take care of him." Balto smiled. "Thank you mother. He will be a perfect choice for you." he assured. She nodded, and let out a howl. The sound droned throughout the wilderness, slowly fading as the illusion did.

Balto rubbed his paws in the grassy hole where the body had been, which was now icily cold. More tears escaped him. Balto turned in confidence, knowing that his son's future lay in good paws. He walked slowly towards the town, while Kodi walked in the direction to the beach. "I'll see if Dusty's alright." he ran off before he could reply.

She sat on a small patch of grass, almost on her side, with her head in her paws. "Max..." she whimpered. A river of tears flowed out of her eyes. Behind her, Kodi cleared his throat. "Dusty...?" he called softly. "Oh, hi." came a short yet sad reply. "Um, listen, I just want to say I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I know how you feel." he stammered, almost worried about the response. "Thanks." she sighed as her head dipped into the grass with little attention. Kodi hesitated, gulped and walked up to her. He sat down next to her. They both sighed. "It's been a terrible day." she cried. Kodi hummed. "I never would have guessed that such a bad thing would happen to such a great guy." "But why did he have to go? I was so ready to have his pups. I wanted to be with him forever." she sobbed. "I know. I'm sure he felt the same about you." he whispered comfortably.

"Here." he passed her a handkerchief, and she reluctantely wiped her eyes. "C'mon, it's getting cold out." Kodi urged gently. She nodded and followed him back to the kennel. She thought to herself for a moment. What if Maxwell was right? Maybe she would find love again? Would she love this person more than him? She looked at Kodi, now several feet in front of her. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. A cool, relaxing draft weaved through her cheeks.

"Thank you, Max." she whispered.

I can feel you falling away,

No longer the lost, no longer the same

And I can see you starting to breakI'll keep you alive, if you show me the way

Forever and ever, the scars will remain,

I'm falling apart, 

Leave me here forever in the dark...

Thanks everyone for reading, unless you're one of those people who just skip it to see what happens in the end XD I know I sucked up in the end bit, but I can't say I didn't try ;P

If you want to find out more about Maxwell's past, read his fic New Guy or check his character Bio

I might make a fic about what happened to Kodi and Dusty after Max died if anyone liked this, or probably Maxwell's afterlife, and how he looks after Dusty as a guardian spirit.

\m/ ^_^ \m/