not, they decided to check by themselves. Through the crowd, they were having a difficult way to know the truth. Closer and closer, they crept slowly until finally, they were free from the crowd.
“Kodi!” Jenna screamed.

Laying down at the floor was Kodi. He looked terrible by having four scratches across the side of his back, moreover, he laid motionless.
“Kodi!” Jenna screamed again.
Jenna entered the boiler room quickly, making her way to Kodi who was still laying at corner. Nuzzling, she called his name, hoping that he would wake up soon.
“Hi, mom…,” Kodi said weakly, opening his eyes slowly, “What are you doing in here?”
“What am I doing?” Jenna seemed surprised, continuing to nuzzle him, “Kodi, you make me so afraid.”
“Mom!” Kodi replied, “I’m not a pup anymore.”
Jenna knew what he meant, but she kept giving all of her attention to him. She was doing that because she cared so much about her family.
Balto then began moving closer, checking his wound. As much as he could see, he knew Kodi would be fine. Turning around, he started watching the crowd, seeking some explanation from it.
“What did happen?” he asked to everyone, looking thorough them.
For the moment, everyone was silent, closing their mouth not because they weren’t brave enough to explain, but they didn’t know at all. So, instead of speaking, they just hung their head, hoping that somehow, someone could explain the truth.

“We don’t know, Balto,” Kirby started, getting out from the crowd, “It just suddenly happened.”
“Yeah…,” Ralph added, looking at Balto, “We just know that someone has attacked him.”
“Attacked him?” Balto looked shocked, “What do you mean?”
“We were just playing back then at the outskirt,” Ralph explained, “At first, we did the race along the side of the beach. Kodi, as usually you know, always became the first one, while we were left behind.”
Ralph stopped, gaining some guts to continue it. As much as he spook again, everyone began listening thorough him.
“When we lost the sight of him due of his speed…,” Ralph continued to explain, “We heard he was screaming then.”
“So…,” Balto seemed curious, “How did you know he was being attacked?”
“We heard someone except Kodi at there,” Dusty answered, starting to explain more, “But, when we took a look, it was gone, only Kodi at there.”
Balto was thinking for a while, glancing at Kodi. He couldn’t imagine the attacker. Who is it? Why it attacked him? The question was swirling around, making his head wanted to blow due of unknown identity.

“Dad!” Kodi called from the distance, making his father looked at him, “I saw him.”
“Huh?” Balto seemed confused.
“I saw who did attack me,” Kodi explained, making everyone fell in agape.
“You saw him?” Balto asked, “Then, who?”
“I don’t know,” Kodi shrugged, “All I know is he was a wolf.”
“Wolf!” someone from the crowd looked surprised.
There was a panic then. Everyone began whispering each other, worrying their life and safety. Watching, Balto knew he must do something or they would become so terrified.
“Calm down, everyone!” he shouted.
Calming down, the crowd fell in silent, looking at Balto. Balto, by the way, was trying his best to be patient, even his mind was still racing.
“Dad…,” Kodi called again, continuing his story, “He also told me that he wanted to meet you near the beach.”
“Huh?” Balto looked confused, “Why?”
“Balto, don’t come…,” Jenna suddenly interrupted, “Maybe, it’s a trap.”
“Yeah, dad…,” Kodi added, “He attacked me, remember? So, I’m sure it’s completely a trap for you.”
Balto was thinking for a moment, admitting they were right after all, but still, he felt curious inside. But, instead of finding out, he chose to stay for his safety and his family.

At early evening, dark began to rule as soon as black had invaded the sky, converting the blue. Balto just came to home after taking care Kodi, trying to make him felt better. Even of it, his mind insisted to know, trying to investigate the whole incident. He tried hard to find the answer, but his head just made him dizzy. Not wanting it happened, he tried to forget it all.
“Hello, Balto…,” Alex greeted him, “You sure have an important business to come late.”
Glancing, Balto felt a little happy inside, knowing Alex would show up to greet him. He slowly climbed up then, walking towards the blanket in his lovely boat. Hiding within it, he didn’t want Alex and Lani knew what he was facing off now.
“What’s the matter?” Alex suddenly asked, “You don’t look like you used to be.”
Balto chuckled, realizing he couldn’t hide his problem well. He then began turning around, gazing at them.
“Well…,” he sighed, “My son, Kodi, had an incident this morning. He said he was attacked by a wolf.”
“Wolf?” Lani seemed surprised, “Then, what about Kodi?”
“He is fine,” Balto answered, “He just had a little wound.”
Lani was thinking for a moment, deciding to see him or not. Then, her decision finally had been made.
“Okay…,” she said, starting to leave, “I will go to see him. Just to make sure he is alright.”
With that, she left, making her way through the snow towards him. However, Balto still remained silent, thinking of his son.
“Don’t worry, Balto,” Alex started, trying to comfort him, “I will make sure that isn’t going to happen again.”
Balto fell in silent. He really didn’t know what it meant, but for sure, it made comfort in his heart. Laying down, he tried to sleep, struggling to wipe out the incident.

Alex, instead of joining, he began to climb down, walking at the snow below. Every step he took made a soft sound, echoing the outskirt. He stopped then, looking far to the forest.
“Did he come back again?” he thought.
The incident today reminded him to the past even a few days ago. He could remember it, feeling every moment that almost became a great fighting.
“If he was around here, I would make sure he couldn’t touch him,” he thought with determination.
With that, he started to go back, to the place that he called home now. As he was walking, he was starting to look around, making sure that there wasn’t someone behind the shadow. When he thought it was clear, something was attracting his eyes. Glancing and turning around, he scanned the area, looking everything that looked suspicious. Then, it happened again.
“Oh…,” he thought, looking to something which was blown by the wind, “Just a grass.”
Continuing to walk, he finally got to the boat. But however, his thought of grass was different from the fact, the truth that hidden behind. Even the darkness had recovered everything, his brown fur still could be seen.
“So close…,” he thought, backing away.
He then went away along with the darkness to the forest, away from the sight. By the time of it, his grin was appearing, thinking evilly as he used to be.

“Where is he?” Lani thought.
Wandering around, she took every single of sight during walking. Even she didn’t know exactly of where the one she was searching at, she just knew that she would meet it sooner or later.
“Maybe…,” she thought again, “I should check that boiler room.”
Without any last thought, she ran through the thickness of snow that still at the ground. Running faster, she hoped Kodi was in there, still waiting and resting from the wound.
“Kodi…,” she said, looking through the door.
She looked around and found that nobody was in there, just an empty room. Disappointed, she began leaving that place only to know she was too late. She hung her head, turning around and walking without looking which way she went.
“What are you doing at here?” someone said from behind.
“Huh?” Lani thought, starting to turn around.

Behind her, Kodi was standing with some bandages that wrapped around his body, gazing at her while wondering something. The way his act, she could tell that he was fine by looking him, even the wound seemed a little bad.
“Kodi?” she looked surprised, “I was searching you. I thought you had left.”
“Searching me?” Kodi asked, wondering the reason, “Why?”
“Nothing,” Lani replied, smiling, “Just to check your condition.”
“I’m fine,” Kodi answered, “There is nothing to worry about.”
He began walking slowly, away from Lani that was still standing in worry. Stepping the snow, his only destination now was to get some rest from what he called home by the time he was adopted.
“Are you sure?” Lani asked, considering his wound, “Your father seemed so worry when he told it.”
“I said I’m fine,” Kodi replied in high tone, “You don’t have to worry me!”
Lani backed away suddenly by the time she was hearing it. The reply was so hard and unexpected for her to be accepted, even for the one who she thought as a friend. She hung her head, a look of sad came from her face.
“Sorry…,” Lani said, turning around slowly, “Sorry for disturbing you.”
With it, she was running away, far from Kodi to hide her disappointment of what she had thought earlier. She just thought it would be nice to greet her friend that was in trouble, but that proved her effort was in vain.
“What have I done?” Kodi thought, starting to feel guilty, “I shouldn’t mad at her.”
He was thinking hard at what he had said to her, making her to be pointless of coming and greeting him. She just wanted to care, but he destroyed it all by doing it. He wanted so much to fix it completely, asking for forgiveness of his deep words.
“Lani!” he yelled, hoping that she could hear him, “Lani, wait!”
He was running hard, breathing so hard and quick just to call her. The night was silent by the time he was yelling, echoing the little town just to say one name. But, even his voice was so loud, still, Lani couldn’t be found anywhere. What he could see now was just snow and darkness.
Panting and exhausted, he slowly turned around without glancing back. He started walking, thinking hard of what he had done to his friend. The only thing he wanted was nobody would think he was weak just because little wound, but it then became a misunderstanding.
“I’m so sorry, Lani…,” he thought as soon as turning away.

“Good morning, Balto,” Alex greeted, smiling, “Or maybe I should say almost afternoon.”
“What?” Balto seemed confused, “What do you mean?”
He slowly woke up, rising from his deep sleep into the new day. Looking around the sky, he just realized that he passed out now, waking up late due to the incident yesterday. He almost couldn’t get out it from his mind, even he wanted to, but his head insisted to know about it.
“You sure were tired back then,” Alex looked at him, “If it wasn’t, you would wake up early than this one.”
Balto just laughed for hearing the comment, yawning from his sleep to reveal that he still needed some rest. But, instead of doing it, he chose to wake up, opening his eyes in order to see his son again. Now, he considered more about the safety of his family, whether it was important or not. Walking down slowly, he prepared himself to go to the town, glancing at it for a while.
“Thank you for waking me up, Alex,” he said, gazing to the town, “Now, I need to pay a visit to my family.”
“You’re welcome,” Alex replied, “By the way, be careful out there.”
“I will,” Balto answered back.
Without wasting time, he moved towards, heading to the town where his family had gathered around from early this morning. He just hoped that everything would be going usual like it was used to be.
“I should check on something…,” Alex thought, looking at Balto who was still running, “I hope everything is fine.”

Balto slowly entered the town, walking while looking it. By the time he was doing it, he could see the street wasn’t filled with the crowd again due of what the time was now. He thought he could see more, but something attracted his attention from far away in front of him. It was his son, Kodi, who was running to his direction. The look of his face told him that something wasn’t going normal, or at least, something had happened when he was sleeping back then.
“Dad…,” Kodi yelled, panting hard, “Dad…”
“What’s wrong, Kodi?” Balto asked, confused.
“Dad, he is back…,” Kodi answered.
“He?” Balto seemed more confused at the statement.
“The one who attacked me,” Kodi replied, serious in his eyes, “And now, he almost attacked mom.”
“Oh, no…,” Balto thought, starting to worry, “This is what I afraid about.”
Balto then rushed away, running in full speed in order to check Jenna, his lovely mate. He didn’t care everything now, just running and running without paying attention of what happened around him. Fear had taken him completely by the time he was thinking about his family, afraid of losing everything he had struggled for.
“Oh, Jenna…,” he thought, worrying her condition, “I hope nothing bad is going to happen to you.”
Still rushing, he could see some dogs were gathering around just like yesterday when Kodi had an incident. He stopped slowly while walking, entering the room which was filled with the crowd. He tried to make his way to inside, creeping around the dogs that were still standing at there until clearly, he found that Jenna was fine, laying down with some friends.

“Jenna…,” Balto started in worry, “Are you okay?”
Seeing Balto, Jenna felt very happy with smile across her face, glad to know he was alright, even she wasn’t doing well. They began to nuzzle each other, showing to everyone how strong their love was.
“I’m fine, Balto,” Jenna answered, “You don’t have to worry about me.”
“But…,” Balto wanted to argue, but quickly turned away, “Okay, how it can happen?”
Jenna suddenly felt uneasy in her heart, revealing the truth made her words became gaps. She took a deep breath before telling everything.
“I don’t know for sure, but…,” Jenna explained, hesitated, “The only thing I remember is I was knocked out of my head. Then, everything was black.”
“Dad…,” Kodi suddenly interrupted, “I saw him. It was the one who attacked me and he was trying to hurt mom too. Luckily, I and my friends spotted his action.”
“Then…,” Balto said, demanding the rest, “Where is he?”
“He just ran away,” Kodi answered, “I’m sorry I can’t capture him.”
Thinking hard, Balto felt a heavy pressure, both in his mind and his body. Yesterday was enough, but today was more than enough to force him to find who would be responsible for endangering his family.
He began walking out slowly, making his final decision. Gritting the teeth, every dog in there could see clearly that he would be going to find the attacker. Anger in his mind had changed him into someone different, something like wolf.

“Balto…,” Jenna called, standing, “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to get him,” Balto answered, angry, “He must pay what he has done.”
“No…,” Jenna replied, yelling at him, “Please, Balto…”
Before she could say anything more, Balto went out and disappeared through the crowd. The last thing she knew was he would never stop unless he finished what was happened before. Instead of becoming quiet, she quickly turned her gaze to Kodi.
“Kodi…,” she said in worry, “Please, go after your father. He might be in danger.”
“Okay, mom…,” Kodi replied, rushing after his dad.
Jenna now could only hope, wishing something bad wouldn’t happen to Balto. Looking to the sky, she wanted it was just a dream, but even it was, it would become the nightmare.

Running and rushing, Balto was heading to the beach now, a place where the first incident was happened. He still could remember what the wolf was saying, almost like threatening him if he didn’t come directly.
Close and closer, he could see the beach with waves that were rolling and flowing hard. He stopped then, observing around to make sure someone was out there, waiting from hidden place. Slowly, he took step by step while looking around.
“I know you’re there,” he shouted to nowhere, “Show yourself.”
At first, there was just silent with nobody around, but suddenly, behind him, three black wolves appeared in evilly grin with their sharp eyes, glaring deeply at Balto. They began gritting their teeth, showing to him that they would never give mercy to anyone who supposed to be their victim. Slowly, they moved towards to him, stepping carefully.
“So, at last…,” one wolf said, “You come.”
“And now…,” another wolf added, glaring at him, “We can eliminate you.”
“Wait…,” Balto interrupted, confused, “What do you mean?”
Before he could react, they attacked him fiercely with no mercy. For this, he tried to avoid each of their moves towards him without knowing the true reason of why they wanted to kill him. A slash came at first, but luckily, it missed him while running away. Each of them seemed to have one purpose, and for that, he truly must evade in hurry or else, he would be end in this place.
“Woah…,” he thought, “It almost hit me.”
He tried hard to avoid, but it looked like they was getting him close and closer than before. One wolf unleashed a jump behind him while the other was blocking his way to escape. He then quickly moved beside, scanning their move to prepare the counter strike. Seeing the chance, he took it by kicking one wolf which was landing after leaping, and it hit him directly at the face. He thought he would make it, but unfortunately, the rest of his enemy quickly glanced at him and smacked at his back, making him lost his balance and fell off. Then, the wolf that was supposed leaping him before was now gripping his feet tightly with another one, stopping his move to escape. He was being held off now.
“Now…,” one wolf started, moving closer, “You shall be patient for your death.”
“What is the meaning about all of this?” Balto shouted, grunting heavily as the wolves still gripped his leg with their teeth.
“You will know…,” the wolf replied, “After you died.”
Balto just could watch his enemy raised his sharp paw high, ready to launch the final attack that would end his life forever. Closing his eyes, he just could hope that miracle came to save his life from this blood monster.

“Wait!” someone shouted from behind.
The three of wolves and Balto looked to the direction, the source for disturbing them all of sudden. It was Kodi, standing steady in front of them with sharp eyes. The wolf that was gripping Balto’s leg knew what they must be doing right now, eliminating all of intruder. They began rushing to Kodi, lunging and knocking him down in order to make sure no intruder would be coming after this. Kodi self, being so inexperienced about fighting, just could try his best to defense himself from them, but it looked like it was useless. He was beaten badly as the time was flowing slowly, falling down just in couple of seconds. Balto wanted to help, but the sharp pain from his leg stopped him for doing it, only seeing that he could do right now.
The wolves then threw Kodi near his dad, beside Balto who was still collapsing due to the pain. He slowly opened his eyes, looking at his dad with full of disappointment in his eyes.
“Sorry, dad…,” he started, whimpering, “I’m so weak.”
“No, Kodi…,” Balto replied, trying to encourage him, “You’re not weak.”
“Enough!” the wolf said, starting impatient, “Both of you will be gone forever now.”
Balto and Kodi just closed their eyes, preparing themselves to go for the after life. What they wished now was Jenna would be fine whether they weren’t around anymore. Instead of it, they heard the loud sounds of crash. Both of them began to open their eyes to see what happened.
What they were seeing now was a great miracle. In front of them was Alex, along with three wolves that were smashed hard away to the ground. All of the wolves shocked to his present, grunting to this uninvited guest.
“Who…,” one wolf started, trying to stand up, “Who are you?”
“I am…,” Alex replied, walking closer slowly to them while motioning to Balto, “His guardian.”

Balto (New Adventure)
Chapter 5 – The Guardian


The beach felt in silent as the three wolves started scanning their new enemy, hoping that they would find the weakness of the one that had beaten them. Observing for a while, they started to move again, preparing their strategy to fight back.
Balto and Kodi who was behind Alex, felt amazed by the way he was appearing before. The way he lunged to the wolves, even they didn’t see it clearly, was marvelous. Even he was outnumbered, he was succeed to beat them.
“Thank you, Alex,” Balto said, standing weakly with help from Kodi, “Be careful! They are very dangerous.”
Hearing it, Alex just smiled back, giving Balto and Kodi a warm feeling. Meanwhile, both of them just fell in silent, wondering what he meant about it. Slowly, they backed away from the battle.
The situation became unpredictable for everyone now. Without risking the chance, the wolves that remained silent before, were getting ready to launch their paws again. They seemed to have an additional target now, gazing sharply at Alex. Time sure was terrifying to all of them, and without warning, three wolves that were surrounding Alex was lunging forward.

“Watch out!” Kodi shouted, horror in his eyes.
The attack seemed giving no chance for Alex to escape, just letting him to see the rest of his life before being lunged in pain. But, what Kodi thought was different, completely not same.
Alex, knowing it would happen, he soon span around his body quickly, circling himself. His action, by the way, wasn’t predicted by the enemy, making them shocked by his barrier. The impact itself made them who supposed to end his life, turning back to them due to the speed that he had made. Being thrown away, they fell far from him.
The wolves began to stand up to their feet again, dazed from the impact. They were very shocked, feeling that they almost hit him, but all of sudden, they were smashed away only on spinning move by their new enemy. Confused, they then believed that this one couldn’t be defeated easily, even they combined their powers.

“Wow…,” Kodi was amazed, “It was so great and cool.”
“Yeah…,” Balto added, “I agree with you.”
Instead of smiling back to both of them, Alex just still gave a serious look to his enemy. Even he had beaten them, still, he would never underestimate them. They just might come into something unpredictable if he let his guard down to this situation.
“Run now…,” he started, ordering Balto and Kodi, “I will protect you.”
“But, we just can’t leave you here alone,” Balto replied, “You might…”
Before Balto could finish the sentence, Alex turned around to them. Gazing, Balto knew he meant it by looking his eyes.
“Just go…,” Alex cut off, “Leave them to me.”
Silent at them, they nodded then, understanding what he ordered for their safety. They started to leave, even just slowly while the wolves could only grit their teeth, thinking they had already failure.
“Not so fast,” someone interrupted from somewhere.
“That’s voice…,” Alex thought, startled.

From beside, a brown wolf suddenly lunged forward at him, trying to get him right now. Alex was shocked at first, facing that unexpected attack from close distance, but fortunately, he quickly jumped away, leaping to beside in right time.
Slowly but sure, Alex regained his balance, standing carefully. The brown wolf, by the way, just gave him a smile, an evil one. Rising his head, he gazed at Alex and his target who were still trying to walk away from there. The situation became uncontrollable now.
“I told you,” he started, glaring, “I will be back.”
Balto and Kodi became more confused than before now. They were sure they hadn’t met already, but it seemed this wolf had known them better than they thought.
“What’s the matter, Alex?” the brown wolf asked, gazing at him, “Why you don’t say anything?”
Alex, by the time he was hearing it, felt surprised a little, not knowing why he had already known his name. But, instead of thinking it, he then just focused all of his attention to the situation.
“Oh, I know…,” the brown wolf spook again, “You must be surprised to see me again.”
“How do you know my name?” Alex replied, “I thought I haven’t introduced myself to you.”
“Maybe, you don’t know this, but…,” he answered, grinning, “I spied you yesterday.”
Alex began seeing the past in his mind. He remembered back the strange things that happened yesterday, racing his own memory. Somehow, he found a clue of when his enemy did it.
“At evening…,” he replied, giving an answer.
Grinning evilly, the brown wolf just gave him a smile, the wicked one.

“What…,” Balto began confused, “What is the meaning of this?”
Still, the brown wolf smiled, a wicked grin from his face that was showing to Balto that he wasn’t joking around. Slowly, the smile faded and was replaced by silent.
“You haven’t known it, have you, Balto?” he started, “That your friend is your guardian.”
“My guardian?” Balto gave him a confused look.
“Yes,” he replied, “The guardian is someone who will protect the other one with all of their life…”
“Even it means death too,” Alex suddenly interrupted, adding the statement.
Balto remained silent, but still, his mind was racing through this to get the explanations. However, he couldn’t get it, only pretending to understand that he could show now.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Alex started, threatening his enemy to leave.
“Why is that?” the brown wolf asked, snickering, “I had told you before that I would come back.”
“So, if you still insisted…,” Alex replied, assuming the position, “I had no choice.”
“So be it,” he answered, laughing.

The battle couldn’t be avoided again. Each of them prepared their move, thinking about how they would attack and defense themselves. A small move would be a start for everyone.
“Attack, now!” the brown wolf shouted loudly.
Three wolves that was behind him in silent, suddenly rushed and lunged forward. Instead of attacking Alex, they just passed him, running to different target. Alex, seeing an unusual move of them, knew where they were heading now, right to Balto.
“Balto!” he yelled, glancing back, “Run!”
Alex wanted to help, preparing the strategy to hold them back, but all of sudden, his true enemy appeared in front of him. Blocking the way, the brown wolf played a good role in order to make sure his plan to be success. He tried to stop Alex, preventing him to assist Balto.
“You must stay here,” he warned, “I still have a business with you.”
“I don’t have time for you,” Alex replied, considering his own condition right now.
“Of course, you have…,” he grinned, assuming attacking stance.

“C’mon, dad…,” Kodi yelled, looking behind him while still running, “You must keep running.”
Hearing it, Balto knew his son was right, but his legs were trying to stop him. Even he tried the best, still, the pain got more of him. The more he ran, the pain got worse. Just a couple of minutes then, he collapsed, hitting the ground as soon as the legs gave up. Slowly, he tried to stand up, rising himself so that he could get away from the wolves that were still following them. But, instead of it, he failed to do that.
“Kodi…,” he called, panting weakly, “Save yourself.”
“No, dad…,” Kodi replied, looking at him, “I won’t leave you here alone.”
“This isn’t the time to argue,” Balto looked at Kodi seriously, “Go now!”
“But…,” Kodi replied again, hesitated, “But…”
“Go now, Kodi!” Balto yelled, making Kodi felt in silent, “If you stayed here, you would be killed too.”
Tears ran down from Kodi’s eyes, flowing to the face and falling to the snow. The snow itself began melting due of it. He knew his father was right that he could survive if he kept running away, but it just felt wrong. Could he just do it for his life?

Kodi remained silent with tears that were falling down, thinking hard of what he should do now. By the time he was still doing it, the wolves became closer, just a few feet from him. He closed his eyes, deciding something, and then, he opened it slowly.
Kodi took step by step, advancing forward until he was in front of Balto. Balto, by the way, was shocked to see that, gazing at his son who was protecting him. Hoping Kodi would change his mind, he tried to talk to him.
“Kodi…,” Balto said, horror in his eyes, “What are you doing?”
“I will…,” Kodi hung his head low, saying in low tone without mentioning his father.
Time became slow as the wolves just running and running, only a few inches away. It looked like they had prepared their lethal attack, targeting both of them. Balto, looking at them, became so terrified, calling Kodi in repeat in order to save him.
“Protect…,” Kodi continued, still in low tone.
One wolf had already been there, ready to unleash his paws to Kodi. Whether he realized it or not, the wolf then leapt forward, lunging to launch a fatal strike to end his life.
“Kodi!” Balto yelled loudly, terrifying, “No…,”
“My dad!” Kodi shouted loudly, continuing his sentence before while swinging his right paw in full power to the wolf.

Shock in everyone, Balto couldn’t believe what he saw then, gazing at his son who smacked hard at the enemy. He was sure he never saw him mad like that before, even in his life. The wolves, by the way, were stopped suddenly, watching Kodi’s rage that was magnificent.
The wolf that was supposed to end everything, turned to be ended by his victim. It was so powerful, even he was thrown away by single attack that left him in lifeless body at the ground, near the others. Watching, the rest of black wolves were shocked, afraid of it. But, instead of escaping, they moved towards him.
The enemy just began their attack, spreading around to confuse Kodi. Then, one of them was heading closer to him from behind, but as soon as he glanced around, the wolf backed away. Seeing the chance, the other one quickly lunged forward, motioning to Kodi’s leg. Knowing it, Kodi then quickly turned around, facing the other one, making the wolf backed away just like his friend did. Suddenly, the other one before that was still in behind Kodi, lunged forward in full speed. Kodi then quickly turned around again as soon as he realized that they were taunting him while looking the chance to attack, but he was too late. The wolf bashed him hard to the ground, making his anger decreased in significant way. Falling down, he felt his anger was missing, away from his mind. He tried hard to stand up, rising at his own feet, but it was useless because the pain from the impact was too hard to him. Watching the wolves moving closer, Kodi could only remained silent, hoping this was just a dream.
“Can’t move again?” one of black wolf asked, snickering, “Too bad for you.”
“Yeah…,” the other one added, “You should know your anger can’t always help you.”
Heading forward, they became closer to Kodi, ready to end his life. Every step they made was making Balto became furious. He tried to move, but unfortunately, the pain still could hold him longer than he thought before. Using his paws, he pulled himself, making his effort to be useful to reach his unconscious son. From what the wolves could see, they thought it was just useless effort from someone who had lost his spirit. They were just laughing, mocking their victims only to have a little fun before the final. They began rising their paws then, preparing the last strike to Kodi, but suddenly, a voice was heard by them.
“Stop there!” someone shouted from the distance.
Surprised, the black wolves looked at the direction, trying to find the source of that sounds. They began turning around, gazing at somebody who dared to disturb them after the last one. Balto, by the way, was trying to know it too. Looking around weakly, he found it was so difficult to him to see due the pain that almost reached the limit. Slowly, his eyes began to close, only hearing the mysterious sounds, and then, it was black.

“Not bad,” the brown wolf started, gazing at Alex.
The battle just began in couple of minutes, but it seemed like a couple of hours. He and Alex, both of them had used their fighting skills well for all this time. Alex, by the way, wasn’t concentrated well during of worrying Balto’s condition, wondering if they made it or not. But, what he supposed to worry now was his enemy, right in front of him.
Gazing carefully, they started examine each other, scanning to get new strategy for facing in next battle. All of sudden, the brown wolf was rushing forward, approaching Alex in full speed. By the time he was doing it, Alex quickly backed away, realizing it might just a trap. True to what he said, the brown wolf unleashed a slash, but not quite strong because suddenly, he used that attack before for stepping the ground and turning himself around to kick Alex.
Seemed to have a little chance to avoid this one, Alex chose evading it by moving side instead of backing away again. The enemy, by the way, had predicted this before. He quickly pushed his paws before at the ground to Alex’s direction, giving him a momentum to attack once again by using his legs. Surprised, Alex then quickly responded it by crouching down, hoping it would miss just like before. The attack seemed could be anticipated by Alex, but without warning, his enemy used his tail, swinging and smacking hard to Alex’s face. Alex then couldn’t do anything, except accepting the attack.
Alex fell off then, accepting the attack made his face in pain. He struggled to open his eyes, seeing what the next of his enemy, but the impact made it difficult to do. Knowing it might be a good chance, the brown wolf suddenly running towards, rushing to attack again. He jumped then, lashing a slash right to Alex’s face in order to make him more difficult to see. Following the instinct, Alex knew he must avoid this one. He quickly backed away a few feet from his enemy, making sure he could get a clear vision before doing battle again. Shaking his head, he finally made it, gazing clearly at his enemy.

Though of what happened before, it seemed the brown wolf had made some advantages during this fighting, making Alex more difficult to defense himself. The situation became calm again, only the sea that was making the sounds.
“I have to use it,” Alex thought, preparing something.
He slowly closed his eyes, started to crouched low, ready to do something while his enemy was wondering of it. But, instead of thinking further, the brown wolf just lunged forward again, leaping to Alex who was still crouching.
“Die!” the brown wolf shouted loudly.
“Not this time…,” Alex replied, opening his eyes quickly.
All of sudden, Alex leapt, bashing in full power while his enemy was still in the midair. Shocked, the brown wolf didn’t have time to protect himself, making him thrown high to the sky. Alex, by the way, quickly shifted his position, crouching very low in this time. He then was running, rushing faster than before to his enemy. By the time of it, his enemy just could see Alex was approaching towards him, not knowing what he would do next. The only thing he could do now was trying to block it by using his paws, but unfortunately, it was useless.
Alex knocked him hard, right before he touched the ground below, making him spinning around due of it. The brown wolf, by the way, didn’t know what happened to him. The world seemed to spin around until he crashed to the ground hardly, making a loud sound of it. Once again, the silent appeared.
Checking, Alex moved closer, examining his enemy. From what he could see, the brown wolf looked unconscious, seemed lifeless in this world. Slowly, he circled him, scanning if there could be any movement. He then stopped, ensuring himself that the danger had passed. But, he couldn’t relax now because he must save Balto. His effort would be in vain if he couldn’t protect him just because he was too late to appear. Running fast, he quickly rushed, trying to know of what happened to Balto and Kodi. Only miracle that could save them from the killers now.

“Kodi…,” Balto thought, “Kodi, where are you?”
Slowly, he opened his eyes, looking around while still dazed from the pain of his legs. Glancing, he could make sure he was still alive, gazing at his boat that he called home. Even his head was still spinning, he insisted to stand up, examining everything of what happened after he collapsed.
“Kodi?” Balto thought again.
Panic in his mind, he quickly shook his head, trying to get a clear vision. After remembering back, he knew he must find Kodi, afraid of losing him. Running around the boat, he tried hard to find his son, even he was still weak, but his feeling was stronger than his body.
“Balto…,” someone said from behind, “You should take some rest.”
Turning around, he saw Alex, standing in front of him with smile as usual. Balto then quickly moved closer to him, demanding of where his son would be.
“Alex…,” Balto started, still in panic, “Where is Kodi? Where is he now?”
“Calm down, Balto,” Alex replied, trying to calm him down, “He is outside now with Lani.”
Hearing what Alex said, Balto slowly took step by step until he could see clearly at outside, looking both of Kodi and Lani that were talking each other. Suddenly, the panic was gone from him, relieved to see Kodi was just fine. He then laid down, trying to get some rest from what happened today.
“So…,” Balto said, gazing at Alex, “What happened?”
Alex just gave him a smile, knowing he might want to know everything that happened before. Slowly, he laid down too beside Balto, sighing for preparing himself to explain everything.

Meanwhile Alex and Balto were sharing each other, both of Kodi and Lani were sitting down, gazing at the moon that seemed so beautiful tonight. There was a moment of silence between them, not knowing how they would start to speak. Slowly, Kodi looked at her.
“Umm…, Lani,” he started, looking at her, “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” Lani seemed confused, “For what?”
“For yesterday,” Kodi replied, explaining to her, “That night when you came, I shouldn’t mad at you. I just…”
Kodi was stopping for a moment, trying to find some reason of what he talked about, but it seemed he couldn’t lie to her after how he treated her yesterday. Lani, by the way, was still looking at Kodi, trying to know what he was thinking about.
“Yes?” Lani demanded the rest of him.
“I just hate to be weak…,” Kodi answered, looking at the other direction, “When the incident happened, everybody looked after me, and it made me felt helpless.”
“Huh?” Lani seemed didn’t understand, “Why did you feel like that?”
“I don’t know for sure, but…,” Kodi answered, trying to explain, “It just make me feel like a little pup when someone cares too much for me.”
Lani then just gave him a smile, chuckling a little for hearing the reason while Kodi was feeling embarrassed due of it. He knew it looked like ridiculous, but after all, he was honest in this time.

“So…,” Balto started, gazing at Alex, “That’s what happened before.”
“Yeah,” Alex replied, “I and Lani brought you and your son here.”
“Well…,” Balto smiled, “That’s good to hear after all, but I still don’t understand how Lani could beat them.”
“Me too,” Alex replied, smiling too, “When I came, the wolves just fell to the ground. Nothing else.”
“She sure has a lot of strength inside,” Balto added, wondering something.
For a moment, they were just laughing, happy to know that the danger had passed. Still, Balto felt curious inside about something. He had already knew what happened before when the black wolves almost got him from Alex, but in his mind, there were much question that needed to be answered. He then slowly looked at Alex, gazing him seriously.
“Alex, I wanted to know something…,” he said, demanding the explanation, “Something about me.”
Alex just gave him a serious look, knowing what he meant. After all, he must know the truth sooner or later.
“I mean why they were looking at me, and…,” he continued, “What is the meaning of the guardian?”
Not surprised at the question, Alex then looked at the sky, thinking something. Slowly, he took a deep breath before answering the question. The answer itself might change Balto’s life forever.
“They were looking you because…,” Alex explained, trying to get a good words, “You are Aniu’s son.”
“What?” Balto looked surprised, confused, “What’s wrong with that?”
“I don’t know…,” Alex replied, gazing seriously at Balto, “And nobody knows it for sure.”
He slowly took step by step, approaching Balto until he was in front of him. Looking Balto’s eyes, he knew Balto needed to know everything, but still, he only knew a little about everything.
“Listen to me, Balto…,” Alex began to explain, “Aniu is a great wolf, a true leader of all. She is very wise, knowing everything that we don’t know. Her wisdom has led us to the peace for a long time.”
Balto, by the way, felt amazed for hearing it. He didn’t know that her mother was a great wolf among the others. Wondering her, Balto could sense she was marvelous and amazing.
“Many have believed that Aniu has mystical powers, dwelling inside her. For all this time, we respect her wisdom and her power…,” Alex continued, explaining more, “And because of that, you are in a great danger.”
“Huh?” Balto looked confused, “What do you mean?”
“Since Aniu was disappeared suddenly, everyone thought she had already died. But still, her power gave a huge influence for everyone,” Alex answered, “And from what I know, there is someone who want the power. Since Aniu is nowhere to be found, the only thing that they can do is chasing you.”
“Me?” Balto asked, looking at Alex, “Why?”
“Maybe…,” Alex continued, “They believed her powers were possessed to her son after all. But, for sure, I don’t know exactly what they have planned.”

Balto felt in silent, knowing the truth after all. He really didn’t know that her mother was powerful, even he was thought of it. For a moment, he just kept thinking, wondering how it would change his life forever. But, instead of regretting it, he chose to believe that it was his fate, a blessing to him.
“Mother…,” he thought deeply.
As soon as it, he took step by step, climbing down slowly while Alex was still looking him, wondering what he was thinking right now. He kept walking until he touched the ground, sensing it with his own feet. He took a look towards the outskirt, a huge world in front of him.
“Mother…,” he thought again, “I won’t regret it because without you, I can’t stand right here now, enjoying my life in this world.”
Without any last thought, he quickly swept away those memories from his head. Glancing, he took a look at the moon, shining in his eyes. And with that, a flash of memory came to his mind, reminding him something that had been forgotten for a long time.
“I wonder…,” he thought, gazing at the moon, “What is Aleu doing now?”
Slowly, he turned around, heading towards to his boat. After all, he needed the rest to welcome the new day, preparing himself for tomorrow.

Thanks. Right now, I'm making for Chapter 6 - 10.