"Balto, I knew you'd make it home." Jenna smiled warmly. Balto smiled back, a bit embarassed. He had never felt this happy in his life. Proudly, they stood together infront of the hospital as adults and children admired their hero.

    "Thank you, Balto," a man said. His daughter giggled as she pet the wolf dog. Boris smiled, knowing that Balto at last had found his true love. Hours passed, and finally the last family had left to go home. Boris waddled away, taking the polar bear cubs along with him. He wanted to give Balto and Jenna some time alone.

    Balto opened his mouth to speak, "I, I, uh..." Jenna smiled, and laughed silently to herself. Once more she nuzzled him, and gave him a quick lick on the cheek. Balto looked into her beautiful, brown eyes in shock. Jenna smiled childishly, the signald for him to follow.

    Jenna led Balto to the hill where she had made the northern lights on a snow-covered ridge. Jenna looked around. The little rocks and stones on the hill had been burried in snow, but the shimmering pieces of glass and the lantern where left untouched. Jenna crept closer to him, and Balto allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder.

    "Jenna, why did you follow me into the woods?" Jenna moved away from Balto, trying to think of what to say.

    She raised her right paw, and softly said, "Because I love you." Balto was shocked.

    "I love you too," Balto whispered back." Happily they pranced together, they sat watching the auroras side by side. A little pile of snow formed infront of the glass, forming the auroras into two colorful dogs nuzzling eachother.

    Balto woke to find Jenna by his side, and the auroras still glimmering. The sky was purple, and the sun had barley begun to rise. He smiled, and picked up the lantern. Balto trotted to Jenna's house and set it on the front porch. He came back to the hill to find Jenna just waking up.

    "Hi." Balto smiled. Jenna returned the smile and got up.

    "Balto, I need to get home. Rosie must be worried sick!" Jenna exclaimed.

    "She's fine. Any way, it's still early. Want to go get some breakfast?" Jenna looked at the horizon.

    "Sure."

    "Okay, follow me." Balto led her back into town.

    "Where are we going?" Jenna asked. She stopped.

    Balto stopped and looked back. "The best place in town." Balto continued moving, and Jenna followed after a short pause. He led her to the butcher's shop, and Jenna gasped.

    "Balto, no! I can't believe you'd be a thief like Steele! You're better than that." Balto smiled at her.

    "I wouldn't do that." He pushed the lid of a trash can off. "One man's trash is another dog, uh, wolf-dog's treasure." He pulled some under cooked sausages out, and a raw turkey leg. "See." Jenna smiled.

    "Balto, you know being half wolf isn't something to be ashamed of. I'm sorry they mistreated you, though." She nuzzled him. "At least now they see that you're just as important as they are." Balto nuzzled her back. She always made him feel better.

    "Well, you want some?" He offered her the sausages. Balto quickly devoured a few, but looked up at Jenna. "Oops, sorry." Balto slowed down. He hadn't noticed how hungry he was. He hadn't had any food since he left to help the sled team. Not paying attention, Jenna grabbed the other end, and was surprized to meet Balto nose!

    Their eyes where like saucers, and both stepped back. "Oh, oh, I'm sorry."

    "No, it's my fault, I...."

    "Balto...."

    "I'm sorry, I didn't know you where," Jenna kissed him, and he froze.

    "Couldn't help myself," Jenna smiled. Balto's lip slowed moved to form a smile from ear to ear. They sat down and finished the meal, and then Balto headed towards Jenna's house to take her home.

    Steele watched from the outskirts of town, the place the nome dogs had exiled him to. Sure, eat the sausages he gives, and kiss him. I'll show you!. Envy and hatred filled him. He growled in disgust. "You won't get away with this, wolf dog! I'll make sure of it."

   A few days later, Balto met Jenna in the boiler room. He was tense. Balto could sense something different about Jenna, and it made him nervous. "Balto," the glow of the boiler sent a gleam of fire in her eyes, "we've known eachother for a while, and--"

    "And what?" Balto asked. Jenna shifted her wieght to her right paw, bringing her closer to Balto. He waited for her response.

    "And I think it's time we became a couple." Balto stepped back. The girl of my dreams just pledged her self to me? I am dreaming? He had the same feeling as when Jenna had nuzzled him when he came home.

    "I, uh, yeah," he was stable again. "I think's that a great idea." The nuzzled eachother. Balto looked at the moon. One night 'till the full moon, he thought. "We better be getting home, it's late."

    "Sure." she followed him out of the boiler room. Three little husky pups barked from a window.

    "Bawato! Wooky, it's Bawlto!" A brown one chimed. "Hi Mr. Baltow, zurr!" Another yipped. "Momma, it's Bawlto!" the third one tugged at his mother's paw. Balto smiled.

    "Hi little guys. You get some sleep, k?" He looked at the mother, she was exaughsted. "Your mother could use a rest." Obediently the pups fled to their mother's side and nestled down for the night.

    "Thank you, Balto. You really are a hero." She smiled. Jenna smiled at the pups. They're so cute! Maybe one day I'll become a mother....Jenna thought to herself.

    As they walked away from the house Jenna continued thinking of pups. Balto thought of what the dog would of said when he was still an outcast. he was happy that everyone love him now. He remembered Steele. Well, almost everyone. He laughed.

    "Balto, have you ever wanted to be a father?" Jenna asked. Balto looked at her in surprize.

    "No. Never thought about it," he replied. "Why do you ask?"

    "Well just think, little clumsy paws clicking on the kitchen floor, someone to nip on your ears, little fur balls to love and call your own. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Balto though about the ear thing. Sounds more like war."Hmmm?"

    "Oh, well, yeah, I guess." Jenna grinned. Oops! Wrong answer! Balto couldn't believe what a big mistake he had made. The rest of the way home, Jenna talked about pups, and Balto thought hard. "Oh well, a family wouldn't be so bad." He said under his breath. Jenna heard him.

    "Your right, it wouldn't be!" Jenna pawed at the door. Rosie opened it and smiled.

    "Out kissing Balto?" Rosie giggled. She pet Jenna head, then scratched Balto behind the ears. "You two make a cute couple." She let them in. Balto went out the back door and plopped down on a red, fluffy bed. Rosie's dad had got it especially for him, since he was so mean to him when Rosie wanted him to pull her sled, and wanted him to have a warm place to sleep at night.

    Jenna stepped out side to see Balto. "Balto, why don't you come inside? It's warm, and I'm in there." Balto got up from his bed.

    "I've been sleeping outside all my life, I'm kind of use to it. Thanks though. They're not my owners, so I don't think they'd appreciate me coming in." Jenna laughed.

    "Balto, you're something else. Good night." She walked back inside.

    "Good night." Balto got back on his bed, and thought. Little flakes of snow began to fall, and he fell asleep. All night Balto dreamed of pups; then loving him, and playing, eating his bed, chewing on his ears, nails clicking on the kitchen floor. There where so many good things and so many bad things. What did he have to lose?

    Boris looked paced on the boat, looking back at town every few seconds. I know he has found where he belongs, but I miss him. Perhaps he come here on vaction, eh? Boris sat down next to Muk and Luk. A snowflake landed on Muk's nose, and he woke up. "Uncle Boris, where's balto, and whty won't he come home? Please Uncle Boris, tell me Uncle Boris!"

    The yelling woke Luk up, and he nodded. he made whimpereing sounds, and hugged Boris. Boris let him hug him, and for once didn't complain. "Love," he cried.

    "Love?" Muk asked. "What's love?"

    "Balto, he fell in love with Jenna, because they like eachother."

    "Luk, I'm in love!" Muk shouted. "I'm in love with Santie Claus! He likes me, and I like him. He never gave me coal. In fact, he never gave me anyhting. I'm not in love with Santa."

    Boris sighed. "One day you bears will learn." together they sat, watching the little town ahead, hoping that Balto would come home.

    The next day Balto was still uneasy whenever the topic 'pups' came up. He had hoped Jenna would have forgotten, but she was very intelligent, and had an excellent memory. Jenna greeted him at the door and flashed him a smile. "Hi Balto." She said.

    "Oh, um...eh, hi." Oh no!

     "Balto, what's wrong?"

     "Nothing. I was just thinking."

     "I've been thinking too." Balto hoped Jenna wasn't thinking what he was thinking.

     "I, I gotta go." Balto rushed out the door. He fled to the woods, in search of Glacier, the white wolf's
daughter. He had just gotten to know the local pack of wolves after he returned home with hte medicine, and was no longer ashamed of being half wolf.

    "I wonder what's up with him?" Jenna asked her self. A voice answered the quesiton for her.

    "Maybe your not wolf enough for him."It was Sylvie, the Afghan Hound. "I've been seeing Balto hanging around with this wolf named Glacier when my master takes me for walks." Is that where Balto's been these last few mornings? No, he loves me! Jenna was frantic.

    "W-w-what does she looked like?"

    "A real powderpuff. A white and silver coat, and a nice fluffy tail, ooh, what my master would do for for that tail. Big paws too. Like Balto's."

    "Th-thanks. I better be going!" Jenna rushed off into the woods.

    "What we do form men these days," Sylvie sighed to herself.

    Glacier caught scent of Balto, then sight. "Hi Balto!"

    "Hey, Glacier. We really need to talk, I--"

    Jenna appeared. "No Balto, it's us who really need to talk." She frowned at Glacier. She was beautiful, Jenna had to admit. Not even Dixie's pedigree, brushed-every-five-minutes fur wasn't as beautiful. Glacier's gold, yellow eyes fixed on Jenna.

    "Hi, you must be Jenna. Balto is always talking about you." Jenna frowned.

    "So I see. You must be Glacier."

    Balto was puzzled. He had never seen Jenna so sad. He was surprised she hadn't fill a lake up with tears, her face was so sad.

    "Jenna, what's wrong?"

    "You. How could you? Balto, I thought you loved me." Balto was even more confused now.

    "I do! What makes you think I don't?"

    She pointed at Glacier. "Sylvie says she sees you with her all the time, and then you just run off and come to her today."

    Balto laughed. Jenna frowned. "Jenna, no, she's just a friend of mine. Not the way you thought of it. Her pups are going on their first hunt next month, and I came to talk to her about their training, and the big ceremony."

    Jenna smiled. "I knew you where better than that." When I get home, Sylvie's gonna get it! "Let's go home."

    Balto smiled. "I really wanted to talk to Glacier about something though."

    "What?"

    "Uh, pups."

    "Okay, I'll see you at home." Jenna thought balto had meant Glacier's pups.

    "You are a lucky one, Balto. To have such a loyal, caring lady. Now what about pups do you need to ask about?"

    "Everything."

    "Why?"

    "We saw some pups on the way home last night, and it 's been giving Jenna ideas. I don't know if I'm ready."

    "It should all just come naturally, especially you, being more on the wild side. At first, they cannot hear and see, and Jenna will be busy feeding them and cleaning them, so they are no bother to you, unless you want to hang around with Jenna. They're just helpless balls of fluff, and Jenna will do most of the work until they can eat solids. Then she will teach them the baisics, like cleaning, hunting--"

    "We don't hunt."

    "Oh yeah," she continued, " But, when that time comes, they havesharp little teeth, and love to chew things--including your tail, ears, or any thing they can get their paws on. Then they startbreaking things, and howling," She stopped. "Maybe it would be better if you spoke with Jedder about this."

    Jedder was a wolfwho had been Balto's friend when they where pups. Jedder had never been in a pack, but was known by all the wolves in Nome. Jedder had ventured away from Nome a few years before because he was envious of the time Balto began spending with his new friend, Boris. Glacier and the white wolf where the only ones who knew his where abouts. "He lives near Safety. He should know. He and Twist [Jedder's mate] made that choice." Jedder's children where already a year old, andwhere usually gone with Twist on hunts."

     "I think I can get there. Thanks." Balto headed east to Safety. The sun set, and snow fell softly. Balto
finally reached Safety. He sniffed, but could barely remember his friend's smell. It had been years since they saw eachother.
Balto picked a scent to follow, and it led him to a small den.

    A wolf stuck his head out and growled, "Hey, git outta here! I don't believe in hospitality." He lowered his voice and mutterd, "Can't a guy get any respect out here."

   "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I was looking for an old friend." Balto said. The wolf looked like he wasn't buying Balto's story. "Do you know of any one by the name 'Jedder'? A friend of mine said he lived here. If not,
I'm sorry I wasted your time." Balto sighed and turned to leave.

   "Wait. Jedder?" The wolf asked. Balto turned and nodded. "Him, yeah, I know him." The toughness
faded, and a tear trickled down his face. He bit his lip, and drooped his ears. He shook his head and siad softly, "Balto?" Balto
turned all the way around.

    "How, did? Do you know Jedder?" Balto asked.

    The wolf stopped. "I, I." He stopped. "I am Jedder." Balto's mouth dropped. He leaped up in the air
and smiled. "Balto?! Why it is you! Oh, I missed you so much! I thought you'd never come back!"

     "So did I! Jedder, I missed you too. I, I just can't believe it's you."

     "Awe, come on, let' go play, and be rowdy, just like ol' times, eh? Just you and me, and the world
around us." Balto's smile faded, and his face calmed. Jedder didn't understand. "Balto?"

     "I actually came here, oh, I'll explain." Balto said.
    Jedder's smile faded. We're here, together at last, and uoi didn't come here for me? Jedder whimpered.

    "Jedder, it's not what you think. I came here to talk. But I'm so happy to see you. It's been a long time. I came here, to talk about, pups."

    "Oh, them adorable pups. But all the trouble. So, what brings you to this topic?"

    "Jenna. We've gotten a lot closer since we've met, and a pups we saw gave her some ideas. And she, she brings up the topic so often, and gives me grins, and I'm just worried."

    "Mmmhmmm. That's what girls do. And around this time of the year, most girls are in season. I'm surprised at you. Most dogs, but esspecially because you're, well part wolf, it should just come natural.

    It sounded a bit like what Glacier had told him, but thing's might be differnt from a guy's point of view.

    Okay, you gotta expect at least 4 of the little 'devils.' First, they're blind, helpless little fur balls, and stay with their mum. Then, after they can eat solids, then the real trouble begins. Sure you wanna here?"

    Balto signaled for him to continue. He had heard some of the horror stories already. "Go on."

    "So, they nip at you, your stuff, and oh the whining, it could kil a dog. Howling can keep you up all night. But 'cause
they got those high voices, those howls are terrible. Take up a lot of time, and they become your life. Hey, it's worth it. I'm just
telling you stuff. Jenna and you need to decide."

    "Thank you. I'll be sure to visit," he smiled, "soon."

    "Balto, just remember, let it come naturally." Balto nodded and left. A few hours later, he made it
home. He was going to have a long talk with Jenna...

    "Balto! You're back!" Jenna smiled. "How was the talk? It took a while."

    "Oh, I got a little sidetracked." He hated lying, especially to Jenna. "I stopped by safety to talk to my old friend Jedder. Hey, Jenna, would you mind coming down to boiler room with me?" Balto asked.

    "Sure. We can go after Rosie goes to bed. I don't want her worrying about us." After Rosie was in
bed, Balto and Jenna sneaked out the back door. "So, Balto, what do you want?"

    "We need to talk--about pups."

    "Yes. Balto, we need to talk about that."

    "Are you sure that's what you want? Pups are a big responsibility. They chew things, and break stuff,
and do you really want that?" A sparkle in Jenna's eye gave Balto the answer. Until late night, they talked about pups. Balto
hoped he had taken her off the subject. He was taken over by fear that night, and didn't sleep well. He spent the next day
talking to Kaltag, and Nikki about the new usual topic: Steele and "the trail."

    Jenna ended the conversation by asking Balto to leave. "Balto, let's go out to the hill. I hear the moon
is beautiful this time of night."

    Balto followed. His instincts told him this was the night. Jenna had the same feeling. They traveled out into the woods, nearm a small stream. Jenna stopped there. Balto took a few pieces of glass and set them near the stream. The lights aluminated the area in color, and Jenna smiled.

    They sat and watched the auroras and stared at the full moon for hours, like they had done the night Balto had come home. It was a that Balto would remember for the rest of his life...

     "So, did you decide?" Jedder asked. Balto had traveled back to Safety to talk to Jedder.

    "Yeah. Jenna helped though."

    "Oh."

    "But, I'm feeling less nervous."

    "That's good. I told you it would come naturally. Well, almost every dog has his day." Jedder grinned.

    "Hey, who's the half breed?" Asked a young Timber wolf. "Oh, wait, are you, um, what's the name...ooh,
Balto. Yes, that's it. Are you Balto?"

    "Yup. Here's the lobo who was my pal, and saved Nome, Twist!" Jedder said. "Balto, this is Twist."

    "Well 'ello. Name's Twist. So, I finally meat the famous Balto! Almost all of the human's
conversations are about you. My, but you are cuter than they did describe." Jedder looked at Twist with a sour face. He elbowed her in the chest.

    Twist rolled her eyes and smiled to show she was only kidding. "So, what brings you to Safety? Long lost family, girl, food, getting away from all the praise?"

    "Just stopping bye, to talk to an old friend." Balto winked at Jedder. Jedder smiled back. "Well, I've got some stuff to do around home. Nice to meet you." Balto turned from the golden brown wolf and looked at Jedder. "Bye." He said.

    "Bye!" Jedder smiled. "Come back another time when you can stay longer!"

    Back at home, Jenna was seeking advice from a husky who was owned by a husky breeder. Jenna walked through the dog door and met with youn female. Her beautiful silver coat was groomed to perfection. "Well hello." Said the husky. Her blue eyes sparkled. "What brings you to Chinook Kennels?"

    "Well, I here this is the number one husky breeder in Nome." Jenna said. She looked around the room she was in. Trophies, ribbons, medals, and pictures of huskies hang on the walls. "With all these awards I'd be surprised if you weren't."

    She laughed, "Yes, we are. Are you here about pups?" The husky licked her paw and signaled for Jenna to come through the door all the way.

    "Yes. But how did you know?"

    "You're eyes. I've been in the bussiness so long, I know that look." Jenna looked at the husky. Her facial expression asked 'What look?' "Well, the sparkle in youe eyes that you only get when you're going to be a mum. I know these things.
Please sit down, you look tired."

    "So, what should I do?" Jenna asked.

    "Well, I know a lot about that. You see, my master picks only the finest of his dogs, and breeds them. So, I've had many families. You don't really have to worry about the pup's being born, because if you have a good master--which you do, right?--your pups will be born in a hospital. Before they are born, you have to find a comfrontable way to sleep, and it may feel wierd walking. It's heavy, and a lot of work, so rest and eat up."

    "You sure do know a lot. What is it like, having a pups?"

    "Depending on how good the vet is, it'll hurt a little, or it will feel like you're dying." Jenna shivered, and thought of the pain. "But when you get your check up they poke around, and listen, and you'll get sore. After they're born, you have to take care of them like you do your self. They crawl around, and, that, well, that other thing. I never really enjoy it, but you gotta do it. When they open their eyes, you have to watch them, or they'll cause trouble. You also have to be strict, but in a kind way, or they'll never listen to any thing, and be more trouble than they are. But they are such a joy." The husky smiled at Jenna.

    "I still remember my first litter, like it was yesterday. They where born late in the night, and my master always said that I stayed so calm, even though I was on death's door. I always laugh when he says that. It felt so strange, but I felt so happy, even though I was in pain. The vet took them away, and cleaned them, and checked them, but then he gave them back. I was a bit worried at first. There were seven. Four males, and three females. I was so happy, and took care of them, and thought, wow, this is my family. But then the pups where eight weeks old, and my master sold all but one. He trained that one to be on his team. I stayed in my pen, and sulked. I didn't even look at my master. I was the saddest day of my life. He had taken
away my pups. But after my third litter I got used to the pain of the loss. But I'll always remember those seven pups." The husky
wiped a tear away. Jenna could tell she was still not over her lost pups.

    "Thank you" Jenna said. The husky only smiled. Her eyes shined with wisdom, and her fur shined in the light. She turned and smiled like she was living the moment she had just described to Jenna. The husky politely led Jenna out side, and Jenna started her way home. "A family." She sighed.

    A week past and Jenna got fatter, and less active. "Mom, Jenna looks fat. Are you okay Jenna girl?"
Rosie asked. Jenna licked her face, reasuring herthat she was going to be fine.

    "I knew we shouln't have givin her that left over chicken..." Rosie's father said.

    "I don't think it's the chicken. perhaps she's sick." Rosie's mother said. Her husband raised a finger to his lips.

    He whispered, "I don't want Rosie to get too worried."

    "Balto, I don't know if I can handle this."

    "Sure you can. You handled that grizzly pretty good. I promise." Balto smiled. Jenna smiled back.

    A few months past, and Rosie's parents got the feeling that Jenna wasn't over fed, so they took her to the vet. The vet did just as the husky had said. He poked, and listened, and poked some more. "Yup. She'kll be due in a few weeks." Said the vet.

    "Oh my gosh! Jenna!" Rosie's mom said. "Puppies?!"

    "Jenna, you're gonna be a mom!" Rosie gasped. She thought for a while and turned to Balto. "And you're going to be," she paused, "a father." Balto smiled at Rosie and Jenna.

    The doctor explained to the family about how Jenna would need extra care, and when the pups arrived they would too. . Balto felt proud, happy, and like he belonged. Just like he had when he had looked into Jenna's eyes after he led the team home with the medicine. The family headed home with happy spirits, and fixed Jenna a nice bed by the fire.

    "Balto, would you like to sleep inside tonight?" Rosie asked. "Dad, can Balto stay inside?"

    "Sure." He pat Balto on the head. Rosie ran to the back door and picked up his bed. she moved near Jenna.

    "There you go. Sleep well." She pet Jenna and Balto a few times before she went to her room to sleep.

    "Balto." Jenna sighed. She closed her eyes and went to sleep. Balto licked her cheek, and did the same.

    Roumers spread around town about where Balto and Jenna where. No one had seen them in a while. The roumers reached Boris, and he became worried.

    "Maybe they ran off together." One dog said.

    "Or Steele killed 'em, said another."

    "Maybe they took him away to some place famous because he was famous."

    "New York?"

    "San Fransisco?"

    Balto appeared on Jenna's front porch. "Hi guys, what's all the comotion?"

    "Balto! Where've ya been?" Kaltag asked.

    "Yeah, all the town's been worried about you." Star added.

    "Here," he said.

    "With Jenna?" Nikki laughed.

    "Yeah."

    "Well where is Jenna?" Nikki asked. All the dogs stopped talking, and waited for his reply.

    Jenna heard all the noise and stuck her head out the door. "Hi!" She said. Dixie and Syvie rushed over to her.

    "How are you? Did you get that thing settled with Glacier?" Jenna nodded.

    "It was nothing."

    "Oh." Dixie walked up closer. "Uh, do you like my new collar?" Jenna looked down at the purple collar with diamonds on it. A little silver tag with her name on it hung. Another new collar? What, does she get a new one once a month? Jenna laughed to herself.

    "It's very pretty."

    "We haven't seen much of you lately Jenna. We where worried sick." Dixie said. "Why don't you come down with us to the boiler room tonight?" Dixie's grin faded as the seconds passes as she waited for a response. "Uh, you coming, Jenna?"

    She looked at Balto and mouthed, 'should I?' Balto smiled and nodded. "Sure." Dixie smiled. Jenna walked out onto the front porch, the dogs gasped. "What?" Jenna asked.

    "Jenna, honey, you need to lose some wieght." Sylvie cringed. "You where such a lovely dog too. What did they do? Over feed you?"

    Jenna laughed. She hadn't been out and Balto most likely hadn't told any one. "I'm having pups." the dogs gasped.

    Dixie (who was a bit jelous, since she was a show dog) changed her mind, "Well with that condition, you should stay home. Don't want to tire you out, or hurt you."

    "No, It's fine. It need to get some fresh air."

    Dixie sighed, "Well then, let's go."

    The evening's chat wore Jenna out, so Balto had to help her home. She felt useless, just like when the bear had hurt her leg. Balto helped her settle down in her bed next to the fire, and gave her some meat he had found. "Get some rest Jenna." He smiled.

    "Good night." jenna returned the smile.

    "Jenna, hey girl. Are you okay? Hi Balto." Rosie said as she pet the two dogs. Jenna whimpered, and her face was a bit pale. "Maybe you should stay in the house for a while, you don't look so good. Mom! Jenna doesn't look well!" Jenna moaned, and it was still a few more weeks before the pups where due.

"I'm coming honey. I'm sure Jenna is fine. We can take her to the vet if it makes you feel better." Rosie's mom said.

"Bye Jenna. I have to go warm up for the race today."

"Do you have to go?" Jenna asked. He nodded. "Okay, but be back soon, and good luck!" Balto ran out the front door, and Rosie and her mom took Jenna to the vet, and waited for the news.

Balto walked out to the edge of town and stared over the land below. He ran into the trees and hit his head on some thing. "Owch." Balto looked up and saw the white wolf. Balto tucked his tail between his legs and turned away. The huge white wolf  howled and stared at Balto. Balto howled back. Seven more wolves appeared. A tall gray wolf about the size of him, two younger wolves looking after three pups, and the beta wolf in the pack. She was brown and gray. The two younger males and the pup whimpered when they saw Balto. "Hi Glacier," Balto smiled.

    "Balto, want to join our pack? Now that you are proud to be half and half, and a hero and all." Nuk [nook] the beta wolf said.

    "Nah, I have a home now, and friends, and all. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I can't stay. They need me."Balto explained. "I can always visit though. How about every week?"

    "Sure." Said Inu one of the younger wolves. Maybe I'll get time off from baby-sitting Alpine, Tundra, and Snowdrift."

    "Yah, I hate this job." Wild-Spirit said.

    "Shut up you over grown furrballs. They are almost a year old. When they are a year old they can take care of them selves, and you get my job of hunting." Nuk said. "And you better do it right 'cause I'm a quiet hunter, master of the art. And if you mess up the pups will be eating your dead carcasses!"

    "Sure ah, we are good, very good hunters, I hope." Inu said. He panted. Pups eating my carcass?! I don't think so! Inu thought.

    "Inu, quit it."

    "Nice reuinion, I guess. Nuk, do you know any good paths to warm up on?" Balto asked. "I have a race coming up."

    "Yep. I'll race you on it too. If you can beat me, you can beat any race. Some call me the 'swift legend'. Read to race? The course is from your boat, around the lake, to the ice cave, through the ice cave, and back to your boat." Nuk said. She began to jump around.

    "Okay. I've gone through the ice cave before. I just hope the cave doesn't cave in this time. Will we be back by sundown? That's when the race is."

    "Sure, remember, I'm duh speed queen. Come on, lets go!" Nuk explained. Balto and Nuk ran to the starting point. "Remember, when Glacier howls, that means go." Balto got in his running position, and Glacier let out a glorious howl. Balto sped in the lead. "You are fast." She yelled. "But not fast enough." Nuk sprinted infront of Balto and laughed.

    "So your the tricky type." Balto yelled as he caught up with Nuk. They were now side by side. They passed the lake and kept running. About an hour later Nuk stopped. Balto stopped to see what was the matter. "Why did you stop?" Balto asked.

    "Look at all the snow, blocking the cave entrance. How did it get there?"

    "Avalanch," Balto replied, remembering the time they where trapped in the ice cave, and almost died.

    "Come on. We have to dig to get in. Once we get in it is time in."

    "Okay Nuk." They dug for an hour and finally got in. Nuk sped off. Balto went slowly through the cave. He looked at all the shattered stelagtites and stelagmites. Balto heard a whimper. He ran up to the exit of the cave. He looked down to see Nuk's paw stuck in a crack in the ice.

    "Help Balto. It hurts. I can't get it out. Don't leave me." Balto stared into Nuk's eyes. Fear spred across her face when she said,'Don't leave me.'

    "Stay calm. I'll get you out. Why are you so scared?"

    "It is a long story. I'll tell you when we get home. If we get home."

    "Don't worry Nuk." Balto scratched at the ice. He bit it and began digging in to the ice. After Nuk was free, they continued the race. Balto kept his eye on Nuk incase if she was hurt. Balto won the race. Nuk was only seconds behind him.

    "You are fast af...after all." Nuk panted.

    "Come on, lets go to my boat. Tell me about your long story. It is hours until the race."

    "Okay. When I was a pup, there was a terrible fire near my old home in Fairbanks. My mother and the rest of the pack fled, but left me. See this scar on my paw? I got it from my paw being burn. I wandered to the west side of Alaska, and a pack of wolves found me. I was the only pup. They went to hunt and left me. A huge grizzly bear chased me even farther west. I was a year old, and my whole life, and I was left alone. I was alone in the woods, until the white wolf found me. He set me on the right path, and Glacier took care of me. Now it is my home. I found my place in the pack, my place in life. Every time I get into danger, even though I am tuff and brave, my instincts tell me to act like a pup and whimper. My instinks think danger means I will be left alone. You mustn't tell anyone. Only you, the white wolf, and Glacier know. It has been kept a secret my whole life. Don't tell anyone please."

    Balto looked into her pleading eyes. "I won't tell anyone. I promise." Her eyes where icy. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." The sun set and the moon and the stars appeared in the sky.

    "Thank you Balto. And thank you for saving me." She gave him a quick bite on the chin as a sign of respect and affection.

    "Have a good night. Good luck on your hunt. I have to go before they start without me." He payed back the favor by licking her cheek.

    "Bye Balto! Good luck!" Nuk said. She walked home and Balto sped to the starting line.

    "Balto, you're late." Kaltag whispered.

    "Sorry. I had some stuff to take care of." He readied for the starting gun.

    "GO!" Balto of course took the lead, followed by Kaltag, Nikki, and Star. To his surprize, Steele leaped infront of him from the side lines, hoping he'd impress Jenna by beating her boyfriend. Ha! Wolfdog! I'm gonna make you pay, worthless cat toy! Balto quickly passed him, and Steele's temper rose.

    "Outta my way, Lobo!" He pulled Balto back by the tail and took his place in the lead. "I'll show you how to race!" Balto whimpered, and stopped to lick the wounds on his tail. He sprinted forward, but it was no use. Steele was yards ahead, and Kaltag was about to pass him. Don't give up, lost warrior. Believe, and you will prosper... Balto remembered the great spirit wolf, and words from beyond filled him. Balto quickly got up, and ran his heart out, beating Steele by paw.

    The crowd burst into cheers as their hero passed the line. Jenna was waiting there, smiling. "Jenna, you should be home."

    "No, I had to come." Jenna reassurred him. "I wanted to come."

    The dog pack quickly began bone picking with Steele. "Steele, we gave you a chance. We exiled you to the woods after telling lies about us and Balto. You've gone far enough. You're livin' your life in the woods until us and the good people of Nome let you come back. You are the nastiest, the evilest, the patheticest, the most washed up the..." Kaltag began.

    "You are a really bad guy." Star said. Kaltag bonked Star on the head.

    "Yeah, you sunnuva..." Nikki had always wanted to say it to Steele's face, but Balto interrupted. Nikki frowned.

    "Stop. Let me handle this. Steele, just go. You don't belong--"

    "You don't belong, wolf face! Don't you go standing up to me, or you won't stand up anymore."

    "Steele, that enough! Just go." Jenna snarled assertivly.

    Steele snorted, "I'm gonna get you wolf dog." Steele growled at Balto.

    "Steele, just go." Balto said. "I don't want to fight."

    "Grrr." Steele ran to the woods where Nuk was hunting.

    "Ah, a black baby moose. I never knew moose could be that shade of black, but hey, what a catch." Nuk looked around. "No parents, no other moose," she noted. Nuk crawled through the snow and leaped onto Steele. She tore at his throat, but stopped when she heard the 'moose' whimper.

    "What are you doing? Trying yo kill me?!" Steele growled.

    Nuk's furocious snarl hushed him, and he showed her his belly and a tucked tail. "Yeah. You looked like a baby moose, and I'm huntin', so yes I was trying to kill you. Dog, if you wanna live get off my territory and get into town. Get mutt. Go any where, just not on my turf! Next time I see you on this turf, your carcass is my dinner!" Nuk growled. She nipped Steele and continued her search for food. Steele ran and slept in a bush far from where he had seen Nuk.

  After Balto watched Steele leave, he chated farwells with his friends, and then they left. Balto searched for Jenna. The streets where empty. Where's Jenna? I know she's never leave me. "Jenna--"

    "Are you looking for Jenna?" Rosie asked. "She is at the vet because she is sick. She'll be back next week." Balto followed Rosie home, then crawled into in bed and slept. He wondered if Jenna would come back. How ill was she? Would she make it? Balto didn't know.

     Three quiet days passed by in Nome. Balto was still worried about Jenna. " I don't know what is wrong with her. Maybe a sickness is going around. Some thing like doggie diptheria. I hope Jenna is okay." Star said.

    "Just chill out guys. They'll be fine." Kaltag said. "I got worms once and I was fine."

    "Eww." Star said. Kaltag bonked him on the head. "Owe."

    "Tsk, tsk." Kaltag shook his head. "You both said she were expecting pups, so maybe thats why they're gone. Chill out, our moms survived when we were born."

    "Hey guys, we better get going. We have training out in Bluff today." Balto said.

    Together they leftand harnessed up for they're trip to Bluff.

    Later that night they returned, and another lonely day passed. Balto had recently found out that the pups where early, and Jenna would have to stay in the hospital incase something went wrong. He decided to spend the four days before Jenna came back with Boris, Muk, and Luk. He hadn't seen them for two weeks. "Hey guys."

    "Uncle Boris! Balto he came back!" Muk yelled.

    "Balto! Oh I missed you so much. It isn't same without you!"Boris said.

    "I missed you to Boris. Hey Muk, Hey Luk. How you doing?"

    "Hmmpp!Mummphheee!" Luk moaned.

    "What did he say?" Boris asked.

    "We missed you Balto. I thought I'd never see you again." Muk translated.

    "I missed all you too. I get to stay here for four days."

    "Yay!" Muk cheered. Balto laughed.

    "Well, it's getting late. You two should be getting to bed. Goodnight."

    "Good night." Muk said. Muk and Luk Covered them selves with Balto's brown blanket.

    "Balto, you are hero. You don't need me anymore. I just goose. You can stand on all four feet, you don't need me."

    "Boris, it won't be the same without you." Balto looked at Muk and Luk snoring. They need you still. And I'll always be your friend. I wouldn't be a hero without you."

    Boris smiled. He'd really miss Balto. "Okay, I'll stay. Balto, I'll miss you when you go back to Nome."

    "So will I. Sometimes I wish things could go back to how they were before. I have two lives I guess, and I think living in the town is the life I need to live. But I can always visit you, and remember old times. Good night Boris."

    "Good night Balto."

    Balto had fun with Boris, Muk, and Luk for three days. He went to be with the wolves the fourth day. He promised Muk, Luk, and Boris he would come back, at least once a week.

    "Hey Balto. Four nights ago there was this dog guy on our turf, do you know 'im?" Nuk asked.

    "Steele?" Balto asked.

    "Steele made me so mad. I told him if I caught him again, I would eat him."

    "How are Wild-Spirit and Inu? Where is Glacier and the pups?" Balto asked.

    "They are out hunting. Wild-Spirit and Inu and teaching the pups to hunt. Glacier is supervising, incase if they do something wrong."

    "Oh."

    "Come on, lets go help!"

    "Sure." They ran into the field and helped the pups hunt rabbit.

    "Did you know that the pups are a year old today?"

    "No."

    "Tonight they get to come to the howling celebration. Can you come?"

    "Well, Jenna was coming home tonight, and, well maybe I can come. She'll understand." Hopefully, he thought.

    "Great. Meet us right here on the hill we're standing on at sunset. The celebraton ends when the moon is in the middle if the sky. See you there. Maybe Jenna will be home when you go back, and you can tell her you are coming to the howling celebration."

    "Okay. See you later. Bye." Balto ran home. Rosie rushed out the door and began yelling,

    "Balto! Come in! Jenna is back, hurry!"

    Balto ran into the house and looked at Jenna. He saw six tiny puppies. Five looked like her, and one was grayish brown. Balto wondered if that one would look like him. The pups were only hours old, so it was hard to tell exactly what each pup would look like. "Aren't they beautiful?" Jenna asked. She licked them. The gray wolf looking one crawled around. She looked like she would be the energy fuzzball of the litter. "I named five of them. The female is named Jenny. And the four males are named Akiak, Yukon, Nanuk and Rush. I don't know what to name the wolfish one."

    "How about Aleu. Like the Aluet indian tribe." Balto said.

    "Okay, Aleu. That sounds like a good name." Jenna nuzzled her pups, and they fell asleep. Balto smiled. He was a father. "I never thought there would be this many. But I hope we'll be good parents. But, I hate keeping things from family, but we must never tell Aleu that she looks like a wolf. It might break her heart. Promise, Balto?"

    "I promise." Balto licked Jenna's muzzle and looked down at the pups again.

    "Aren't your pups beautiful. That girl one looks like she'll be just like you. I bet both of you are proud." Rosie said. "Mom, Dad, come see Jenna and Balto's pups."

    "Coming dear." Said Rosie's mom. Rosie, her parents, and Balto looked down at Jenna and her pups. "Aren't they precious."

    "Yep. Now lets let Jenna rest a while. Rosie it is way past your bed time." Rosie's dad said. Balto looked out side, it was pitch black. He had been with Jenna so long he forgot about the Howling Celebration.

    "Jenna, I got to go. I promised Nuk and my wolf friends I would come. I'll be back when the moon is in the middle of the sky. Bye." Balto raced out the door and ran to the hill. "Sorry I'm late. Jenna had her pups."

    "Wow. So now your a dad. It's okay if it was that serious. Anyway, your only a few minutes late. The sun just set. Let me get Glacier. Glace! Balto is a dad!" Nuk said.

    "Balto, that's great. Come on, up to the mountains. The pups, Wild-Spirit, Inu are up there already." Glacier said.

    "The white wolf is there, too." Nuk said. "Come on, lets go!"

    "Alright, lets go!" Balt exclaimed. The wolves ran up to the mountain top. They were greated by the white wolf 's howl. The pups yapped, trying to howl. The aurora borealis shined in the sky. It was a full moon, and from the top of the mountain you could see so many stars, the sky looked white. The wolves didn't know it, but that night there would be a meteor shower, and a comet would sweep the sky at midnight, the ending of the Howling Celebration. The white wolf took a hawk feather and gave each pup a feather. The pups sniffed it and played with it. The feather was a symbol that the pups could fly away from puppyhood, and live life on their own.

    "Look at Tundra play with his feather. Alpine! That feather isn't food! It is a symbol. When you are older, one day you will respect this celebration of moving on in life." Snowdrift had knawed all the feather fluff off her feather. She began to chew on the white stick part of the feather. She licked inside for marro, not knowing bird bones are hollow. "Can you get Snowdrift a new feather?" The white wolf gave the pup a new feather and nipped her. He nipped her to scold her on eating sacred feathers. She whined in respect and didn't eat her next feather.

    "The pups are so cute. Now, Glacier, before the entire celebration starts will you tell me about the symbols, like the feathers?" Balto asked.

    "I already explained about the feather, the meat symbolizes strength and hunting skills the pups will learn. Howling symbolizes the pack's unity, and the true heritage of the wolf. It also symbolizes the culture wolves have, and how it has been preserved for thosands of years." Glacier explained. "Then we play games and eat a meal and howl until the moon is in the middle of the sky."

    "Thanks for explaining."

    "Balto, look. The pups have been givin the moose meat. Look at Snowdrift, she isn't eating it." Nuk walked over to her and told her it was okay to eat the meat.

    "Where is Wild-Spirit and Inu?" Balto asked.

    "They are hunting this years feast." Nuk explained.

    "Big ol' musk oxen comin' through! Our first kill. There was this husky dude out there, and like we told 'im if he helped us hunt down this ox we wouldn't kill him." Inu said. Wild-Spirit and him dropped the meat infront of the white wolf.

    "That dog wasn't much help. He only saved us a whipin'. When the ox went crazy he kicked the mutt and we killed it, and took it here." Wild-Spirit said.

    "Good. That Steele wolf deserved a whopin'." Nuk said. Inu, Nuk, and Wild-Spirit laughed. The white wolf howled for quietness. The white wolf showed the pups how to howl. Their voices were quiet, and not very strong. But one day the three pups would have a strong howl. The wolves howled, and sung the song of the pack. Balto listened to how the song of howls went. After a while he caught on, and howled with the other wolves. The howling could be heard for miles. All the dogs and people of Nome could hear it. The beatiful howling went on for hours. The chourus of howls stopped when the moon was half way to the middle of the sky.

    The pack ate the ox. "Mmmm. Dish is the...besht...slurp...crunch...mweat I ever had." Inu said between bites.

    "Well you hunted it, bone head!" Wild-Spirit growled.

    "So did you."

    "Grrrr." Wild-Spirit bared his teeth.

    "Grrrrrr."

    "GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRR HHHMMMM!" The white wolf growled. He nipped Wild-Spirit and Inu on the muzzle. He took the two wolves to the bottem of the mountain and scolded them for setting a bad example at the celebration. He explained how the pup would do what they did, and how they should never do it again.

    "Balto, you know how they are crazy, and a year younger than me. But Wild-Spirit is kinda cute. When he's not around Inu you can see his true, calm, wild spirit." Nuk whispered.

    Balto knew Nuk loved Wild-Spirit like he liked Jenna. "Well, maybe one day you'll have the courage to tell him." Nuk blushed. Balto, if only you had been a wolf...

    The pups ate their food proudly, and wrestled each other after eating. When Inu, Wild-Spirit, and the white wolf returned, the pack howled more. The comet rushed through the sky. The wolves stopped howling and stared at the sky. The pups whimpered, afraid of what the ball across the sky was. The wolves were amazed. The meteor shower started and they were amazed even more. The sky was so beautiful. The wolves howled more.

    Jenna's pups were alseep so she looked up at the mountain. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever saw. The white star filled sky, the auroras shining, The full moon at the top of the sky, and the comet and meteor shower. And Balto and the wolves on top of a beautiful mountain howling. Jenna was amazed. "Oh, it's so beautiful." Jenna gasped. She stared at the sky until the wolves dissapeared from the mountain, and the meteor shower stopped.

    "Now we just have to teach the pups to talk. Then they won't be called pups any more! Thank you for coming." Nuk explained. The white wolf howled and looked at Balto. Balto smiled back and went home. When he got there Jenna was asleep by the pups. He licked her and layed down in his dog bed.

    Jenna nuzzled and licked her pups each day. A few days later they could see the paterns on the pups. Five looked just like Jenna and had brownish eyes. The gray one looked more like a wolf than Balto. She had blue eyes and was the biggest. A month later, the pups had learned the run and play. Aleu and Nanook always won all the wrestling matches. "Jenna. I think the pups are old enough to play out side if we watch them." Balto said.

    "I guess." She replied. Balto and Jenna sat on top of a hill and watched the pups play.

    "Grrrr. I bet none of you can catch me." Aleu said. She bared her puppy teeth and grinned.

    "We'll, I'm gonna be a champion sled dog when I get bigger, so watch out! I bet I can get you." Rush said. He was the sled crazed one. Nanook had the strength of a polar bear cub. His goal in life was to meat one. Jenny was the calmest and the smartest. Akiak loved to go on adventures like Aleu did. Yukon loved sledding and was the bravest of all the pups. Aleu ran, and all the other pups followed. Yukon was the closest. He nipped at Aleu's tail softly.

    "Ahah! I got you!" Yukon growled.

    "So, you cheeted! You bit me!" Aleu snarled. She nipped at Yukon's tail. "Like how that felt? I can bite harder."

    "Leave 'im alone. If you want some one to give a bite of pain, I'm the pup!" Nanook said. "My name does mean polar bear in the Inuit language."

    "Only if you spell it N-A-N-U-K." Jenny said.

    "She's been hanging around Kaltag to long." Akiak whispered to Rush. They chuckled.

    Jenny had heard their remark. "So, Kaltag, is more sofisticated, more mature, smarter, faster, and more of a dog than you two will ever be! Kaltag is cool!"

    "Unlike you." Akiak laughed. he always found something to make fun of.

    "Daddy, can I meat a polar bear?" Nanook asked. And can you change my name to N-A-N-U-K?"

    "Sure you can meet a polar bear. Remeber when I told you about Boris? He has two polar bears. Any way, I need to talk to them." Balto said. "But I can't change your name. It is the same name. Only spelled different."

    "Yah! I get to meet a polar bear!" Nanook boasted to his brothers and sisters.

    "Eh, shuddup." Yukon muttered.

    "Kids, come on. We are going to see Boris!" Balto said. The pups cheered and followed Balto and Jenna to Balto's old boat. "I used to live here."

    "Balto, who are the furballs?" Boris asked.

    "My kids."

    Boris's mouth dropped open. Muk and Luk appeared. "Uncle Boris, who are the little doggies?"

    "Polar bears!" Nanook exclaimed. He ran over the Muk and Luk. "Hi Muk and Luk! Daddy told me all about you!"
                                       "
    Who are the little doggies, and how does he know are names?" Muk asked. Luk had a confused look on his face.

    "Why, they are Balto's children." Boris said.

    "Then that means," Muk looked at Luk. "Balto is a daddy! Daddy Balto, we missed you so much. Last time we saw you was  months ago!"
                                       "You don't have to call me Daddy Balto. I'm still the same guy, you can still call me Balto."

    "I remember you two." Jenna laughed.

    "Some times I think they clowns, or idiots. Not polar bears." Boris said.

    "Boris, be nice." Balto whispered.

    "Dad, can we stay at your boat with the bears and Boris tonight? Please?" Aleu asked. All the pups looked at Balto with pleading puppy eyes. Balto looked at Jenna.

    "They can if it's okay with you, Jenna." Balto said.

    "Sure."

    "Yes!" The pups cheered. A night on daddy's boat. Wow. I wonder if I can sneak away and go on an adventure. Aleu thought. "Akiak, when we sleep on daddy's boat tonight, let's sneak out and find the wolves I heard daddy talking about." Aleu whispered to Akiak.

    "Yeah. Sounds cool." Akiak whispered back.

      It was getting late, and Rosie's family was worried. "Where is Jenna? And Balto and the puppies. I'm so worried mom." Rosie cried.

    "Don't cry. I'm sure they'll come back tommorow." Rosie's mom said. She hugged Rosie, and sent her to bed.

    "Boat, boat, boat." Aleu chanted.

    "Can't you use a wider vocabulary? Like ship, S.S. something, and all those other words for boat?" Jenny asked.

    "If I knew any words for boat besides boat," Aleu said calmly.

    "Mommy. Can I be a sled dog like dad?" Rush asked. "I want to run, and be lead dog."

    "If you practice and run fast, I bet you'll be a great sled dog." Jenna replied. She smiled.

    "Mom, can I be a sled dog too? Dad said I had strong muscles, and was fast, and I would be a great sled dog." Yukon asked.

    "Sure. You and Rush will be great sled dogs."

    "Wanna race, Yukon?" Rush asked. He got down on his haunches and shook his tail playfully.
                                        "
    I guess. We race from the boat, to the hill, and back. Winner is the faster sled dog. Dad, can you say go and watch, so you can see who wins?"

    "Sure. To your marks, set, GO!" Balto said. The two pups ran towards the hill. Rush was in the lead. On the way back to the boat, Rush got tired. He had used all his energy. Yukon took the lead. He had kept a steady pace the whole race and won. Rush colapsed at the finish. He looked very tired. "Are you okay Rush? Here is a tip for next time. Keep a steady pace, and give it your all near the end." Balto said. Rush looked at Balto and fell asleep. Balto took him by the scruff of his neck, and carried him to Jenna. Boris, Muk, Luk, Balto, Jenna, and three pups were asleep. Yukon, Akiak, and Aleu were awake.

    "I heard you two whispering about sneaking off to find the wolves." Yukon said.

    " You won't tell mom or dad, will you?" Aleu asked.

    "No way." Yukon laughed. "I want to come with you guys. Is that okay?"

    "Sure." Akiak replied.

    "Then lets go!" Aleu exclamaimed quietly. Aleu, Akiak, and Yukon quietly walked off the boat and headed towards the mountain. "Dad said the wolves live on this mountain."

    "Can't we rest before we climb the mountain?" Akiak panted. "I,m tired."

    "Quit whining, Akiak. Wanna see the wolves or not?" Yukon said. The pups were half way up when they heard the white wolf's howl. "I'm scared!"

    "Don't be. We are part wolf." Aleu said proudly, unaware of the fact she was the wolfiest one in her litter.

    "Awwooohhhh. Ip, yop, yip eerr. Awoooooohhhh." Aleu howled. Well, tried to howl. The white wolf apeared. The pups frose in fear.The wolf licked them, showing them he wouldn't harm them. Nuk came over and looked at the pups.

    "Who are your parents? What pack are you in." She asked.

    "Um, Balto and Jenna. And what's a pack?" Aleu said.

    "Ohmigosh! You are Balto's kids! I am honored to meet you. I havn't seen your father since the howling celebraton. Shouldn't you be going home?"

    "No. Is my dad some famous mutt or some thing?" Aleu asked.

    "You don't know who your father is?" The pups shook their heads."He is not only a friend to us wolves..."

    "You're wolves?! We came all this way to meet you. Daddy told us about you! Wolves! I got to meet a wolf!" Aleu cheered.

    "He is part wolf." Nuk continued.

    "If daddy is part wolf, than we are part wolf too!" Akiak cheered. The pups cheered and nipped eachother.

    "He is a hero. He saved Nome. How could he not have told you that?" Nuk explained. "Glacier, Wild-Spirit. Lets go talk to Balto. He has kids!"

    "Wow, more wolves!" Aleu and Yukon cheered.

    "Kids?! We'll be right there!" Glacier said. Wild-Spirit and Glacier ran down.

    "W-wait! What's 'hero'!" Akiak asked.

    "Here is his kids. They came up here to see us." Nuk said excitedly.

    "They are so cute. Lets get you back to your dad." Glacier said.

    "No!" The wolves ignored their crys and headed down the mountain. "Busted..." Yukon muttered beneath his breath. Glacier woke up Balto who was asleep in the snow near by the boat.

    "Huh, Jenna?" Balto said wearily.

    "No, Nuk with your kids who ran off."

    "Oh. Oh! Kids I'll talk with you later. Hey guys. I have three more pups. They're with Jenna."

    "Six! That sure is a paw full. Why havn't you told your children their heritage. And all that you are?" Glacier asked.

    "Didn't get around to it. Sorry."

    "That's okay. Well, lets talk." Nuk, Glacier, and Wild-Spirit talked to Balto for a while. The mostly talked about how the pups where born a sacred night, plans to meet, and other stuff. Glacier walked up the montain, but Nuk stopped and asked Wild-Spirit to stay. Balto watched. He knew what Nuk was doing.

    "Wild-Spirit, I just wanted you to know that, I-I, wanted to give you this." She handed him a leather necklace with beads and a feather. He looked at her oddly. "Uh, it's, an, uh, thingy, from our, eh, ancestors." She reassured him. He kept the look on his face. "Hah, uh, mmmph." Great, I blew it! Now he thinks I'm a fool.

    Nuk's heart sunk, and she slowly walked up the hill, her tail swinging between her legs. Wild-Spirit looked back at her. I'm a fool. "I wish I could tell you how I feel. I love you, but do you fell the same about me? Am I worthless? Barking up the wrong tree? What in life am I meant to be?" Nuk sung to one of her favorite tunes.

    "I hope I haven't broken her her heart. I try to explain, but I just don't know where to start. Does she love me? Or is there something else I'm meant to be?" Wild-Spirirt asked himself.

    Nuk ran pass Wild-Spirit, and slip. "Ahhh!" She slid back into his arms. "Oh great!" She mumbled. "Look, I'm sorry, I--"

    "It's okay, but--"

    "I love you. I tried to tell you before but--"

    "I love you too." They nuzzled eachother. Balto watched from the boat and smiled. He knew what Nuk had done.

     The next morning Balto left early to talk to his friends. He handn't seen them in months.

    "Balto, yous are back!" Nikki smiled.

    "Yup. Jenna had her pups, and I had to help take care of them. Now I can run in the sled race again." Balto explained. "I missed you guys."

    "Wanna go race in the woods?" Kaltag asked.

    "Sure!" Balto said. As they headed out to the woods he looked up at the wolves' den at Wild-Spirit and Nuk dashing around. He smiled. Balto looked back at Jenna with the pups. "Jenna." He nuzzled Jenna and looked down at his children and smiled. Who could think of a happier ending? Or begining! Balto thought.

              Balto, Jenna, Nikki, Steele, Kaltag, Star, Sylvie, Dixie, the white wolf, and Aleu are property of Universal Studios

                 Akiak, Yukon, Rush, Jenny, Nanook, Glacier, Nuk [Nook], Wild-Spirit, Inu, Alpine, Tundra, Snowdrift, Blizzard, Jedder, Twist, and the husky are property of Rush Husky, and may not be used without permission.