Lover next trench 2
Being held a prisoner isn’t the best thing that can happen to you.
Younger dog sobbed: “Sir… do you think they will kill us?” The one who was called ‘Sir’ smiled at his subordinate. “I am sure they won’t. They are dogs like we are. And if they are reasonable, and I hope they are, they will release us…”
“Sir, I don’t want to die. I have family and kids and-“ His words were cut by an enemy dog, which was heading towards them
‘Oh no… he… not him…’ The older one gasped but just in his mind. ‘Bad luck… this one ISN’T reasonable…’ Their enemy looked at them with disdain and common anger that was being used more than usual those days. It was a well-built Doberman with plain black collar, just with a silver clip.
“Commander?” One of guards asked when the Doberman was near.
“Good work, soldier…” the Doberman said in the tone, which meant just one thing: Well, it could be better, but I am your nice and outgoing boss and therefore I am better than you will ever be. And of course I am not mad at you. You aren’t worthy enough for that. “So let’s see…”
The younger prisoner stepped back when the Doberman looked at him.
“So look at our little heroes. Again… I just can’t get that you, Americans, cannot understand that you will never be able to defeat us. Nonetheless… execute them.” The young dog gasped and the older didn’t say a word.
“Commander?” Guards weren’t happy. Killing the prisoners wasn’t right.
“Oh, is there a slight chance you didn’t understand, soldiers?” the Doberman glanced back with cold anger in his brown eyes. Soldiers shook their heads quickly. They knew well they could be executed, too, because they were against the direct order. And their Commander showed them proper punishment for disobeying. The younger prisoner quaked.
“Oh and I forgot… execute the older first. And make sure the younger is watching…”
Guards, that meant another Doberman and German shepherd dog, watched their commander leaving and then they sighed. And they gave the prisoners look which was saying: Look, we don’t have anything against you. Our commander is just… you know… SS… band of bigheaded pricks… “Get lost…” then the shepherd whispered. The prisoners looked at him with the state of shock and untold gratefulness. “Get lost… quickly.” The prisoners nodded and ran away.
“That was close, Danny…” the older one sighed with relief when they were far away enough.
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In
But war doesn’t knock. It simply kicks your door open and rattles your walls. And now it kicked twice.
Napper was sitting with Kinley near the fireplace and both were holding envelopes with various stamps like the one who had sent them had wanted them to look awfully official.
It had been a nice day until Napper had knocked on Kinely’s door and instead of greeting he had given him one sealed envelope.
“Will you go?” Napper asked suddenly.
Kinley looked into his glass full of whiskey and nodded. “Of course, it’s my duty.”
Napper murmured something and then he asked again: “So you obviously think that your duty is to go and kill people you don’t even know and who don’t know you too.”
Kinley was quiet. Sergeant’s questions could be sharp and pointed. At least Kinley imagined them like really pointy things that Napper used to make other people say and do everything he wanted. And when necessary, the sergeant simply poked you by that sharp sort of questions. Moreover, it wasn’t a question. It was a statement.
“Well,” Napper continued, “I bet the best would be to throw away weapons, kill our generals and go home. But unfortunately, there is still large amount of people who think and act like you, Thomas. They think it’s their duty, so they go. Like brainless animals.” Napper smirked and emptied his glass with one deep sip.
Kinley was quiet. His sergeant was right. Again,
“And the worst thing is we allowed
them to do this. Yes, we. We are humans. Of course, they speak different
language and have different customs, but we are humans. We should ignore him.
But we gave them even more. We gave them
Kinley was… quiet. His sergeant was unpleasantly accurate and he was able to call the things by their proper names.
“So, will you go?”
‘Thank God!’ Kinley thought, ‘finally a direct question!’
“Would you go?” He replied instead of direct answer. He knew Napper disliked direct answers. He claimed: ‘Direct answers shows you haven’t thought about the question. But you should.’
But Kinley saw his sergeant had been prepared for this.
“What do you think?” He replied. Yes… he disliked direct answers.
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“… Well
and that’s how he saved the whole city.” Mut grinned as he was walking through
‘Oh come on, Kraut…’
The Doberman sighed and said slowly: “He wasn’t alone. Others helped him. But he is the hero.”
Mut rolled his eyes: “Well and now you will say it’s unfair.”
“Why? Nobody is interested whether it’s fair or not. But… The winner is nobody without those who lost. Because without them there would be no winner.”
“Eh?” Mut managed to say. “There weren’t any-“
“Really? If I remember well, you called him Steele.”
“Oh Steele…”
“Yes. He would be great commander. He was determined to achieve his goals at all costs.”
Mut gasped. Wilhelm was speaking about Steele like Steele had been a hero. And he gasped once more when one dog joined them. But Wilhelm didn’t notice that.
“Yes, I don’t know him. And you may say that risking the lives of children for your glory is something that can’t be excused. You may say that the commander who cares for his troops is better than the commander who cares about his goals. No… everybody says that. But this isn’t true. You must get their respect. And when you have respect, you have everything. They will follow you even into hell. I… I was a bad commander.” Wilhelm bowed his head.
“I just… wanted Wolfgang to be happy and now I am here… like a prisoner.”
“So you say Steele was right?” the dog who joined them asked. They hadn’t seen him coming, but they didn’t pay attention… it was quite usual.
“Right? Well… tell me, who is right? Or do you think that there are good and bad things? That there is the truth and the lie? That the things are true or false? No… things just are.”
He made a dramatic pause.
“Things had just been… then we came. We divided them and gave them names. And we marked them. But there isn’t anything like the truth or the lie. But we have been using these two words too much so we aren’t able to accept that simple fact now. We got used to truth and lie.”
“So you say Steele was doing the right thing?”
“No… He was just doing a thing. And Balto and the others were doing a thing, too. But they had different views…”
Mut almost exploded with anger. That blasphemer was speaking about Balto like-
“I understand.” Balto nodded. “You are wise, Wilhelm.”
Wilhelm gave him look full of nothing. He wasn’t surprised. He wasn’t amazed. He wasn’t afraid. “No… I am not. I don’t know how I would act in a situation like this.”
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Kinley knew that was just a little game. And he knew they could carry on but he felt he had to let his sergeant win.
“I will go…” He said slowly and his ears caught his wife’s silent sobs.
“I still don’t know.”
“So they lied to us. They said we would go home for good.”
“Just words, Thomas… just words. Every war is about lies.”
Kinley looked into the papers once more. Yes, they were sending him to his old unit. “Well… they say just one soldier – one dog…”
“And?” Napper’s eyebrows raised and that was the sign you said something really, but really stupid. “I have two dogs…” Kinley said carefully.
“Oh really? I thought you have fifty-eight…” Napper murmured. “I have two dogs, too. But I will take Mut. And you?”
Kinley felt sergeant’s eyes and ears were searching for at least a small proof of the things sergeant had taught him. Or had at least tried to teach.
“Oh well… directives… they are here just to say: ‘Look, this is the limit that shouldn’t be crossed too many times. You can cross it for one or two times, but beware…’ so they can show who is a weak coward and who isn’t afraid to break the rules.”
Thomas Kinley had to agree with many officers that claimed the directives were something Napper used just for checking whether were his actions appropriate or not. In the first case he did his best to make them inappropriate. Or moved them dangerously near the limit. But, and that was the weirdest thing, nobody had ever complained. Anyway, it was war and war is usually based on lies. On lies, mainly…
“I will take both of them.” Kinley decided and knew he passed his silent exam.
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Renna was lounging near her mate. But when she looked at Wolf, she stopped rolling on the floor and looked at him.
“Honey… is something wrong?”
Wolf shook his head slightly. “Yes. It’s him again…” he whispered.
Of course… Renna knew Wolf was worried about his friend Wilhelm. And she knew it was Wilhelm who had saved her and Mut.
“He will be okay, Wolf… he just needs more time.” Renna sighed, but Wolf scowled and after a short while, he replied: “No, he doesn’t need the time. He needs love. Or somebody who will understand him and accept him. Renna, he is like in a prison here. And he knows it.”
Renna wanted to add something but her attention was taken by Napper and her master. Napper was leaving, but it wasn’t just usual goodbye. There was something serious in the air.
Then Kinley looked at them and in that moment, everything was clear. Eyes are like windows and Kinley’s were clean maybe too much.
“Wolf? We are going... there…,” she whispered.
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Parting was quick and brief like the previous one. Anyway, everybody hoped they would return. Long partings are usually given to the ones we won’t see again. Or to the ones we don’t suppose to meet again. Like to the dead.
But Kinley, Napper and their three dogs seemed pretty much alive when they were leaving.
And everybody hoped they would stay like that at least until their returning…
Wilhelm stayed in
So Wilhelm was watching them leaving and his face was completely blank.
“Will they ever return?” Jenna leaned against Balto’s body. It was the sort of question you don’t want to be answered. But the answer came.
“I am sure they will…” Balto whispered and nuzzled his mate.
“If you think so…”
Almost every dog turned its head towards the one who had enough courage and cynicism to say such sentence.
But soon they realized the one had the right to say this. It was Wilhelm. And nobody asked him why he had said this. Because everybody knew he had been there.
And first who headed home was Wilhelm. He felt really bad. Wolfgang was going to the war again. To the war which was fed by blood, powered by lives and fuelled by hatred.
He left the crowd behind his back. And when he was near his home…
“Hi. I… I am new here. Can you please tell me where-“ And the rest of the sentence Will ignored. He was looking into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.
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Renna remembered their first journey to the seaports. But the second was different. Men that accompanied them weren’t as enthusiastic and eager as the ones that had travelled with them before. Because these men had seen the ones that had returned. A living Hell, they said.
But Kinley was easy. Because this hell would soon taste the return of Sergeant Napper.
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“-so I am here,” young husky finished and looked around. Wilhelm had taken her to the boiler room. “And I like it here.” She smiled. “And what about you, Will?”
“Well, I am not from here, Eily” Wilhelm sighed and he sighed again when he noticed the husky was looking at him like at something really unusual.
“I see,” she nodded, “I’ve never seen your breed.”
“It’s really rare around here. I am the only Doberman here, I guess.”
Eily nuzzled him. He fascinated her. He was… well… he was naked. At least from her point of view. Such short coat was unusual around there. “A Doberman?” She wondered. Wilhelm disliked when somebody was touching him, but now… he was surprised, but he was enjoying it. And her name: Eily. He loved the sound of it. It was soft and really nice. And he was sure the bearer of such name had to be the same as the name.
“Well… it’s the name of the man who bred us… I mean Dobermans.” Wilhelm smiled and nuzzled her back.
“He did an amazing job,” the husky whispered and snuggled near Wilhelm.
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The worst was the road to
After a brief stop in
Sergeant Napper was assigned to a different unit than Kinley. And although Kinley’s unit was supposed to work with Napper’s, Kinley felt somewhat … unsure. Yes, he was a skilled soldier now and Napper had said for a few times Kinley’s promotion had been near.
The night came and Napper watched the sky. Tomorrow they would split up and fight alone. He didn’t fear for Kinley’s or his life. Or at least they had told him he would be in a recon unit as well as Kinley. ‘Yeah,’ Napper looked far away, ‘I would believe if I were new to it…’ And he was sure Kinley shared his thoughts. He had been told this, too, but his first action had turned into a serious fight they had survived just because of their dogs.
Somebody stepped closer and Napper turned quickly.
“Oh, Kinley… you should knock the next time,” he murmured. Kinley smiled. “I will, sir.”
They stood there without a single word for a while and after a while, the sergeant spoke:
“Tom, look. This time it will be
really bad. Krauts are dug in the
Yes, that was Napper’s another quality. He knew almost everything. And Kinley would give the half of his life to know where the sergeant got this information.
“But Sir, we are just scouts… I mean they will send the Rangers or so-“
“Tom… we are soldiers! We are able to hold a gun, we are able to go and run and we are able to fight. Or do you think you are something more or something less than the Rangers or the pilots?” Napper smirked. “And this time, no surrender.”
“Sir?”
“Well, to be straight… there are two sorts of enemies. The first sort is relatively normal and average. You know them well, the Wehrmacht. They are soldiers like we are and they have no need to have themselves killed. But the second sort… SS.
Animals. They shoot prisoners, fight to the last man and they are well trained. It’s the elite part of enemy’s army and it’s a bunch of fanatics. But well armed and skilled fanatics.”
Then Napper looked back and pointed at the others who were drinking and chatting and having a fun in general.
“Do you see them, Tom?” Napper snarled, “Do you see them? They don’t belong here. They are too young and even you have more experience than them. I know Germans have the same problem, but… that’s bad. They are too young and I am pretty sure they will survive… weeeeell… I give them one week.”
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Wolf and Renna were lying near Kinley’s backpack and Mut was watching them. He was like his master. He knew more.
“You two…” He looked at the backpack, “stay away from the first line. I have a funny feeling this time it will be even worse…”
Renna leaned her head: “Worse? What do you mean, Mut?”
“I just mean it… will be worse.” Mut scowled. He really didn’t want to think about this. He had a very good imagination and he wouldn’t have even dared to think about dangers there. “Just be together and try not to die. At home, they are waiting for your return. So don’t fail them,” he snapped. ‘They are waiting for you. Because you have somebody who waits. I don’t…’
Mut was wrong… A lot of young females would give half of their lives if they could be Mut’s mates. But every time they talked with him about love, he changed the topic quickly. And he knew why. Because he was a soldier. And soldier with a family has more things to lose than the soldier without a family. And Wolf and Renna… well… Mut was here to protect them, no?
----------
Snowflakes were falling on
But now, we are in
“I know it’s too early, Will… but… I have something to tell you.”
“Shhh…,” he silenced her with a kiss, “not now, Eily. Not now…”
Eily accepted the Doberman’s kiss and then she laid her head on his paws and licked his chest. Will nuzzled her and bit her ear softly. “Now… you can tell me…”
“Will… I love you.”
Wilhelm gasped and jumped on his foot. He looked at her like she had said something terrifying and he backed. Her face was full of silent amazement. “Will?”
“Eily… I… I must go home now! I- I-“ No, he couldn’t say ‘I love you too’ to her. Not because he didn’t love her, but he was afraid of losing her. She was the first who understood and helped him. Eily came to him slowly and bowed her head. “I… I understand.
I guess we should be just friends…”
Drip… drip… drip…
Wilhelm realized his tears were streaming down his cheeks and falling to the ground. He couldn’t remember his last cry… but this time he didn’t cry because of himself. He cried because of Eily. He was afraid. He could get a mate… but once you get something you can lose it. And he was afraid of this. He bowed his head too and let his nose met Eily’s. She looked into his eyes. “Will, are you cryin’?”
“Yes.”
----------
Mut was really annoyed. “Don’t tell me there aren’t any other dogs apart from us!” But under his pretended good mood and jokes was fear. He knew they are dug somewhere in the hills… and he knew the battle would be cruel. And once again, he felt that unpleasant feeling. He was responsible again. Responsible for Wolf and Renna. And maybe this was the reason he wasn’t interested in a family.
Napper acted like his dog. He didn’t trust them. They had said: Recon units. Yeah, right… a reconnaissance. This world contained various forms of the death, like being shot by a sniper, stepping on a mine, being torn by a mortar shell… Napper spitted to the ground and frowned. “This will be a slaughter… nothing more.” Then he noticed somebody behind.
“Ah, Kinley…”
“Sir?” Kinley was holding a cup filled with a steaming … well, whatever. “I wondered why we can’t just bomb these hills and-“
The sergeant put on an expression full of questions. Questions like: Are you sober? Aren’t you ill? And many others… “Kinley, tell me… do you think… do you really think there is a point in bombing forests and hoping that Krauts will be polite enough to jump from their trenches and foxholes and let our bombs to fall on their heads?”
“But sir…”
“Kinley. It’s pointless. They would dig themselves just deeper and better.”
Kinley sighed and started to watch the sky. “So bombing a forest is a bad idea, you say? And bombing cities is alright?” Napper laughed: “Anyway, it’s the order, so we won’t change anything…”
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Nevertheless, even Germans were preparing themselves. Ardennes was the last try for breaking Allied lines but it was just a plain act. Alas, there were ones who believed in it.
Reinhardt, experienced war dog, was looking at his troops. He had to admit it was better than he could hope in. He was quite handsome and well kept one… but his body carried few scars.
The permanent reminder of his last lost. Yes, he had been so gullible and weak back then, at least in his opinion. He remembered serving under commander Wilhelm and… that… traitor.
He hadn’t seen them since then. He had had to leave and then he had heard the whole unit had surrendered. So, Wilhelm and the traitor, they were dead… almost for sure.
Reinhardt smirked and he was about to dismiss his soldiers when he spotted someone who caught his attention immediately. It… or to be exact … she was a young German shepherd dog. Her muzzle was black like lower parts of her front paws and her back and her ears. And she was… Reinhardt couldn’t name his feeling when he saw her. He hadn’t experienced it before. So he called it: INTEREST. Anyway, she had to be new. “Dismiss!” Reinhardt shouted but he stepped in front of the female. “Soldier, what’s your name.” He didn’t even bother to add the question mark there. It was an order. Not a question.
“Ghost, sir!” she smirked. ‘Of course…’ Reinhardt thought, ‘our little rebel. She won’t care about the orders… well…but we shall see…’
The Doberman leaned his head. She was really pretty and she looked like she knew it very well. And she wasn’t scared or something. Her maw seemed to be unable to create another expression than a smirk. Rein bit his lips as she was watching him with eyes filled with everything apart from the interest and the admiration. She couldn’t be bought easily… and Reinhardt loved such girls. “Dismiss, private,” he ordered and as she was leaving, Rein licked his maw.
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Mut was really restless. He didn’t know his enemies… and that was it. How do you want to fight the one you don’t know? And moreover, there were two lives which were really important. Wolf and Renna.
The malamute jerked when he heard footsteps behind his back, but when he figured out it was just Wolf, he calmed down. “Well?” Mut knew this wasn’t the best beginning for a conversation, but to hell with nice manners.
“Sergeant, do you think it… it will be difficult?”
“I suppose… no, I think it will. And for you, it will be much harder. You are fighting your own men. You aren’t soldier for them. You are nothing but a traitor… and traitors-“
“Yeah, I know that!” Wolf interrupted him rudely. He was aware of this painful fact and he knew he couldn’t do anything about it. Mut just grinned: “Well, you know that and you asked me if it would be hard? Look, are you afraid of the death?”
The young shepherd sighed. “Yes. But not of mine.” And that was it. Mut had never been in love. The soldier who’s afraid of someone else’s death is a half of a soldier. Mut was afraid of it. And the worst was that they were mere dogs. The first line… holding back or a retreat is impossible. It’s hard to fight for your live… and it’s much harder to fight for two lives…
“Look, Wolf, I don’t know you well. But somewhere there can be the ones who remember you.”
“I know… but… still… I’ll kill everybody who will want to hurt Renna,” Wolf said firmly. Mut smirked. Then he laughed. And then the entire area was filled with his laughter.
“You… you want to say you will protect her even from bullets, bombs and stuff like this?”
Now, Wolf wanted to hurt Mut. And really seriously. But… he couldn’t. Mut had the point.
“You… you’ve never loved, Mut!” Wolf shouted. “You don’t kno-“
“SAY IT ONCE MORE…!” Mut’s jaw appeared unpleasantly close to Wolf’s. “AND IT WILL BE A REALLY BAD CHOICE FOR THE LAST WORDS!” Wolf couldn’t believe this. Good old Sergeant Mut turned into a raging beast…
“Uhm… okay?” Wolf whispered but he felt the situation was everything but not okay.
“NOW- Now, dismiss… take care of her!” Mut smirked and walked away slowly.
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And once again… somewhere far away from Europe…
Wilhelm was sleeping in the boiler room. He had cried a lot…like he had never cried before.
And now his chest was moving up and down, his breathing was calm and soft and… Eily was lying near him, keeping an eye on him. After a while, she stood up and looked at the door. No… she didn’t want to leave Wilhelm here, she was just making sure nobody was looking inside. Well… somebody WAS looking inside. It was Balto. He had noticed Eily had a crush on the Doberman, so he was … well, it wasn’t stalking. At least Balto was convinced so.
“Balto?” The husky raised her eyebrows. “I am just checkin’. I just owe him something. He’d saved my daughter, so…”
Eily smiled and nodded. “I understand. But what can happen here? It’s a calm, peaceful place.” Balto smiled back. “Indeed.”
A silhouette of a dog left the shade of a tree. Dog’s fangs flashed in the sunlight. The banished was returning. With just one goal… So much for calm and peaceful…
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If something was good for the morale, it wasn’t, for sure, the sight of soldiers returning from the front line. They were shaken or nervous wrecks (in a better case) or they hadn’t one or more parts of their bodies (in a worse case) or they didn’t return at all (in the worst case). Napper was watching this with a stoic calm of a veteran soldier. He’d seen a lot of scenes like this to be scared. But he knew novices hadn’t had. And that was it. How are you supposed to fight when you see what you may become? And he knew tomorrow THEY will be on the road…
Mut was watching it, too. But he didn’t care about humans… but… no dogs? Well, maybe they are- And then he saw a familiar face. “Danny?” He gasped. He couldn’t believe his eyes… Danny, the scared one, was still alive? “Danny!” He shouted then being sure it was the one he knew. Danny’s ears perked as they caught the Voice. Yes, the Voice. There was just one dog which had it. “Mut?” He whispered and looked in the direction of the Voice.
And there he was standing. His immortal, bold sergeant… Danny ran… he was exhausted but he ran… and finally he was standing in front of the one he’d thought he would have never seen again… “Sergeant! He shouted. Mut leaned his head. That was his Danny. But… well… not his anymore. He had more scars than Mut remembered, but he was still… well… Danny.
“Danny… Still alive, eh?”
“More than ever before, sir!” Danny smiled. “Actually, I was captured few days ago… but I managed to escape.” Mut grinned. He was sure Danny was going to survive the whole war. Soldiers of his sort died in the first fight or never. And Danny… he was here.
“But sergeant, it’s really bad there. They are fighting like mad. And we have heavy casualties.”
“Yeah… I kinda figured out…” Mut scowled. “But… what about OUR enemies?” He accented the word our. And Danny got it. “Well, it seems they don’t want to fight at all… but there is one Doberman. He is mad, sir. He is mad. He executes prisoners, no mercy at all.”
“Bastard!”
“You tell me, sir. But I and my leader managed to escape… well, they let us go.” Danny explained and then he barked with joy. He spotted Renna and Wolf coming.
“Renna! Wolf!”
“Danny!”
Yeah… that was it. They were alive. “And now… we need just Jon…” Danny sighed and suddenly looked worried. And to be honest, the joy was gone… Jon had sacrificed himself to save the entire unit… so he was a hero. A hero for everybody who had been there…
“So… well… Danny just told me something about the ones we are going to fight. It seems it will be just barking… nothing more. But… there is an exception. Uhmm… I don’t suppose you know his name, Danny?” Danny shook his head. “No… no sir… just a Doberman, few scars on his right side… nothing unusual… oh and maybe a slight scratch across his muzzle. And he sounded like this.” Wolf bit his lip. “Ow… but… that’s impossible…He…well… yeah. I am afraid it’s him. He was my officer. Reinhardt. Egoistic, selfish, single-minded, ambitious and devoted dog. And merciless. He tried to discredit me… Hah… and I thought he has changed himself… Nope…”
“So… I guess we should kill him first, right?” Mut grinned.
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The day was over quickly, so was the night. And the morning… well… it meant just one thing. The end of careless lounging and the beginning of the fighting. Napper led his old unit again… well… but was it his old unit? He couldn’t find any familiar faces apart from Kinley. And he guessed the unit was filled with novices. He sighed once again and checked the objective. Of course… a stupid piece of a forest, dangerously near to enemy fortifications.
They left the base early in the morning. Nobody said a word… but their faces showed a lot of unspoken feelings. Nobody asked: ‘Are we going to die?’ Of course they were… they were soldiers.
The road suddenly turned into something that could be called A ROAD only if you were very tolerant. Napper stopped and gave them few quick orders… he was sure the enemy was near. And maybe nearer than-
“Sh*t sh*t sh*t! Sir! Cramp is down!”
“Medic!”
“They are over there!”
Zip zip zip… bullets added … small pieces of metal flying around…
“Cover me! I’ll try to-“
“MEDIC!”
“Flank them!”
“Grenades! Where are your grenades?”
“Run for it!”
Zip zip… and then the sound of the bullet tearing flesh…
“My arm! F*ck, my arm!”
Napper jumped to the nearest hole. He didn’t know what had left it there but he was happy it was there… And he found Kinley there. “Huh… I expected this.” Napper shouted.
“Yeah… we would be too lucky if we didn’t meet anybody.”Kinley fired few rounds from his rifle, but then it jammed. “Great!” He shouted.
Wolf was crouching behind a big larch, waiting for Mut. They were going to do something really mad. Trying to outflank enemy position… Yes, that was the scent of the soldiers he’d used to fight with… it hadn’t changed at all. “Mut!” He shouted and his eyes searched for the malamute. “Yeah, yeah! I am right here!” Mut tried to be louder than the gunshots. “I smell them over there!” He swung his head in the direction of the enemy position. “Let’s go!” And the malamute sprang forward followed by Wolf.
Maybe it was a mad and desperate attempt… but it wasn’t futile. The Germans were too busy to notice two dogs running on the left flank. They noticed them too late. Mut jumped right into the trench they were in and attacked the nearest soldier. Wolf did almost the same.
And the result was instant. Napper and his men used the time Mut’s and Wolf’s attack provided them to take a better aim. It was quick. The attacked soldier panicked and stood up. And that was the last mistake of his life. The rest of the soldiers in the trench tried to ran away. Napper didn’t say anything when his men were shooting them to their backs. Anyway… they were new… and seeing you good friends dead kills even the smallest thoughts of mercy inside of you…
After a while, Napper gathered his troops. They were surprised, shocked and full of anger. The first encounter and the first casualties. He sighed and shouted: “Mut! Come here!”
His voice was easy and still, even though he didn’t know if Mut had survived the fight.
Anyway, he sighed when he spotted his dog running towards him. And Wolf followed him, too. Renna barked with happiness when she saw her mate returning. She couldn’t resist and jumped towards him. “Love! Love! Are you okay?” she sobbed and hugged him instantly.
“Yeah… I am, don’t worry…” Wolf tried to make her easy and it seemed he was successful for a while. Then she sobbed again: “You could be shot!”
“Oh, come on, hun… I am here…”
Mut smirked when he saw the scene. It made him surer. The love doesn’t belong to the battlefield. At least in his opinion. “So… Danny?” he asked. “Sir?” Danny’s voice was coming from behind Mut’s back. “I am sorry I didn’t join you… my master held me, I don’t know why.” Mut nodded: “Okay… from now on, you have a new task. You will keep your eye on Renna when I and Wolf are gone.” Danny nodded… it seemed to be a really easy task.
“Sergeant, what are we doing to do with Cramp and Norman?” one of the soldiers asked. Napper smirked widely and pointed at his uniform: “Well, do you think I look like an undertaker?”
“Are we… are we going to leave them here?” The soldier was shocked maybe more than during the ambush. Napper nodded. “We have the order… and the order is to examine this forest and its surroundings. There isn’t a single line about burying dead bodies in it.”
Now, even the rest of his squad began to mutter. “Just take their ammo and guns… and the dog tags. We can take the bodies when returning. And no… they ARE dead… living people don’t have holes in their heads.”
----------
Wilhelm woke up and because he didn’t see Eily around, he decided to take a short walk. His mind was somewhere else, so he didn’t notice he left Nome behind his back. The Doberman sighed and decided to return. He was about turn back when he sensed something bad. He was a soldier and he could tell when someone watches you. And therefore he knew how to act when something like that happened. He continued walking and the feeling was more and more intensive… Well… just one more step…
And then Wilhelm jumped up, turned in the air and landed in front of the one who had been watching him. It was a large black and white husky which had been about to attack him, but now, the husky was surprised. “I don’t suppose you want to ask me about the weather, right?” Wilhelm growled. He also knew that asking: ‘Are you following me?’ would result into: ‘No!’ The husky smirked: “Well, what do YOU think?” Wilhelm relaxed a little, but still watched the husky. “I think no. Otherwise you wouldn’t try to jump on my back!” The husky laughed a little. “Anyway… I am going to Nome. Is it far from here?”
“No, we are almost here.”
Steele was almost shocked. He was known there… maybe more than he wanted, but this dog had to have really good nerves, or… didn’t know him. “Well… to be exact, I am looking for Balto.” Steele continued. “I want to… well… I want to tell him something.” It was stupid, but Steele had to say it. Everybody knew what had happened and an apology sounded like the most plausible reason for his return. So… if the dog knew him, he would act suspiciously… but…
Wilhelm looked at him. Of course… who could it be? He looked at Steele one more time and sighed. “So… you want to speak with Balto, eh?”
“Yes, that’s why I am here,” Steele smiled, “do you know him?”
“Yeah. I suppose so, but not well.”
But not well? Steele was confused more and more. Balto was known almost everywhere. The hero of Nome… and this dog said he didn’t know him well. Wilhelm noticed Steele’s expression. “I am new here. I have never been to Alaska before.”
Steele was sure. The dog had to be a liar or… he could tell the truth. And the truth is the best lie sometimes. “Ah…” That was all Steele could say.
“Actually, I heard something about him…,” Wilhelm grinned, “and about you too, Steele…”
----------
The squad continued in its task. Actually, it was simple… just make a trip and return safely. Easy… no? Mut sniffed and then he turned to Danny: “Okay… I don’t smell anybody near. So I think the worst passed already.” Danny nodded. “I hope you are right, Sir.”
Wolf was walking by Renna’s side and still, he was trying to comfort her. She was still shaken and afraid. Anyway, her mate had been in a danger.
They continued walking for two more hours and then Napper ordered them to stop. He looked at the sky and the hills in the distance. “Good… so I suppose it’s all we need to do. We are heading home, boys.”
Later that day, Mut and Danny were roaming the camp while Wolf and Renna were lying close to each other. Renna knew it was a war but… now, she had someone whom she feared for. “Love, promise you’ll never do that again… please,” she whispered still seeing that scene in front of her eyes. The shepherd just shook his head: “I am afraid it’s something I can’t promise. I am here to fight-“
“And die?” Renna snapped at him. “If it will be necessary…” Wolf looked into her eyes.
----------
Reinhardt smirked when he noticed Ghost standing in front of his tent. He looked at her: “So… I suppose you know why I had you called.”
“Unfortunately, yes…” She smirked even more than Rein and he had to admit it impressed him a lot. “So, then you know every unit has somebody who is responsible for it… who is in charge. And I have chosen you. Because-”
“Because. And now, please spare me of this crap. Tell me why did you want to speak with me? I am pretty sure you could announce this to the unit without calling me there. So?” “So?” Reinhardt was shocked for a while. She was pretty clever… and she knew what was going on. “Oh… so… what are you doing tonight, private? Like… you and me… for dinner?” He came closer to her. Ghost gave him a look full of nothing. Was he flirting with her? Obviously… “I am afraid I am not a girl you can buy so easily, sir…” And the word sir contained all her disdain, curiosity and… well… a little bit of a surprise and pleasure.
“I don’t like girls I can buy easily, private…” He licked his maw. Yeah… he was flirting right now. And she had to admit a little piece of her enjoyed it. “Well… if you want to… but dinner will be on you .”
“You can be sure, private. I will be waiting for you.” He smiled. “You may go,” he nodded and watched her leaving. “You may go, Ghost…” he whispered.
Ghost returned to her tent and let her master to pet her for a while and then she just lay down. So her commander asked her for a date! And since it was something the rest of the unit shouldn’t have known, she just kept her mouth shut. She didn’t like the rest of the unit anyway.
Should I go? I… I don’t know. It’s so quick and sudden. Maybe he wants just THAT. But what if… he isn’t ugly at all. It’s only dinner. Nothing more. I… I will go and see…
The rest of day was unusually peaceful. And a dinner time was closer and closer. Rein was waiting outside his tent. His owner was somewhere else, probably drinking again. He whined softly as he watched the camp. He wanted – oh, how he wanted – her to come. She was so different. She was thinking unlike the rest of dogs here. She had her own opinion. She was… she was so perfect… Rein sighed once more and looked at his paw. He had a large bruise there and the paw was scratched in a few places. Well… it was the cost of dinner.
And then, finally. He saw her heading towards him. Rein tried his best to remain calm but seeing Ghost in her elegant style and a flirtatious walk was something that fascinated him. “Soldier, I see you are here,” Rein said but then he realized he had made a complete idiot of himself. It wasn’t the best beginning… stating obvious, when you want to look like superior, is the worst thing you can do.
“Oh, really? I didn’t notice at all,” Ghost took advantage of Rein’s mistake very well.
Rein smirked: “Call me Rein, private.” The shepherd shook her head. “Well… I suppose you want me to allow you to call me Ghost, eh?”
“Well, if you don’t want to-“
“I guess I have no other choice. So…” Ghost sighed. Rein looked at her and then, with a silent ‘Ah’, he placed his bowl in front of her. “I promised you something,” he smiled.
Ghost immediately caught a scent of something very rare. It was a fresh meat. But… how? Where had he got it? And then she noticed his paw. Of course… the only fresh meat was in the kitchen. And there was the only way of getting it (if you were a dog of course). Of course, cooks and soldiers who were supposed to get the meat didn’t approve of it. And they had thrown stone this time and had hit him… so Rein had paid. But why? Was he trying to impress her? Why had he done it? She smirked, but the smirk wasn’t as confident as usual. “Rein, why did-“
“Because you seem to be special. And the special one deserves just the best I have to offer. I would like you to be my officer, Ghost.” She nodded, maybe just because she didn’t know how to react. It was obvious… he wanted to get her. She had heard a lot of things about him… well, to be exact about his cruelty, abusing his power, merciless ways of dealing with everybody who dared to oppose him… and now, this rotten dog was standing right in front of her. “I would like to be your officer, Sir…” Ghost grinned and looked at the meat. “So I guess we should start, no?”
“We should.” Rein grinned. After dinner, Ghost was unsure what to do. Well, better to continue in the conversation, no? “Si- uhh, Rein, I just wanted to ask…”
“Well?” he leaned his head. “When are we goin’ to fight? I am here because of fighting. Not because of-”
“Flirting with me, eh? But you will see both can be really interesting and amusing.”
Ghost didn’t know what to say… she couldn’t bother herself to think right now. Instead of it, she was staring into Rein’s eyes. And she realized he was doing the same.
“You have beautiful eyes…” Rein whispered.
“I know, I was born this way.” And then, the silence came. Ghost knew what was about to come. A kiss. Just one small kiss. She had kissed (and had done even worse things with) many dogs before. SO… what was the problem? Reinhardt was yet another dog in her life. She would have forgotten quickly… as usual. But… No. A little part of her didn’t want Rein to be yet another… It wanted something it had never wanted before. “I… I have to go. My master is worried for me, for sure.” She turned away from him because she didn’t want to see his expression… it was a weird way of showing love. She just didn’t want to kiss or nuzzle him because then… he would have become just one more… but not the one…
----------
This is not a love story. This won’t have a happy end. The outcome will be bad… more or less. We will die here, that’s for sure. It’s not about me… Nobody cares about me but what about Wolf and Renna… and… what about Will?
Mut’s thoughts weren’t happy… not at all. The situation was bad, he knew it and he was unable to change it. The last time they had there, they had almost died. And Mut was sure it would be even worse now. He looked at the sky and even though it was the evening, distant explosions were illuminating the sky well. The malamute sighed softly… yes… they were soldiers nobody cared about. The only thing they could do was to die as late as possible. And he knew something big was going to happen. He could feel it in voice of soldiers. He knew. And that was the worst thing. He had no way how to escape from it. He glanced back and spotted Wolf kissing Renna. “Fascinating…” he smirked and licked his paw. The worst was yet to come…
----------
Ghost yawned and stretched herself on the floor of her master’s tent. It was a weird night and the morning was so delightful. Her mind was full of fighting as usual, but she couldn’t forget Rein whispering in a disappointed voice. Ghost… Ghost… and she could swear he had sobbed a few times. She didn’t want to break his heart… she just didn’t want him to break hers. She had known too many dogs who had been nice with her… but they had wanted just one thing. And… then love had betrayed her. She just didn’t want to fall in love again. But the way of Rein’s whispering made her uneasy. Maybe… maybe he loved her.
Or maybe not. ‘Oh, why do I care…,’ she hissed for herself, ‘I am not here because of this. I want to fight… the sooner, the better.’
She yawned again, shaking her fur vigorously and then she looked outside. Well… the camp was busy. To be honest, it wasn’t a mere camp. There was even a small airfield for fighters, various sorts of guns, cannons and fortifications. She shivered with expectations and ran outside. Everything was so fine… her friends (to be honest, comrades in arms) greeted her with smiles on their faces, soldiers were stroking her and she managed to get even a small piece of a fresh meat. She took her valuable treat to a calmer place, licking her maw. The day began better than she expected! She was about sinking her fangs in the piece of meat when she realized there was someone who deserved it more than she. She recalled dinner the other day… of course. He hadn’t eaten. He had just watched her. And, of course, he had been full of pride. He had been showing off.
So yes, it’s his mistake! I won’t repay him! He chose to invite me for dinner! It’s his fault he gave… all his food… to me…And then Ghost grabbed the meat and headed to Rein’s tent. She didn’t know why she was doing it.
Reinhardt was lying in front of the tent. He didn’t want to do anything. The date had gone bad. The girl had refused him. The girl he had wanted to have. So he was just lying and sighing when something fell down, right in front of his nose.
“I guess I owe you something,” Ghost smirked. Rein stood up slowly and looked at the meat. Ghost just smirked and trotted away. Well… he was interesting, of course… but it was a little bit soon to think about a romance with him.
----------
Wilhelm was looking into Balto’s wolfish eyes trying to find proper words. Saying: ‘Steele’s here and he wants to speak with you’ would have been cheap and just… it wasn’t Wilhelm’s style. He just sighed and bit his lip. “Well… Something tells me you should better watch your back, Balto. Steele. He is back. It’s simple and clear. And I doubt his intentions are friendly…” Balto came closer to Wilhelm and smiled. “I am sure he won’t dare to attack me or anybody else. Maybe he has changed himself and now he came for-“
“Oh no. Balto, stop being like that! You can never change anybody. Steele will be Steele. He won’t be different. You can try but you won’t achieve anything!” Jenna almost shouted. Her mate nodded. “You know, Jen, you are right. I can try. So I will.”
Wilhelm bit his lip even harder and looked at Jenna. Her opinion was almost the same as his… He met only one bad dog who had changed… at least had appeared to be different. Reinhardt. “Okay… Uh, I guess I will leave you alone,” The Doberman looked out of a window and saw Eily trotting around her master playfully. Then he nodded and left the room.
Balto moved to the window and smiled. “At least Will is happy. I think he and Eily will be a great couple.” Jenna sighed deeply, coming closer to him. “Balto… Steele is back. Doesn’t it bother you?”
“No,” Balto nuzzled her, “because I can try to change him…”
When Eily spotted Wilhelm, she forgot about her master, pounced at her lover and began licking his nose. The Doberman laughed and licked her nose back. Eily was playful all the time… she was so full of energy. So full of enthusiasm. And of hope. Wilhelm loved her deeply. He had never met a girl of his heart before but now he was sure Eily was the one he wanted to live and die with. “How are you, hun?” He whispered into her ear and nipped it softly. She giggled: “I am fine, Will. Would you like to join my master and me? We are just walking around and doing nothing at all!” She sounded like it was the greatest thing that could happen. “Of course, love. I want.” He smiled widely and after a while, he was trotting by her side laughing with her.
Steele grinned when he saw this scene. He was afraid of Wilhelm and now… he managed to discover his weakness… and pretty quickly. “So, my dear friend,” he hissed, “let’s see what you can do without her!” He kept watching them and when they parted, he decided to act. He just leaned against a wall and waited for Eily coming around. Finally…
“Hello there, lady,” He smirked and displayed his muscular body. “How are you today?”
Eily was a new to Nome, so she didn’t know Steele well. “I am fine, thank you,” she smiled at Steele and had to admit he was pretty. And so attractive. So therefore, she didn’t say a word when he joined her. “I haven’t seen you around yet. What’s your name?”
“Eily.”
“Such a nice name… what do you think about a short trip? You seem to be so nice girl and I would be glad if I had a chance to learn something more about you.” She nodded. “That would be so fantastic!” Steele smirked inside… she was so gullible and stupid… and that suited him so well…
----------
“Get on your legs, ladies! We are moving!”
“But Sarge…”
“No buts, White! And today, you will be glad if you are alive by the evening…”
“What-?”
“Just get up! We are movin’! And it will be really hard today. They want us to storm one position,” Napper grinned. Few of his men gasped and White made a futile attempt: “But Sir, we are just scouts… we aren’t-“
“Soldiers?” The sergeant laughed, “Is that what you wanted to say? Of course we are! At least I suppose so.” The only choice was to go. You can’t choose in such situation. Men were getting up slowly… nobody wanted to go. And no wonder. They didn’t rush… because death can wait.
They had to approach the enemy position by foot. Napper was holding a map all the time and if they hadn’t have guns, one would have told they had been on a trip. Suddenly, he waved his hand and hissed: “Okay… I think we have them. They are supposed to be about half a mile this way.” He pointed in the direction the enemy was supposed to be. “So from now on, stay low, keep your eye on enemy and try not to make noise, okay?” He didn’t wait for a reply, just checked his BAR and sighed. His men were calm… that could mean just two things. They either didn’t know they were going to die or they know it and they were resigned to it. And, Napper had to admit, both options were really bad. “Guys…,” he looked at them, “Let’s do it… we have no choice…”
Mut was watching his subordinates. And Danny surprised him a lot. He didn’t shiver or whine as he had used to. Now, he was waving his tail vigorously. “I am ready, sir!” He barked when he caught Mut’s look. Good… But what about Renna and Wolf? Mut came closer to them and looked into Wolf’s eyes. “Look… you two… stay back. That’s everything I need from you. And no, I am not interested in your talks about your duty, Wolf!” He snarled and trotted to Napper.
It was the longest half a mile Napper and his men experienced. Their advance was terribly slow. But no one dared to say something like: “Can’t we go faster?”
And finally, they stopped… Man took a cover and the sergeant grabbed his binoculars, deciding how to attack. “Nah… that’s not good…” He whispered. There was something in the middle of a camp they were about to assault. Something hidden under a large sheet. But what it could be? The sergeant frowned and waved his hand. Soon, Kinley and White came to him. “Do you see that, guys?” He whispered and pointed at the unknown thing. Kinley nodded. “Ammo crates, I think,” White rubbed his chin. “No… they wouldn’t keep it there. I think there is just one way how to find out. Grenades. Everyone ready?” the sergeant smirked looking at his men. They were ready. They had to be. And then a dog’s barking interrupted calm and peace… “Throw them!” Napper shouted. But it was too late. It was obvious one of German dogs had smelt them. Germans didn’t wait for anything. They were well trained and prepared. They took a cover quicker than Napper expected, firing at Napper’s squad.
“Spring and Clarke! Flank them!”
“Can’t do, sire! Clarke got it!”
“Great!”
“Got one! Got on-”
They were scouts… not sharpshooters. And Germans were too good. Napper fired few rounds from his BAR and looked at Kinley. “Ever wondered why is Sergeant Napper more than a sergeant?” Kinley gasped. “Sir, I don’t think-“ he lowered his head when a bullet buzzed dangerously near, “this is a good time to talk about this!”
“Kinley… now listen. People need heroes. And they need stories. Give me your pistol!” Kinley didn’t dare to oppose him. The sergeant took his pistol and smirked. “Now, you will see how are such rumors born…” and he threw his BAR to White. “White, can you handle it?”
“I think I can’t, sir!”
“Then I recommend you to learn it quickly!” Napper shouted.
It was too much for Renna… all that gunshots, cry of wounded and dying men… and death everywhere… She barked, hoping Wolf would come. But instead of Wolf she felt something hot stroking her haunch. Something really hot and fast. Renna yelped and tried to get to safety. It wasn’t anything really serious but it hurt anyway. She became calmer when she found out it was a mere scratch and when she spotted Wolf, Danny and Mut safe together.
“Okay… okay, guys. We will wait for Napper, okay? Then it’s just on us. Fight or die!” Mut shouted, observing the battlefield ignoring bullets flying around. Danny crouched but there was an eager smirk on his face. And Wolf was about to fight his own men…
“Cover me. I need to do something you can call crazy.” Napper smirked and jumped from his shelter before Kinley or White could stop him. There was no time for waiting. White emptied his clip quickly and grabbed the BAR. The rest of unit began to advance cautiously.
Kinley gasped… if he, or anyone else, had done it, he would have been shot immediately. But maybe even bullets knew Napper was near. He jumped over sandbags, firing from Kinley’s and his pistol. It was just showing off, but so darn effective. And it paid off. Germans were taken by surprise... especially those who were shot by Napper. That was the while Mut was waiting for. He bolted forward, barking loudly. Nobody paid attention to three dogs heading to the camp… And Napper’s men advanced even more supporting their leader who jumped behind the thing under the sheet. One or two bullets scratched him lightly but there was no time for pain. Napper realoaded, maybe slower than he wanted. “Go! Go! Go!” his voice encouraged his men and Germans panicked.
“It will be okay, bro’…” A Doberman whispered to his wounded companion, almost black GSD. “It will be…” He lied. All that shooting meant enemy was near… so was their death. “Look,” the shepherd whispered, “Run… run away! They are here. Save yourself.”
The Doberman shook his head. “No… I won’t left you here. I can’t-“
“This way!”
“They are here…” the shepherd whispered as Mut jumped into a tent they were in. The Doberman turned and growled viciously baring his fangs. But his growling stopped when two other dogs entered the tent. The Doberman made few steps back. “So… let’s dance, Krauts!” Mut shouted and was about leaping at the Doberman when somebody shouted: “Stop! Stop!”
Mut gasped… it was Danny. “Mut… leave… leave them be! I know them… they are the ones who had to kill me and refused to do it…”
“Danny, this is war!” Mut shouted, watching the Doberman suspiciously. “Mut… please, let them go…” Danny shouted back. Mut’s expression was beyond describing. “Okay… you two!” he shouted at The Doberman and the shepherd, “Two-legs will come here in a moment… play dead or they will make a real corpses from you… And then go wherever you want!” He turned away and ran from the tent, cursing as a pirate…
‘So that’s how legends are born…,’ Kinley scratched his head when the fight was over. It was quite quick. Allies, encouraged by Napper’s assault, had no problem defeating the rest of the camp’s garrison. Napper was sitting on a crate and was cleaning the pistols like nothing happened. He looked up when Kinley came closer and gave him his gun back.
“I think five or six of our boys are-“ Kinley began, but then he noticed Napper’s look.
“So… uhhh... why did we have to do this?”
“Orders, Kinley… Yeah, it was completely useless, but it was an order, okay? Don’t ask me!” Napper hissed back and Kinley realized the sergeant should have stayed home…
----------
“I love you, Steele!”
“I love you too, Eily.” And that was it. Steele felt so great. It was so easy! He got Eily’s love almost in no time… just a few lies and flattering. But that was just the first part of his plan. He sighed. He didn’t want to do it so early, but he had no choice. “Eily… I must tell you something really… really sad…” She gasped. Her newfound love had something important to tell her… she perked her ears and leaned her head. “Steele?”
“Oh Eily, my Eily… it will hurt you. But I love you and that’s why I have to tell. Do you know that Wilhelm?” Eily’s face was full of shame… she loved Wilhelm so much… but… that was before she met Steele. And Steele was so handsome and nice to her… and she was so inexperienced. And she was so unsure now… “Yes?”
Steele came to her slowly and nuzzled her softly. “I heard… I heard he was talking about you like you were his trophy! He was showing off and telling everybody that he could have anybody he wanted! And you were just the… beginning. My good friend Balto told me…”
Steele prayed for the success. It was one huge lie, but then happened something Steele had been expecting. “No… no… that can’t be… he told me he loved me…” Eily whispered and her voice was full of fear, disappointment and sadness. “Eily… you can’t believe to everybody you meet. He just wanted to get your attention and to use you.” Steele closed his eyes and sighed deeply like he was talking about obvious. “But Steele, I don’t get it… I-“ Her voice was filled with a resignation and Steele knew he won. “Love, I am so sorry I told you… but I … I love you so much and it hurts me when I see you with someone who abuses you! Even Balto was worried but didn’t tell you because… because he didn’t want you to be worried and upset.” Steele let Eily to cry into his thick fur and patted her back. “It will be fine, love… I won’t let him to hurt you anymore!” All too easy. Steele grinned inside. Wilhelm seemed to be a really tough opponent… and that’s why Steele needed to remove him as soon as possible. And now, he found a great tool… Tool called Eily.
----------
Napper looked at the folder White was holding. It was everything useful they were able to find. “Well, is there anybody who can read in German?” he sighed as he opened the folder. Then, his expression changed. “Sh*t… this must be a joke…” White, who was looking over his shoulder rubbed his chin and laughed. “They left us the map of fortifications here.”
“Yeah, I kinda figured out.” Napper looked at the map carefully. “I suppose this stands for the airport,” and he pointed at a symbol on the map. “So… guys… the worst is yet to come…”
Wolf was caressing Renna meanwhile. A bullet had scratched her and although it was nothing really serious, she was scared a lot. She was shaking and kept saying one single sentence: “I want to go home…” Even Mut tried to comfort her but… it was futile. This happened even to humans and nobody cared. “Ren, I promise, when we get home, we will have a great party in the boiler room, okay?” Wolf tried his best but everybody knew the boiler room was simply too far away…
----------
Ghost was simply nervous. All she wanted was an action… she wanted to fight… to tear and kill. But everything she had was Reinhardt hitting on her. She kept assuring herself it was okay… but she knew it wasn’t. And there was another thing she was unsure of. Rein seemed to be bruised and hurt more and more every day. She wondered. Rein didn’t fight anybody. So how…? She passed one soldier who smelt of alcohol. She didn’t pay attention to him at first but then she looked back and noticed the man was heading to Rein’s tent. She perked her ears and followed the man, trying not to be seen. She crouched behind a barrel as the man entered the tent. He didn’t even bother to close the door curtain well, so Ghost was able to see inside. She saw Rein who jumped at his master, obviously happy because of seeing his master again. And now the man was supposed to stroke Rein gently and reward him for such welcome. At least Ghost’s master did it every time Ghost greeted him. But it didn’t happen. Rein’s master shouted: “Down, you b*stard!” and he kicked Rein away. Ghost blinked few times as Rein yelped. This wasn’t right… no dog should be treated like that… she growled silently. She was sure this wasn’t an accident. “Oh, Rein…” she closed her eyes realizing he wasn’t hitting on her because of sex or anything else… he was hitting on her because he wanted someone who would love him.
Reinhardt limped out of the tent and headed… well… somewhere far away from his drunken master. “Rein?” He turned his head when he heard someone calling him. And what a surprise! It was Ghost. But she seemed to be worried. “Rein… what the hell-“ Rein wasn’t stupid. He realized she must have seen this hearty conversation with his master. “My beloved master punished me, because I behaved badly. He wants me to be strong and brave,” he stated in a cold voice. “Are you mad? He hurts you!”
“No… he loves me. That’s why he punishes me.” –coldly. Ghost stepped closer to him. She could felt his warm breath on her skin. She could smell his scent… and she could touch him. Ghost nuzzled him slowly. She didn’t say a word, nor did he. “I … I have to go,” she panicked when she realized what she had done. “I will see you later…,” and she ran away.
----------
Wilhelm was finally happy. He finally found courage to ask Eily about one thing.
“Eily, love… I have to- Oh no, that’s so formal… What about: Hun, there is something- No… to usual. Hm… Eily, will you stay with me forever?” He murmured, searching the best phrase. His heart began to beat much faster when he spotted her in distance. He ran to her, but… there was something bad in the air. She didn’t smile. She didn’t joke as usual. Her eyes were so cold and unfriendly. “Something’s wrong, love?” he asked. “Don’t call me like that!” she hissed and snapped at him. “How dare you! How dare you to do such things to me?”
Wilhelm was speechless. He had no idea what was going on. “Hun, wha-“
“Yes! Act like nothing happened! That’s the best you can do! And a message for you: I am not your trophy. Not anymore!” Eily shouted and walked away, crying. Wilhelm stood there unable to move. He didn’t know what he had done according to Eily. But… maybe he
had done something really bad and he hadn’t realized what. He was sure Eily wouldn’t make such a story up. “Eily! Eily! Wait!” She didn’t stop, but just shouted: “Leave me alone! Get out of my life!” Steele smirked. He had been watching the whole scene from safety and everything had gone according to his plan… well… the next victim: Balto. Alas, he had to play his part of a caring lover for little longer. When he found out Wilhelm was out of sight, he trotted to Eily and nuzzled him. “I saw what you did. And… it was the only wise decision, love…” he whispered into her silken ear. “You don’t deserve anybody like… that!” She sobbed as he rubbed his maw against her neck. “I.. I am so glad I have you, Steele. You were the only who was able to open my eyes. Gosh, I was so stupid…”
“I am here for you, love…” Steele whispered again but his thoughts were worlds away from love and Eily. Instead, his brain was working like never before. Wilhelm was out of the game, but still… it was just a minor victory. Balto was still here. Balto, who had ruined his life, who had stolen his Jenna from him and who had taken every single piece of glory.
“Will you meet me in the boiler room at night?” Eily asked suddenly. “Wha-?” Steele was quite surprised by this offer but mainly because he wasn’t paying attention to a single word she said. “Y’know… just me and you, hun. Together…” She smiled and looked at him.
Steele stepped back. He knew what she wanted to do with him. But still… Steele smirked and thought: ‘Well, Balto can wait…’
“So?” the female husky yipped. “Of course, hun. It will be my pleasure…”
----------
Napper had been right. The worst was yet to come. At least when he got orders from his superiors, he sighed deeply. “They must be kidding… they must,” he fussed. Each line of the order made him feel worse and worse. When he finished reading, he rubbed his face with his hand. “If this is a joke, then it’s pretty stupid.” He’d known it should had come.
His men greeted him silently when he entered the tent where they were waiting for him. “Okay. Do you remember the things you saw on the map we captured earlier? So… our enlightened command decided to strike tomorrow. They don’t want to give Krauts a single chance for retreat. ‘Our elite units,’ they say, ‘will assault enemy position at 10:00 am-’ Yeah, sounds nice, but they don’t mean Our elite units… they mean every single unit they have here. Including us.” He looked around, expecting grumble and signs of disagreement. But, to his surprise, no one say anything against the order. “I know we are mere scouts… but since we are able to carry a rifle, we have to fight.”
“Will it be hard?” Kinley asked silently, mainly because he didn’t like silence which had come after the sergeant’s speech. “Yes. It will be. And I don’t think everyone of us will survive.”
“But… we are poking into a wasp nest!” White hissed, “They will kill us all!”
“Exactly, White… exactly. But tell me: Would be better killing wasps one by one or destroying their hive entirely?”
“We don’t have a choice, sir. We will do the thing we are here for,” one of his men stated.
Danny, Wolf and Renna were lounging carelessly in front of the tent. They were enjoying every minute of peace and relative tranquility unlike Mut, who was staring into the tent. “This will be big…” malamute scowled and looked at the others and he felt such hatred suddenly. They were so stupid, careless, immature… they had no idea what was about to happen. And he felt so jealous of Wolf and Renna. Life wasn’t fair. But why had he nobody who would care and love him? He had risked his life so many times, he did almost everything for Renna and the others. And still, they relied on him. They are sure Mut will come each time and solve their problems. “Ungrateful bastards…” Mut whispered. He felt so bad. When he recalled Wolf’s sentence: ‘You… you’ve never loved, Mut!’ his anger grew. The malamute clenched his teeth and hissed: “Well then… tomorrow, you will realize what my life is about…”
Meanwhile, the sergeant made himself sure each of his men was prepared. “Good night, gentlemen. Tomorrow, we fight.” And he walked out of the tent. Wolf raised his head as he watched the sergeant leaving: “Mut… what’s going on? Is everything okay?”
“Nothing… and everything is okay,” the malamute lied for the first time.
----------
Naturally, Germans soon realized one of their outposts had been raided. Moreover, the messenger, who had born the orders was killed there and papers he had carried had been captured. And because German command consisted from skilled officers, the situation and its solution was clear. They were convinced Americans wouldn’t waste their strength on small outposts and minor fortifications.
Rein was overlooking the camp. Everybody was busy and even his master had been told to do some work on fortifications. So finally! Finally a battle worth his presence. He had been waiting for this moment for so long and now… it was almost here. And now he can prove he’s much better leader than Wilhelm. He smirked widely and he didn’t notice someone approached him from behind. “Rein?” It was Ghost. He nodded and let her to come closer.
“So… we will fight soon, Ghost. Isn’t it everything you want?” He asked her with wild vigor in his eyes. “Sure. But-“
“We will fight, Ghost… we will fulfill our duty and stand our ground fast! Enemies won’t come through,” the Doberman continued, ignoring her silent but. “Rein, listen. Everything I want is-“ she whispered again, but the Doberman was immersed in his visions of a glorious battle. “We will crush them! Tear to little bits! We will-“
“Rein… please…” She whispered and licked his cheek. He stopped. Why did she kiss him? He looked at the shepherd and leaned his head. “Ghost?”
“Rein… I think I-“ The rest of the sentence was interrupted by Ghost’s master, who had been searching for his dog all the time and now he finally found her. “Here’s my little girl! Ghost, come here! Come here!” She looked at the Doberman once more and then turned back and trotted to her master. Rein shook his head. “What did she want?” he whispered in a silent question but the answer didn’t come. The Doberman sighed and headed to his tent. The night was coming and he wanted to be fresh and ready for the battle he wanted to win… for Ghost.
----------
Few hours later in Nome. The sunset was announcing the night was close. Balto had a great day so he hoped his happiness would endure even through the night. He was wrong. As he was walking down the main street, he caught a familiar scent coming from a strange place... let’s say he wouldn’t have expected this scent coming from one of dark alleys. “Will?” he looked around an ran in the ping and obviously trying to die. “Will, what’s going on? Tell me?” Balto whispered. “And ydirection of the scent. His nose was right. The Doberman was lying in one of the alleys, weeou shouldn’t lie on the snow. You’ll get cold and-“ Then he realized that was exactly Wilhelm was trying to do. Die because of cold.
“She left me…” the answer was simple. Balto sighed and lay near Wilhelm, trying to warm him. “So she found somebody else. It happens.”
“It happens? And does it happen like that?” And he told Balto how it had happened. After that, Balto scowled. “Yeah, you are right. This is just not normal.”
“You tell me…” Wilhelm coughed and bit his lip. “Anyway,” Balto looked at the sky, “you shouldn’t cry and go home. The night is coming… or if you’d like to talk, we can go to the boiler room.”
“Okay. I think the boiler room will be enough.” They walked quietly. Wilhelm didn’t know what to say and Balto was trying to think something up. He hated seeing the savior of his daughter in such situation. But no matter how much he tried, he wasn’t able to create anything soothing and comforting. Finally, the door of the boiler room appeared in front of them. Wilhelm didn’t even check if somebody was in. He entered the room without thinking and saw something he couldn’t believe. Steele and Eily, lying snuggled together, laughing and caressing and Will was sure if he hadn’t come, they would have done something even worse. When Eily spotted him, she gasped. Steele heard her so he stopped nuzzling her and looked around, confused slightly. “You.” That wasn’t a question. That was a declaration of war. Wilhelm growled and cursed himself. He still remembered how he had defended Steele. But now, he wanted to kill him in many painful ways. “Yeah, me…” the doberman hissed coldly and stepped aside, letting Balto see what was happening. “Steele?” That was everything Balto was able to say. Steele smirked and shook his fur like nothing really interesting was going on. “Can’t you wait for a little longer? I have work to do here…” Wilhelm growled once again. He had never felt such disgust and hate, not even towards his enemies… but this dog who was standing in front of him learnt him how to hate. “What… what is this supposed to mean?”
Everybody looked at Eily who seemed not to be able to decide about whom to look at. “Eily… this is Steele. I don’t expect you know him. But you should know he is able to sell others’ lives for his own good. Or… Hasn’t he told you about his great submission to the serum run? Ask anybody… you will hear that-”
“Shut it, you half breed. It was you who ruined everything!” Steele snapped. He felt the situation wasn’t good and he was losing his temper. “Everything? Like… exchanging your everlasting glory for something as low as a life of a child?” Balto whispered firmly. He took a deep breath and told everything Steele had done. Eily seemed more and more shocked as she heard about Steele’s deeds, which hadn’t been an example of fine manners at all. And Steele? He looked at the door but Wilhelm was sitting there, watching him carefully. He didn’t want to fight. He knew he wouldn’t have any chances. So instead of using the door, he chose the window. Not waiting for the end of Balto’s speech, the husky jumped. He managed to jump out from the window but the glass shards left deep wounds on his body. He fell to the ground, trying to stand up. But the blood loss was so great that he couldn’t do anything apart from listening to Balto’s steps that were closer and closer. “Steele, Steele…” Balto sighed, “Why?” The wolf dog bowed his head. He didn’t want Steele to be hurt. And seeing his enemy in blood was painful. “Steele, why did you do it? We don’t want to hurt you we want to help-“
“Shut… up, you… scum,” Steele hissed, crawling away. “Steele! Wait! You need help!”
“I don’t need your help!” Steele screamed. He was defenseless, almost dead and still, Balto was so … pathetic. Steele began to laugh. There was nothing else he could do. Soon, the lights in the nearest house went on and a man came outside with a gun in his hand. He had heard the noise of the broken glass, so he went to check it. But then, he spotted something lying on the ground. The man came closer and kneeled. “Oh god… it’s Steele… but-,“ he let his gun be and looked at the husky. Then he picked him up and went away. Without a single word… Balto nodded. He was sure the man would take him to the vet. Steele was simply too good to die.
Meanwhile, Eily and Wilhelm were alone in the boiler room. His look was cold and hostile. Eily had broken his heart. Moreover, she- , no, he didn’t want even to imagine what could have happened. “Will, please… I… I was so stupid. I didn’t know he was lying and-“
“You didn’t believe me when I told you how much I loved you. Now, I have no reason to trust you,” the Doberman whispered coldly. “I was… so stupid…”
“I heard that already. Go… and come back when you are mature and wise enough.”
Eily bowed her head and headed to the door. She hoped… she wanted him to say: ‘It’s okay… I forgive you… I love you.’ But his lips remained closed and his look was cold. She passed him by and the night hid her from Will’s eyes. “Let’s go home.” Will said when he saw Balto coming back. “Everything is done here…”
----------
A new day was rising. But soldiers had been ready and in position long before the dawn. There was nobody who wouldn’t have been nervous or scared a little bit. Even Napper had a strange, uncomfortable feeling. And the same for Wolf, Danny and Renna. Wolf sighed and whispered Mut’s name. But no response. That was quite unusual… every time called, he replied. “Mut?” He shouted. That was no good. Their leader, although informal, was missing.
Nobody cared. Mut wasn’t that important. At least, as not important as the things that were going to happen. Wolf knew there wasn’t time for panic, but he couldn’t help it. Mut was the one who knew everything, who foresaw everything. And now, he was gone. "Where the hell is he? Where-" Wolf mumbled nervously and Renna noticed. She leaned her head and asked him: "What's wrong, hun?"
"Oh.. just.. have you seen-"
And then it began. Someone fired and one shot unleashed hell. Numbers of gunshots filled the area. Bullets buzzing around, tearing flesh... cries of wounded and limp bodies of dead. Germans were prepared well and they were experienced... maybe too much for Napper's taste. Still, the terain... Americans couldn't see enemies well, so they were firing just in the deriection they presumed the enemies to be. "WHAT?! HOW THE- HOW DO THEY KNOW?!" Napper shouted and fired few rounds. "They couldn't hear us! They couldn't see us!"
"I just don't know, sir," White shouted back and tried to aim at any enemies he could see. "We have to-"
-Clang-
"White?!" Napper gasped and looked at his soldier. He was lying on the ground motionless. "Medic! I need a damned medic!" Napper shouted. It was everything he could do. "We cannot stay here! We need to push! They will kill us all!" somebody shouted and blowed a whistle. The whistle- sound telling you: ATTACK! NOW! 'About goddamned time...' Napper made a mental note.
"CHARGE!" And then they ran... Nobody was counting bodies... the order was clear: Survive! Soldiers were weaving their way through the bushes trying to dodge death they couldn't see. Too late for retreat... stop and you will die. Kinley jumped into a hole left by maybe a bomb and peeked out. The situation was promising. Germans surely hadn't expect such assault. Moreover, this assault wasn't announced by artilery. Soon, the first men were near German front defences. Kinley tried to find his sergeant but he wasn't succesful. But... what about... Kinley slapped his forehead. "Dogs..."
Nobody paid attention to them. And now, Wolf was the leader. His only task was to follow his master, but now, it was quite impossible. "Renna, go! Danny, stay here!" He shouted and sprang forward making a swift run to the enemy positions. She followed him without a single word. Just ran.
Germans were retreating. The battle was turning bad for them and Rein knew it well. But still, he was trying to keep his head calm. After a while, he sniffed. And the wind, which was blowing from the place of the assault, brought him something he hadn't had expected... His eyes went narrow.
"He... But... Now, this is his death-row," the doberman hissed sharply and made few steps forward. The scent was stronger and stronger. Rein grinned and he didn't pay attention to anything but to the thing that was about to come. Well, if he did, he would notice 'his' soldiers were retreating. Some of the buildings and tents caught fire, but he didn't mind. He didn't mind bullets or grenades. Wolfgang the traitor was coming to his destiny.
The American push was powerful. Surprisingly powerful. Kinley was running towards the front trenches Germans had dug. They were full of Americans now for their previous residents were dead or just retreating. When he slipped to the trench, he looked at an officer by his side: "Sir?"
It wasn't Napper. It was a sergeant but from another unit. "Eh, I say to hell with them. We have them on the run... it wasn't as difficult as they said it would be-" His words were silenced by an explosion of something that wasn't a grenade. Kinley hadn't heard this sound yet, but he was sure it was a tank. And another explosion that made him deaf. It was so close the trench began collapsing. With screech in his ears, he dragged himself on the ground and stood up. Something knocked him down to his knees. He looked up and... he was facing a Panther tank...
The push stopped. They forgot about this. They were too sure there wouldn't be any tanks. But now, they were caught unprepared. And defenseless. The tank held the line but there was somebody who didn't care. It was Wolf. He didn't noice friendly uniforms were gone and he found himself in the middle of the enemy camp... and...
"Oh... hello..." a voice you could use for chilling drinks whispered in welcome. "Who decided to show himself here?" Wolf knew this voice. Reinhardt. "Our beloved traitor... I supposed you died..."
"As you can see, I am alive," Wolf was utterly shocked. No... this... this was just a dream... or.. not? "Too bad," the doberman snarled. "And allow me to introduce someone who's more dog than you will ever be..." A shepherd appeared behind Rein's back. "Name's Ghost," she snapped, "but... that's cute. Our visitor brought something along! Her name?"
"None of your businness, filth!" Wolf shouted back. He was pretty sure she was reffering to Renna that finally arrived. "Filth?" Rein snarled. "One more word, scum, and-" and in the middle of the sentence he leapt against Wolf who didn't expect it. But Wolf acted quicker than Reinhardt expected, so the shepherd avoided the main impact of the doberman's leap. "Wolf!" It was Renna. Her only love was in a mortal danger and she knew that this time it would be life or death. Rein looked at her, maybe little surprised. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it!" Ghost jumped closer and snarled. She was bigger and stronger than Renna. And far more experienced. "Well?" she leaned her head. "Is our b*tch going to bark more? Oh but why? Because of her 'mate'?" That was it. Ghost pronounced the word 'mate' like something incredibly low and not worth mentioning. Renna clenched her teeth and crouched. "You are absolutely right..."
Kinley didn't even try. Instead of struggling, he began to laugh. Everything was so stupid and clear! It was absurd... it wasn't making any sense. Why they were trying to kill eachother? Why they couldn't go home and settle this peacefully? Why he was looking at the enemy tank? Each one could have been home with their family. But no... they were fighting just because one stupid piece of dirt. He stood up again and turned his back at the battlefield. He was going home and nothing could stop him. Except for-
Darkness. No pain... there was no time for it...
Renna, although furious and enraged, was no match for Ghost. She landed few bites, but Ghost didn't seem to be really hurt. Instead of it, she was full of energy and a perverted hapinnes. She dodged Rena's dash and with one smooth move grabbed her by her scruff and threw away. It wasn't much, but she got at least a short while to look at Rein, who was fighting his battle. And Rein's battle was much more difficult. Wolf had no intentions to die by Rein's fangs and he fought like a madman. The doberman was bleeding, but all wounds he sustained were mere scratches. Alas, Wolf wasn't hurt at all. "So... out of breath, aren't you?" Wolf hissed, "I supposed you are better." Rein didn't say a word. Instead, he began to circle around Wolf who was expecting another leap. Rein stopped, changed the direction and leapt suddenly. Wolf knew it was about to happen, so he just dodged to the left so his right side Rein was aiming for, was safe. He looked at the place he was expecting Rein to land. However, Rein wasn't there.
He was- "And what about this?" Someone hissed into Wolf's left ear. Rein had had to be quicker than Wolf had expected, so his veru first jump was only a distraction and he had used it for gaining speed. Then he had jumped again and had flown over Wolf. Painfully clear... Rein grabbed Wolf by the throat and threw him against the ground. Oh, the taste of blood... the doberman giggled and let go. "So... before you die... tell me. How did our former leader died?"
"Died? Ha! He... he saved me and her and now he is somewhere far away you will never be. And he's-"
"SAVED YOU?!" Rein shouted at him. "This is war! It's not about saving lives... it's about taking them!"
"I dare to disagree..." That voice... Both Rein and Wolf looked at the one who had said the sentence. It was a huge malamute covered by dust and mud. His face was filled with anger and hatred. It was Mutt. Now, it wasn't good. Not good at all. Rein blinked at Ghost, but... she wasn't there. Just Renna who stood there gasping and panting. "Good...," Rein remarked, but his voice didn't sound like the voice of someone who's facing just a pesky fly. "Who will be the first?"
"You." Mutt came closer and shielded Wolf, who used those precious seconds to get up. Rein was maybe mad, but he realized when things were just too bad. His soldiers were retreating hastily and the battle was over. One or two cars drove by, filled by soldiers who were too loyal to capitulate. And.. in one was... sitting on her master's lap... leashed...
"See? Even she left you... you will die, Reinhardt. You will die alone..." The three dogs were closer and closer. Rein was slowly backing away, but he knew it was just a matter of time when he wouldn't have nowhere to run. "You will never know what love is..." Renna whispered. Wolf nodded: "And you will never know what means to love someone..."
"And of course, you will never know what is dignity," Mutt remarked and smirked, "Oh and.. say hi to the devil down below... becasue hell is the place you are going to go..."
The tank fulfilled its purpose and its crew decided that retreat will be one of the best solutions before Americans will get some anti-armor weapons. they fired few rounds from machinegun, and turned back. The large iron beast howled and without waiting, it rode away, directly. Right over the camp, tearing down tents, ignoring obstacles. Rein's expression changed. The tank was heading towards them. He didn't wait, just sprang forward, made three long leaps and he jumped at the front of the tank. But his landing was rough. the tanks moved on while the dobe was slipping down. He scratched the tank's surface desperately, trying to find a place he could use as a support. But no... he was still slipping... right under the tank. Mutt, who dragged Wolf away, was watching this scene. So that was the end...
Or not... The tank slowed down and Rein used this in the best way he could. Using his last bits of energy, he grabbed himself on the tank, which roared again and disappeared in the smoke covering the area. Nobody was about to hunt it. Everyone was glad it was over. Napper looked around and swiftly counted bodies. They won but... the price... they must lost at least three times more men than Germans. "Amazing..." he sighed. "I need a medic here! And of course that fancy walkie talkie! Call the hq, that-"
----------
Kinley opened his eyes. He was in a tent. His body hurt like someone decided to throw him against a rock. "Wher-"
"It's okay, Kinley," familiar voice calmed him down, "We won..."
"Sergeant... and who-"
"White is dead.. and few other guys, too. And dogs.. I suppose they are okay. At least your one didn't want to leave your bed." The sergeant pointed down at Renna who was happy her master was talking again. She whinned and licked Kinley's face.
Wolf was lying on a blanket outside of the tent. His neck was roughly bamndaged, but he was okay. Anyway, Mutt was looking after him and still, refused to explain where he had been... or why he had done it. Wolf was sure it had something to do with the thing even Rein didn't have...
----------
Germans had
casualties, too. But nobody counted them. They were regrouping in another camp,
ready to leave the area. Ghost, rescued by her master, was sitting near the
machine gun emplacement, which served as a guardpost for the main entry. She
was waiting... waiting for someone who had been left behind. For someone, she
had to admit, she had feelings for. But... but he wasn't coming. And she
wanted, oh, she wanted to tell him something. Maybe he wouldn't come... She
bowed her head and lowered her ears. "Rein... please... come back to me..."
she whispered. And then an unusual noise disturbed her. When she realized it
was just a tank, she closed her eyes and whispered Rein's name again. The tank
was passing by... "Ghost?" the tank said, doing its best to be louder
than its engine. Something jumped down. Ghost looked up and finally...
finally... "Rein... You... you scared me... I thought that you... you bad
dog," she tried to smile, but her voice was to shaky. Her feelings, her
emotions were gaining the control over her. Over a cold and vicious shepherd.
Feelings like love and compassion. "Rein... I must tell you something I
should have done before... I love you," Ghost whispered and hugged him. He
was there... he was real... and he answered: "I... I love you too,
Ghost..." He was crying. She knew it, because his head was dived in her
soft fur... So here he was. Wounded, covered by blood but alive. She hugged him
tightly, inhaling his scent. "Will... will you... stay with me,
love?" he finally asked and Ghost shivered with pleasure and ecstasy that
couldn't be described. Her Rein asked, so she had to reply. "Of
course," - smiling and enjoying his presence.
----------
Home. Those four letters came quickly. And they meant much more than a simple word. They were going home... again. But this time they were sure it was for real. Quick goodbye to their brothers in arms, looking at the battlefield many of them died on... staring at the distance... and waiting for ride home.
Wolf and the rest of dogs were parting with Danny who wasn't able to say a single word. They were going away, leaving him here... the same as the first time. They really didn't know what to say, either. It wasn't fair, but war is war. Only Mutt could bear the look of Danny's eyes. Eyes without hope and joy... eyes filled with sadness and fear. He saw too much and he was dying inside. But there was nothing they could do. Danny's master had to stay, so Danny had to, too. After a while, Danny turned back and walked away. "Will... will he be okay?" Wolf asked, but Mut shook his head.
"He? There are just two things that would do..." he sighed heavily. Wolf knew those two things - death or going home... and it was hard to tell what was going to happen first.
And then... a long, really long cruise home. But... it wasn't the end. The true end came, when they found themselves on the outskirts of Nome.
"Kinley... we made it again," Napper remarked and scratched his chin. "And hopefully, nothing has changed. At least nothing we should be interested in..." Kinley nodded and overlooked the landscape and shivered. He just tried to imagine how it would look if the was was right there. "I hope so..."
Renna barked as she spotted her home and nuzzled her mate wildly. Safe and alive... like Mut and Wolf. And they were heroes again. Oh... it will be a great night! Everyone will come and ask... and be happy... Especially her parents. Wolf nodded and bit her ear softly. Mut just sighed. He didn't want to return. Yes.. he was a hero, he was their bold, dashing and awesome hero, but the last time he'd asked a girl for a date, she'd just laughed. He didn't get it. It seemed everyone wanted to be his friend, but nothing more. "Awesome...," he hissed.
Balto didn't know
his daughter and her companions would come. No one did. Anyway, his mind was
somewhere else. He felt kinda guilty,because the most of his thoughts was
occupied by someone wh was closer than his daughter and her man. It was
Wilhelm. He was spending days just lying and being alone. He claimed he was
fine, but he was mad. It was so obvious, but when Balto asked him why, he told
him because of himself. Balto knew it wasn't true. He was so mad at Eily who
had fallen for Steele's lies and who had believed that he, Wilhelm, had been
cheating on her and wanting her as is trophy. Balto had told everything to
Jenna, who was trying to help Eily. She, unlike Wilhelm, was acting like
nothing happened, but she couldn't hide her sadness. It wasn't Eily like the
one before. This one would walk like a body without the soul with the heart
torn apart. Of course, she had tried to talk to Wilhelm, but he'd never
listened. She had hurt him... she had failed him... and she hadn't trusted him.
And despite her trying, he had ignored her completely. And the worst was that
Eily still had feelings for the doberman. She cried a lot, she wanted him so
much and still, he didn't even want to see her. But she wasn't the only... even
Wilhelm whispered her name from his sleep.
So Balto was on his way to Wilhelm, when he noticed something big happening. He couldn't tell exactly, but.. he was almost sure the bark he heard belonged to Renna. In that moment, he forgot about the doberman and ran to the source of barking. And he was right. "They are back!" he called happily. "They are back!" Other dogs were joining him and soon, everybody was running towards their heroes who returned safely. The fuss was so great even Wilhelm woke up and decided to go and see. He walked out from his house, but his steps weren't sure. Long days of despair and starvation wanted the bill to be paid. After few more steps the doberman fell down to the ground gasping. And no matter how much he tried, he couldn't stand up. And there was nobody who would help him... he closed his eyes. So, that was the end. He, once a commander and a proud soldier, was dying in the land he didn't know, far from the home he had had to leave.
Eily was interested, too. She wanted to forget about things she had been thinking about all the time. She was one of the latest who went to greet their soldiers. Well, honestly, she didn't want to hurry. Instead of it, she was thinking about something funny and heart warming she could use when facing them. She didn't know them, but she wanted to make a good impression. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by someone familiar lying in the middle of the street. She gasped... it was Wilhelm. And he was... he was not okay. Eily's eyes became wet when she realized it was her fault... her own stupidity. She ran to Wilhelm and lay next to him, warming his body. Her tears were dripping at his fur while she was whispering comforting words into his cropped ears. He noticed her but he was too weak to do anything but to listen her words: "Will... I.. I know it is my fault. I know I hurt you... I know that. But please... I beg you: don't die. Not because of me. But because of you. Your love you'll find. You'll find someone who will be better than that ungrateful b*tch you met before... please... live." He just whined and whispered her name. The husky yipped and barked for help, although he doubt somebody would come. She barked again, but nobody was paying attention. She coiled around Wilhelm's body and laid her head near to his. She snuggled closer hoping somebody would come and... and she felt his tongue on her nose. He kissed her! But... what did it mean? She was puzzled and she barked again.
It was maybe because Napper disliked long talks (or he just wanted to be home and chat later), so he headed to his house. But he froze when he noticed two dogs lying in front of it. One was a husky he didn't know and the other was his... well, 'his' doberman. Mut had the same sentiments. But 'his' doberman meant maybe more to him than Napper's doberman to Napper. He jumped forward and bowed his head, so his nose was toching Wilhelm's. He began to lick it. "Kraut... tell me, what is it about? Why are you... why are you lying here like you were... no. Get up, please. I don't know what happened... but please... get up, Will..." The first time he called the doberman by his true name. And he wanted to say more, but Napper grabbed the dog and rushed inside his house. He laid Wilhelm at the table and looked at the wife, who accompanied him. "He... We.. well, the vet doesn't know what's the matter with him. He's not ill; he just seems to-"
"I don't care. I have seen a lot of men dying in front of me! And I am fed with it! This damned dog will live, okay?" Napper hissed, ready to do everything. One would have laughed because of such a scene when someone treats a dog like a human, but Kinley didn't. He knew the sergeant too well. And sometimes, even a drop is enough to make the cup of your anger and frustration full. Obviously, Wilhelm's death would be that drop.
Eily was watching
the whole scene with eyes filled with fear and tears. She knew it was her
fault... well, yeah, Will had been acting like a fool too. Yet she couldn't
blame him. Love is sure blind and it can kill quickly.
'But not mine...,' Eily forbid her to cry. He had said she should have become mature and wise. And she wanted to show him her progress... she wanted him alive.
----------
"Where-," Wilhelm
realized it was not the best question. He was probably dead. At least he
thought so. He made a step forward and something cracked. The doberman blinked
down and he realized it was a skull of a Rottweiler. And there was a collar
with a name: Manfred. Oh joy... he had died during one assault back in
Europe...
"Explains a lot, eh?"
something interrupted Wilhelm's thoughts. "Officer?" Wilhelm turned
his head and spotted his first officer, Reinhardt.
"No, it doesn't," Reinhardt went on, "maybe because there is only one of us really dead..." and he pointed at Manfred's skull. "So where are we?" Wilhelm asked rather politely. "And what if I won't tell you?" Reinhardt smirked. "It's an order, officer!" If amusement was a gold, Rein's face would be a great place to build a gold mine. "Sorry... I don't take orders from... traitors?" The doberman laughed hysterically but continued: "Well, maybe... this is the place where the past, the future and the present time meets. Maybe we will meet each other soon and-"
"I am no traitor, Reinhardt," Wilhelm was cold. He knew his officer well. "NO?!" Reinhardt snapped, "No... no, you are right. You are a pathetic, weak and treacherous coward!"
"Why do you think so?" Rein didn't pay an attention to Wilhelm's response. "Allowing death of our soldiers. Helping to the other traitor instead of fighting our enemies! Befriend our mortal enemies... SAVED our mortal enemies. And sacrificing us for their sake! And why?"
"Because they are like we-"
"NO! BECAUSE YOU ARE A DAMNE-"
And sometimes, even a drop is enough to make the cup of your anger and frustration full.
"HOW DARE YOU TO SAY SUCH THINGS ABOUT ME? LOOK AT YOU! The only traitor is you! You didn't betray our homeland.. you betrayed humanity, you betrayed life, you betrayed every single do-"
"SHUT... UP!" Reinhardt bared his fangs. "You aren't dead yet... but.. you can be!"
He leapt precisely. Much faster than Wilhelm expected... he went for the throat. wilhelm couldn't do anything. He just felt a sharp pain is the other doberman's fangs pierced his skin and flesh. Suddenly, his windpipe was full of warm blood... he coughed... and again...
"He's alive!" Napper yelled as he noticed Wilhelm's coughing. He didn't know how, but the doberman opened his eyes and choked on something for a while. He coughed out some blood and checked his throat hastily... no, it wasn't hurt. He was at home, far from the one who wanted to kill him. Among his friends. Yes... that was Mut, Balto, Wolf... and... Eily. He stared at her for a long time. "She prolly saved your life, Will..." Mut laughed when he saw him gazing at her. "You'd be frozen to the bone if she wasn't there..." Balto nodded as Eily stepped forward and put her nose near Wilhelm's. He sighed heavily and tried to smile. "Maybe... maybe I... was too harsh, Eily. Will... will you ever forgive me?" Wilhelm whispered. Strange... seeing him almost dead didn't make her cry. But now, she was defenseless. He was lying there, weak, begging her for forgiveness...
"No... No, Will. Only..."
"Only what?" he whispered in a scared voice. Eily closed her eyes and gatheed all her courage risking everything she was feeling for him.
"Only if you... if you stay with me," she hushed her voice so only Will could hear her. The doberman grinned a little: "If it's the only condition, love..."
Mut turned and headed from the room. Once again, he wanted to kill. It was too much. Every time something nice happened, it happened to someone else. Never to him. The world was such a disgusting place... disgusting... "Mut?" That voice. He was everywhere. "What do you need, Balto?" he hissed. "Me? Nothing... but it seems you need some-"
"WHY THANK
YOU! I do not need anything!" he bursted out and then he continued in
ironic tone, "I have everything one needs to be happy! I have... friends!
I have home! I am healthy! Everybody likes me, right?!"
"Mut... are you jealous?"
"WHAT?!"
"Look... I... I noticed something... and Wolf told me certain things... Mut, you want someone just for yourself, right? You want somebody you could love you and whom you could love back..." The malamute didn't respond maybe because Balto was right. "And you hate everything when you see everybody around is happier than you."
"You have Jenna. Wolf has your daughter. Will and Eily. And... even - you don't know them. Even someone who deserves nothing but death has a mate."
"Mut. You are a hero. Do you have idea how many girls would fight for you?"
"None of them. If they wanted, they'd already do so." Mut smirked. They wanted him only when they needed him. Like a tool. "Maybe they do, Mut. Open your eyes. Or... if you don't trust me, ask Jenna." His words weren't as sucessful as he supposed them to be. "Are you trying to comfort me?" Mut laughed. "No, I just-"
"Go away, I want to be alone... like for my entire life!" Mut shouted and walked away, growling silently. He didn't look forward. His eyes gazing at the ground, his fangs clenched and- "-yeah, and look at his butt!"
"He's so... dangerously sexy..."
"I wonder if he's taken."
Mut looked up curiously. But there were just another dogs. No one special but... wait...
He smirked. So maybe... maybe Balto had been right... "Ladies...," he remarked as he spotted few girls standing by and he knew that Balto had been right.
----------
The war wasn't
over. Not yet... but finally, it seemed it would never ask again two men and
their dogs from
But... it was not over yet...
THE
END
Awesome achievement. You managed to survive this crap. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it :B
Balto characters (c) Universal studios
Ghost (c) Rebel
The rest (c) Me
Thanks for reading. I could use some coffee..