FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Balto ©

By Dogmaster22

Prologue Part 1

May, 21, 1919

Spring took hold in Alaska, and everything came to life. The trees burst with a bright vivid green, the plants sprung happily from the ground, wildflowers, green, blue and yellows; were all bunched together in every direction and the animals slowly crept from their hiding holes in search of food. A pack of wolves came out of their cave to stretch in the morning sun. Two white wolves in particular went out for their now dwindling pack, numbers were dropping because food was getting scarce in their part of the land.

"Aniu, where are we going?" The two wolves were strolling through the woods. Aniu, the larger of the wolves was leading the two. Nayak, was a little smaller when compared to Aniu, and more gray color. Her face and all around body tone was thin. the two jumped over a downed mossy log. "

Today Nayak, is the first day you get to hunt for the pack, with me. " you could tell by Nayak's face, she was not excited at all, Nayak was known for not completing tasks she was given. Aniu couldn't stop her though, even if she wanted to.

"Nayak, if you don't want to do this... tell me now and we can just-"

"No Aniu, I can do this, I'm ready." Nayak knew that hunting with Aniu that they could possibly hunt until nightfall, but Nayak felt she really was ready. The two walked into a wide open meadow, on the far side stood a ridged cliff wall that lead to the entrance of Eagle pass.

"Nayak get down." Aniu scowled softly. Nayak quickly ducked into the grass. Aniu found their next meal, antelope. Fairly easy game, when you have a partner. But for someone's first time, it could present a challenge.

"Just follow my lead, okay?". Nayak nodded, she watched the antelope closely, her body started to shake with anticipation. Nayak saw the pack hunt plenty of times before, she could do this herself she thought.

"You need to stand still." Aniu was possibly the greatest hunter in the pack, she knew she needed stealth and patience if she wanted to catch the antelope. Nayak though, was just the opposite, she was getting very antsy. They were creeping closer to the antelope. There were no more words between the two. They were almost within range to pounce, Then there was a subtle crackle, a broken twig lied beneath Anui, she stood completely still, she thought the antelope would run off, it stayed, scanning the area. A burst of white flew passed Anui.

"No, Nayak don't!" it was too late, Nayak chased off after the antelope, and in a flash, it dashed away, which left Aniu to take off after Nayak.

They were back in the forest, Aniu lost site of the two, but she could still follow their scent. Aniu came to a halt, there were two directions she could go up the one that lead to a narrow cliff, the other kept going straight, that lead out of their packs territory. Aniu smelled the air, finding Nayak's scent, they were heading up the cliff. Aniu carefully, rushed after them. There was little room for error while traveling alongside the cliff before you would fall over the edge. Though it wasn't much of a fall, it would still be some time before Aniu would catch up to Nayak, if she could find her again. A small flattened area grew out of the cliff-wall, Aniu almost stumbled. Before her stood a giant black bird, perched at the end of a dead tree at the side of the cliff. It seemed to be a raven, yet at the same time, it seemed surreal, made of shadows. The raven looked at her, and cawed, then peered down over the cliff into the valley below. This was not the

first time she has seen this raven, it came whenever she needed direction, it always seemed to point her the right way, so far. Aniu hesitantly walked up to the side of the raven and peered below, there grew little figures. After a moment, the first figure grew close enough for Aniu to tell what it was... Nayak. Anui was slightly relieved, she looked back up at the tree, the raven was gone. Anui started picking out the other figures, they started splitting apart from each other, growing in numbers, it was a stampede of Antelope. Aniu's thoughts raced past her, the only thing she could do right now was call. "Nayak, Nayak!"

Nayak lifted her head, finding Aniu, and rushing past her, afraid of the herd stampeding over her. Aniu turned around and sprinted after her, trying come up with an idea to get Nayak out of the stampedes way.

"Nayak! up ahead, there's a large branch sticking out from the rocks, do you see it?" Before Nayak could reply, she tripped over her feet, skipping over rocks, until she lied unconscious, or just too shocked to get up and move. Aniu froze and gazed over the edge at Nayak and gasped,

" oh no." choking over her own words. At this moment Aniu had only one, brazen option. Without really thinking, Aniu jumped down, boulder to boulder. Upon landing on the ground, she sprang up, trying to get through the never ending stampede to Nayak. Moments later Aniu jumped above Nayak to shelter her from anymore Antelope.

"Aniu?" Nayak looked up.

"Not now Nayak, we have to get you out of here, now!" Aniu picked up Nayak by the back of her coat and threw her forward onto her feet. The two moved quickly to avoid any incoming antelope. Just a little further..." Aniu was thinking to herself. THUMP! Nayak made it out, and turned to see Aniu hit in the side, sideswiped by an antelope's leg, it stumbled, but rushed back to it's feet and took off.

"Aniu!" There was a certain desperation in Nayak's voice. She could only watch as the rest of the herd pass around and over Aniu with frightened eyes. It felt like the herd lasted forever, Nayak choked back her tears. When the herd passed, Nayak rushed to Aniu's side.

"Aniu?!" Nayak didn't know what to do. Nayak couldn't hold it back anymore, she started to cry and laid her head on top of Aniu.

"It's my fault Aniu, I'm sorry."

"Nayak?" Aniu was breathing hard, but it wasn't her that called out Nayak's name. Nayak searched around, she found a husky rushing to her side from the trees. he was a light-orange and black haired Malamute, his eyes shone with a deep ocean blue.

Nayak ran up to him in a panic."Akino, I'm so glad you're here, I was- I mean we were-"

"Nayak..."

Nayak looked back down on Aniu, who was starting to move.

"Aniu, are you okay?"

Aniu struggled to sit up. There was frustration in Aniu's eyes, Nayak knew why to.

"Aniu, I'm sorry, I just thought-"

"You deliberately disobeyed my orders Nayak, why?" Nayak couldn't look directly into Aniu's eyes.

"I know, I thought it was about to run off so I-"

"So you disobeyed me?"

Nayak started to cry again. Aniu took a deep breath

"Nayak" Aniu cradled Nayak's head with her own. "I'm not mad at you, I was just afraid."

Nayak turned slightly, surprised to hear those words from Aniu.

"You were afraid? of what?" Aniu was still dazed from her injury

"Of losing you, I don't know what I'd do without my sister." The two sat there, exchanging smiles. Aniu winced, her wound seemed to worsen. Anui finally realized that Akino was standing beside her.

"Akino, what are you doing here?"

"That's not important right now, can you walk?" Aniu, trembled to her feet and immediately collapsed back down, the two rushed to her side. I'll be okay, I just need to rest for a while. Akino looked over to Nayak, who was looking helplessly at Aniu.

"Nayak, think you can find your way back to your pack?"

"Yes."

"Good, then go get some help, and lead them back here, I'll watch over Aniu for now, hurry."

With that, Nayak took off, dashing through the trees again, following in the antelopes footprints. Akino and Aniu sat for a moment, taking in everything that just happened. "Aniu, are you sure you're okay?" The two looked at Aniu's injury on her side, under her fur you could see red and swelling already.

"I told you, I will be fine, besides, it's not me I'm worried about."

"Do you think Nayak can't find her way back?"

"no, it's not that either.".Akino looked with interest,

"then what?" Aniu smiled

"We are going to be having puppies soon Akino." Akino couldn't help but smile,

"What, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

*Aniu laughed*

"because you weren't around earlier." The wind started to stir up.

"Do you think that Nayak made it back okay?"

"Of course, she'll be fine. wait... someone's coming." Aniu started to smell the air.

"oh no."

"What is it Aniu?"

"... It's the other pack."

Prologue part 2

Nayak came to the clearing in front of her packs cave, the only thing rushing through her mind was to get the pack to Aniu, and how disappointed her parents will be.

Nayak shook her head,

"No, c'mon you have to help Aniu." She raced into the cave, wolves lined every corner. Nayak, where is Aniu? It seemed the whole cave was whispering to her "Has anyone seen my mother? Please, Aniu needs help." "I'm right here Nayak" Aniu and Nayak's mother was a giant of a wolf, but age made her seem a little frail.

"Mom, it's all my fault, I was trying to help Aniu hunt, and she was injured, and now she's in the other packs land, with Akino and..."

"What's Akino doing here Nayak?" Nayak's mother said curiously.

"Mom! Aniu needs help!"

"Yes, you're right, come, we need to get some others to help to, you said it's on the other packs land?" Nayak looked away in embarrassment.

"Yes... that was my fault."

"That doesn't matter, let's go."

Before Akino had time to react, a large group of wolves jumped out from the nearby trees.

"Well, looks like we got some trespassers, and what leads you out here wolf, and a dog!?... what are you doing with a wolf?" The leader snickered, the group behind started a small chuckle.

"me and my sister were hunting antelope and she took after it when it ran off, and it lead us here." Akino jumped ahead of Aniu.

"please, we don't want a fight."

The leading wolf of the pack was a great deal bigger than the others,

"Well you should have thought of that before you crossed over mutt." Akino gave a cold stare.

"Oh, don't get your tail in a knot." A slight chuckle came from the wolves behind the lead wolf. Aniu didn't normally show much emotion, but you could tell she was scared. "Akino, you should go, I don't want you getting hurt over me."

"Oh how sweet, the wolf loves the dog, haha woof!"

"Ok, I've just about had it, stop or-"

"Or what dog, you gonna take me on?"

The other wolves watched in anticipation, talking amongst each other.

"If that's how it's going to be."

"No! Akino don't!"

Akino stood firm as the lead wolf charged at him, snarling.

"Naga, Cyrus!"

The wolf came to an abrupt halt. an elder, female wolf stepped out from the pack.

"But they are trespassers!" The elder ignored Cyrus's conniption. Her fur was a black-tinted brown, graying from age.

"I saw everything that happened, you are lucky to be alive white wolf. Not everyone can survive something as traumatic as a stampede." Their pack stood silent, even the woods around were still at the sound of the elder. The elder move toward Aniu and Akino, she carried a certain air about her, royal and graceful.

"You are welcome to stay here until you are well enough to leave. However, I will have a few of my wolves watch over you, this is our part of the land after all."

"What are you doing, old fool? This is not how we deal with pests who trespass, I won't allow them to stay here." The pack started to get riled up.

"They are not pests Cyrus, they are guests! And you can't do anything about it, you are not alpha, not while I'm still here." The other wolves silenced themselves.

Akino spoke up,

"Thank you, we will be gone as soon as Aniu's pac-"

"As soon as I can get up and move again, thank you elder." Aniu interrupted Akino, she had a feeling two trespassers on their land was too much already, if they knew more were coming, it might not turn out that great.

"Very well white wolf, let's go Cyrus, we need to talk about your... outburst, and the two of you, stay here until they leave. The elder looked toward two young wolves that looked both surprised, and disappointed"

Cyrus gave the trespassers one last tense glare, before leaving with the others.

Aniu let out a breath.

"That was close. Akino, you could've gotten yourself hurt, or worse."

"Well I didn't."

Aniu looked surprised by Akino's bold answer.

"Sorry Aniu, I didn't mean to snap. Just a little, angry with that guy still."

"Haha he would've kicked your tail mutt!" The two wolves looked at each other, and began to laugh. Aniu glared at them, making them feel a little uncomfortable, and look away.

"Aniu, what are we going to do?"

"What do you mean Akino?"

"I mean, what about the pups?"

"They'll be fine, they will be raised in a pack"

"Do you think the pack will accept them? I know how the pack doesn't like outsiders, not only that, but They'll be part dog."

"Akino, the pack knows you, you've been around long enough, they know you have a kind heart, that should be enough for them if not, well, I'll leave."

"Leave the pack? I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"It would be the only other option Akino, and I don't plan on it happening."

Moments later, the pack arrived, with Nayak, and their mom leading.

"Aniu, are you okay?" The mom clasped herself against Anui.

Anui winced at the embrace, her side burned with pain, making it hard for her to breathe. "Yes mom, I think I'll be fine" Akino backed off to give Aniu and her mom some room, while the wolves from the other pack looked at each other again, and ran off in silence.

Prologue Part Three

The last person I would send to help is mom, Anui thought to herself, she was glad she came regardless. "What on earth were you thinking? Going after a Gazelle, with Nayak as your partner of all wolves." Nayak seemed wounded at the rather rude comment.

"DO NOT speak to Nayak that way mother." Anui snapped.

"We would have been fine if, if I hadn't misstepped." Nayak was about to speak up, but Anui gave her a look, as if to say, do not speak of everything that happened. Now Anui wasn't so glad mother came, who looked very shocked.

"Anui, I mostly say this because Nayak is inexperienced as a hunter, and I'm just, very worried about you, You are the next heir to the pack" Anui shied away, then faced Akino subconsciously, who was looking around the area, catching on to the awkward moment. Mother followed her gaze, and ultimately noticed Akino was standing behind her. Akino felt her gaze, then stared back with an unpleasant look on his face, he felt he was being studied by her always.

"What are you doing here Akino..."

"I was just passing through here, that's all, when I saw what happened to Anui, I came to help.

"We don't need your help anymore dog."

"Mother!" Nayak and Anui shouted in unison. Mother ignored the two and tilted her head at two of the pack members, "find something to carry Anui back to the cave on, I'd like to leave here as soon as possible."

Akino turned and started to back away into the woods.

"Halt, Akino! I want a talk with you, before you go." Reluctant, Akino turned to face Aniu and Nayak's mother one more time. A chilling breeze started to fill the air. "What? Do you want me to help you find something, or just say sorry? Because I-" "I don't want to see you here again, out here, especially by my pack, and Aniu."

Shock was an understatement to how Aniu was feeling, even more so to Akino. Mother's pack of wolves looked at each other in quiet gestures, not sure how to react.

Aniu's ears folded back, and her face showed displeasure, but she had to tell them all now.

"Mother, I have to tell you something." "Now is not the time Aniu." "Now is the perfect time, mother, Nayak... Everyone" Aniu let out a big breath, Akino braced himself for what he believed was about to follow up.

"Me and Akino, we are having puppies." Many emotions showed across everyone, confused, surprised, ecstatic, and anger. Mother was staring intensely at Aniu, baffled at her.

"What, what did you say Aniu? P-puppies, with... HIM!?" Everyone jumped at her anger.

"What would your father think?" Aniu was going to say something back, but she was right, what would have father thought? He would have sided with mother she was sure. Aniu felt guilt, frustration, and sadness all pulling at her from the inside, she thought she was going to be torn to pieces, but she held it all in. "In honor of your father, I will let you stay with the pack, until your wound has healed enough, but after, you will take yourself and your... pups, with you."Mother spoke up again. Akino jumped in front of mother and snarled. "No, I think it would be better if she goes with me now." Akino's brashness astounded mother. "Why would she go with you? Why would I let her go with you?" "Cause from the sound of it, you don't care for her anymore, and if she's with me, I know she'll be safe, and taken care of." All eyes were fixed upon Akino, who stood much smaller than mother, but stood as an equal in temperament. "Enough of this... get rid of him" She tilted her head at the pack members again, who just got back with a big enough tree branch to carry Aniu back on.

"I said get rid of him, now!" A bunch of wolves jumped in front of Akino, and started to push him back in formation. Panic rushed through Akino's body, fighting off this many wolves would be a daunting task, even for a bear, but could he even bring himself to fight them? He knew each one of them as friends. A few wolves looked at each other, then nodded, and broke away from formation, letting a wolf by with the branch in her jaws, Akino knew her, Ebony.

"What is going on here!?" Mother demanded, stomping her foot. The leading formation wolf, brown in color, turned to her with a frown on his face, it was Mono.

"If you want to get rid of him, do it yourself." He walked over to Aniu and started to talk to her. While mother was distracted, Ebony dropped the branch in front of Akino.

"You got with Aniu? You sly dog, he he he. oh, no pun intended, brother" She winked, she also went over to see Aniu, giggling. Akino grew a cheerful smile, catching on to what was happening. One by one, all the wolves broke away, and said goodbye to Aniu. "You guys, I can't believe you." Aniu said, a smile beaming from cheek to cheek, though she didn't know how she truly felt about the whole situation. Mother stood where she was standing in front of Akino, awestruck by her pack. Akino dragged the branch over to Aniu, having more wolves step out of the way. The sun broke out from behind Akino, his fur gleaming in the suns rays. Aniu's heart raced, and it filled her with warmth, replacing her spiral of emotions for a moment.. "C'mon Aniu, I think it's about time we get out of here."

Chapter 1

Freezing winds, and snow took it's place in Alaska now. In a place beside Nome laid a serene flatland, snow covered the green land, coddling it like a blanket. the plains were encircled with tall grey pine trees releasing a fresh, clean scent into the air. Everything for the most part was sedate, except for the wind that grew more intense as the day went on. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was nowhere to be seen beyond the trees.

Aniu, now a mother wolf with her lone surviving pup, rested beside the entrance to their new home. It was a small rock cave, barely visible in the cliff wall. the two were left resented by the pack, because of the actions the she took. Aniu laid at the entrance, thinking of her mom and dad, brothers and Nayak...

"Hey now, that's my ear you have!" The pup was jumping around Aniu, trying to get her to play with him, and it finally worked.

"Alright, you're gonna get it, Raargh!" Aniu had a warm, soothing voice, even when she was playing. The two laughed, growled and played. Aniu moved the wrong way and her injury got to her, she had to stop. The pup stumbled onto his back and barked at Aniu, standing above him. The pup's eyes grew dreary and he stuck out his paw. Aniu stared back at him and touched his paw with her nose. Aniu then licked his face, the pup smiled, shot up and started all over again.

"You just don't tire out, do you?" Aniu looked up toward the sky. A dark, ominous storm started to draw near. "Alright little one, I think it's about time to call it a day."

Their cave had no other entrance, no leaks of wind or water, except for the small stream that came from the depths of the cave that cut criss cross down the middle, which was well frozen over by now. The inside walls were grooved, jagged from rushing water from so many years ago, which gave the cave it's musty smell. Aniu sat them beside a kind of small crevice in the wall to better protect themselves from the bitter wind. Aniu's coat shimmered from the melting snow, as well as the pups. The pup secured itself in the warm part of Aniu's stomach, as the powerful storm howled outside of the cave, Aniu watching it with shining eyes.

Deep within their cave came a light, repetitive tap-tap. Aniu's ears perked up, she turned her head to see Akino. He stretched, and let out a big yawn "Aniu, who left the door open?" he said still tired. "Oh, Akino you're up." Akino sat beside the two, and cuddled with Aniu. "How are you doing today Aniu, do we have enough food?" Aniu never answered. The pup whined when he felt he was left out, Aniu started to clean him. Akino looked down upon their pup, his face filled with grief. "What are we going to do with him?" Aniu paused, and stared intensely as if she was looking through Akino. The husky tried to allay Aniu, flashing a toothy smile.

"We can take care of him Aniu, he'll be fine, we-"

"You know we can't do that." Aniu replied quickly. The husky hung his head then sighed, releasing a large mist in the air,

"I know". Anui licked Akino's cheek, a little reassurance. In truth, Aniu wasn't any happier with what they had to do either. The pup, oblivious to what was happening, stared at the outside. There was a moment of tense silence until Aniu interjected

"I'll take him to town tonight."

"Tonight?" Aniu's gaze was back on the storm outside.

"The sooner, the better, for him and us." The three sat together in silence. Waiting for the storm to pass.

Aniu tried resting long before the storm started to fade, tired from the pup. Aniu was kept awake though by Akino and the pup, she found them playing on the ice. Aniu raised her head,

"Akino, be careful with him."

Akino was laughing as the pup tried skating over to him.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine if he's anything like you." Akino went down to pick the pup up, and got bit on the nose.

"Oww, yeah, just like your mom aren't you?" Akino got hold of the pup, and placed him between Aniu and himself. Akino felt eased when he looked at the pup "We still haven't named him yet you know." Akino said in a mellow tone. They watched as the pup exchanged glances between the two.

"I know, it's probably best that way." Aniu replied solemnly. Aniu looked over to Akino who obviously had something on his mind.

"What's bothering you Akino? You know we can't get attached to him, not now... Akino?" it took a moment for Akino to reply,

"What? oh... Aniu, I was thinking-" Aniu's ears caught movement outside. "Quiet!" she whispered as she crept to the opening of the cave. Akino took their pup and hid deeper inside. Aniu looked around outside, waiting for whatever made the noise. Aniu heard some running from the town's direction, and got ready to attack if she needed to, her heart jumped when she saw who it was.

"Oh Nayak, you're here!" Nayak was out of breath when she got there. she has grown a lot in the past month, but seemed thinner somehow.Aniu rushed over to Nayak and they wrapped their heads around each other.

Akino appeared at the cave entrance

"Aniu what was... Nayak, what are you doing here? It's so good to see you!", the pup popped out from under Akino's feet. Nayak turned to Akino,

"It's good to see you to Akino, and your little one too." Nayak touched noses with the pup, he sneezed and smiled in return.

"Aniu I'm glad I caught you."

"What's wrong Nayak?"

"The dog I was going to have watch your pup, Mercy, Her owner just moved away with her yesterday, I tried finding someone else who would watch him, but no-one wants a wolf pup. There is also word, that the hunters are leaving tonight."

"Tonight?"

Akino stood, too shocked for words, though he tried mouthing some.

"Nothing will be better between now and night, except for his, and our chance of survival, Akino the hunters are coming here tonight." Akino didn't give a verbal response, and seemed rather distant, but Aniu knew he understood.

"But, what are you going to do now Anui? Who's going to watch him?"

Anui thought for a moment. "we'll have to watch him ourselves." Akino looked at her in shock

"But Aniu, what about the hunters? They'll be looking for you, remember why we were trying to get him away from us?." Aniu turned to face Akino

" This is temporary Akino, until we can find someone who will. I'll make sure I have somewhere safe for me, and the pup to hide, you just worry about yourself. Nayak, thanks for the help."

Indecisive, the storm had once again picked up, walking became increasingly hard from all the snow and wind, making the path to town hard to find, but Aniu knew she was on the right path, she's been to town several times through the years she's lived in the pack's cave. They crossed a crevice and found a nearby cavern. Aniu crossed a thin trail of ice to get to it. Once inside they found a dry wall that well protected them from the wind. Aniu laid in a corner and placed the pup by her stomach, the pup was shaking heavily.

"ok, we'll wait here until the storm settles." Akino laid down beside them, and started to drift.

What felt like moments turned into hours. The moon was out, and felt just as bright as the sun. Akino had a very strange feeling, he couldn't quite get fully asleep because of it, but almost got there at some points. He found Aniu was still sound asleep and smiled, but he started to look around him and Aniu in shock. Where's the pup? He thought to himself in a panic. He sprang up, and saw in the cave a ways, the pup. He sighed a relief, and strolled over to him. The pup was looking at the cavern with peculiar interest. It was a giant ice cavern with bounds of massive icicles, glistening a deep opaque blue from the moonlight. He found a peculiar formation he liked and sat in front of them and studied them in awe. It was a giant icicle hanging from the ceiling that reached down to about midway in the cave, then was mirrored on the floor, a bunch of tiny icicles formed around each one, almost like they were guarding it. The pup placed a hand on them. his hair stood on end, realizing how cold it was and quickly pulled away. Akino smiled, "Curious little guy, aren't you?" His ears started twitching, picking up movement outside from the Nome's general direction.

"Hunters, already?" He didn't have much time until they got here, he looked at his pup one last time, before rushing out to look for them, and hopefully be able to lead them away,

"but how, and where would I lead them?"

He had an idea, his gut turned over at the thought, but it was the only one he had.She looked around the cave, something was missing, "Akino?" Her ears picked up movement outside.

"Oh no" She said in a choked gasp. Aniu grabbed her pup and moved swiftly to a dark corner of the cave. She couldn't see outside from there but she picked up the faint glow of a torch, and heard a dog barking.

"Could that be Akino?" She did not move a muscle until she knew it was safe to go out. From here. Aniu had not much farther to go, just about a half a mile. There was probably about an hour left until daylight again, there was no real day time during winter in Alaska. Aniu was hesitant, if she left, well... what of Akino? Where'd he go? She considered all the possibilities, then walked toward town.

"Time to move again."

There was a funny feeling in Aniu's stomach, and it wasn't because of hunters. Maybe it was the fact that Akino is missing, or maybe because she was hungry, which most likely meant the pup was hungry too.

"Alright, one last stop before town." They came to a break in the woods; Aniu sat the pup down and took time evaluating the area. They came to a small open valley; snow was thick upon tree branches that glowed in the light, long rows of shrubs stood firm in the wake of a small breeze. In the center of the valley floor laid a three pronged, shallow river. Fish seemed to jump for joy that there was a break in the infinitely lasting ice. Aniu took a deep breath, she turned toward a tree and marked it with her claws, the pup gave her a puzzled look, she chuckled,

"I'm marking a trail, you'll understand someday. We'll rest here awhile." The pup continued on watching.

"Come On, let's go get some food." Aniu walked briskly to the edge of the river, eager to finally get some food for the pup, and herself.

"Let's fish, then move on." she said playfully to the pup, which was struggling to keep up, but was fast for someone so little.

"Be careful near the edge of the river." As if on cue, the pup tripped and almost fell into the water, but Aniu lunged and caught him by the back of the neck, the pup howled out in fright.

"What did I tell you? Now keep it down before someone finds us- " Aniu's words drifted when she heard shuffling through the bushes behind them.

"C'mon, let's get moving." Aniu didn't want the risk of fighting hunters yet, or worse, a bear.

Eventually they settled again in a more suitable area, it was more of tundra, less hiding places for them to get snuck up on. They settled by a shallow end of the river to give the pup some time to stretch and eat before they moved again, Though it preferred to run around and play in the snow, it mostly tried running. Inevitably, it brought a smile to Aniu. She sat up and walked over to the pup "

We got to go if we're going to make it before daylight." She picked up the pup yet again.

Upon ascending over the pinnacle of a tall hill, a decent sized town came into sights. the air was enveloped with the smell of smoke, dogs, people and a variety of other things, lights shone from every building. Aniu stood there awhile looking back and forth. Eventually, an old broken down ship came into her sights, she sped over to it, trying not to draw attention. The boat was out far enough, no one in town could pick her out from the snow, perfect to seek shelter in. She checked everything out, it didn't smell of animals or people, so it was a safe spot for the moment. The boat was brown, and decently sized. It provided as a good bulwark against the wind, even though there's a chunk missing out of the front side of the hull. the windows were all busted out, and smell of rotting wood was everywhere, at the back end of the boat was a broken lip with a plank stretching out, acting as a ramp. she stopped at the lip of the boat overlooking the town. She put the pup down beside her, and gave a relaxed sigh. "Well, here's your new home" The pup's gaze rolled over the town in awe. Aniu lowered her gaze to the pup,

"Glad to see you like it." Her eyes picked off movement toward the right edge of town, to the woods, her face expressionless, she knew who they were looking for. She sprang up took the pup to what looks like the most sheltered area. Aniu laid down beside the pup "Don't worry, we'll be safe here... Atka."

Chapter 2

It has been many weeks since Aniu settled in on the boat with Atka. The hunters have come back, but there has been no sight of Akino. Aniu was awoken from a deep sleep by a constant pounding on her side.

"Mom, get up, I'm hungry."

Aniu got up and stretched out,

"Ok Atka, I'll go find something to eat."

"Mom, can I go to, Please?"

"No, Atka it's too dangerous for you to come with me, I will be back really soon if I go now." Atka let out a vexatious sigh, "when will I be able to go to town too?"

Aniu laughed and trotted down the ramp, "as soon as I believe you're ready."

Atka laid down on his blanket, and sighed heavily. Aniu felt that it was going to be a long day.

"Why wouldn't mom let me go in town anyways?" Atka was restless, a few hours have passed since his mom left the boat. he tried howling, as his mom did for his dad, she said

"it's to help him find his way home.", well maybe she was lost now? No she's fine. he found himself pacing back and forth before long. "We had food not too long ago." Atka stopped for a moment, he watched the sun rise over the shoreline and geese fly overhead, he loved it all, but it wasn't food, Gurrg. He felt his stomach, he couldn't take it anymore, he hated being stuck up there with nothing to do, he wanted to explore everything, he wanted to talk to the humans, and see others his kind, and most of all, he wanted to find food. Atka leaped up onto the lip, barely, then down the ramp to town.

Aniu found the town to have a much different atmosphere in daylight, Aniu was used to night, when no one walked the streets. The place was alive with activity, people walking from place to place, some with their own dogs, all unique to themselves with only a few lone dogs, who wouldn't dare confront a wolf. The dark made it easier for her to find food for her and Atka. In daytime, Aniu had to stick to the alleys. The snow there was fresh, she knew that not much things took the alleys. No matter how hard Aniu tried, she couldn't quit worrying about Akino, why was it taking him so long to return, a Bear attack? Even so, she was sure he was the dog leading the humans, so even if he were to get into trouble, he had help. Her main priority right now though was to get her and Atka food.

she continued through the town on her way to one of the town's meat lockers, where she normally goes for scraps, only the door to the locker was open this time. she crept to the side of the door and peered inside, not a single sound came from within it. Aniu decided if no-one is in there, she could swiftly get in, grab something then leave, still she was cautious when entering. The room was clear, she went to the closest hanging piece of meat and started to pull it off.

"Hey what are you doing in here!? get out!" A large man with a red stained, white apron appeared at the door, the butcher. Aniu frightened, ran and jerked passed the man as he tried kicking her.

"THIEF!" The man shouted, waving his arm violently.

Hours after Aniu, Atka entered Nome between an alley of two similar buildings, he was astonished to see how much bigger everything was compared to him. Balto really enjoyed running through town, no one there to hold him back. In Atka's journey through Nome he noticed various things, odd things to him. Humans, who are what mom detested, walk past him without a care, dogs were everywhere, and although not all were free, they didn't seem to mind, being leashed to humans.

It turned night in Nome, revealing endless star formations. Atka found himself looking across the sky, crickets filled the air with their serene chirping. He didn't stay there long though, he decided he should go back to the boat now. With more room to run, more time to think and more time to relax. it was exhausting even watching so many people with so little room walk around carelessly during day. Though he didn't find any food...

Atka's thoughts were interrupted by some howling in the distance, about two houses off to his right. Atka broke off his original course,

"Mom? No... it can't be, the howling was too high pitched, and broke every once in awhile." It didn't matter to Atka, he had to check anyways, what if it was another wolf?. Atka ran until he tracked down the source coming from behind a small, snow capped house. He peeked his head around the corner of an alleyway, it was a pup like him howling, his fur was puffy, black, brown in some places, and a white underbelly, he sat on top of wooden stairs and raised his head high as he howled, like most wolves do, but Atka felt as though the pup was different, he was too thin, almost sickly.

Atka decided for fun to howl with the pup,

"AOOOH!". The pup, hiccuped on his howl. He stared at Atka with admiration, his eyes widening.

"Whoa, you must be a wolf!" The pup jumped down the stairs leisurely and confronted Atka.

Atka smiled

"well, part wolf actually." The pup's tail wagged with excitement,

"were you the one howling earlier today? That's was great, I've never heard howling before!" Atka blushed at his admiration.

"Yes, that was me, did you really like it?"

The pup looked at him with disbelief.

"Are you kidding? I only wish I were part wolf."

I'm Atka, what's your name?

"My name's Togo, and this is my home." At that point, Togo's owner came around the corner, Atka froze. The owner had a full beard, and had a bear skin jacket, he had a bitter scent lingering about him. Atka has never had to deal with a human face to face before, and this one scared him.

"Atka you should go, now."

The man walked toward Atka and Togo.

"Togo, what's with all the howling... a wolf?" The man looked at Atka with anger, Atka shied away.

"We can't have any wolves here eating everything, or hurting our dogs." The man pulled out his knife. Atka was terrified, he knew now why his mom detests humans, they kill what they want. Atka didn't know what to do, he just closed his eyes, the man picked Atka up by the neck. Togo without thinking too much of it, bit his owner in the ankle,making him drop Atka, letting him get away.

"Ow! Togo what's wrong with you?" He then turned his attention back to Atka, who was running past the next set of houses by now. He turned to go back inside his home. "Fine I'll let him be, until he does something wrong, come on Togo." Togo was relieved but he still had to check on Atka, Togo took off after him,

"Togo, wait boy!" The man extended his hand out to try and catch Togo, but missed by inches and fell on the ground. "Togo!"

Togo searched for Atka, it should have been easy to track him, except for some reason, his vision started to fade in and out. Togo was out of breath, he stopped and thought to himself,

Atka could be anywhere by now, The town's really big.

Togo was just about to start running again when He heard sniffling coming from under the bench of the Mail Company's steps. Togo checked it out, it was Atka.

"Atka, are you okay?" Atka was trembling hard.

Atka looked up at Togo, "Why don't humans like wolves? What did I do?"

"They say you steal food from us."

"We do, but only because we need to, mom says all of our food is gone... Mom!" Atka completely forgot beating his mom back to the boat.

"What's wrong with your mom?"

" Uh, nothing, you should go back home, your owner is probably worried."

Togo sat down next to Atka, looking very shaky.

"Togo, are you alright?" Togo collapsed to the ground.

"Togo!" Atka sprang up, the first thing that came to him was to return Togo to his home, but he was worried about Togo's owner... No, Togo needs help. He grasped his jaws lightly on the back of Togo's neck like his mom would, and started to drag him to his house. Where was it?

"Atka, go on, I'll be fine"

"No, I have to take you back"

"But... huhn" Togo was out again. Luckily, Atka had a very keen sense of smell; he put Togo down gently and smelled the air finding the owner's scent. He dragged Togo to the front steps of his home, scratched on the door and howled a little just to make sure the owner heard him. Atka was about to take shelter when the door opened, he was frightened he was about to be confronted by the owner again, but it was a red-haired little girl who opened the door, she wore a grey and brown, thick furred jacket like the owners, only smaller, and had bright green eyes that seemed to pierce through the dark.

"aw, a dog, hi boy- Togo?" Her glanced switched from Atka to Togo and was shocked. Atka didn't know how to react, except by dragging Togo inside, the girl followed.

Inside, the house's color was dull, Balto was grateful though, it was much warmer. The walls were made from wood like the other houses, pale brown, tinted with an orange glow of the fireplace flames dancing with great fervor. The fireplace also created a very pungent odor of burning pine tree, and filled the air with pop noises every once in awhile.

"Daddy, come quick!" the girl cried. Atka dropped Togo in the center of the room, and watched Togo helplessly breathing hard. A voice came from the room next to them, "What's wrong Julie... Togo!" the man dropped his pale yellow drink and rushed over to Togo, Atka stepped back, he still did not trust the man, He backed up into the girl and jumped. he was not used to being close to humans in general. Julie bent down and hugged Atka. Thank you boy, for bringing Togo home. Atka didn't know how to act, he wanted to jump away, but he didn't want to offend anyone. Julie put him down. The man stood up, and turned his head to Julie, he'll be fine, but we need to call someone for help.

The girl smiled then looked at Atka.

"Dad, can we keep him please? He's so nice."

"No Julie, he's a wild animal, he doesn't belong inside."

Julie looked down in disappointment, then her eyes shot back up with an idea

"Can I at least name him, he did save Togo."

The owner picked up Togo started to walk to the next room and grumbled out,

"Fine, but he's not staying."

That was enough for her. she crouched down next to Atka and scratched behind his ears, he grinned in return. "What should we call you then?"

Atka gave her a puzzled look, as if he didn't understand. Julie called out many names... "I know, Balto!" Atka gave an approving bark, though he still didn't quite understand. He already has a name, what would mother think?

Oh mom is going to kill me when I get home. Atka thought to himself, he had to get out of the house, the door was still open. Atka bounded to and out the door, he figured that Togo will be fine now.

"Balto, come back!" Julie was calling for him, but he had to get home.

It was getting really late, and cold. Atka made his way back toward the boat. The sky turned cloudy in the past few hours, so much for clear skies. Atka couldn't shake the feeling though, He felt as though something was watching him, he turned, but nothing was there. He continued beyond two buildings with dim lights shining outside and ran to the boat.

To Balto's surprise, he made it back before Aniu did. He hopped up the plank-ramp to the boat then sat on the lip of the boat, overlooking town, waiting for his mom to return. Something struck Balto as off though.

"Oh, mom's gonna get me now." He found his footprints were not that hidden among even the hardened snow. There was no time to hide it, and how would he anyways? Balto then decided to just lay in his blanket and sleep, "maybe she won't be that mad." he told himself.

Chapter 3

The next morning, light traces of snow fell to the ground, with more following close behind. the sun was far up in the sky already. Balto stretched in his blanket and yawned, then poked his head out to find Aniu standing over him, he gulped.

"Good morning sleepy, had a rough night? It's late in the morning already you know... I got us a little something." Balto didn't know how to answer, was this a trick, or did she actually not catch him? Aniu threw down a big piece of meat a bone sticking out the side. Balto was so excited, he didn't hesitate to eat.

Aniu tilted her head,

"Do you mind telling me what you were doing in town last night Atka?" Aniu said this in such a soft, even tone, it sent shivers up Balto's back. He stopped eating and looked at aniu with guilt.

"I-I was hungry mom, I went to find food. I couldn't wait"

"Atka, that's why I went to town, to find food for us. Listen to me when I tell you something." She paused,

"Do not go into town anymore, do you understand?"

Balto moaned,

"Mom! no!"

Aniu snapped

"We're done with this conversation Atka."

Balto gave a groan of disapproval and went under the blanket again.

Aniu walked to the lower part of the ship to give both of them some time to think.

"Togo, Togo? I think he's waking up dad." Togo bleakly opened his eyes to see Julie standing over him smiling. She laughed and hugged Togo tightly, he smiled and licked her face.

"Don't smother him Julie, here boy eat something." Togo's owner put a bowl of food down in front of him, it seemed to be fish. Togo jumped away from Julie, and ate the food gratefully.

"With a stomach like that, I don't see how you could be so small." The owner laughed as he patted Togo's head and walked into another room, Julie followed him away. For a moment, everything was quiet.

"Togo! Are you okay!"

Togo sighed, "Yes mom, I'm fine, really. It was just another accident."

"You say that like it's not a big deal."

"It's not mom, it happens all the time."

"Only to you." Togo continued eating. "You didn't happen to see, anything outside, did you?"

"Like what?" Togo looked up curiously now.

"Everyone's talking about wolves coming into town, you didn't see any of them, did you?"

Togo looked ecstatic, "Oh yes I did! He was so cool! He was like OOhhh!"

Togo's mom covered his mouth,

"Stop that, you sound like a wild animal, and don't walk around with him anymore."

"But mom, he's my friend."

"I don't care."

"He also saved me, he brought me back." Togo said proudly.

"I'm only looking after you Togo, no exceptions."

"But-"

"No! He could bring others like him, then there goes are food, and everyone would scramble around trying to get rid of them, it's best if he stays away, for both of your sakes, and you should stay inside for awhile."

Togo, didn't talk back, he went under a chair near the window and laid there.

Balto was still under his blanket when the sun started to go down, he looked at the remnants of the food his mom brought him, nothing but a bone left, he pushed it to the side, and thought to himself. What am I going to do now? What about Togo? If he's going to start anywhere he might as well start with apologizing to mom. Balto traveled to the lower deck of the ship, his tail tucked away. Dust flew up with every step Balto took. He he walked sluggishly down the stairs. Aniu was laying on a makeshift bed of debris from the ship.

"Mom?"

"Yes Atka, what is it?"

He sat down in front of Aniu.

"Mom, I'm sorry, I won't go into town anymore if you don't want me too."

Aniu flicked her tail, "That's not the point I was trying to make Atka, I was watching out for your safety. Nothing in town likes wolves around, they would want to hurt you."

Balto already had his fair share of that, he perked his ears up.

"that's not all true mom!"

"Really?" Aniu asked amused by his answer, sitting taller.

"Yeah, I met a dog today, his name's Togo. And we howled together, until-"

Balto, tried to evade the subject of the owner. "Until he had to go home, then I met his owners daughter, Julie, she named me."

"She named you? Well what did she call you?"

"She called me Balto."

Aniu stood up and walked over to Atka, flicking her tail back and forth, considering the possibility. Atka waited for the answer, sitting firmly. "hmm, I don't think so Atka." Atka's ear drooped and his face went long. Aniu lifted Atka's head with her nose. "Cheer up, I was only joking, Balto"

"Really?" Balto stood up to now, his tail wagging.

Aniu licked his face, "Yes, Balto. it would maybe get confusing after a while having two names, so Balto it is then."

Balto didn't know how to reply, so he asked "Does that mean I can go to town then?"

¨why would I let you go to town?¨

Balto thought hard about it.

Aniu gave Balto a smirk "I'll let you go if, and only if you promise to stay with Togo and his family while you are in town."

"Really?"

"Yes, but I would have to take you to them from now on."

"No!"

"What is it Balto?"

Balto couldn't let Aniu go, he didn't want her to get hurt by Togo's owner if he saw her. He had to tell Aniu, he just didn't know how.

"Mom, I uh... I have to tell you something"

"Shh! quiet Balto." "What is it?"

There was movement coming from on top of the boat. Aniu peered up through the hole in the deck, trying to see if she could see it, whatever it was, but no luck. It wasn't big enough to be a human, or a dog, but it would still be safer to check.

"Stay down here." Aniu picked Balto up and hid him under the bedding, then crept up the stairs. She peered around the corner, nothing seemed to be on the ship.

"CAW!"

Aniu jumped, she looked above on the very top of the ship, there was the raven, looking at her. "What is it you want from me bird?" The raven looked toward the north, at the trees where Aniu's pack is, and flew off. Aniu was sure that this was a sign for her to go, but she couldn't leave Balto.

"This is one time were I won't be following you." Aniu went back downstairs an unsettling feeling now taking place in her stomach. Balto was still laying under the covers.

"Come out Balto, it's safe."

"What was it?"

"Just a raven Balto."

"A Raven?"

"A bird." Balto gave her the look of when he first saw her mark the tree with her claws. "oh." "Balto, do you remember what birds are? I thought I told you"

"Oh yeah, I remember now"

"Ok"

now come on, how about a trip to town, seeing as how I can't leave you anywhere... troublemaker." The two set off to town.

"Mom?"

"Yes, Balto"

"I'm hungry"

"Do you think about anything besides food Balto?" The two entered Nome, undetected.

"Maybe if I had food, Just what are we doing in town, anyways, mom?" Balto looked around, and found Aniu in the alleyways. Aniu motioned with her head for Balto to come over.

"It's safer here for us in the day."

"Wouldn't it be safer up there?" Balto looked up at the roofs of the houses.

Aniu laughed, "If you want up there, go ahead, let me know how you do it though."

Balto figured it would just be safer to stick with Aniu instead.

Akino comes back out of breath and finds Anui quickly. He tells that he lead the humans to the rival packs territory, and they spotted him, and now they are headed to Anui and Nayak's pack, the raven appears and heads to that direction. which is when Anui leaves Balto.

Chapter 4

As Aniu Is running off in the direction of her former pack with Akino she sees the hunters, knowing she was banished from the pack months ago because of her choice to have pups with a dog, she decided to risk it and go warn them. When they arrive to her old pack her mother confronts her.

"Aniu what are you doing back here! I told you never to return"

"M... Mom, I... I came to warn you about a group of hunters coming this way" "why should we believe you! You deliberately disobeyed the rules, what makes it worse is you had pups with that dog!" Her mother said as an arrow flied past her head. "Every one get into the den now!"