BALTO X: THE BEST AND THE WORST
ByEbonyPatriot

BALTO, JENNA, STAR, KALTAG, NIKKI, STEELE, ALEU, NIJU, BORIS, MUK, LUK, BORIS, SYLVIE, DIXIE, DINGO, SUMA, AND DOC ARE COPYRIGHTED TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS.

HARRY, HERMIONE, HOGWARTS, RON, VOLDEMORT, DUMBLEDORE, AND FAWKES ARE COPYRIGHTED J.K. ROWLING.

MIKI AND NEEWA ARE COPYRIGHTED TO JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD.

KEMO, KALA, JENNER, AND THE TITLE “ BALTO’S BOAT ” ARE COPYRIGHTED TO CYBERWULFE.

ACE IS COPYRIGHTED TO SHE-WOLF.

MIDBACK AND BUSTER ARE COPYRIGHTED TO JIM BRANDENBURG.

THE INSPIRATIONS FOR JOKER, HARLEY AND MICROWING, THE JOKER, HARLEY, AND BATMAN, ARE COPYRIGHTED TO DC COMICS.

THE INSPIRATION FOR BRUCE IS COPYRIGHTED TO ALBERT PAYSON TERHUNE.

THE BLACK STALLION IS COPYRIGHTED TO WALTER FARLEY.

KAPU AND THE INSPIRATIONS FOR TORNAIT AND NANUQ ARE COPYRIGHTED TO JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE.

MOWATT AND GEORGE ARE COPYRIGHTED TO FARLEY MOWATT.

SOL-LEKS, BUCK, AND KICHE ARE COPYRIGHTED TO JACK LONDON.

SLASHER, BIG RED, SEAN, ROSS, OLD MAJESTY, PENNY, DANNY, AND MIKE ARE COPYRIGHTED TO JIM KJELGAARD.

JOKER, HARLEY, SILVER CLOUD, NIGHT JAWS, BLACK EAGLE, MICROWING, BRUCE, TORNAIT, SAND PIPER, THUNDER, PHOENIX, GALAXY, CHROME, DESERT STORM, NANUQ, ICE FIRE, DARK SIDE, WHITE MOON, SNOW FOX, HALF-TAIL, TORONTO, TWISTER, JADE, HORNET, HURON, HERA, STROKER, EMORY, ROAMER, OKA, RAVEN, AKITA, AND TYONEK ARE COPYRIGHTED TO EBONYPATRIOT. {ME!} DO NOT USE THESE CHARACTERS WITHOUT GIVING ME CREDIT AND/OR ASKING PERMISSION OR DEFILING THEM IN ANY WAY. IF YOU DO, I’LL SIC MY EVIL PYSCHO SPANISH TEACHER ON YOU! WOE SHALL BE YOU!

VOICES:
BALTO: KEVIN BACON
JENNA: BRIDGET FONDA
STEELE: JIM CUMMINGS
NIJU: MARK HAMILL
NIKKI: JACK ANGEL
STAR: ROBBIE RIST
KALTAG: DANNY MANN
BORIS: BOB HOPKINS
MUK & LUK: PHIL COLLINS
ALEU: LACEY CHABERT
SYLVIE & DIXIE: SANDRA SEARLES DICKINSON
DOC: DONALD SINDEN
KEMO: JAMES EARL JONES
TAIGA: CARRIE FISHER
MIDBACK: WHOPI GOLDBERG
JOKER: MARK HAMILL
JENNER: MEL GIBSON
BLACK EAGLE: TIM ALLEN
NIGHT JAWS: ROBIN WILLIAMS
OKA: GREG PROOPS
TUNDRA: MATTHEW BRODRICK
SILVER CLOUD: ROBBY BENSON
KALA: DEMI MOORE
BRUCE: DAVID OGEN STEIRS
MICROWING: KEVIN CONROY
ANIU: MONE WALTON
SLASHER: KEVIN SPACEY
SEAN: SEAN BIGGERSTAFF
RED: GEORGE HEARN
SHEBIA: NANCY TRAVIS
PENNY: JOLEY FISHER
MIKI: TOM KENNY
NEEWA:AVERY BROOKS
ROAMER: DIEDRICH BADER
HARLEY: ARLEEN SORKIN
TOGO: COLLINS MOCHIRE
EMORY: CHRISTA MILLER
TOGO’S CLONE: RYAN STYLES
FARLEY MOWATT: JOHN RATZENBURGER

******CHAPTER 1: THE BATTLE******

A hybrid is either the best or the worst animal in the world. On one hand, he can take all of the grand traits of his parents, and become a champion, the best of both Worlds. Or he can simmer in the juices of his own anger, hating all that isn’t him for so long that he becomes a murderous, human-like monster. Balto was the best hybrid. Slasher was the worst.

Slasher stood, tail wagging stiffly, as he prepared to battle the purebred Irish setter. He hated the red animal that had turned wild. He hated men. And he hated dogs, for his father had been a dog, a huge mongrel dog. His mother had been a coyote. Slasher saw no reason why he shouldn’t hate dogs. After all, had they ever done anything for him?

“You actually planning on fight me, Sean?” he laughed at the Irish setter.

“Yes. I’m not going to let you kill Penny,” answered Sean hotly.

“Penny? Oh, I get it. Your girlfriend.”

“She’s not my girl friend, she’s my MATE. And we have pups!” This rose Slasher’s temper up more than anything. For he had had several mates, but none had been able to stand his hating blood for very long and had run off.

Slasher sprung. Agile Sean jumped away. “Tell me, Sean, why are still in the wild? You actually think you’ll win against a wild-born canine?” taunted Slasher.

Sean snarled. “Actually, yes!” He sprung and missed again. Slasher started to circle. Yet another fight, yet another kill, and once again he would have won against another battle these horrible curs.

Slasher leapt, grabbing Sean’s left foreleg. There was a sickening snap, and Sean’s leg was pressed close against his chest. So easy...Slasher prepared to strike, shoulder-to-shoulder, and get at the dog’s soft throat. “You honestly thought a soft dog could win against the best hybrid in the World?!?” he laughed insanely.

“Ahh..arrogant, aren’t we? But Balto’s better.”

“Who the heck is Balto?” asked Slasher, stopping for a moment.

“He’s a wolf-dog up in Nome.”Slasher, stunned at this news of another famed hybrid, had stopped. But now he was shaking his head. And Slasher struck.Sean did not worry about the gray coy-dog that was now attacking. Instead, he lay down at the last possible second. Slasher had been expecting a hard, braced body, not empty air. The force of his rush knocked him over, landing on the Irish setter. Sean struck up like a snake and sank his teeth deep into Slasher’s stomach.It was pain. Utter, all-consuming, pain. Slasher screamed, more like a human than an animal. He pulled away, stumbled, and fell into a mud pit.

“You...” the coy-dog panted.

“You are nothing more than a murderer. You are no longer an animal, you are a human!” snapped Sean, wincing as he walked.

“A WHAT?!?” screeched Slasher.

“HUMAN!” He turned toward his den.

“Penny...hang on! I’m coming!” called Sean, running towards his mate as fast as his limping pace would allow.

Slasher panted, clear yellow eyes filled with pain. Suddenly he heard something. “Why, if it isn’t the killer cross-breed.” It was the wild heifer that had escaped last spring from a farm. As she looked at the coy-dog who had so often tried to kill her, an amusing thought flickered into her mind, kill him!!!

The Heifer bellowed and charged forward. But tragedy struck. Her hooves sank deep into the mud, trapping her. The Heifer bellowed in fear. Slasher rose and slashed, happy for anything to vent his fury on. His jaws clamped shut over her mouth and nose, blocking her breath. “YOU CUR!!! LET GO ME!!” the Heifer croaked as much as she could, for her jaws were still cemented by his mouth.

He did not let go. Instead, he dug his teeth deeper into her black-and-white muzzle. She realized what he was trying to do. He was killing her, slowly taking all breath from her body!! The heifer rose into a panic, trying to pull away. But she could not. The Heifer reared up, and almost pulled free. Almost. Her lungs were screaming. And yet there was nothing that she could do...

She fell, dead. Slasher panted, placed his head on the heifer’s carcass, and fell asleep.

******CHAPTER 2: SLASHER’S PAST******

Memories were playing past Slasher’s eyes. Memories he didn’t even know he still had. Memories of days long gone...He had but one sister. He remembered well the day way back, when he had just been weaned. He opened his eyes, which were slowly turning yellow. The hybrid looked at his sister, who was staring at him with her equally amazed blue eyes, tinged with gold. Than he looked up at his mother. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen in his short life. A graceful, grey yellow-eyed coyote, she was looking at them with love. “Hello, Stroker, Slasher, how are you?” A gray, stripped, bigger animal came down.

“Hello, Emory, my dear, how are you?” he asked.

She looked at him, love glowing in her eyes as she looked at her forever-partner. “Very fine, thank you, Roamer.”

Roamer looked at his offspring. “Very strong now, aren’t they?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Well, then, later.”

“Later?-wait-Roamer!!! Where are you going?”

“My human’s calling.”

“But...”

“I’ll be back. I just have to go check in.” He turned and went out, followed by his mate. Stroker yawned and flew asleep. Slasher, however, ran up the den. He saw his mother and father talking. A man came up. Roamer immediately ran over to him, cowering. “Roamer! You bad cur!! What the-coyotes!!! How I hate coyotes!” He pulled a gun...Emory gasped and dove for Slasher.And with a bang like thunder, a brilliant flash of light, she fell dead. Slasher screamed and ran back down the den. (He never saw, therefore, Roamer try to stop the next bullet, and him being killed as a result. To this day he believed that his father ran off with the man.) Stroker whimpered. A man reached down, trying to grab the pups. Slasher ran off, telling Stroker to follow.

But she was too afraid to move. A man pulled her up. “See here,” said Ross.

“Don’t kill her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can’t you see? Roamer mated with a coyote. And she’s the result. You’ve always been trigger-happy. And now he’s dead, so you can take his pup. For his memory.” The man paused.

“You’re right.” He pocketed the coy-dog.

“Where’s the other one?” But Slasher was gone.

His whole family was gone, he reflected later, as he sat by a creek, his eyes burning. And it was all that dog’s fault! Him and the humans! Slasher vowed himself against both.

******************************************************************************

More memories came. But none were nearly as strong, and slowly the coma-like state slipped away. Slasher came to, Sean’s red hair still wrapped around his fangs. He felt weak...but alive. Slasher glanced at his stomach. Mud had sealed the wound, preventing any more blood from exiting. As though it was the most natural thing to do, he started eating. By the time the food was gone, Slasher had recovered from his lost of blood and could rise. Snarling, he started after Sean’s trail.

******************************************************************************

Growling, he reached the den. He would kill the young and Sean, but not Penny. He could not harm females. But, wait, no one was here!

“What the-?” He struck his scent and followed. Some time later he reached a rich estate. “Of course,” he snarled. “The dog returned to the humans.” He sat down. Suddenly, a thought came to him. He would find this Balto, this other mighty hybrid. They would join together, and then conquer the red dogs!

“Why are you here?” asked an Irish-accented voice. It was Sean. Slasher jumped and turned around. Sean’s full brother, Mike, Big Red, (Sean’s grand father) and Penny, (Sean’s mate) all stood, snarling at him.

“I-was looking for Balto.”

“Here? He lives up in Nome, Alaska,” said Mike.

“Why? What do you want with Balto?” asked Penny suspiciously.

“Well, another hybrid would be very helpful against you stupid curs, and he would help with the signing of your death entrance to man!”

“Balto will never join you. He’s got wolf in him, remember? “ said Red slowly. Slasher snarled. Oh, how he would love to take these mutts on, one by one...

“Wolves are too noble to kill dogs. Unlike coyotes,” said Sean.

“Maybe that’s just because wolves are too stupid,” snapped the coy-dog.

“Oh, come on, Nome is way up in the Northland. You know, with the North Star. Fail-proof way to get there. Even humans use it,” scoffed Mike.

“It does?” asked Slasher slowly, yellow eyes gleaming.

“Mike!! You fool!” cried a female setter, Sheba (the mate of Red.)

“Stop!”

“Oh, yeah, and you can feel the cold as you get closer. I know it’s not animal to follow the stars, but, hey, it works.”

“Really? Thanks, Mikie. Bye.” Slasher turned and ran out.

Red turned to Sean. “Is that the one that broke your leg?”

“Yes... I thought he was dead,” said Sean sheepishly.

“OH!” gasped the Setter. “I guess I shouldn’t have told him how to get to Nome, huh?” asked Mike in a small voice.

“NO!” shouted the dogs in unison.

“Well, Balto will never turn...” said a new voice slowly. It was the human, Danny. He looked shocked.

“You guys can talk.”

“Yeah...”

“Anyway, we have to go to Nome, too. There’s a big dog show up there.”

******CHAPTER 3: NOMADS OF THE NORTH******

Slasher, a few weeks later, had finally reached Canada. He would find this fellow half-blood, and revenge himself on those fools who had sired them both, those dogs! He turned. There was movement in the bushes. Moments later, a huge male black bear emerged, feasting on berries. A pale gray-and-white wolf followed.

No, wait, it wasn’t a wolf. It was a dog. Slasher’s lip curled. He sprung at the dog. Death number one, he thought. He thought. For before the dog could react, the bear struck with a heavy paw. Slasher felt his ribs break as he fell.

“What the heck do you think you’re doing?” snarled the bear.

“Thanks, Neewa,” said the dog.

“No problem, Miki. Now let’s have a little chat with your attacker, here,” said Neewa.

Slasher stared at the two, for once with something besides hatred glowing his yellow eyes. It was wonder.

“Who are you?” asked Miki, his head cocked.

“Slasher, best hybrid in the World.WHAT are you? A wolf-dog?”

“Me? Nah. I’m Miki. My father was a MacKenzie hound, and my mother was half spitz, half Airedale.” Neewa growled, pointing his tan muzzle an Slasher. “You’re half coyote, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, what are you doing so far North? The only coyotes up North that allow themselves to be seen are dying out from MicroWing.”

“Micro-what?”

“Balto’s son,” said Neewa.

“Balto has a son? And a mate?” gasped Slasher.

“Of course. Jenna is his mate. She’s a purebred Siberian husky,” said Miki. Slasher was stunned. Balto had a mate! And it was a dog mate, of all things! Ah, who cares? he thought. “

Well, he’ll still be very handy against those red dogs. Oh, will they’ be sorry!” Crackling insanely, he ran off. Neewa and

Miki stared. “Okaaaaaaaaayyyy. He’s crazy. We’d better go warn Balto,” said Miki.

“Good idea.” Neewa and Miki took off.

******CHAPTER 4: RETURN AND A SURPRISE!******

Balto was thrown forward onto his chest and throat. The dust colored half-wolf, half Malamute, rose to his feet and looked around.

“What a blast!” yawned his black-and-silver son-in-law wolf Niju. “Hogwarts, the School of the Weird and Psycho,” continued Niju. Balto nodded. They had just been in a great battle in 1996 Great Britain, trying to help save the school from the evil old wizard Voldemort.

Aleu, Balto’s daughter, yawned and scratched her ear. “That Draco’s a slime ball. Too bad I didn’t get to bite him.”

“You don’t want to, he tastes terrible!” commented Joker, Niju and Aleu’s ebon-and-snow son.

Joker nuzzled his mate, the rust-and-coal Harley. Joker glanced around for his litter mates. There was Silver Cloud, the snow-colored first-born, shaking his head; ebony second-born Tundra, looking around with his pure gold eyes; Taiga, third-born and only daughter in the litter, licking her paw; fourth-born coal Night Jaws, chatting with Harley; and finally the oil-and-silver fifth-born Black Eagle.

There was Balto’s half-brother Kemo, the handsome pure snow wolf. Kemo was nuzzling the graceful Arctic Midback. Midback was busy making sure all of their pups were there.

“Nanuq? Oh, there you are, little polar bear girl. Dark Side? Ahh, good boy! Half-tail? Oof! Don’t do that, young lady! Half-tail, where’s your brother, Ice Fire? Oh, good Ice Fire, your sister found you. Where’s your sister? Which one? Which one could it be? The only sister left, White Moon! Ahh, there she is. And there’s Snow Fox, good boy.” Midback was very happy at the fact that all of her pups were there.

Aleu called role call on her newest pups, too. “Tornait? Ahh, there’s the young man! Sand Piper, good boy. Galaxy? Galaxy? Oh, there you are, with your brother. Naughty girl. How come you can’t be like your bro Desert Storm? Phoenix, there you are, you good boy, with your sister Thunder. Where’s Chrome? Oh, there’s the oldest son.”

“That’s all of them!” grinned Niju.

Jenna, Balto’s beautiful rust-and-cream mate, looked at her two youngest sons. They were a month older than Joker. “MicroWing, Bruce? Good. Now, Aleu, where are your brothers? Oh, there’s Dingo and Jenner and Ace. But where’s the females? Oh, there’s Suma and Kala.”

“Hey,” said Balto, looking around. “Where’s Kapu’s pack? And Buster’s? And where’s Buck and White Fang?”

“Them? Oh, they are back home,” said Togo, Balto’s father.

“Yeah. You see, Mom told us,” explained Togo’s Clone, Balto’s twin brother, as he pointed at the Raven that was really the white she-wolf Aniu.

“Where Twister and Toronto?” asked Niju, for Toronto and Twister were Niju’s brothers.

“With the pack. Everyone’s back, except Huron and Hera,” said Clone.

Everyone was silent. Huron and Hera had given their lives to defend the Hogwarts youngsters, Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

“Hey,” said Niju. “Where’s Tyonek?” Tyonek was silver-and-snow leader of the caribou tribe, a very wise leader.

“Well,” said Kemo. “He’s staying. Him and Akita and Raven.”

“What!?!” asked Midback.

“He prefers Britain over America!?!” gasped Joker.

“Oh, no, he didn't. He just wants to be on call.” explained Jenna.

“And Oka’s taking his place,” continued Nava.

“Oka? Who’s Oka?” asked Tundra. Nava pointed his nose at the herd. There, were Tyonek usually stood, was a dark brown bull caribou. His head was held higher than the Tyonek had held his, and his ears did not quiver with every sound, searching for danger. This was Oka.

Oka spoke. “Fellow brothers and sisters, know this, the NomeTundra caribou and wolf shall no longer be in alliance with each other. We shall be enemies once more. And know that I, Oka, have replaced the old leader Tyonek. I shall to a better job than him. Come, let us leave these fanged nightmares.”

With their tendons snapping like bongo drums, the caribou took off. Aleu let out a low whistle. “Sure, he’s not arrogant.”

“He’ll be an easy dinner,” commented Joker.

Togo yawned. “Well, Balto, I have to and checking on those Arctic wolves.”

Togo’s owner, Farley Mowatt, came out of the Nome General Store. “You look tired,” he commented. “I was only gone five minutes.”

“Long tale. We’ll tell you on the trip,” said Togo, as he, his son, and the team mates, Jade, Shrink, Sol-leks, Kiche, and Hornet, were harnessed up quickly. The team took off, barking.

“Well, at least it’s over. Now we can relax...” began Kemo in his voice like wild thunder, when he was interrupted. A huge black bear and a pale gray dog rushed into the city.

“Oops. Spoke too soon,” said Night Jaws, shaking his head.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Miki and this is Neewa. We became friends a LOOOOOOONNNNGG time ago, long story. But Slasher’s coming. He’ll be here in a few weeks.”

“Who’s Slasher?”

“He’s a half coyote, half dog. He hates all dogs because his father was one. And he thinks you are going to help kill all of the setters.”

“Ya got trouble, right here. With a capitol T...” said Aleu sadly, shaking her head.

“Thanks, would you like something before you go back?”

“No thanks,” said Neewa.

“It’s a long trip back home. Come on, Miki.” The bear and dog left.

“Dad,” said MicroWing. “Bruce and I can keep watch for Slasher.

“All right. You guys do that.” The two brothers left.

Nava turned. “Dear me, we don’t get a rest, do we?”

“No, I guess not,” sighed Midback. Suddenly a long, sharp howl echoed across the ground, whiny and with many barks, as no wolf’s is.

Balto whirled. “He’s here!”

“Wow,” said Taiga. “That was quick.”

******CHAPTER 5: SLASHER & BALTO MEET******

Slasher was gaining in on the city. Several weeks had passed since he meet Neewa and Miki. Suddenly, a black dog ran across the ground, not noticing him. A tawny dog that looked like a collie followed. They were chasing a lean brown coyote, who was snapping her jaws at them. The dogs circled and, nipping at her heels, drove her away from the city. They were turning back when they caught sight of Slasher. “Very gentle, aren’t you?” he sneered.

“Slasher, why are you here?” asked the black dog.

“I-hey, how do you know my name? Who are you?”

“I’m MicroWing, and this is my brother Bruce. Miki and Neewa told us.”

“Miki! Grrrrr.....”

“Down, boy. Would you like to meet my father?”

“Sure, oh, big mistake, Micro!” chuckled Slasher.

“Yeah, and not keeping your mouth shut about your plans isn’t a mistake at all!” said Bruce sarcastically.

They lead him into the down, unaware that the female coyote was eying Slasher very intently. She started following him quietly.

******************************************************************************

Slasher was impressed. The city was huge compared to the usual settlements he saw. And any second, he would be getting the grand ally of Balto. The came to a stop at an old trawler by on the frozen beach.

“Welcome to Balto’s Boat,” said MicroWing. Bruce ran up unto the Boat. MicroWing settled himself down and began cleaning his black paws with the white Mercury’s wings on them. It was then that the female coyote made herself known. Slasher’s hackles rose as he saw her approach. “Who are you?” he snapped rudely.

“Ottawa. I like you.”

‘Oh...”

“And is it true what the bear and dog said? About you going to kill all of the dogs?”

“Yes. My father was one, and so I am revenging myself upon his fool race!”

“I like that. We coyotes are dying out

here.”

“Why?”

“Because we are trying to eat dogs.”

“Ahh, good job! And this great wolf-dog Balto shall help me!”

“Yes, but most of my kind are gone. In fact, all but you,” she said.

“Really, why?”

“Because the idiots keep trying to kill us dogs. But MicroWing and Bruce won’t let them,” said a black-and-white Alaskan Malamute. He was surrounded by half-dozen sled dogs, so attack was out of the question.

“I’m Steele,” he said. “And these Kaltag, Nikki, and Star.” He pointed to a tan Siberian husky for Kaltag, a dark brown chow-chow for Nikki, and a gray Siberian husky for Star. “And these two are Balto’s pups. Jenner is the male, and that’s Kala.”

Leading the team was a dust-colored malamute. “Who are you?” barked Slasher.

“I’m Balto.” Slasher gasped. “Ah, so that’s why I couldn’t find you on the boat,” said Bruce, walking down the gangplank. He was followed by Jenna and all of Balto’s family, except Aleu and Midback, who were with the pups.

From the city came a Saint Bernard, a Lhaso Apso, and an Afghan hound, and three more red-and-white huskies.

“And who are the new dogs?”

“I’m Doc,” said the St. Bernard.

“I’m Sylvie, gossip center,” said the Afghan.

“And I’m Dixie,” said the Lhaso Apso.

“I’m Balto’s third son, Ace. I’m a sled-dog, just like Dad,” said the smaller of the husky males.

“And me! Dingo, Balto’s second son,” the larger husky.

“And last but not least, me, Suma. My birth name was Saba, but my new owners changed that,” explained the palest red female.

“So, Balto, where did you say guys went again?” asked Doc.

“Hogwarts, a place in England. Fawkes the Phoenix needed us for help.”

“Fox the Phoenix?” asked Ottawa.

“No, Fawkes,” said Balto.

They all eyed Ottawa with suspicion.

“Hey!” barked Doc suddenly.

“The coyote! She can’t be here!”

“Let us get her! Can we?” asked Jenner.

“Yeah, please? Pretty please?” asked Kala.

“No! Let us,” said Nikki, eyes glinting.

“Yeah, we’ll get rid of this nuisance, this bane, this plague...” said Kaltag.

“We’ll get rid of this pest!” summarized Star, getting himself whacked in the head.

The dogs chased Ottawa away. “So, what do you want?” asked Dixie.

“The ally, to revenge ourselves upon the world, hating that we a not claim either side to our own!”

“Oh, great, a crazy dog,” sighed Sylvie.

Balto looked at the beach. Two polar bears were pouncing on a goose. “This is the Kemo Jump! Watch, Uncle Boris!” said Luk, the larger one.

Boris the snow goose groaned. “Get off! Why me? Why me against the Mogshulga Bears?”

Muk prepared to jump. “Oh, yeah, well this is the Fawkes Dive.” He jumped like an eagle. The goose rolled.

“And this is the ‘Boris Evades the Bears Who Believe Themselves to be Phoenixes and Wolves Move!’”

Balto sighed and turned his head back. “Slasher, would you like to come on a walk with me?”

“A walk?” asked the stunned Slasher.

“Sure.” The two headed out. Black Eagle looked uneasy.

“Balto, please listen to me. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“Yes. Let me go with you,” said Night Jaws nervously.

“Or me. You and a killer shouldn’t be alone,” said Silver Cloud quietly.

Taiga looked up. “What about Aniu? She’d be good,” she said.

“Yeah, and she’ll be back in a second,” said Tundra.

“Aniu is following me. If you don’t mind, Aniu.”

“Of course not. I don’t mind. Corronk!” Aniu took flight. Slasher and Balto started off.

******CHAPTER 6: THE HYBRID’S CHAT******

Balto and Slasher walked through the pine cove that had once been Aleu’s when she was a puppy. Slasher could tell from the smile on Balto’s face all of the pleasant memories that were flooding back. Balto sniffed. He could still smell Aleu’s pup scent. “Slasher, why do hate dogs?” he asked suddenly.

“Because my father was one.” He gave the whole story.Balto’s forehead was furrowed. “So, you never saw what happened to your father and sister?”

“No.”

“Well, then, you can’t be sure they abandoned you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I thought my father and brother had abandoned me. But they didn’t. Humans mess up with their own lives, and ours, so much, that you can’t be certain of anything. It took a few years, but I still eventually found them. And they still loved me. Even my Mother isn’t dead. Those we love are neither truly dead.”

“Can you see what I’m saying?”

“What good will the things you’re telling me be in a fighting?”

“I’m not trying to improve your fighting. I’m trying to improve your soul.”

“I have no soul!” For the briefest second, Balto imagined Slasher against flickering flames, with evil laughter rolling in the background.

“Okaaaaaay, whatever you say, but you still have a soul. But, what I'm saying is, your Father may not have abandoned you.”

Slasher’s ears went back. “So, what? I STILL HATE DOGS!!”

Balto sighed deeply. He looked around. “Come on,” he said, leading the coy-dog out of the forest.

******CHAPTER 7: THE HYBRID’S CHOICES******

The land was flatter now. Balto stopped. “Here is were Fawkes lead the war against the killers.” Slasher sniffed. Many scents, (too many to register) rushed into his nostrils.

Balto went deep back into the forest, nose against the ground. He led the coy-dog up toward a lair. The bowed low and went down through the winding passage into Harley’s old family den. He stopped at the center, where the mother lays. “This is were the evil Lord Voldemort stood. Sniff.” Slasher obeyed. A horrible, evil scent reached his nostrils. Hating tyrant though he was, the coy-dog knew that however it was was pure evil and hating! And there was another scent, badly burned, but still readable. Goodness.

“That’s Harry,” Balto continued. “He’s a half-blood, like Voldemort. But he’s good. You see, yes, we’re prejudged. We hybrids. But we don’t have to hate everyone for it. Dogs teased me about my Mother for years. Some still do, as a matter of fact. But I don’t hate them. Thus the rest of the other dogs like me. Don’t you see? Your choices don’t have to be evil. For, if you do, you become equal with them. Even worst, in fact.”

They exited the den. “Do you see what I mean?” asked Balto quietly.

“Yeeeeesss. But I still hate dogs. And I’m still going to kill the Red Dogs. And you’re going to help me.”

Balto sighed. “Than, Slasher, I am afraid I can’t help you. Nothing can. You are no longer a hybrid. You are no longer even an animal. You are a man. Good-bye, Slasher. I am sorry I can’t do more.” The wolf-dog turned and started away. Harley came up.

“Balto, you need to come. The Red Dogs and a bunch of other ones have arrived.”

“Oh, good. I’m coming.” They walked away.

Slasher stunned. He should attacked Balto for then huge insult of being called a human. But Balto’s words sank in very deep. You don’t have to hate...You become as bad as them, worse in fact... The wolf-dog’s words sank deep into the hybrid. But, as with most of Slasher’s emotions, he turned the stun feeling into hatred, especially for the red dogs. He ran into Aleu’s cove.

“Ottawa!” he screamed. “We’re going to kill the dogs!”

******CHAPTER 8: SLASHER & SEAN’S FEUD******

Sean stood with his family of red dogs. “Hello, Balto.”

“Hello, who are you?” “I’m Red, this is my mate Sheila, my sons Mike and Sean, and Sean’s mate, Penny.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

“Thanks, I-” Sean froze mid sentence. A black bear and a pale gray dog ran forward. They ran past, snarling, warning about something in the distance. All of the sudden a brown streak threw itself on MicroWing. It was Ottawa, and she was finally sinking her teeth into this hated wolf-dog. But, here she erred. MicroWing had only gone off his feet with a fanged something at his throat once, only once. That was when the six-month-old Joker had attacked.

MicroWing had learned much from that time five years ago. Plus, she lacked the power to strike as the masculine Joker had. Thus, MicroWing lunged forward and grabbed her by the nape and shook, much as his uncle, Niju, had done to Aleu many years before. Screaming, Ottawa darted her head forward, her deadly eyeteeth aimed at the jugular, where his life bubbled close, yes, very close!, to the surface. And with that, she kill yet another tasty dog. Suddenly, an ebon-and-snow creature grabbed her. There was a dust-colored wolf-dog at her ribs, and a white wolf at her back.

The black MicroWing was still holding her nape, and the black-and-white something was at her throat. She could not feel his teeth slashing through her mane, though, and so she paid him no mind. That is until she tried to breath. She couldn’t! His jaws were too tight!This was no wolf! It was a demon, and he was strangling her! Gathering as much breath as her constricted windpipe would allow, Ottawa struck out. “SLASHER!” she screamed.

Slasher was running in, fangs bared. Kemo barked: “Clear!” They cleared.

All but Joker. Oh, he did move, but the second Slasher whirled around to get Balto, Joker leapt back in. His jaws fixed around her throat, tighter now, and began taking the her breath. Now his teeth were sinking to the jugular, that great vein of life as well! “DEMON WOLF!! LET GO! HELP, SLASHER!!”

But in Joker’s yellow eyes there was a different view, very different, in fact. Memories... He was slashing at the face of Draco Malfoy, while the bully screeched... he was digging his teeth into a pit bull’s throat while his helpless love watched. The pit bull’ throat was growing raspier and raspier... and as they did he aware of the fact that it Ottawa who was screeching, who’s breath was getting raspier and raspier... His teeth his that all-important vein, ending her pain and life.

Slasher struck. But Joker was too quick for him and jumped easily away.

“Nice try, Slashie,” he grinned. Slasher sniffed, before backing away. The stench of death...was now coming from Ottawa. She was dead. Another of Slasher’s mates gone.

He sprung at Balto. Suddenly, Neewa’s huge heavy claw-studded paw sweep down, grabbing him and throwing him down. Slasher’s vision went black...

Sean was snarling above him as he came to. That hated red cur... he would kill now! Slasher leapt. The coy-dog opened Sean’s nose. But he failed to see Red sneak in and grab his hind paw. Screaming in pain, the coyote hybrid whirled around, to kill! His teeth grabbed Red, who was now bleeding badly. Balto ran in. “Time to pull a Buck!” he said, as he struck Slasher shoulder-to-shoulder. The killer was knocked off his feet. Sean sprung in, and finished his job.

******CHAPTER 9: THE END...OR IS IT?******

Balto sat, his tongue lolled out in tiredness. “Thanks, Neewa, Miki,” he said.

“Think nothing of it,” shrugged Miki.

“Come on, let’s go back, take two!” The big bear and powerful dog left. Balto looked at Red. His left foreleg (the one that had been lamed by a bear’s strike) was bleeding from where Slasher had struck.

“Are you O.K.?”

“Okay? Of course I’m O.K. Look! I can walk!” His paw sank into the tundra’s lichens.

“Wow.”

“A shock,” said Mike.

“That’s what healed Ol’ Majesty injury, huh?’ “Yeppers.”

******************************************************************************

A few days past. Sean couldn’t show thanks to the wound from Slasher, but Red won at the Irish Setter category for the Balto Dog Show, held in honor of brave Balto’s Iditarod run. Many of the Nome sled dogs won awards too. Oh, and as for Steele? He actually won best Alaskan Malamute! Jenna took the Siberian husky award, Nikki took chow-chow, Sylvie and Dixie and Doc won for their respectable ranks. But, after that, the Red Setters left. Balto sighed. Aniu flew down. Niju looked up. “What’s she saying, Nava?”

“Togo’s back!” said Nava. Kemo howled a hello, hearing Clone’s answer. Balto stretched.

“Well, things will be nice, and you wolves can spend the rest of your vacation here in pea-”A huge plane was flying down. It landed. “That’s the Black Stallion’s plane,” said Kemo. A stranger was riding, way off in the distance.

Everyone had suddenly worn masks of worry. Balto sniffed. He smelled trouble, British trouble. “Oh, come on!” he cried, for once exasperated.

THE END!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE WORKS OF JIM KJELGAARD, YOU WILL RECOGNIZE BIG RED, SEAN, PENNY, MIKE, SHEILA AND SLASHER AT ONCE. FOR REFERENCE, RED AND SHEILA'S TALES ARE IN THE NOVEL IN “BIG RED”. MIKE’S ARE IN THE NOVEL “IRISH RED.” SEAN, PENNY, AND SLASHER’S ADVENTURES CAN ALL BE FOUND “OUTLAW RED.” AS FOR THE BLACK BEAR NEEWA AND HIS FRIEND DOG MIKI, THEIR ADVENTURES ARE IN THE NOVEL “NOMADS OF THE NORTH”, BY JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD. OR YOU CAN SEE THE FILM VERSION OF THE BOOK IN THE DISNEY MOVIE, “NIKKI: WILD DOG OF THE NORTH.” JUST IN CASE YOU ARE CURIOUS. - EBONY PATRIOT