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Post by david on Sept 2, 2010 15:15:57 GMT -5
This story is about the real Balto and Togo taking part in the events of ADGTH1. While the ADGTH stuff is pretend of course, virtually all the facts about the Balto, Togo and the other 1925 serum run dogs when they lived on Earth are true. I wrote this story partially so people could know more about them. Sorry if anyone is offended by including them in an animated story. If you want to know more about these incredible dogs, I rccomend the books The Cruelest Miles or The Adventures of Balto. A great website is www.baltostruestory.com. I hope everyone enjoys. Charlie's Angels Based on the All Dogs Go to Heaven Series owned by Don Bluth and MGM/UA Chapter 1 One usually beautiful morning in canine heaven early in the human year of 1939, a group of sled dogs were returning from a visit to the human section of Heaven. Such visits were rare unless requested by a human or authroized by a high ranking canine angel, but most of the hounds in this group had unlimited access to both human and dog paradise. The reason was that this group consisted of some of the most heroic and noble canines ever to have lived either on Earth or in Heaven, for these were some of the famous dogs that had saved many children fourteen years earlier by delivering diptheria serum to the town of Nome, Alaska. Because of this, they were some of the most famous and beloved dogs on either side of life. "I think you broke a speed record, again," a bulky black Siberian husky with a white chest and "socks" on his front legs said. The boxy canine was none other then Balto, the most famous dog of the serum run. "And you must have set a record for the number of kids in your sled," replied a small brown, cream, gray, and black husky and Alaskan malamute mix with a handsome wolfish build. If you had seen him you probably would not have guessed that this mutt had once been a racing champion and the most famous dog in Alaska. His name was Togo (after a famous admiral) and some humans and dogs believed that he was the true hero of the serum, not Balto, because he and his team had carried the medicine farther and over more dangerous territory than any other dog team. Though Balto deserved to be considered a hero for his actions,, he gained most of the glory for the run because he and his team had been the dogs to actually deliever the serum to Nome and the humans had got the facts messed up. The fight over which dogs and men deserved to be considered the greatest heroes of the serum run had bitterly divided Balto' and Togo's human masters on Earth, but all that rivalry was in the past for these dogs. Despite what all the humans and other canine angels thought, both knew that they were just some of the 150 sled dogs on 20 sled teams who had carried the serum during a five and a half day relay race across Alaska. There had even been a second relay, which had also been very rough, but it had not received as much attention as the first relay. On the first relay some of the mushers had suffered frostbite, but the greatest heroes of the famous rescue missions were the at least four dogs who had given their lives to deliver the medicine, and all the surviving dogs never forgot this fact. "Nothing makes those kids' spirits rise quite like a sled ride through the northern lights," said a cream-colored husky who walked on one side of Togo. He was Fritz, Togo's half brother. On the other side of Togo walked the only dog in the group who did not participate in the serum run. He looked a lot like Togo because he was Togo's father, Suggen. Suggen had also been a racing champion and a hero dog, but in Heaven, his greatest pride was being the father of... "...Archangel Togo!" a canine voice bellowed in an urgent tone. "Archangel Balto and Fritz. Finally, I found you," said a well dressed angel dog who was obviously on important business. Balto gave a friendly chuckle. "Just call us by our first names, you know that," "Archangel Annabelle requests your presence at a meeting at noon." "How many times do I have to tell her I'm not interested in a bunch of boring old meetings?" Togo said with a slight growl in his voice. Upon arriving in Heaven, Balto, Togo, and Fritz had all been surprised to learn that they automatically qualified for the rank of canine archangel and were all offered some of the highest celestial canine posts. All had politely refused. It was not that they did not feel honored or grateful, it was just that sitting around all day in a fancy robe and doing office work was not for them. Each and every one of them was always ready to help a good person or dog, (in fact, they had recently given sled rides to a bunch of puppies who had entered Heaven long before they should have) but power did not appeal to them. So, while they kept their high ranks, they spent most of their time trying to hang out with normal canine souls. In fact, they wore nothing but the basic halo. Togo was especially uncomfortable with being an archangel. He liked being a lead dog of course, but neither he nor the other dogs liked to be treated like saints, as most canines and people tended to do. But there were other reasons he was not really fond of being an angel. Secretly, Togo would have traded all the honors and awards Paradise had given to him for the chance for him, Fritz, and Suggen to be with their human master again. In fact, when their beloved owner finally did arrive in the next world (which turned out to be quite some time later), Togo planned to join him in human heaven, and likely never return. "What great, sissy ceremony do we have to look pretty for now?" Togo asked. "Please," the messenger angel replied. "It is most urgent. A great crime has been committed."
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Post by Soapy on Sept 2, 2010 23:34:24 GMT -5
Wow David! Great start! I can't wait for more!
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Post by david on Sept 3, 2010 20:00:32 GMT -5
Chapter 2 "I feel and look absolutely ridiculous in this getup. We're dogs for Rin Tin Tin's sake, not Miss America," Togo said as he, Balto, and Fritz walked towards the archangel assembly hall, where Heaven's wisest canines discussed the most important issues. The three hero dogs were dressed in their best angelic uniforms, complete with golden wings, medals, and silk robes. "At Least It's air conditioned inside," Balto added. Since he had spent much of his life in the limelight, Balto was more comfortable with ceremonies than Togo. "73 degrees is too hot for snow birds like us," Togo replied. "You haven't smelled an old theater in LA," Balto replied. "Now that's hot!" The two dogs reached the elegant marble and jeweled hall. Paintings and statues of saintly dogs adorned the walls in-between gorgeous views of Paradise. Balto, Togo, and Fritz took seats near Annabelle's large central table. If they had to be here, they might as well have good seats. Annabelle entered the hall followed by several of her animal cherubs. "How I would love to chase those delicious morsels. The wolves get to in their own section of Heaven, why can't we?" Togo thought to himself. His love for chasing game such as caribou was one reason Togo often hung out with the wolves much of the time in Heaven. They had welcomed the free spirited canine and taught him many of their hunting and fighting secrets. As soon as Annabelle took her seat and gave a brief greeting, she and her assistants revealed the details of the terrible "crime." A curtain was pulled back to reveal a large photo of a handsome German shepherd mix named Charles B. Barkin. Annabelle retold with shock how the mutt had died and gone to Heaven the previous night, only to trick Annabelle, steal his life watch, and bring himself back to life on Earth by winding the timepiece up. All the dogs in the hall were horrified...all except the sled dogs. "Bad dog!" "Such a foul deed has never happened before." "He doesn't deserve the name canine," some of the dogs said. "What's the big deal?" Togo asked. "He just wants to live and life is a good thing and he is a young dog." "Almost still a puppy," Balto added. "Why can't we let there be a happy ending and let somebody go back for once?" the noble canine asked. "It's against the rules," Annabelle said as she launched into a lecture about the laws set up by those Upstairs. Balto, Togo, and Fritz had heard much of it before. "I've got to meet this Charlie. What smooth moves," Togo whispered to Fritz as he fondly recalled the many crafty escapes he had made on Earth. "...The worst part of it all is that Charles can never come back" Annabelle concluded. "What? You mean, he'll be like a ghost or something forever when his watch stops again?" Fritz asked. "Ghost? Where?" a frightened canine shouted. "Relax. There's no such thing," another reassured. "Yes there is." "No! No! No!" Annabelle said. "When Charles' watch stops, he will spend eternity in...in... the other place. "You mean? No. It can't be," Balto said in disbelief. "That's not fair!" Togo said. "I mean maybe he had a good reason to live. A puppy to care for or a human to protect. I'd certainly want to go back for something like that." "I'd like to think so, but considering how Charles has lived his life on Earth up until now, I doubt it. He drinks, gambles, and even picked a few pockets." "So what? Some of the best humans and dogs I have ever known gambled and drank just for fun," Fritz said. "We're all wolves at heart," Togo said. "How did Charlie die anyway?" "Well, he was betrayed and murdered by his business partner, but that is no excuse for robbing Heaven, especially of such a powerful object," Annabelle said before going into another boring lecture. While she talked, all the dogs studied Charlie's life profile. Togo thought a lot about how Charlie had escaped. There had been times he had considered trying to find a way back to life. He missed his master and the Alaskan good life. However, he had always concluded that it would be best for both humans and dogs alike that he stay where he was. Too many things might could get out of balance if returned. Besides, Earth was becoming quite a sad place. Ever since Togo had arrived in Heaven in 1929, the humans had been in what they called the Great Depression. Poverty and misery were everywhere. Even worse, the humans were starting another big war (the one humans called World War I). The last big war had been in Togo's youth and even Nome had not been spared from its cruel reach, Some of the town's dogs went to France to carry supplies for soldiers in the mountains. Dogs who came back told stories about how horrible war was. If all this was not bad enough, the world had little need for sled dogs anymore. Airplanes were doing much of the work that Balto, Togo, and Fritz had happily performed in life. Thousands of years of service to man was being thrown aside by technology. Would dogs even remain man's best friend? When Annabelle finally stopped talking, the gathered dogs gave their opinions. Most shared Annabelle's disgust for Charlie's bad deeds. "All dogs should got to Heaven, but they don't have to be allowed to return," one said. "It's out of our paws now. Let's just hope he doesn't do anything worse on Earth," said another. "That sleazy, slimy brute deserves what's coming to him," said a third dog. Once again, Togo spoke up for Charlie. "I don't know. Charlie actually has many good points. He seems to be very generous. He doesn't show any favoritism at all, no matter what a dog's breed is. I even see that he has helped care for a bunch of orphan puupies. I think he is a good dog at heart." "I hope you are right," Annabelle said, "but I'm afraid you are wrong." Togo overheard another dog whisper, "How could such a good dog want to defend a mongrel like that? What is the afterworld coming to?"
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Post by Soapy on Sept 4, 2010 8:22:12 GMT -5
Keep it up David. I'm looking forward for more
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Post by david on Sept 4, 2010 13:37:44 GMT -5
Chapter 3 Over the next several months Balto, Togo, and the rest of Heaven resumed their normal activities and kept a casual eye on Charles Barkin's activities. Much to the horror of Annabelle and the other angels, Charles dod not do much good at all with his ill-gained second shot at life. In fact, he hatched a scheme to get revenge on his old partner, Carface, and "rescued" a girl named Anne Marie from Carface's evil clutches. Balto hoped the German shepherd would help find a good home for the sweet orphan, but was shocked when Charlie instead used her and her ability to talk to animals as a way to hit the jackpot at gambling, which was what Carface had been using Anne Marie for in the first place. Balto was disturbed that Charlie used such a sweet girl for such a low purpose. He knew exactly what it felt like to be the victim of greed and neglect. After the serum run in 1925, his humans had abandoned him and the fellow dogs on his team. After making a Hollywood movie about the serum relay and going on tour of America for months, their master left them to return to work in Alaska and they ended up in a sleazy joint in Los Angeles. There they were poorly fed, abused, and put on display for a few cents a ticket. The noble canines would probably have gone to Heaven only a short time later, had not some very kind human from Cleveland, Ohio found them. Children donated their money to buy the dog's fredom and they spent the rest of their days hapily in a Cleveland zoo. Balto would never forget the love those children had shown to him and his pals. Only Togo kept some faith in Charlie. "he's still a good dog at heart. This girl is actually the best thing for him. Nothing melts a good dog's heart like a loveable human puppy," Togo said when he learned about the situation. "Trust me. I had a girl in life." Even when no other dogs believed him, Togo kept saying, "You'll see. Charlie will do the right thing. I'd bet my tail on it." Unfortunately, the odds that Charlie would eventually do the right thing seemed lower every day. Charlie and his buddy Itchy made a fortune with the girl's talents and used the money to build their own casino. Charlie had vowed to help Anne Marie find some parents, but had shown no intentions of keeping his promise, aside from buying Anne Marie some new clothes. Worse still, it was only a matter of time before Carface found out about Charlie and his secrets and the wicked bulldog had vowed revenge of his own. Many in Heaven were seriously worried about the situation. There were some angels who quietly urged that Heaven find a way to put Charlie "to sleep" again. Even Togo was beginning to grow concerned. He could feel in his heavenly bones that there was more at stake then met the nose. Togo still had faith in Charlie and wished to help him, while Balto yearned to help Anne Marie. Fritz also thought something should be done. Finally, one day, Togo had had enough of all the gossipping and slandering about Charlie and he finally decided to speak to Annabelle about the situation. "I know you're disapointed in Charlie. We all are, but the story of his life isn't over yet. We're always told not to judge others, and shouldn't we wait until all is said and done until we pass final judgment on Charlie?" "I agree. You never know what kind of good a dog is capable of unless he gets a chance," Fritz added. "Guys, Don't you think this is a little out of place? I mean, Charlie hasn't done much to confirm your suspicions that he really is a good dog" Balto cautioned. "I don't make the rules around here," Annabelle said. "A dog can't come back if they steal their watch. Those Upstairs say so." "Well, nobody is supposed to want to escape from Heaven either. Is it possible that those Upstairs knew Charlie would try to escape when he died like he did and let him escape for some reason?" Togo asked. Annabelle admited "We'll they don't always tell me everything, but..." "Why else would they leave the clocks out in the open like this? There are many horrible things going on down on Earth. People need a miracle down there more then ever. Is it possible that Charlie might be a miracle from Heaven sent for some reason?" "He seems more like a case of mange than a miracle right now," Annabelle said as she rubbed her head with her paw in frustration. "When I was a puppy, nobody thought I could be a lead dog, much less a hero. I was sick. I was too little, and I got into more mischief than a wolf in a butcher's shop. Yet here I am, an archangel." "Well said brother...err, half brother." Fritz said with a happy grin. "You do have a point there. Nobody thought I could be a lead dog either." Balto said. "Annabelle, if you're so worried about the siuation, I'm ready to go down there and help personally. In the flesh." That makes two of us." Balto said. "If Charlie isn't the answer to Anne Marie's prayers, I will be." "That makes three of us," Fritz added. "When we got to Heaven, we were all told we could go back to help others if we didn't reveal our true identities or do anything unnatural. I think this qualifies." "You're right boys. Good luck," Annabelle said as the sled dogs prepared for a new adventure.
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Post by david on Sept 5, 2010 15:48:10 GMT -5
Chapter 4 "Charlie couldn't have picked a better climate to live in. It is so nice and cool. A human wouldn't sweat a drop in this dry weather." Togo said as he and Balto panted from the intense humidity of the bayou outside Charlie Barkin's hometown of New Orleans. Their tongues were practically dragging on the ground. "I'd almost forgotten what a pain mosquitoes are," Balto complained. "Now I know I'm alive again." "It's almost as bad as an Arctic bog in July. Oh well, at least Charlie picked a classy town to live in," Togo remarked as the two dogs (Annabelle was still a little nervous about the fact that more dogs were returning to Earth and so Fritz agreed to stay behind for the time being in case something happened) approached the outskirts of the Big Easy. Although both dogs felt most at home in the snow and fresh air of of the far North, they were both quite familiar with big cities. They and their teammates had accompanied their masters on seperate tours of America after they had saved Nome. They had attended countless ceremonies and given sled rides in the streets. Compared to cities like New York, New Orleans would be no big deal. Before noon, the dogs were wandering through the French quarter. The familair sounds of jazz music could be heard and the smell of alcohol filled their nostrils. "Remember when the humans tried to ban that stuff?" Balto asked Togo. "About as crazy as trying to outlaw chasing cats," the rejuvenated racing champ replied. All over the place, the dogs could see drunken humans and canines. "Wusses! You haven't truly needed a drink till you've mushed 50 miles when it's 40 below out," Balto said. Both dogs would have loved to join in some of the more tame fun around town (or even better, chase animals in the swamp) but both knew they had to reach Charlie's Place, the new casino and club the renegade German shepherd and Itchy had built with Anne Marie's winnings. Today would be the joint's grand opening. All the canine haunts in New Orleans had glittering posters advertising the big event. It was quite easy to find the place, especially since neon signs and lights covered it. "He's done a great job decorating the place," Balto said. "But that's all I'll give him. You still think this mutt has a good bone in his body?" "Hey, I'm a mutt. And yes. I'm as certain as your master was that you would make a great leader." Before the serum run, few except Balto's musher thought the big husky could either race or lead a sled team. "Remember, I'm here for the little girl, but I suppose we should meet this scoundrel." The two sled dogs entered the casino and found it as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. Racing tracks, card games, drinks galore, and even some pretty dancing hounds. Charlie was nowhere to be seen at the moment, so the two dogs helped themselves to a few drinks from the bartender, who turned out to be Charlie's friendly, but cranky sidekick, Itchy. After chatting with the little dog for a bit, they joined a poker game. Both dogs knew all the tricks at cards. Nome was a hotbed for card games and there had always been heavy betting on the dog races. What else was there to do in a small town near the Arctic Circle in the dead of winter? Togo easily won a few hands, but then started losing. With their keen intuition, they sensed that a Doberman at the table was cheating. "I win again! I'll be taking you for walks and feeding you table scraps if you boys keep playing like this," the Doberman remarked with glee. "Very good. Too good," Balto said. "You accusing me of pulling a fast one?" the Doberman growled. "No, we're accusing you of drinking milk and playing with string," Togo replied with a similar growl. The Doberman was about to tear the two sled dog's throats out, when a sleek German shepherd rushed up. On his neck was an elegant solid gold watch held by a blue ribbon. "What it this?" the shepherd asked. "These snow bunnies are accusing me of playing foul," the Doberman roared as he tried to lunge again." "No fighting! I'm alpha dog around here," the shepherd growled. After a quick investigation, the German shepherd discovered that Balto and Togo had been right. "Get him out of here!" the herding dog barked to his guard dogs as they carried the angry Doberman out the back door. "That's not how we swing it around here. Anybody ever caught cheatin' in my place again can take their business to another fire hydrant." "Thanks a lot," the shepherd said to the two huskies. "I want this to be a fun place. Let me introduce myslef. Charlie B. Barkin. I'm the owner of this facility." "Call me Benny," Balto replied. "And you can call my friend here Tom." "Pleasure's mine." Charlie said as he shook paws with the two. "I don't see many of your breeds around here. Must be the climate. What brings you down South?" "We're from way up North originally. Alaska actually." "I'm gonna go there myself one of these days." "If I had my way, that's where we should have built this place, Boss," Itchy said from accross the room. "Is it true they play with gold nuggets up there?" Charlie asked his guests. "Yeah. Almost as fun as your place," Togo answered. "Well, thanks. Two gentlehounds of fine taste I can see. Say, where did you get that ear mark White Fang?" Charlie asked Togo when he spotted his damaged right ear. "Some say it's a birthmark. Truth is it's a souvenir from a tango with a malamute." Togo answered. "Well, what a small world! Similar story here," Charlie said as he showed off a bite mark in his own right ear. "You two are my type of mutts. Tell you what, all your drinks are on the house tonight boys," Charlie remarked as he went off to greet some of the other customers. "Uh, thanks," Balto said to Togo. "So that's the old rascal. You might be right. He seems to have some heart within that resurrected chest." "Yes. Actually, I think I have underestimated him. As I was talking to him just now..." Togo stopped when an adorable little human girl with black hair and rags for clothes stormed into the room with a suitcase. She argued with Charlie and threatened to leave...and she and all the dogs could understand every word they said to eachother! Anne Marie insisted Charlie keep an earlier promise to help the poor and Charlie agreed. The girl quickly forgave him and left to get ready for their outing. Charlie then had a word with Itchy. The dachshund was not too happy about Charlie's latest side trip with the little girl. "Excuse me gentlemen. Just had to settle business with my girl," Charlie said as he rejoined Balto and Togo. "Quite a catch there," Balto replied. "Where did you find a human with enough brains to understand us?" "Oh, I found her on the streets desperate and lonely one day and I took her in. She's the best human I've ever met." "That's not saying much. You haven't met many that didn't try to put you in the slammer," Itchy remarked. "She seems to have a really good heart. Millions of dogs go through life without ever meeting a human like her and I'm not just saying that because she can talk to us," Togo said. "You can say that again," Charlie remarked. "She's a real blessing," Balto commented. "A dog should take very good care of a kid like that," Togo added. "Of course. I always have and I always will." Charlie replied.
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Post by Soapy on Sept 5, 2010 16:10:00 GMT -5
YAY! MORE!
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Post by david on Sept 6, 2010 17:07:08 GMT -5
Chapter 5 Balto and Togo decide to follow at a safe distance when Charlie and Anne Mare left to help some of New Orlean's less fortunate. After stopping at a pizza parlor and a bakery, the human and dog duo went to a puppy orphanage in an abandoned church in a remote part of town. The two reached the church without incident and while Charlie and Anne Marie did their good deed inside, the two sled dogs talked over what they had onserved so far. "I hope you're right about the kid softening Charlie up. She so deserves better" Balto said. "I mean, Anne Marie's not starving or dying of heat, but she needs a human family. In any event, it is not likely to earn Charlie a pardon from the folks Upstairs. They aren't too happy when animals like us mistreat humans." "I know" Togo said. The folks Upstairs were very fond of humans and very concerned about how animals treated them. The devotion dogs had to mankind was one of the main reasons Heaven was so welcoming to canines and Balto' and Togo's loyal service to people was why all in Paradise thought so highly of them. "It's a real pity about Charlie," Togo continued. "When I was talking to him earlier tonight, something in my bones told me he wasn't just a good dog. He has the capacity to be a great dog. It's strange but it is almost as if Heaven has some amazing purpose for him. I've never quite felt this way around any other dog." "In that case, it's probably good we decided to lend a paw down here. I just hope Charlie sees the light and helps that little girl find a good home," Balto said. "So do I" Togo agreed as the two hero dogs sat under a beautiful full moon and stars. The Sun had barely risen when the two dogs awoke from their sleep outside the ruins of the church to see Anne Marie happily trotting outside and heading towards town by herself. Balto was concerned and he decided to follow the little girl while Togo chose to wait and see what Charlie was up to. Balto was eager to meet Anne Marie. She seemed so sweet. He quickly caught uo with her as she searched through a nice neighborhood. "Um, little girl, are you lost?" he asked as she browsed through a wallet. "It's o.k. I'm a good dog," he added as he gave Anne Marie a lick on the hand. The little girl hugged him, told him her name, and explained that she was looking for 402 Maple Street. "402 Maple Street? I'm headed that way myself. We'll find it together." "Thank you very much" Anne Marie said politely. "Do you live there Anne Marie?" the dog asked. "Um, no. I'm trying to return this wallet to some friends there." "That's very nice of you." "You look familiar? Have I seen you before?" "It's possible. I've been somewhere before" Balto added with a chuckle. Anne Marie giggled and patted him on the back. "You're so nice Mr...uh..." "Call me Benny," the husky replied. "Mr. Benny, I wish my dog Charlie was as nice as you. I live with Charlie. I like him, but he makes me kind of mad sometimes. He stole this wallet from some really nice people." "Whoa! That wasn't very nice, was it?" "Not at all. I can't believe he would do something like that. But you know what, I think he really is a good dog, he just doesn't listen to his conscience enough." Anne Marie's faith in her friend amazed Balto. She really was extraordinary for a human. He kept guiding the girl through the streets. "You're probably right Anne Marie. A lot of folks don't listen to their consciences enough." "That's why I pray every night for Charlie. I also pray that I'll find a mommy and daddy. I'm hoping the people on Maple Steet could be the ones." "Charlie is sure luck...err blessed to have a friend like you. It is really nice that you're willing to give him a second chance. I hope this family will be good for you too. I think every puppy deserves a good home." "I think so too. Charlie and I visited some orphan puppies last night and...hey, I know why you look familiar. You look just like Balto, that sweet doggie that brought medicine to those sick kids a long time ago. But I know you aren't the real Balto because he's in Heaven. I wish I could have met him though." "You're right. He is in Heaven. But perhaps when you get there someday you'll meet Balto and all the other dogs that brought the medicine. I'm sure they'd love so meet a sweet girl like you, especially since not many humans can talk to us." "I hope so," Anne Marie said. The two soon found 402 Maple Steet and it was time for them to part. "Don't you want to come in with me?" Anne Marie asked. "I'd love to, but I have some things to do." "Well, thank you for helping me. It was nice to meet you Mr. Benny." "Nice to meet you too," Balto said happily as the little girl walked up to the door of the house.
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Post by david on Sept 7, 2010 16:50:49 GMT -5
Chapter 6 Togo took a break to find some breakfast (New Orleans was full of good food, particularly delicious fish) and then returned to the old church. He was just in time to catch a glimpse of Charlie darting out of the ruined building and race towards town. The poor German shepherd looked as if he had just seen a ghost! Togo had been in many dangerous situations during his sledding days and he had never seen a dog with such a terrified look on his face. The only time he had seen anywhere near as much fear was when the children of Nome had grown sick. What could be wrong with Charlie? Togo caught up with Charlie and asked what was wrong. Charlie said he had simply had a rough night and politely declined Togo's help. Togo knew something was very wrong, but Charlie insisted he was fine. Togo followed Charlie to Maple Street where the husky found Balto happily watching a beautiful house. "Is everything all right with the little girl?" Togo asked with concern. "She couldn't be better. She's with a loving young couple who have no puppies of their own and eating a delicious breakfast. Waffles from the smell of it. I think she's on her way to a forever pack." "Yum! Err, I mean, wonderful," Togo said. "I just hope Charlie will let sleeping mushers lie." Unfortunately, the two dogs watched as Charlie talked Anne Marie into following him back on to the streets. They followed the pair as they walked downtown. The two sled dogs were just considering their next move when they saw Charlie go down in a burst of gunfire. "Got him!" an ugly looking bulldog cheered. This had to be Charlie's treacherous old partner, Carface. But Charlie's life watch must have survived the attack, because the shepherd was quickly back on his feet and he and Anne Marie soon vanished from sight. Carface and his thugs also fled with problems of their own. Balto and Togo traced Charlie's scent to an abandoned warehouse, only to find the scent run cold at a gaping hole in the building's floor. The hole went directly down to a swamp. The sled dogs searched for a way down. They feared that both girl and German shepherd might be dead. As they desperately searched, they discussed what to do next. Balto wanted to keep looking for Anne Marie and Charlie. Togo did too, but he also had a hunch about where Carface would strike next. He decided to try to warn Itchy while Balto continued the search. Balto had found his way to Nome in the middle of a fierce winter storm. If any canine could trakc down Charlie and Anne Marie, it was Balto. After spending most of the day racing along the banks of the Mississippi, Balto picked up two familiar scents. He found Charlie and Anne Marie along with an alligator that looked like it had crawled right out of a dinosar movie. The giant alligator eyed Balto hungrily, but Charlie insisted the husky was a friend. After Balto sang a tune with his beautiful husky voice, the gator agreed, but as soon as Balto got a close look at Anne Marie he could tell she was sick. Very sick! As soon as he and Charlie sang the reptile good-bye, Balto told Charlie he had to get Anne Marie some help. "You think I don't know that?!" Charlie barked as Balto helped steady the girl on the German chepherd's strong back. "Come on. I know the perfect lady for the job." "I hope so. A sick child is a horrible thing to see. Trust me I know," Balto said. Charlie was clearly beginning to agree. Balto could see that the mutt was truly concerned about the little girl. He could detect fear in the shepherd's eyes, and it was not a shallow self-centered fear. Togo seemed to be right. Charlie did have some genuine good in him. But genuine good didn't seem enough to help Anne Marie at the moment.
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Post by Soapy on Sept 8, 2010 13:15:27 GMT -5
How long is this David? btw, loving it
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Post by david on Sept 8, 2010 15:15:00 GMT -5
It's nine chapters, so were approaching the end. I'm glad you like it though. I hope other people read this and enjoy it too. Where are the other site members? Chapter 7 Meanwhile, Togo had been going through a very different struggle. He had returned to Charlie's Place to find everything all right except for the fact that Itchy had left to look for Charlie, whom the dachshund believed should have been minding to their new business. Togo traveled back to the old church only to learn from a beautiful collie named Flo that Itchy had already come and gone looking for his friend. Togo could not resist saying a brief hello to Flo's adorable puppies, many of whom had never seen a husky before. He also gave Flo all of the bones and money he and Balto had won the previous day at Charlie's Place (Heaven would not allow them to return with such booty of course). Finally, in the late afternoon, Togo raced back to Charlie's Place. When he arrived, he found a terrifying sight. All of the customers and guard dogs had vanished and a huge gang of attack dogs had broken into the new casino. Togo caught the scent of two dogs he had smelled earlier that day when Charlie had almost been murdered again. As he ran into the casino, which some of the attack dogs were preparing to set on fire, he heard a little dog cry for help. When Togo finally reached the main hall he saw Carface and his thugs beating up Itchy. "You know boys, I'm beginning to think that maybe he really doesn't know where Charlie and the girl are. Since he's obviously in a great deal of pain right now, I suggest we give him a little something that will end his misery real..." Togo lunged at the nearest dog and quickly had him squeling in pain. The 50 pound husky mix jumped out of the path of one dog and right onto the neck of another as he began using every fighting trick the wolves of Heaven had taught him. The moves stunned Carface's thugs but Togo knew he could not defeat them all. "Run. Get out of here!" he shouted at itchy. Before Carface (who was screaming with rage) could react, Itchy had squirmed away and out of the casino. "Morons! I'm surrounded by morons!" Carface yelled. "We should have brought the pliers boss," a dog with glasses whined. "Shut up!" Carface roared. Togo struggled with the dogs for a few moments so Itchy could get away and then managed to rush out an entrance. Carface's thugs gave chase but the sled dog was too quick. "Forget him boys" Togo heard Carface shout. "Follow that walking sausage. He'll leas us to Charlie." Togo ran as fast as he could, trying to find Itchy. Unfortunately, the dachshund knew New Orleans much better than Togo and the hero dog lost track of his scent. After searching for quite some time, Togo ran towards the old church and bumped into Balto a few blocks from the abandoned building. "Am I glad to smell you," Balto said. "Anne Marie needs a doctor...really badly." "Have you seen Charlie's friend Itchy?" "Yeah. He ran into the church a few minutes ago. He looks like he could use a doctor too." "We've got to warn him and Charli. Carface is on his way," Togo said as they approached the church. "Oh no! We've got to get Anne Marie and the puppies out of there. By the way, have you sniffed Charlie's girlfriend in there? I see why he left Heaven. That chick is..." Suddenly both dogs halted in their tracks as they ran through the graveyard. From the church, they could hear Charlie shouting at Itchy between distant claps of thunder. Charlie's words chilled them worse than any cold Alaskan wind. "...I'm using the girl and when we're done with her, we'll dump her in an orphanage. Is that o.k. with you?" Charlie shouted. "Sure. Whatever you say," Itchy whimpered. Then the two sled dogs heard something that pierced both their hearts. Anne Marie sobbed bitterly and between her tears, she muttered, "You're not my friend. You're a bad dog!" "She is right and I was wrong," Togo said. There was no true good in Charles B. Barkin at all. But then, amidst the sounds of Anne Marie crying and running out of the church the sled dogs heard Charlie call Anne Marie's name. In Charlie's voice was the sound of genuine shame, sorrow, and love. It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Charlie had to have been lying when he said he didn't care about the poor girl. And when Anne Marie ran out of the church and into the hidden claws of Carface, Balto and Togo spotted a look of love, fear, anger, and determination in Charlie's eye. It was the look of the love they felt towards their own human masters and the same gaze of determination they had had many years earlier when they knew an entire town was depending on them. With an almost equal detarmination, Balto and Togo prepared to chase after both Charlie and Anne Marie, but before they could take a single step, they sensed someone stalking them from behind. The two dogs growled and turned around to fight but then both felt something hit their heads hard. Then, there was darkness.
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Post by david on Sept 9, 2010 17:28:16 GMT -5
Chapter 8 Balto and Togo awoke to find themselves tied up and being dragged through the swamp by two of Carface's goons. "You two snow balls are lucky. The boss was gonna have you dumped in the river, but decided to let you have some fun with the pliers instead," one of the goons cackled. "And if that isn't enough for you, the boss will show you his aquarium," the other boasted. Suddenly, something lunged at the dog carrying Togo and the goon dropped the sled dog to struggle against his attacker. The other dog dropped Balto to help. As the two sled dogs wriggled and chewed their way out of the ropes holding them, they looked and saw a creamy colored dog fighting with the goons. It was Fritz! Togo quickly got loose and ran to the aid of his half brother. Balto was right behind. The two goons were no match for the three dogs and their wolf fighting skills and they quickly ran off. "Thanks. What are you doing here, Fritz?" Balto asked. "Nobody messes with my teammates and nobody messes with a kid either while I'm around," the husky said. "Besides, I couldn't let you have all the fun." Soon, the heroic huskies were racing through the streets of New Orleans, where endless barking greeted them. They heard dogs shouting Charlie's name and came onto one of the city's main streets to see an army of excited canines from Great Danes down to young puppies racing in the direction of the bayou. Togo, Balto, and Fritz joined in, glad to be part of the canine rescue mission. As worried as they were, the sled dogs rather enjoyed the charge. They had not felt so excited since the serum run. Charlie's friends were equally charged. For all his misdeeds, the hounds of New Orleans sure loved the mutt. The dogs all raced into the swamp followed by several humans. Balto and Togo recognized Itchy and Flo in the crowd, along with Flo's puppies and the human couple Anne Marie had had breakfast with that morning. The happy walk Balto had had with the little girl felt like a lifetime ago. The dogs could also hear the sound of an ambulance in the distance. If Anne Marie and Charlie could only hold out a little longer, there was no way things would not turn out all right. But as the dogs and humans approached a wide-open section of the bayou, the horrible sounds of a sinking ship filled their ears. The dogs reached the water's edge just in time to see an old ship plunge below the river. The only souls in sight were a familiar yellow dog with glasses pushing a wooden board with a child on it. It was Anne Marie and Carface's sidekick. He at least had an ounce of good in him. "Charlie!" Itchy cried sadly as he and Flo reached the river. Charlie's two old friends swam out to the raft and pushed Anne Marie to shore, where an ambulance and the human couple waited. "She's going to make it," a doctor said as he looked over Anne Marie. "All she needs is some medicine and a lot of rest." Everyone was glad to hear those words, especially the sled dogs. While the human couple arranged to take care of Anne Marie, Itchy and Flo talked to Carface's minion, Killer. "What did you do to Charlie?" Flo growled at the canine criminal. "Oh. It's awful!" Killer sobbed. "The boss...he... I hate gators! Who is gonna take care of me now?" "What happened to Charlie?" Itchy demanded. The other dogs in the crowd all growled at Killer. "Poor boss! He didn't even survive to know Charlie threw away his life to save the girl. It would have cheered his sweet heart." the dog cried. Flo and Itchy were both heartbroken at Charlie's death, but they were also amazed at Charlie's courage and sacrifice. Balto, Togo, and Fritz had even more mixed feelings. "You were right," Balto said. "He really was a good dog. One of the best." "I would sled with him anytime," Fritz added. "I don't no whether to smile or howl with sorrow," Togo said, Flo, Itchy, and the orphan puppies were all crying. Balto and Fritz started to lick each of the pups while Togo reassured the grown dogs. "What a great friend Heaven blessed us all with. I'm sure a reward awaits Charlie in the next life." "You should build a statue of him or something," Balto added. Itchy and Flo just cried and mourned their lost friend. "If I could have married any dog, it would have been Charlie," Flo said. "I didn't even get to tell him I forgave him," Itchy sobbed, "I'm sure he knows," Togo said. This was one moment Togo deeply regretted the fact that he was an angel. Why did he have to obey heavenly rules? Why couldn't he help Charlie return? But he, Balto, and Fritz were relieved to know Charlie would soon be where he belonged. The folks Upstairs always loved it when an animal saved a human, especially a child. And no creature pleased them more than one that had given its life for a person. Charlie would be allowed back into Heaven for sure. And if anyone gave any trouble, they would have three huskies to deal with. After all the humans and other canines left the scene, the three sled dogs remained behind gazing at the river. Suddenly, Balto spotted something in the water and dove beneath the Mississippi. A minute later he reemerged with a beautiful gold watch with a blue ribbon on it. It was Charlie's life watch. "It's a miracle!" Balto said. "It must have washed out of the ship or something. Heaven will be glad to have this back," "Great job," Togo said as he examined the broken celestial timepiece. It was no longer ticking, so Charlie was truly gone and the water had clogged up its parts. "But it looks like winding it up again won't be enough." "I guess it really was Charlie's time then," Balto said a bit sadly. Togo replied "I couldn't think of a more noble way to go. Even if Charlie never qualifies to be an angel, he's earned the right to be called a hero." "Amen," Fritz and Balto said.
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Post by Soapy on Sept 10, 2010 6:34:31 GMT -5
This chapter made me tear up a little
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Post by david on Sept 10, 2010 14:30:39 GMT -5
I know. It's pretty sad. Anyway, here's the final chapter. Chapter 9 Balto, Togo, and Fritz stopped by Maple Street later that night. Anne Marie was already beginning to recover and it looked like she and Itchy had indeed found a forvever home. After saying a final good bye to Itchy and Flo, the three sled dogs returned to their own home. When the huskies arrived back in Heaven, they learned that they would be just in time to greet Charlie. It had been decided that the German shepherd should be allowed to return to Heaven after all. It was rumored that Annabelle had had a bit of a struggle getting Charlie back, but the sled dogs decided some questions were better left unanswerd. The three greeted Charlie shortly after his arrival (Togo wanted Charlie to get a medal, but Annabelle thought the basic package deal was all Charlie should get), but the German shepherd did not recognize them as the huskies that had helped him in his final days. And for now, that was how the huskies wanted it. "Wow! Amazing! You three are some dogs," Charlie said when he met them. "I wouldn't be caught dead in those stupid robes though. Look me up if you ever get so bored you feel like winding your life watch. I'll put some life in your afterlife," the German shepherd added. "Personally, we don't like the sissy getups either. But if you want to have some real fun, try hanging out with the wolves up here, hero." Togo said. "Feel free to join us for a sled run anytime," Fritz added. "Oh, and Charlie." Balto said as Charlie turned around to smile at them. "Try not to break, drop or run off with this again." the sled dog said with a wink as he tossed Charlie a familiar looking watch. "Uh. Don't worry. My watch barrowing days are over," Charlie replied. Fritz and Suggen, meanwhile were outraged that a nobody like Carface had beaten up their Togo and got revenge by helping to foil the bulldog's own attempted escape from Heaven. Now Suggen watched proudly as the the three archangels received yet another award. Balto's girl friend and old teammate Tillie was there as well, "The folks Upstairs thank you for a job well done. For a second time, you answered the prayers of a world that needs them answered more than ever." Annabelle said. "Good work Balto. Once again, you prove to be a child's best friend. Good work too Fritz. Perfect timing. And Togo, I am glad to admit that you were right and I was wrong about Charlie. You truly are more than just a hero." "Actually," Togo said modestly, "The real hero is Charlie." "Well said hero," Annabelle replied. "But I'm still convinced Earth is better off now that Charlie can truly never go back." "Oh, he'll go back," Togo chuckled to himself. The End
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Post by MatKearneyFan on Sept 12, 2010 14:55:58 GMT -5
I've seen this type of story before, but it's different from yours.
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