started to press against his head, and his body slouched. “You thinking of racing today eh?” Akira had snuck up on Brigham. He did not even notice her because he was so wrapped up in the race. “Uh… no…” Akira was surprised, “Why not? You’re quick to leave a helpless girl in a shed alone.” Brigham’s cheeks turned red as he suddenly became very embarrassed. “I.. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left without telling you.” Brigham lowered his head even more than it was before. Akira smiled, “Oh clam down, I was just playing. I am glad that you left me soak your coat with my incessant crying.” She liked it? Brigham became happier by the second, but once again he got so excited he said something weird. “Oh it’s not issue at all, you can wet my coat any day.” Akira laughed, still needs some work. “Well thank you.” She walked up next to him so that her side was just touching his as she looked into the mass of people. “So are you gonna race or not?”

Brigham was undergoing an internal battle. Part of him wanted to race because part of him thought that he just might make the team. However, there was the other part of him that knew it was pointless. Akira could tell he was struggling with himself, so she said something that would help him decide. “You know you told me about how Aniu is always with you and how she has a plan for everything. Maybe she wants you to compete in the race, maybe this is the chance to do what you’ve been destined to do.” Brigham was speechless. He looked into her eyes and saw something very peculiar, for a moment he thought he saw the reflection of a raven. So this is proof that she’s the one Grandmother, but do you really want me to race? While he had been thinking Akira decided to do something she had wanted to do for a while. She leaned in quickly and kissed him. Brigham did not know what to do; he was surprised that she kissed him, but filled with euphoric bliss at the same time.

 The kiss was the perfect kiss, not too long, but not too short. It was filled with the right amount of passion so as not to become something more, but enough to show the feelings of the heart. After they kissed, she said, “Now you better win.” Brigham stood there with a look of pure joy on his face; he would have stood their motionless forever had it not been for the loud voice of the announcer. “Musher’s, line your dogs up and get set for the race. It will start in 5 minuets.” Brigham was still smiling from the kiss as he walked towards the race almost in a trance. As Brigham walked away, Akira let out a little scream of joy.  That was how it’s supposed to feel.

 Brigham recognized many of the dogs at the starting line. Most of them he knew were not nice dogs at all. Through his days wandering the alleyways and side streets, he observed the local dogs and was able to find out early that they aren’t too friendly. He had a couple run-ins with the locals, both human and canine, and every time they were far from cordial. He did not know any of the dogs by name but he knew their faces and that was enough. He managed to sneak into the line up with other twenty some dogs. Most of them were not paying attention because they were either licking themselves and or flirting with the girl dogs on the sidelines. One of those girl dogs was a familiar dog. Oh geez, Akira’s watching me… One of the dogs next to Brigham noticed him. “Who are you and what are you doing in the line?” Brigham turned quickly and saw someone that he shockingly knew. It took him only a second to recognize the dog who was speaking to him.

 “Nakota!?!” “Brigham! Whoa…. How?.... Wha?....” Brigham couldn’t believe that his only friend from the mining camp was here in Taylor. “I don’t know what to say either Nakota. How did you get here?” But before Nakota could answer, the announcer began talking again. “The race is about to begin, will everyone please leave the course.” Both of them looked at each other. “How bout we talk after the race Brigham?” “Five.” “Ok deal, don’t keep me waiting too long.” “Four.” “Hah, we will see who’s waiting at the finish line when I’m sitting down eating a nice, juicy bone.” “Three.” “Oh really? Hmmm lets wager a bone to the winner?” “Two.” “Its on.” “One, go!” The announcer shot his starting pistol in the air and the race began. Brigham and Nakota were the first off the line and were soon the only ones that were contenders for first place. They were racing each other and only each other. As they rounded the corner, Brigham and Nakota were neck and neck. They were running the fastest they could, just like when they were both in the mining camp. While Brigham was running his mind flashed back to when he was in the camp with Nakota.

After Brigham was abducted from Nome by the miners and taken to their camp, he was beaten into submission. He was taught to fear man and if he ever tried to escape he would be beaten and made to pull the heaviest sleds. The miners used the dogs to take the gold from the mine to the camps and then from there they would sell it. The miners kept the dogs in good condition if they behaved; this encouraged the dogs to obey. The fastest and most well behaved dogs would be treated the best. Brigham was a favorite from the start because of his wolf blood. His wolf side gave him more stamina and endurance, but Brigham never liked the miners. His first weeks were brutal because of his recurring disobedience. He soon became a favorite with the Miners but the other dogs began to grow annoyed by his increasing favor. He tried to be the best he could be where he was, even if he did not enjoy his life. He underwent many insults from the other dogs and more often than not, was forced to fight the other dogs. He had to learn how to defend himself at and early age and not trust anyone.

However, he did make one ally; Nakota, who was a husky and malamute mix, was one of the top dogs. He was also built for stamina and endurance like Brigham. He was muscular and extremely agile. His fur was a combination of brown and white. The brown covered the upper part of his body while the white underlined his stomach and legs. His eyes were the most unique part of him, one eye was a piercing blue color, and the other was an almost light grey color. Nakota was a year and a half when Brigham first came to the mining camp. But at first sight, he knew Brigham was different. Nakota was young still, so he naturally kept to himself, but after a couple months of witnessing the injustice that was occurring, he decided to intervene. Nakota became Brigham’s only friend and made it known that Brigham was not to be harmed anymore. The duo became the best of friends and continued to watch the others back. Nakota was actually the one who helped Brigham escape from the mining camp.

Nakota knew Brigham was destined for better things and that he did not deserve this horrible life. Even though it would mean the loss of his best friend, it was what was better for Brigham. Nakota devised a plan to help Brigham escape and when they had set it into motion, Nakota knew there was no turning back. Brigham did not understand then why Nakota had to stay, he felt that once again he was being abandoned. But now, Brigham understood why he had to go it on his own. He met Vira not too long after his escape; Aniu had it all planned out. And now here they were, the best of friends reunited and reliving the old days. Before Brigham knew it, the race was over and he was the victor.

They both breathed heavily attempting to catch their breath. “What happened Brig? You spaced out and just took off on a whole new speed level.” Brigham gasped for air as the other dogs finally crossed the finish line. “I don’t know, I guess I just zoned out, did I win?” Nakota laughed, “Not by much sport, I’m not that old. But yes you did win….” Brigham smirked, “Oh, if that’s the case, then I guess I get….” Nakota interrupted sarcastically “Yeah yeah, a nice juicy bone. Too bad I don’t have one. Awwwww.” Brigham pushed him jokingly. “It’s an IOU. I’m gonna remember this.” At that moment, Akira ran up to the two racers and hugged Brigham. “Well I guess that kiss helped.”

Nakota was surprised to see Akira hugging a guy let alone hearing about her kissing one. “So…. Akira has a new man I see?” Brigham should have been more surprised than he was that Nakota knew Akira and her past, but he was happier that she hugged him. “Well, not exactly,” he said. “We’re not official yet.” Akira smiled, “Not yet, maybe soon, and don’t worry about Nakota, he’s just jealous.” Akira and Nakota had a history, but luckily it was one that had ended mutually and without much drama. Nonetheless, Nakota took the opportunity to have some fun with the situation. “Ok Romeo and Juliet, time for sappy lubby dubby is later, the Musher is going to select the dogs for the team now.”

Brigham started to feel many different emotions at once. He was excited because he thought he would make the team considering he won the race, but at the same time he was nervous he would not be picked because of his appearance. He was worried, nervous, excited, happy, sad, and confused all at one time. Plus, it did not help that a human was approaching him. Akira began to get worried for Brigham, considering his last encounter with a human did not start so