the dark forest. He soon discovered a fallen tree with its roots flipped over so that they created a small cave like hut. He squeezed himself in and curled up, trying to be comfortable through the fear that was rising in his chest. No one knew he was there, it was cold, and the wind carried with it the scent of rough weather ahead. Loneliness grasped him, and in desperation to hear a voice, he used his voice for the first time in hours.

“Well Kodi, you’ve certainly messed up big this time…” His voice was a like a high pitched whisper. “Wandering about in the wilds at night, getting caught by darkness and bad weather. Yeah, this isn’t going to be fun…”

For some reason, his own stupidity amused him. He had more than once had his fair share of laughs when hearing and seeing someone trip on the ice, get hit by snow from roofs or trees, and having other slight mishaps. Being that it was he himself that had messed up like this; he allowed himself a slight chuckle on his own expense. He would never be amused if anyone else ended up like this, quite the opposite. He would be worried sick.
Thinking this, he realized that his disappearance would surely cause a ruckus next morning. He had to get back to time as soon as the weather allowed it and the sun rose.
If I survive the night that is…

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Back in town, Dusty was awoken from her deep slumber by a voice whispering her name. Whoever it is better have a bloody good reason to wake me…
She opened her eyes, expecting to see Ralph or one of the other guys. She was surprised to see Jenna standing over her, her face expressed deep worry.

“Jenna.” she muttered. “What's wrong?”

“Kodi hasn’t come back yet. Have you seen him?” Jenna's desperate whispering unsettled Dusty.

“No” she answered. “I cannot say I have, not since I left him with you guys.”

Jenna frowned.”Then he' has to be out there somewhere. We got to go looking for him right now!” She walked towards the door.

“Wait!” Dusty said, louder than she intended, causing Mike to stir in his sleep. “Didn’t you see the weather out there? We don't have a chance to survive out there, not to mention finding Kodi.”

Jenna looked like she was going to protest but Dusty stopped her.

“Look, I'm just as worried as you, believe me. But getting lost won’t help Kodi a bit. Not even Balto could have any hope to find him. We have to sit out the storm head out as soon as clears.” It hurt Dusty immensely to condemn Kodi to a night alone in the deadly cold, but she knew what she said was true.

Jenna fought back the tears gathering in her eyes.”Y-you’re right. I have to go meet Balto; he's looking all over town.” Without another word, Jenna stormed out the door and into the freezing darkness.

Dusty closed the door after her and went to sit by the window. She looked out at the few flying snowflakes she could see from the dim light the fire provided.

“Oh Kodi, where are you?” She whispered to herself. “If something happens, this time; it really would be my fault…”

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Wind…snow…darkness…the howling of the storm. These were all the things a freezing Kodi cold percept from the world outside his make-shift den. He was trying to keep himself awake. He knew that if he fell asleep, he may never wake up again. An hour passed and he started to black out. Is this the end…? This was the last thought that raced through his mind before his eyes shut.

The snow crunched as large, silvery paw appeared in the narrow hole that served as the entrance to where Kodi had taken shelter. The owner of the paw looked at the blacked out husky. “Now what do we have here?” A deep voice whispered.

Is it real?

All dreams have roots in
both the real
and spiritual world

The sun rose over the horizon to warm up the frozen world left by the nights grasp. Or at least it would if the dark grey clouds would drift away. The landscape was of a cold and depressive grey shade.

Life stirred within Kodi. He knew deep down he should be frozen to death, yet somehow, he was alive. The fact that he was still cold confirmed it, but there was something else, something warm, close. He tried to open his eyes, but everything was a blur. The dim, grey light was enough to blind him, but he could still glimpse a silvery figure next to him. His eyes shocked open; he stumbled on his feet and backed away a few feet until he hit the wall, too scared to talk.

“Well, look who’s alive and kicking.”The silvery figure spoke with amusement.  “Good morning to you to, I was beginning to think you had passed on to the eternal plains.”

Kodi was still in shock and only managed to stutter.”Who…what…where…”

The silvery one raised a paw to calm him.”Relax; I'm not going to kill you. Besides, you nearly managed to do that yourself yesterday.” The last remark was spoken as if it was an obvious fact.

Kodi stared at the stranger.”Y-you saved me? Why? Who are you?”

The stranger rolled his eyes.”So many questions…”he muttered.”In that order: Yes, I felt like it, and I am…call me Anuk.” His ear twitched slightly like he was hiding something.”And yes, before you ask, I'm a wolf. But now, I would like to know the name of the one I stayed up all night to save.”

Kodis fear had somewhat lessened.”Kodiak, but my friends only call me Kodi.” He said wary.

Anuk chuckled.”Seems like your parents graced you with a name too long for your liking.”

Kodi gave him a glare.”I'm proud of it.”

Anuk raised his front paws diplomatically and chuckled.”Didn’t mean anything bad about it Kodiak.”

Kodi looked at him quizzically. “Why do you call me that?” he asked.

Anuk looked confused.”What? Kodiak?”

“Yes.” Kodi answered.

Anuk smiled.”I would never be so arrogant as to presume were friends.”

Kodi sighed.”You saved my life.” He lied down, relaxing.”In my book, that makes you a friend.” He then chuckled.”Besides, the only time I hear my full name; it’s usually one of my parents giving me a lecture or something.”

Anuk smiled humorously.”I can see why you prefer the short version.”

The conversation hit a halt as both ran out of subjects to talk about, and instead contemplated each other, trying to figure the other one out. While doing this, a question came to Kodis mind.

“Hey Anuk.” Kodi asked.”You said you saved me because you felt like it. I'm not sure I believe you.” He finished with a grin.

Anuk looked at him without expression.”At first, when I walked by around fifty yards from here, I smelled a half dead dog. Curious as I was, I checked it out. But when I got closer, I smelled something more. I got even more curious, and decided I should at least try to help. I stayed by your side and tried to keep you warm.”

Kodi chuckled.”So you saved me only because I smelled interesting? Gee, thanks.”

Anuk sighed.”Ok, so I cared! Not all wolfs are heartless you know.” He raised an eye-brow.”In fact, I think you DO know that.”He sniffed the air around Kodi.”From what I can tell, you have wolf blood in your veins.”He sniffed again.”But not too much… I guess one of your parents is at least half and half.”

Kodi chuckled. “Hit the nail on the head there.”

Anuk tilted his head.”What?” He asked confused.

Kodi sighed.”Sorry, human expression. It means that you are right. My father is half wolf.”

Anuk nodded affirmatively.”As I thought…” He stopped.”Wait, what's your parent’s name?”He asked curiously.

Kodi gave Anuk a confused glance.”Balto and Jenna” he answered.”Why do you ask?”

Anuk grinned and mumbled something inaudible under his breath.
”I see I'm in the presence of someone notable.” he said after a while.

Kodi just looked confused at him.”What in the world are you talking about?”

Anuk chuckled.”Surely you have heard what your father did a few years back. And then the incident with that wolf-pack crossing the great waters.”

Kodi scratched the ground with a claw. “Yeah, I've heard about that, he saved the town and…wait, you’ve heard of my sister?”He got up on his feet.

Anuk smiled.”Most wolfs in the surrounding territories have heard, one of them came back some time ago”

Kodi cut him off.”My sister?” He asked hopefully.

“No, I'm afraid not.”Anuk replied sorry.

“Oh…”Kodi said and sat back down.

“But then again, he did bring news.” Anuk said optimistically.

Kodi looked at him expectantly.

“It seems that your sister was more successful in her leading the pack than anyone expected. The clan eagerly accepted her as alpha. They are doing quite well.” Anuk finished with a smile.

Kodi sighed relieved.”I'm glad Aleu is alright.” He looked at the sky. “Oh no!” He exclaimed, startling