Todd Hawkins, a boy who just moved into Nome, was unpacking his things. And through the walls he could hear his parents fighting yet again about completely nothing. Tears started to prickle at the corner of Todd's eyes. He hated when his parents fight. He didn't know why. Understanding why the did it was something that would come up in a conversation soon. Todd of course, wanted no part in it. And he knew it. Both his parents didn't really care about him. Even if they did show it sometimes, they still fought. That was one bad fact that really killing Todd. He didn't want any part in it. But there was no way for him to stop it. it was a useless effort. So once he finished packing he went downstairs. Looking up from the floor he noticed the front door was open when it clearly should have been locked. Now was the chance he had to get away from his life. Because his mother found him unique and his father found him annoying at times, thats one of the reason's why his parents fought. But there were so many other things as well. Even if Todd didn't want to admit it. Knocking him out of his thoughts was his father coming down the steps. He was scared because his father saw him right in front of the door that would give Tood his freedom. Then there was something in Leland's eyes that made Todd worry. His father never showed what he was feeling. But what was in his eyes was fear. Fear of loosing his son to the world. Before Leland even moved Todd was out the door. Todd didn't care where he ran. As long as he got away from his home and parents. "TODD!" Leland called. But there was nothing he could do. Todd was out of his sight before he even had the chance to call the name. Soon he came to an alley and went down it. That was where he decided to spend the night as soon as he stopped crying from what had happened. XXXXXXXXXXXXX Balto was just making his nightly rounds. He loved when night came. Because all the other dogs were in their homes. So they couldn't make fun of him. He hated those dogs for it. But he could never stand up to them. Boris was always telling him, "If you vant tem to leave you alone ten you have to show tem vat you're made of!" The half-breed always smiled. Even though they were different he looked up to Boris. When Balto was a pup he was separated from his mother. Then Boris took him in. Ever since the goose has always been like a father to him. it's still a wonder why he doesn't honk instead of bark. But that's just the way he is. And he doesn't care much. Something seemed off about this night though. Balto just couldn't put his paw on it. It just didn't seem like any other night. He walked around aliitle bit more. But when he came upon an alley that had sound coming from it he went to investigate. Even if it was nothing he still wanted to know. "Is anybody there?" he called out. Balto heard a gasp. A human? What was a human doing out at night in the middle of winter? Wasn't a human supposed to be in a home? But this seemed different. He still didn't understand. But he was going to find out soon. XXXXXXXXXXXXX "Is anybody there?" Todd gasped. What was that? Was it someone his father sent out to find him? But then again Todd has a gift that he didn't think anyone else had. Maybe it was a sled dog he's heard so much about. But that wasn't possible. Even if it was there was no way a dog would want to meet him. So he just shook his head and got up. He dusted himself off before he looked into the alley. Todd gasped yet again. It was a wolf...wait No, it was a dog. That wasn't right either. This animal was a half-breed. it was between a wolf and a dog. Odd combination. But then again, he was too. It was finally time to face up to this animal. "There is. My name is Todd Hawkins. I have no wish of returning home." This wasn't a request. It was a demand. Todd refused to go back to that life. There was no reason to, if his parents were going to keep fighting. And he would go back kicking and screaming if he had to. XXXXXXXXXXXXX "There is. My name is Todd Hawkins. I have no wish of returning home." Balto gasped. Never had he heard of a human understanding animals. This had to be the first. But a second ago he saw the human get up and look at him. He wasn't scared when he saw the steel blue eyes the human had. That color he had never seen before. And it intrigued Balto to no end. Swallowing a little hard he answered back. "I mean no harm. I just heard something and wanted to see what it was. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I'll be on my way." He turned to walk away. He didn't want to upset this child anymore. Now that he thought about it, it sounded like the human was crying. Of what? Balto had no clue. Nor was he going to press for answers. So he just went back to his business scouting the streets of Nome before he heard the child speek. XXXXXXXXXXXXX "Wait!" He saw the half-breed stop. "Please. I don't want to be alone. I... I hate to be alone. Please stay with me." Todd knew he was being selfish. He knew. But he didn't want to be alone anymore. Without realizing it the half-breed had stayed and walked towards him. Todd saw that the wolf-dog had yellow eyes, and a beautiful brown coat. With a tan color for the belly, legs and tail. he would become good friends with this wolf-dog. He just knew it. XXXXXXXXXXXXX Balto walked up to the human and chuckled at Todd staring. "Ok. I'll stay Todd. I'll keep you warm too." He smiled when he saw the child smile To Be Continued...

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